Since the following section was compiled from many different sources, the information may be inconsistent. Also, as most of the information is from Kanazawa, it may sound like medical services in Kaga and Noto areas are non-existent. This is far from the case. There are good, comprehensive facilities in these regions, usually at general hospitals (Sogo Byoin 総合病院). Anyway, please contact the editor if you have any good information to share.　IFIE has published a general guidebook on medical help for foreigners in Ishikawa, and the JET MEMO published by CLAIR, contains some useful medical phrases.

COMMENT ON MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN JAPAN

In Japan appointments for doctor's visits are usually not necessary, with the exception of dental clinics. All large hospitals and smaller clinics accept patients on a walk-in basis. If you get sick, just go to the nearest hospital, a general hospital if you can. 　If you are seriously ill, seek advice from a Japanese friend, or again, just go to a nearby general hospital. 　Even if a doctor speaks English, be aware of the cultural differences. For this reason、 some JETs strongly recommend taking a Japanese friend or somebody that speaks good Japanese with you on your first visit to a hospital and in any emergencies. 　In Japan doctors are not known to be very open with their patients and, in some cases, do not think that it is important for the patient to be fully aware of their condition and its treatment.

Don’t be afraid to ask, although you might not get an answer. Some doctors may think you are rude if you want to know about the drugs prescribed, because it questions their “superior knowledge”. Some JETs have been told that the reason why doctors don’t tell you about drugs is because they don’t know what the drugs are either! By the way, doctors here have a reputation for prescribing lots of medicine. Don’t take it if you think you don’t need it or are unsure of its effects. Japanese doctors may tell you very little about your condition, treatment, whether you should come back or not, and if so why etc. So don’t be afraid to ask even if there are a hundred patients waiting outside and you have to look through dictionaries and use up half an hour of the doctor’s time. Hospital admission in Japan is not a light issue and may be longer than you think is necessary. Second opinions in Japan can be considered very offensive and can potentially ruin your relationship with a doctor or even with an entire hospital or clinic. A good book on general information is: “Japan Health Handbook” by Meredith Enman Maruyama, Louise Picon Shimizu and Nancy Smith Tsurumaki. Kodansha 1995 ISBN 4-7700-1838-X

Like in all medical care, visiting a dentist in Japan may take some getting use to. For example, gloves are for the staff's benefit not the patients, and they touch papers, pens, chairs and tools, as well as your mouth. Most patient's rooms do not have doors and people can see the chair from outside the room. Procedural information for a treatment may not be enough to satisfy you because most Japanese don't ask too many questions, so you may find yourself asking a lot to the practitioner.

Because there are few foreigners living in Ishikawa, medical professionals, especially those living outside of Kanazawa, do not advertise that they can speak or communicate in a foreign language. The Ishikawa Medical Association published a list of English speaking doctors (see the individual hospital and clinic entries below). Please note that, according to some JETs, many of the doctors on this list can not even speak Basic English. Even if some doctors do speak English, please be aware of the cultural differences.

Kanazawa

(Please remember that this is a partial list)
[Format]: Name + Clinic + Address + Phone number

Michico EMORI Emori Shika Clinic Kanazawa-shi, Naoe-machi I 30-3 076-238-6711
Takeshi IINO(Appointment needed) Iino Shika Clini Kanazawa-shi,Honda-machi,3-10-6 076-232-1301
Koitiro SHIRAISHI Shiraishi Shika Clinic Kanazawa-shi, Teramachi 3- 13-19 076-241-0349
Dr. MOTOYOSHIMotoyoshi Shika Clinic Kanazawa-shi, Shinkanda,1-12 076-291-2841
Hiroyuki URASAKI Urasaki Shika Clinic Kanazawa-shi,Nukashinbo 1-366 076-296-2110

*Dr. Iino speaks English and is gentle, but he has a tendency to suggest treatments, which may not be covered by the National Health Care (for example, a gold capped tooth is covered under Heath Care, but a ceramic tooth isn't).

Dr. Motoyoshi doesn't speak much English but an awesome oral surgeon. 2 wisdom tooth removed surgically, very little swelling.

