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Pre-Departure & Mobilization FAQ’s

  • A: Do not pack these in your checked luggage. You will need your passport, your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), your MEXT scholarship award letter, and copies of your academic transcripts and admission papers. You may need to present these immediately at immigration or your university office.

  • A: Yes, it is highly recommended. Having at least the first two weeks of accommodation (such as a university dorm, an Airbnb, or a temporary apartment) booked will significantly reduce your stress upon arrival. Once you are settled, you can begin looking for long-term housing.

  • A: Ensure you have enough cash (Yen) for your first few days, as many smaller shops or transport services may not accept international cards immediately. We also recommend setting up a way to transfer funds from your Kuwaiti bank to a Japanese account as soon as you receive your residence card.

  • A: We recommend securing an eSIM or a travel SIM card before you land to ensure you have data immediately. Once you arrive and receive your Residence Card, you can apply for a long-term Japanese mobile contract, which is necessary for setting up bank accounts and official services.

  • A: While Japan is becoming more card-friendly, it is still a cash-heavy society, especially for small shops, local transport, and initial setup costs. We suggest bringing enough Yen to cover your first month of "unforeseen" expenses (like furniture or deposits) before your Japanese bank account is fully active.

  • A: Ensure you have a full medical check-up and bring copies of any prescriptions or medical histories in English (or translated into Japanese). Once in Japan, you will be required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which significantly reduces medical costs.

  • A: It is very easy to overpack. Remember that Japan has incredibly efficient shipping services (like Yamato Transport) and affordable retail stores (like Uniqlo and Daiso) for almost everything. We recommend bringing enough clothing for one season and essential personal items, but leave room in your suitcase for things you will inevitably buy once you arrive.

  • A: You must check the voltage. Japan operates on 100V, which is different from Kuwait. Most modern laptops, phones, and tablets are "dual-voltage" and will work fine with a simple plug adapter. However, high-heat appliances like hair dryers, electric kettles, or certain kitchen tools may not work properly or could even be damaged. We recommend buying these once you are in Japan.

  • A: This depends heavily on which city you are moving to, but layering is the golden rule in Japan. Regardless of the season, always bring a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes. If you are moving to a colder region (like Hokkaido or Tohoku), do not buy your heavy winter coat in Kuwait; instead, buy high-quality, weather-appropriate gear in Japan to ensure it is suited for the local climate.

  • A: Yes, but you must be cautious. Japan has very strict laws regarding certain medications (including some over-the-counter allergy or sinus medications). We recommend bringing a sufficient supply for your first few months and always carrying a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note in English to avoid any issues at customs.

  • A: While you can bring your preferred brands, Japanese drugstores (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi) are world-class and offer almost every hygiene product imaginable. We suggest bringing only "travel size" versions for your first week to save luggage space.

  • A: The COE is the most critical document for your visa process. It is issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau and proves that you meet the requirements to stay in the country. You cannot apply for your student visa at the Japanese Embassy in Kuwait without it. Keep multiple digital and physical copies of your COE in a safe place.

  • A: Your first month will be your most expensive. Beyond your rent, you should budget for "key money" or security deposits (if applicable), utility setup fees, a commuter pass for trains, and basic household essentials (bedding, kitchenware). Having a dedicated "emergency fund" in cash for this first month is highly recommended.

  • A: Yes, absolutely. Once your travel plans are finalized, email your university’s international student office. They need to know when to expect you for orientation, and they can often provide specific guidance on arrival procedures for your particular campus.

Social Life & Mental Well-being

  • A: Absolutely. "Culture shock" and homesickness are very common during the first six months. We encourage you to reach out to the Shiori community through our chat groups or attend a Monthly Town Hall. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands the specific experience of being a Kuwaiti student in Japan makes a world of difference.

  • A: The best way is to join university "Circles" or "Clubs" (Bukatsu). Whether it is sports, photography, or gaming, these groups provide a structured way to interact with locals. Shiori can also provide tips on social etiquette to help you feel more confident in these settings.

  • A: Yes! Shiori is a community-driven society. If you have an idea for a small gathering, a study group, or a cultural exchange, please reach out to the organizers. We love seeing student-led initiatives.

  • A: No, it is not. What you are experiencing is likely "Culture Shock" or "Adjustment Disorder," which are very common reactions to moving to a foreign environment. It does not mean you have failed or that you don't belong. It is a natural psychological process of your brain trying to adapt to a new reality.

  • A: Sometimes seeking help is a good solution to adjusting to a new life abroad! and speaking to a trained counselor is a good way to help you manage homesickness and keep you on track! You have three main avenues to seek counseling:

    1. University Counseling Centers: Almost all Japanese universities provide free or low-cost counseling services for students. Most have staff who speak English.

