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Getting a Referral Letter in Japan
If you need to see a specialist or visit a large hospital in Japan, you will likely need a referral letter — known in Japanese as a 紹介状 (shōkaijō). This document is a fundamental part of how Japan's healthcare system works, yet it is ... -
Choosing Between a Clinic and a Hospital in Japan
In Japan, "clinic" and "hospital" are not interchangeable terms — they refer to fundamentally different types of medical facilities with different roles, capabilities, and costs. Choosing the right one can save you time, money, and frust... -
Emergency Medical Care in Tokyo: A Foreigners Guide
A medical emergency is stressful enough without the added complexity of being in a foreign country where you may not speak the language. Knowing what to do before an emergency happens can save valuable time — and potentially save a life.... -
Mental Health Support in Tokyo for English Speakers
Living in Tokyo as a foreigner comes with unique mental health challenges — isolation, culture shock, communication barriers, work pressure, and being far from your support network. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Studies sugge... -
Prescription Medication in Japan: What Expats Need to Know
One of the first surprises many foreigners encounter in Japan is how differently the prescription medication system works compared to their home country. Medications you could buy over the counter back home might require a prescription h... -
Travel Insurance vs National Health Insurance in Japan
If you are a foreigner in Japan — whether visiting for a week or settling in for years — understanding your insurance options is crucial. The two most common forms of medical coverage for foreigners are travel insurance and Japan's Natio... -
How to Book a Doctors Appointment in Japan
Booking a doctor's appointment in Japan works differently from most Western countries. There is no GP registration system, no centralized booking platform, and the process varies significantly between clinics. For foreigners, the languag... -
Do Japanese Doctors Speak English? What to Expect
One of the most common concerns foreigners have about seeing a doctor in Japan is the language barrier. Can you walk into a Japanese clinic and have a conversation in English about your symptoms? The honest answer is: it depends. This ar... -
How to Get a Medical Certificate in Japan
Whether you need proof of illness for your employer, documentation for a visa application, a fitness-to-fly certificate, or a medical report for an insurance claim, obtaining a medical certificate in Japan is a common but often confusing... -
What Is Psychosomatic Medicine? A Guide for English Speakers
If you have searched for mental health care in Japan, you have probably encountered the term "psychosomatic medicine" (心療内科 / shinryō naika). This medical specialty is widespread in Japan — you will find psychosomatic medicine clinic...