Komatsu/Kaga

[Format]: Name + Clinic + Address + Phone number

Akira ITO Ito Shika Clinic Komatsu-shi Awazu Onsen Ha-68 0761-65-1201
Mitsugu MURATA Murata Shika Kaga-shi Matsugaoka 1-20-5 0761-72-5685
Tatsuo SHIMADA Shimada Shika Clinic Komatsu-shi Ito-machi 2-14 0761-72-0298
Hideki YASUI Yasui Shika Clinic Komatsu-shi Ookawa-machi 3-33 0761-22-0648
Toshinari YASUI Yasui Dental Clinic Komatsu-shi Hidone-machi 2-5-19 0761-21-0118

Noto

[Format]: Name + Clinic + Address + Phone number

Dr SUGIHARA Sugihara Shika Iin Nanao-shi Fujibashi, (next to Dontaku) tel.0767-54-0020
Yama Dental Clinic Wajima-shi,Kawai-machi 13-125 tel 0768-22-9355

(Compiled from personal comments made by JETs)

Kanazawa

KANAZAWA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (金沢大学附属病院) Kanazawa Daigaku Fuzoku Byoin: Kanazawa-shi Takara-machi 13-1 tel 076-265-2000
Very good reputation･Many facilities available･Outpatient clinic hours from 8:30 am to 12:00 am･The building is very old and you may have a long wait (depends on the department). Because the hospital has a good reputation, everyone goes there and accordingly you have to wait quite a while just to be seen for a few minutes or less.

Procedure: Take your Social Insurance (health card) to the front desk where they will give you a plastic card. You may have to wait for a few moments. Put this card into one of the machines in the foyer and press the button corresponding to the department to which your malady pertains. (Use the medical terms found in your JET MEMO to explain your problem to the front desk, and they will help you select the correct button). The machine gives you an appointment slip, which determines the order you will be seen in. Find your way to the department, and give your slip at the office window. Wait until your name is called. The wait can be rather long, about two or three hours. The wait can be avoided if you have an afternoon appointment a week or two later for a follow up appointment, if you go at about 11:45am, or if you can exploit any personal connections.

KANAZAWA MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL （金沢市立病院）Heiwa-machi 3-7-3 3-7-3 平和町 tel 076-245-2600Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30am & 1-4pm, Sat 8:30-12 (closed the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month)
･Doctors speak English ･Service and atmosphere is good ･Don't have to wait too long

HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL (金沢市聖霊総合病院)1-5-30 Naga-machi 長町１－５－３０　tel 076-231-1295
Seirei Byoin is located near the samurai district in central Kanazawa. Dr Kenji Furukawa is a doctor of internal medicine who has studied in the United States.

RED CROSS HOSPITAL (Sekijuji Byoin 赤十字病院)Kanazawa-shi Minma-2-251, tel 076-242-8131 Mon-Fri 8:45-11am & 12:45-2:30pm
･Quite good atmosphere. ･Relatively new and big rooms. ･Highly recommended

KANAZAWA REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (金沢リハビリテーション病院)1-79 Kami-araya, Kanazawa 上荒屋１－７９　tel 076-249-6222
At least one practicing physician, Dr. Kawanishi, has studied overseas. He practices internal medicine.

ASAHI CLINIC (朝日クリニック)1-3-15 Izumino-machi 泉野町１－３－１５ tel 076-226-8707
While Dr. Asahi is listed as a doctor of obstetrics, gynecology and internal medicine, he comes very highly recommended by medical colleagues and patients as a general physician for most ailments. He lived in Australia for approximately 2 years and has a very good command of English. Dr. Asahi has treated JETs in the past. The Asahi Clinic is located just up the road from Izumino Library in Kanazawa and is open weekdays and Saturday mornings. Even without an appointment, the wait is usually short.

KOSHINO HOSPITAL (越野病院)1-5-26 Moriyama 　森山１－５－２６ tel 076-252-0416
Dr Koshino practices internal medicine and has studied in the United Kingdom.

FUKUSHIMA CLINIC (福島クリニック) 2-5-20 Enkoji 円光時２－５－２０ tel 076-244-5145
This private clinic is near the Kyoiku Centre and has been frequented by JETs for general ailments.

MATOBA HOSPITAL (的場病院)1-1 Ni Miroku-machi 二弥勒町１－１　tel 076-257-0011
Dr. Matoba specializes in cardiology and internal medicine and has studied abroad in Sweden.