    2. Private English-Speaking Therapists: Many professionals in cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer sessions in English.

    3. Teletherapy (Online): If you feel more comfortable speaking in your native language, online therapy platforms allow you to connect with counselors in Kuwait or other Arabic-speaking regions from the comfort of your home.

  • A: We highly recommend seeking support in a language you are most comfortable with. Your emotions are complex, and being able to express them in your native language (Arabic or English) ensures you get the most accurate help. If you use university services, please check if they have English-speaking staff, or use online services to find Arabic-speaking professionals.

  • A: While Shiori cannot provide therapy, we provide Peer Support. Our Buddy System and community chats are designed to ensure no student feels completely isolated. Sometimes, just talking to someone who has "been there" can provide the emotional relief needed to take the next step toward professional help.

Mental Health & Counseling Resource Directory

Disclaimer: Shiori is a peer-support community and does not provide medical or psychological services. The following list is provided for informational purposes only. We strongly recommend contacting these offices directly to verify their current services, availability, and whether they offer support in your preferred language.

1. Priority One: Your University Services (Recommended)

Before looking for external clinics, your first and most important resource is your own institution.

  • Student Counseling Centers (Gakusei Soudan-shitsu): Almost every major university in Japan has a dedicated counseling center.

  • Why use them? They are usually free or very low-cost for enrolled students, they are highly experienced in dealing with "International Student Stress," and they understand the specific academic pressures of your university.

  • How to find them: Visit your university's website and search for "Student Counseling," "Health Center," or "Student Support."

2. Major English-Speaking Support (National)

TELL (Tokyo English Life Line)
This is the most well-known resource for the international community in Japan. They offer both immediate emotional support and professional long-term counseling.

  • Services:

    • Lifeline: A free, anonymous phone/chat service for immediate crisis support.

    • Professional Counseling: One-on-one sessions with licensed therapists (available in-person in Tokyo or online).

  • Website:telljp.com

3. Regional Resources

Tokyo

  • Tokyo Mental Health: A private clinic offering professional psychological services in English. They provide both in-person and online sessions.

  • Himawari (Tokyo Metropolitan Health & Medical Information Center): A service that helps foreigners find medical facilities (including psychiatrists) that offer English-speaking staff.

Osaka

  • Osaka International House Foundation: While not a clinic, they provide information and guidance for foreign residents looking for medical and social services in the Osaka area.

  • Private English-Speaking Clinics: Many students in Osaka utilize private practitioners. We recommend searching for "English speaking psychiatrist Osaka" or "Counseling Osaka English" to find clinics near your specific campus.

Kyoto

  • Kyoto University/Major University Counseling: In Kyoto, the student populations are large, and university-led counseling is very robust.

  • Kyoto Prefectural International Center: A great starting point for finding English-friendly medical and psychological support within the prefecture.

4. Remote & Language-Specific Options (Highly Recommended)

If you feel more comfortable speaking in Arabic or English from the privacy of your own room, online therapy is often the most effective way to ensure you are understood.

  • Online Therapy Platforms: International therapy services are available online with advanced customization features that allow you to filter for therapists based on their language (English) and their specialty (e.g., anxiety, depression, or cultural adjustment).

  • Arabic-Speaking Professionals: We highly recommend searching for "Arabic-speaking therapist online" to find professionals who can provide culturally sensitive care in your native language. This is often the best way to bridge the gap between your home culture and your life in Japan.

  • Kuwait Based Online Therapy Platforms: Kuwait based and officially licensed by the Ministry of Health online therapy programs are available, reach out if you need recommendations.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

If you are in immediate danger to yourself or others, please do not wait for an email response. Use these numbers immediately:

  • Emergency Services (Ambulance/Police): Dial 119 (Ambulance) or 110 (Police).

  • TELL Lifeline (Immediate Crisis):Call the TELL Lifeline

  • Your University Security/Emergency Line: Most campuses have a 24/7 emergency number for students. Keep this number saved in your phone.

Daily Life & "Survival"

  • A: Trash rules vary by city and even by neighborhood. Each municipality provides a "Garbage Guide" (usually available in English). We recommend downloading your local city's app or downloading their guide immediately. Mismanaging trash can lead to issues with your landlord or neighbors.

  • A: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. However, we always recommend being aware of your surroundings, especially in large cities like Tokyo or Osaka at night. Download safety apps like "Safety tips" (by the Japan Tourism Agency) to receive weather and earthquake alerts in English.

