Once you first arrive in Japan (Jee In Chung)

Once you arrive to Japan, there is couple of things you should do as a foreigner in Japan. Because you’ve probably just arrived with the airport with big, heavy luggage, you would not be in the mood or the mind to do so but trust me. It’s better to get it out of your way as soon as possible. If you are planning to stay in Japan for a period of more than 90 days, you are required to comply with foreign resident registration procedures. An alien registration card is a small card that any foreigner must carry at all times because any officer can ask you to show your Identification card at any time and you are duty-bound to do so. Within 90 days of your arrival in Japan, you have the choice to go to either the ward or city office of your residence (if you are Waseda student living in International Waseda dorms, you will go to Shinjuku Ward) and complete the formalities. After 15 days or so, you will be asked to return to the ward or the city office you’ve filled out your forms to receive your plastic alien registration card. You should bring your passport, completed foreign resident registration form and 2 recent photographs (4.5 x 3.5).
      While staying at Waseda as a one-year Exchange student, I thought I probably wanted to work during spring break or summer break if I am able to find an internship in Japan. In order to do so, I was required to go to the Immigration Bureau which is located at Shinagawa to apply for Work-Permit permission. In Japan, applying for Work-Permit is free and it does not take long to get it as long as you have the proper forms. Once you obtain the work-permit, you are permitted to work maximum of 28 hours per week. In Japan, there are many places that look for English-speaking students who are interested working with kids age ranging from two to twelve so it wouldn’t be so difficult in finding a teaching position over the breaks. Also, the pay is reasonable. Most of the times, it’s 1500Yen per hour and they cover your transportation costs. If you love working with children, you should definitely go for it. Other part-time jobs are offered in small Cafés where you serve biscuits and coffee. I would also recommend this because at these places, you can also practice your Japanese and learn more about Japanese working culture.
      If you wish to return to your home country over the breaks or travel somewhere outside of Japan, you need to go to the Immigration Bureau, located in Shinagawa in order to receive a Re-entry Permit. If a foreigner leaves Japan without receiving the re-entry permit, the granted residence status and period of stay will become void which will make it very difficult for the foreigner to return to Japan. There are two types of Re-entry permits: single and multi. If you plan to leave Japan only once, you should purchase the 3000 Yen Single re-entry permit. If you plan to leave more than once, you are required to obtain the 6000 Yen Multi re-entry permit.
      These are the most urgent matters you should consider of tackling when you first arrive in Japan. After completing all these tasks, I would advise you to open up a bank account,  get a national health insurance and purchase a commuter pass (teiki). Transportation is extremely costy in Japan and it will save you a lot by purchasing a teiki at the closest station office. The closest station from Waseda University is the Takadanobaba Station.