AIIKU OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY CLINIC (愛育産婦人科医院)1-13-6 Naruwa, Kanazawa 金沢市鳴和１－１３－６　tel 076-252-3535
Dr Aburao is a gynecologist who has studied abroad in the United States.

YAYOI OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (弥生産婦人科クリニック)1-1-15, Izumi 泉１－１－１５　tel 076-241-7474
Dr Shiire handles female health issues and has studied overseas in the United States.

OOISHI OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (大石産婦人科)7-16 Horikawa-machi (close to the station) 堀川町７－１６ tel 076-263-5375
Dr Ooishi is a gynecologist who speaks English.

SUGIURA OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY CLINIC Nukadani-machi, near the Kyoiku Centre, tel 076-298-1300Mon-Fri 9am-12 & 3-6pm Sat 9am-12 & 2-4pm
Highly recommended by a JET who had a baby here in Ishikawa. Dr. Sugiura is a very competent English speaker and very professional. He understands that patient-doctor relationships in western countries are very different from those in Japan. He is extremely understanding and patient. ･You can make appointments but only on the day you telephone. ･Can visit this clinic for all ailments related to women's health.

KIDA CLINIC Kodatsuno(小立野) 5-12-15 tel 076-231-3333 Mobile: 090-2036-9940
Dr. Takatou is a good female doctor who is sympathetic to western women’s “female troubles”.

OKAMOTO CHILDREN’S CLINIC (岡本小児科医院)1-616-1 Irie 入江１－６１６－１ tel 076-291-9511
Dr. Okamoto is a pediatrician and studies English privately.

SUZUKI PEDIATRIC CLINIC (鈴木小児科医院)2-1-8 Shijima-dai しじま台２－１－８ tel 076-296-1655
Dr Suzuki has studied during a homestay in Boston, MA., USA.

YOKOI PEDIATRIC & INTERNAL MEDICINE CLINIC (横井小児科内科医院)1-10-3 Kikugawa 菊川１－１０－３　tel 076-262-8551
Dr Yokoi was a post-doctoral fellow in San Francisco, CA, USA for several years.

MATSUBARA HOSPITAL (松原病院)4-3-5 Ishibiki 石引４－３－５ tel 076-231-4138
Matsubara Hospital is a psychiatric facility in Kanazawa. Although there are no reported visits from JETs to date, there are apparently three mental health specialists who have received some training in the United States. Because mental health is viewed in a much different light in Japan than in other nations, these doctors could be a very valuable resource for a foreigner in Japan needing counseling or mental health assistance. The physician’s names are Dr. Matsubara, Dr. Yamaguchi and Dr. Nakamoto.

HIGASHIYAMA CLINIC (ひがしやまクリニック)1-1905 Izumide-machi 泉出町１－１９０５ tel 076-280-7773Mon-Sat 9am- 12pm & 2-6pm. Closed Thur, Sun & national holidays.
Good dermatologist (skin specialist) who speaks English.

ISHIKAWA SAISEIKAI HOSPITAL (石川済生会金沢病院)赤土町１３－６ tel 076-266-1060
This high-scale facility may have the largest number of English speaking doctors of all hospitals within Ishikawa. Although numerous doctors can speak English well, two physicians have studied overseas. In orthopedics, Dr. Yokogawa has studied in the United Kingdom. Also, Dr. Fujii who is an opthamologist has studied in the United States. Ishikawa Saiseikai Hospital is one of Ishikawa’s better medical facilities.

Dr. Naoki Orihashi (chiropractor)Office near Haagen Daz in Arimatsu, tel 076-242-6380
He and his assistants speak some English. Rates:￥4,500 for the first consultation, \3,500 thereafter

FUJIMURA ARIMATSU EYE CLINIC 2-5-36 Arimatsu 有松２－５－３６　tel 076-244-5768
Dr Fujimura is an ophthalmologist who has studied in New York for 2 years.