  • A: Get a rechargeable IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) as soon as possible. You can use these for almost all trains, buses, and even at many convenience stores. It saves you from dealing with individual tickets every time you travel.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • A: Yes, bicycles are one of the most popular ways to get around! However, there are two vital rules:

    1. Registration: You must register your bicycle at a local police station or bicycle shop (this is called 防犯登録 - bouhan touroku). This is an anti-theft law.

    2. Parking: Never leave your bike on the sidewalk. You must use designated bicycle parking areas (churinjo). If you park illegally, your bike may be impounded, and you will have to pay a fine to get it back.

  • A: Major stations (like Shinjuku or Osaka Station) are like underground cities.

    • Follow the Colors: Every train line has a specific color and letter (e.g., the Ginza Line is orange with a 'G'). Follow the colored signs on the floor and walls.

    • Use Apps: Google Maps is great, but for more precise platform numbers and "exit" information, many students use the Jorudan or Japan Transit Planner apps.

    • Watch the Exits: Stations have dozens of exits (North, South, West, East, Central). Always check which exit is closest to your destination before you leave the ticket gate.

    • Konbini (Convenience Store): (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) They are open 24/7 and are perfect for quick snacks, hot meals (onigiri, bento), and paying utility bills. However, they are much more expensive for daily groceries.

    • Supermarket: (e.g., Life, Aeon, Seiyu) This is where you should do your main grocery shopping. They are significantly cheaper for vegetables, meat, milk, and rice. Most supermarkets have "discount hours" in the evening (usually after 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM) when fresh food is marked down by 20-50%.

  • A: No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and is not expected. In some cases, leaving extra money on the table can actually cause confusion, as the server may think you forgot your change and chase you down the street to return it! The price on the menu is what you pay.

  • A: Many ATMs, especially those located inside convenience stores, charge a service fee for using them outside of standard banking hours (late at night or on weekends). To save money, try to use your bank's specific ATM during daytime hours, or use a bank that offers fee-free transactions at convenience stores.

  • A: In major cities and large department stores, yes. However, many smaller "mom-and-pop" shops, local ramen stalls, and traditional markets are cash-only. Always carry at least 3,000–5,000 Yen in cash in your wallet to avoid being stranded without a way to pay.

  • A: Japanese apartments (especially mansions or older wooden houses) often have very thin walls. To be a respectful neighbor:

    • Avoid loud music, vacuuming, or heavy laundry use late at night or very early in the morning.

    • Be mindful of your voice when talking on the phone or with friends in your room.

    • If you are planning a small gathering, it is polite to let your immediate neighbors know in advance.

  • A: Mail is delivered to your building's mailbox (post-box). For larger packages, the delivery person will usually leave a "Notice of Undelivered Item" (fuzai hyou) in your mailbox. You can then use this slip to:

    1. Go to the local post office to pick it up.

    2. Request a redelivery (saido todoke) for a specific time.

    3. Pick it up from a nearby convenience store if they offer that service.

  • A: You cannot simply put large items in the regular trash. These are called "Sodai Gomi" (Oversized Garbage). You must call your local city office or visit their website to schedule a pickup. You will be required to buy specific "trash stickers" (sodai gomi shori tegami) from a convenience store and attach them to the item before the pickup date.

  • A: Yes. While we are not a tutoring service, we facilitate peer-to-peer study groups and provide guidance on navigating Japanese university etiquette, such as how to communicate effectively with professors and how to manage the different expectations of Japanese seminars.

  • A: We specifically support graduate students in bridging the gap between their current research and Japanese academic standards. We provide guidance on how to structure your work to meet local requirements and how to pursue publication opportunities within Japanese academic journals.

  • A: In Japanese universities, a Zemi is a small, intensive research group led by a specific professor. Unlike a standard lecture, a Zemi is where you present your own research, critique others, and engage in deep academic debate. It is often the most important part of your degree. Being an active, prepared member of your Zemi is how you build your reputation with your professor and peers.

  • A: Japanese academic hierarchy is significant. While you should be proactive, it is best to approach your professor with options rather than just questions. Instead of asking, "What should I research?" try, "I am interested in X and Y; I have drafted two potential directions—could we discuss which aligns better with the lab's goals?" This shows respect for their guidance while demonstrating your own independence.

  • A: Academic emails in Japan (even in English) should be formal. Always include a clear subject line, a formal salutation (e.g., "Dear Professor [Name],"), a brief introduction of who you are, your specific request, and a formal closing. Avoid overly casual language or "text-speak." We have a template in our "Student Toolkit" to help you.

Academic & Research Success