* The Kanazawa Convention Bureau also offers a list of a range of English and LOTE speaking doctors in the KANAZAWA AREA ONLY. To access the list go to: http://www.nsknet.or.jp/heartkcb/index_e.html

Komatsu / Kaga

KOMATSU SHIMIN HOSPITAL (Komatsu Shimin Byoin 小松市民病院)Komatsu-shi Mukai-motoori Ho-60, tel 0761-22-7111Mon-Sat 8:15-11:30am (excluding the 2nd & 4th Sat of every month)

KEIAI HOSPITAL (Keiai Byoin　恵愛病院)-GYNECOLOGY & PEDIATRICSKomatsu-shi Sono-machi Ha-55, tel 0761-24-6111 (behind the Komatsu Post Office)Mon-Fri 8:30-12pm & 2-6pm (Gynecology Dept.)
･Gynecology department services all reproductive and gynecological needs.

TOWAKO MATERNITY CLINIC　(Towako Matanitei Kurinikku 永遠幸マタニティクリニック)Komatsu-shi Kojima-machi Ru-130, tel 0761-23-1555 (near the Komatsu Airport)Mon-Sat 9am-12; Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 4:30-6pm; Sat 3:30-5pm
･Gynecology and fertility clinic with English speaking doctors.

TATSUNOKUCHI HOJU KINEN HOSPITAL (Hoju Kinen Byoin 芳珠記念病院)Nomi-gun Tatsunokuchi-machi Midorigaoka, tel 0761-51-5551Mon-Sat 8-11:30am, Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30pm
･Good service but long waits.　　　･Relatively empty Tuesdays through Fridays

Nanao / Lower Noto area

NOTO GENERAL HOSPITAL (Noto Sogo Byoin 能登総合病院)Nanao-shi Fujihashi-machi, Abu-6-14 (Near Nanao College), tel 0767-52-6611Mon-Fri 8:30-11am
Has several helpful staff who can speak English.

KEIJU HOSPITAL (Keiju Sogo Byoin 恵寿総合病院) - near the Fisherman's Wharf Nanao-shi Tomioka-cho 94, tel0767-52-3211Mon-Sat 8:30-11:30am, Mon-Fri 2-4:30pm
Heard pretty good reports from both Noto General and Keiju Hospital. Each has doctors who speak varying degrees of English (most are pretty good). Of course, both honor the health care plan held by JETs (as do other clinics and hospitals).･Dr. Sumiya, a psychiatrist at Noto General Hospital, is friendly, speaks English and likes foreigners.･Keiju Hospital is a private hospital. Drs. Kitagawa, Nakazawa, Machi, Tanaka, Okino and Tsujiura speak good English. The hospital is a little newer and brighter, and tends to be busier. Best to go in early to avoid long waits.

KUWAHARA WOMEN'S CLINIC (Kuwahara Sanfujinka Kurinikku 桑原産婦人科クリニック)Nanao-shi Kokubu Ra-2-1, tel0767-52-4103 M,W,F 9am-12 &3-6pm; Tu,Th 9am-12pm; Sat 9am-12 &1:30-5pm
･Discreet and friendly clinic. Deals mostly with pregnancies but the gynecologist specializes in all female health care problems

YOKOYAMA DERMATOLOGY CLINIC (Yokoyama Hifu-ka Iin 横山皮膚科医院)tel 0767-53-0524
･Clinic located near Patria Shopping Center. The doctor didn’t speak much English, but was accommodating.

SHIMIZU OPTHALMOLOGY CLINIC (Shimizu Ganka Iin 清水眼科医院) Nanao-shi Yone-machi 56, tel 0767-52-6383 (near Fisherman's Wharf)
Dr. Shimizu speaks excellent English and is very friendly. Soft contact lenses are available from his office, and he is familiar with their care.

UOGISHI CLINIC 8-16 Fujino-machi, Nanao-shi tel 0767-52-1123
The doctor speaks good English and is friendly.

TOGI HOSPITAL - tel 0767-42-1122
Dr. Miyatani is the head of the Togi Hospital. He studied at Yale in the U.S. for a couple of years, is fluent in English and is aware of western style hospital care.

Wajima / Suzu / Upper Noto

WAJIMA HOSPITAL (Wajima Byoin 輪島病院)Wajima-shi Kawai-machi 16-1, tel0768-22-2222Mon-Sat 8:15-11:30am & 1-4pm(excluding the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month)
There are some English speaking doctors, a 24-hour emergency facility, and a gynecological department.

OKEMOTO EYE CLINIC tel 0768-22-4056

NAKAGISHI SEIKOTSUIN (chiropractor) tel 0768-22-9294(Speaks no English but a little German)

CHINESE MEDICINE (ACUPUNCTURE/MOXABUSTION) Kenji Hatanaka 090-6270-8724 (Speaks English).

SUZU CENTRAL HOSPITAL tel 0768-82-1181
This a new hospital with modern equipment and very efficient staff. They offer Hepatitis A&B vaccines. Several of the staff speaks English.

ANAMIZU GENERAL HOSPITAL (Anamizu Sogo Byoin 穴水総合病院)Anamizu-machi Kawajima Ta-8, tel 0768-52-0511Mon-Sat7:45-11am & 2-2:30pm (excluding the 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month)
Both the Wajima and the Anamizu hospitals provide general medical services including surgery.Dr. Kobayashi in Suzu - Speaks great English but since he's a plastic surgeon you'd need to ask for him to come and translate for you.Dr. Futamata in Yanagida - tel 0768-76-0027 - Excellent and cheap chiropractor.

For the furry members of the JET community.

HIROMATSU ANIMAL HOSPITAL　(Hiromatsu Juika Byoin　廣松獣医科病院)Kanazawa-shi Fukuhisa-machi He-32-1, tel 076-257-1233 (near Morimoto JR Stn.)･Gentle, friendly, receptionist speaks some English.

JETs employed by the Prefectural government are required to follow the same regulations as other Prefectural employees. These regulations include mandatory medical check-ups. While most of these check ups are relatively straight forward and cause no problem many JETs object to the yearly chest X-ray for screening Tuberculosis.

Medical checkups

The check ups may be carried out by school nurses or by visiting medical teams. Generally they include height, weight, screening for various diseases such as tuberculosis, blood pressure, blood type, some kind of urine test, heart rate etc. Generally, all the staff from a school will be required to take the tests on the same day or within the same week. Usually you will be asked to go with other staff members to have your medical check, which will proceed quickly and efficiently with little privacy or explanation.

Tuberculosis screening

The chest X-ray is a screening for tuberculosis. In many countries immunization programs have controlled and virtually eradicated the disease. In Japan, however, screening is used rather than immunization. Although there are other methods to screen for this disease, the regulations stipulate that a chest X-ray be done each year. Non-compliance with the regulation can cause legal problems. JETs in their first year may avoid the chest X-ray on the basis that they submitted an X-ray as part of their medical prior to coming to Japan. JETs in their second year have a more difficult task. They may, if they are strongly opposed to the X-ray attempt to postpone it until their contract expires. JETs in their third year have no legal way to avoid the chest X-ray, however it has been avoided by some. If you do try to avoid this test it will create a difficult situation for your host institution. Most Japanese do not see any reason for avoiding this test. It is regarded as safe, and as avoiding it causes major complications, your school/office may not be understanding.

Giving blood in Japan

(This section was submitted by a fellow JET)

I wanted to give blood when I was in Sapporo in the summer and was told that unless I could read a page littered with very technical kanji, I couldn't. There was no translation available and nobody willing to read the kanji for me so that I could look up the words in my dictionary. The reason given was that the form changes on a regular basis and so they would have to change the form regularly too. I'm not sure whether this is an adequate reason. I asked to take a form away to translate and begrudgingly I was allowed. Maybe there is a particular xenophobia when it comes to blood donation and for this reason there is no translation available at blood donation clinics. This is the translation I have made. I hope it isn't too difficult to follow. I had a few difficulties with some of the medical terminology; I asked a colleague what "Ringobyou" was. Her reply was "Apple sick" which didn't help much. Finally I got a technical translation of the word which means in English, "infectious erythema" which leaves me as confused as ever. I'm fairly certain that I don't have that particular disease anyway.

The good news is that I managed to give blood a few weeks ago here in Wajima. The nurses and auxiliaries seemed very welcoming and practiced their English while taking my blood. More importantly, when you give blood in Japan you receive omiage (presents) for your trouble. So I walked away 400ml of blood lighter, but weighed down with 20 eggs, a toothbrush and toothpaste set, towels and a host of other bits.

The most accessible centre for most people to donate blood is in Labro on Katamachi (5th floor) or the Blood centre across the street from Kanazawa Chuo Byouin. Again, there is no translation available so please take this copy along with you so that you can fill out the forms correctly. If you can't make it to Labro or Chuo Byouin, find out when the mobile unit will be in your town - it comes about twice a year. The whole ordeal from form filling to gift-laden exit takes a mere 20 minutes. You'll be told your blood group so can answer now when your students/colleagues ask, and a complete breakdown of your blood analysis will be sent through to your home address within about a week.

So, please put my hard work to good use and go and donate your blood, (if only for the eggs).

The common cold

Generally a visit to the hospital will result in getting some kind of medication and lots of it. In some cases, the doctor may put a patient on an I.V. drip to re-hydrate the fluids in the body. This is a common procedure here.

diarrhea

This nasty condition seems to affect many JETs, particularly those in their first year. While it may be related to the body's adjustment to simple things such as water, it may also be related to certain foods. For example, that innocuous little dish, miso soup, can result in diarrhea for some people. Miso is fermented soybean paste and for those who have not grown up eating it there may be a period of adjustment, however over time the body will get used to it.

Menstruation ceases and hair loss

Some female JETs find that during the first few months in Japan they cease to menstruate or experience hair loss. It is always wise to have a medical check to rule out any serious problem but the frequency with which this problem occurs indicates that it is usually related to the sudden changes in diet and environment and stress.

You might consider getting some immunization shots before your travel to some parts of Asia and Africa. Immunization is not covered by your health care plan. American and Japanese shots differ. For more information on vaccinations visit www.forth.go.jp.

If you go here  you'll get the precise details, frequency of shots, duration of effectiveness...
Immunization shots for yellow fever (mandatory before entering some African countries), meningitis and typhoid are unavailable within Ishikawa. They are available at major quarantine offices (ken-eki sho 検疫所).

Offices near Ishikawa include:
Nagoya Quarantine Office (052)661-4131
Niigata Quarantine Office (025)244-6569
Osaka Quarantine Office (06)571-3522
Tokyo Quarantine Office (03)3471-7922
Yokohama Quarantine Office (045)201-4456
Narita Airport (Terminal 2 Bldg.) (0476)34-2310
Kansai Airport (CIQ Bldg.) (0724)55-1283

With the exception of ones in Narita and Kansai Airports, the above offices are located near or at Port Authority buildings. Appointment for shots is necessary.

Malaria tablets (Mararia Jozai マラリア錠剤)

Malaria tablets are not easily obtained in Japan. It is cheaper and easier to purchase them from Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, etc. Apparently from some countries you can get someone to send you tablets along with a doctor’s prescription.

A place you can get malaria tablets in Japan is:
Akadama Yakkyoku (Akadama Pharmacy) - you must have a prescription from a doctor
〒141 Tokyo-to Shinagawa-Ku Nishi-Shinagawa 2-13-18; tel (03)3491-1256

Cholera (Korera コレラ)

You can get cholera shots at the Internal Medicine Section (内科 Naika )of most hospitals and clinics, including Komatsu Shimin Hospital, Togi Hospital and Noto General Hospital, listed on the previous pages. You will have to take two shots, about a week apart, for the vaccine. Your second shot should be taken about 10 days before you travel. It is effective for six months. Some of the other hospitals that give cholera shots are listed below. The average price for two cholera shots is about 1500 yen.

Places to get it include:
Prefectural Gov’t Infirmary Kanazawa-shi Hirosaka 2-1(within Pref. Gov't Bldg) tel 076-261-1111 Mon to Fri: 9am-12pm, 1- 4pm
Hakui Hospital Hakui-shi Matsuzakite tel 0767-22-1220 Mon-Fri: 8:30-11:30am
Mukai Hospital Togi-machi Ryoketel (0767-42-1151) Mon-Fri:8:30am-5pm,Sat: 8:30am-12pm
Enyama Hospital Nanao-shi Fuchu-machi 68-3 tel(0767)52-3400 Mon-Sat: 8:30am-12pm, 1:20-5:30pm
Jokachi Clinic Monzen-machi Tsurugijitel (0768)45-1351 Mon-Sat: 9am-12pm
Miyamaru Clinic Monzen-machi Toge(0768)43-1331 Mon-Sat: 7:00am-8:30am, 5pm-6pm

Note: How to get to the Prefectural Government Infirmary: Go to the International Affairs Division office (ie. Ms. Hariki’s office at the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Building) and ask one of the staff for directions.

Hepatitis A (Kan-en Ei-gata 肝炎　Ａ型)

The Prefectural Government Infirmary also offers Hepatitis A shots for \6,300 per shot (2 shots=\12,600). First of all, you must go and have a blood test at a hospital to attain your resistance to the illness. After the results have come through you can go and have your first shot. Four weeks after the first shot you must have a second shot. The vaccine is good for three months. Please give at least a week between the hepatitis and cholera shots. Other clinics and hospitals may offer this immunization. Please contact them for more info.

After some persuasion, the staff at my local hospital (Suzu General Hospital) ordered both Hep. A&B for me and another JET in the area. For people like us, living far away from Kanazawa, it is nearly impossible to travel to the city each time we need a vaccine. In addition, a blood sample was taken to see whether Hep. A anti-bodies were still present since my last injections (12 months ago), and they were.　www.cdc.gov also says that the American vaccine for Hep.A lasts for at least 20 years. Is the Japanese one that different?

Tetanus (Hashofu 破傷風)

Tetanus shots should be available at most clinics and hospitals.

Typhoid (Cho Chifusu 腸チフス)

Typhoid shots are largely unavailable in Japan. People who are planning to travel to places such as India might consider getting shots when they go home or go to another industrialized country.

Abortion

Although opinions on abortion vary, the fact is that they are available domestically here in Japan at an expensive price (150~300,000 yen). Morning after pills, like regular oral contraceptive pills, are a recent addition to contraception in Japan and may not necessarily be available in all locations.  You can find out an up-to-date list of local hospitals and clinics that offer morning after pills and other contraceptives by calling the Himawari English Medical helpline at: 03.5285.8181.  Local JETs have reported success at procuring such contraceptives at local clinics recommended by this help line.

Contraception

The most commonly available form of contraception currently used domestically in Japan is the condom (condom コンドームavailable at pharmacies, supermarkets, vending machines,..) with the spermicide sheet (chitsunai hininyaku, jozai膣内避妊薬、錠剤available from pharmacies) and the oral contraceptive pill (piru (keiko hininyaku) ピル(経口避妊薬) available on prescription from gynecologists) fairly frequent (IUDs, billings method, etc are less frequently known). First visits cost around 5,000~7,000 yen, with following visits around 2,000 ~ 4,000 yen.

As you may have already heard, larger sized condoms can be VERY difficult to find in Japan. However, there are foreign condoms available at the American Pharmacy or Condomania (Tokyo) or by mail order from the Foreign Buyers Club. We also recommend asking a friend or relative to send you a supply of what you are used to and what you feel comfortable with. As for other contraception, you can arrange for a supply being sent from home. Remember that only one month’s supply may be sent at a time and include your prescription and a letter from your doctor in the package. For more information contact the Programme Coordinators at CLAIR of Tokyo English Life Line (03-3968-4099).

Pregnancy Tests

Commonly available in pharmacies, pregnancy tests (ninshin kensayaku妊娠検査薬) can be performed individually. Tests are also conducted by gynecologists for around 3,000 yen.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

While the above contraceptive methods serve to prevent pregnancy, only the condom is applicable in providing some level of protection against STDs to sexual partners. Safe sexual practices are an obvious must.  STDs are generally treated by gynecologists （fujinka 婦人科）and/or urologists (hinyokika泌尿器科). STD tests (seikansensho kensa性感染症検査) range from 3,000 ~ 9,000 yen for each test. Further general information may be accessed through the internet, or for details of doctors in specific areas of Ishikawa, please contact a prefectural advisor in confidence.

AIDS In Ishikawa

People have died from AIDS in Ishikawa. In general, AIDS is not considered a major health issue in the prefecture, and accordingly there are still misconceptions about the disease. General public education about the disease is good yet sporadic. Very few Japanese use intravenous drugs and most heterosexuals use condoms although pills and other contraceptives are becoming more readily available. Most HIV patients in Japan are hemophiliacs who have received tainted serums, but the number of people who have contracted the virus through heterosexual and homosexual activities is on the rise.

AIDS Information Service (Japan Help Line) tel (03)5721-4334

Professional mental health is not practiced as widely in Japan as in Western countries. Although there are several English speaking professionals in Tokyo and Osaka, there is only one in Ishikawa. Dr. Nariyoshi Yamaguchi who is a former professor of Kanazawa University and can be reached at the Matsubara Hospital (Kanazawa-shi Ishibiki 4-3-5; a five minute walk from Kanazawa Hospital; tel. 076-231-4138), from Mondays to Fridays (he is not there on Tuesday afternoons though). He speaks English well and will give you the medicine you may need but doesn't seem to be interested in any kind of counseling or discussion or explanation of particular symptoms.　

Other references include:
International Clinic:Dr. Shah
〒106 5-9 Azabudai 1-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo
Open from 9:00am-12:00pm, 2:30pm-5:00pm on weekdays and 9:00pm-12:00pm on Saturdays. Appointments are not accepted but the doctor will make time to see patients. One JET found him to be extremely helpful.

St. Lukes Hospital (Tokyo) Seibo Byoin (International Catholic Hospital): Dr. Doi Takeo Sister Barbara or Sister Taniguchi
tel (03)3541-5151 tel (03)3951-1111　

A suggestion was made to obtain addresses and numbers of mental health professionals from our home countries. For example, copies of pamphlets from the American Psychiatric Association can be obtained from: APA Divisions of Public Affairs, 1400 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Also, there are several foreign mental health specialists (both psychologists and psychiatrists) who practice in Kobe, Osaka, and, of course, Tokyo. Please telephone any of the PAs for information regarding these specialists. Confidentiality is guaranteed!　

Counseling / Telephone services

There are a number of “help” lines available in Japan. Perhaps “Active Listening Service” would be a more appropriate title for this section because the following numbers often provide foreigners in Japan with an opportunity to vent their trauma, often resulting in referral to a professional rather than actually providing direct consultation to the caller.

Peer Support Group (PSG) tel (0120)43-7725
This is a counseling line operated for and by JET participants throughout Japan. This help line is conducted by JET participants who have a background in social work or counseling. Services are available from 8am to 8pm. Although the initial call is free of charge, it is often necessary to then call a number which does carry a fee.

Tokyo English Life Line (TELL): tel (03)5774-0992
Trained counselors can listen for he price of the phone call. Face to face appointments can also be made (for a fee) but in the Tokyo area. Also some medical information. Everyday 9am-4pm and 7pm-11pm.

CLAIR JET Line: tel(03)3591-5489
The CLAIR JET Line is staffed by CLAIR programme advisors. This line is answered in English. (Note: A JET reports that TELL and CLAIR JET Line will usually refer to Dr. McRae for mental health help. He will charge at least yen10,000 for one hour of counseling over the phone).

Japan Help Line tel (0120)46-1997 toll free
This is a 24 hour service run by volunteers (not counselors) that will lend an ear and also help with any questions you have.

Health Information Service tel (03)5272-0303
Can refer you to doctors that speak your language and also explain the Japanese medical system. Languages: English, Chinese, Thai, Spanish and Korean. 9am to 8pm.

Asian Medical Doctors Assn. Tel (03)5285-8088
Medical referral service that can give you information on doctors in your area who speak your language. Your conditions can be described and the appropriate doctor selected. Languages spoken: English, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog (Mon, Wed, Fri), Persia (Mon). Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm.　

Alcoholics Anonymous tel (03)3971-1471
AIDS Information Service (Japan Help Line) tel (03) 5721-4334

Overeater's Anonymous tel(03)5605-9425

Prefectural Advisors
Etsuko Hariki tel 076-223-9108
Caroline Deegan tel 076-298-3515
Although the Prefectural Advisors are not professional counselors, they will likely be the most knowledgeable people on the list for issues related to Ishikawa. They have received training from CLAIR regarding counseling JETs.

AJET Peer Support Group tel 0958-20-7274 or 0776-25-6323
-Untrained peer support that is 100% confidential and can supply referrals and information relevant to JETs