Welcome to the June newsletter!  Here are the topics for this month:


     --  Upcoming Holidays
     --  Security Situation
     --  New Hours for Passport Services in Tokyo
     --  VA: Information on 26 million Veterans Stolen
     --  Bird Flu Update
     --  World Cup 2006 Fact Sheet
     --  Plan Ahead for Security Procedures at the Airport
    
     --  Unsubscribing

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Upcoming Holidays
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The Embassy and our Consulates will be closed for the following holidays:

Independence Day July 4 (Tuesday) 

Marine Day July 17 (Monday) 

Labor Day September 4 (Monday) 

Please remember that the days just before and just after a holiday are usually exceptionally busy and you can expect significantly longer waiting times.   Visit us outside of these times and you should have a shorter wait.

A full list of all of our holiday closings is online at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-holidays.html.  American Citizens who require emergency assistance during holidays should contact the office serving their part of Japan at  http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7123.html

If you do come to see us at the Embassy in Tokyo, note that we have two lines to enter the building; a (usually) longer line for visa applicants and a much shorter line for customers coming for American Citizen Services help.  Please locate signs by the Embassy entrance which will direct you to the appropriate line.


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Security Situation
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The warden message disseminated by the Embassy on May 24 remains in effect:

"The U.S. Embassy has learned of a possible threat against American facilities in Japan, the credibility of which has yet to be determined.  ... [W]e advise American citizens to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to authorities."

We remind Americans to be conscious of security.  The United States continues to fight the global war on terrorism and unfortunately there have been attacks on Americans around the world.  The summer season brings with it an increase in travel and traffic, which, combined with a more relaxed outlook, can provide opportunities for terrorists to strike.  We remind readers to be watchful of their surroundings and mindful of personal security.  

The Government of Japan has maintained heightened security measures at key facilities and ports of entry, as counter terrorism precautions linked to the increased role taken with the deployment of Japanese self defense forces to Iraq.  The December 12, 2005 Worldwide Caution Public Announcement we distributed via this channel remains in effect.  (You can always read the most current information at http://travel.state.gov).


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Registering with a US Embassy or Consulate
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Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in the country you are visiting) makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are.

The State Department has created a secure online travel registration website which will allow you, as an American citizen, to record foreign trip and residence information that the Department of State can use to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency. 

U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can register at travelregistration.state.gov. 

The new Internet travel registration service for American citizens allows you to register and update your contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current. The site also provides you with up-to-date travel information customized to your unique travel agenda and itinerary. The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act. 

If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions about our travel registration website, please send an e-mail to CAIbrs@state.gov.


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New Hours for Passport Services in Tokyo
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Starting June 21st, the U.S. Embassy's American Citizen Services Section will no longer accept passport or Report of Birth applications on Wednesday afternoons.  Aside from this one alteration, our regular acceptance hours will remain in effect; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 AM -12 noon and 2 PM to 4 PM; on Wednesdays, 8:30 AM to 12 noon only.

These new hours apply to all citizenship services including passport applications, requests for additional pages and Reports of Birth Abroad of American Citizens.

These changes affect only the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and do not apply to our Consulates.

For more information on hours of operation for the office serving your part of Japan, please visit http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7123.html


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VA: Information on 26 million Veterans Stolen
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The Department of Veterans Affairs has recently learned that information for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses has been stolen.

The VA is working with members of Congress, the news media and veteran service organization to ensure that veterans and their families are aware of the situation and the steps to protect themselves from misuse of their personal information. 

Veterans can go to www.firstgov.gov to get more information on this matter. They can also go to www.va.gov to search for more information on the theft of this data.


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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update
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The following information was prepared by the Department of State's Medical Services, and may be of interest to Americans in Japan:

Bird Droppings--Birds infected with Avian Influenza (AI) excrete the virus in their droppings, where the virus can survive for long periods, especially when temperatures are near or below freezing.  Although there is minimal risk of humans becoming infected by AI from bird droppings (the majority of human cases have resulted from extensive contact with live poultry), as a precautionary measure, the following guidelines may be followed when removing bird droppings, even in regions where there have been no documented cases of AI.  Bird droppings can contain infectious agents other than AI, and so these guidelines represent good practice in any case.  (Note: these guidelines apply to the removal of thin coatings of droppings.  Thick amounts of droppings - i.e., those that would require removal using a shovel - should be removed only by trained sanitation workers.)

-- wear gloves that are either disposable or easily cleanable (e.g., light-weight vinyl or nitrile gloves, or heavy-duty dishwashing rubber gloves;

-- spray the droppings with water or a disinfecting solution made from 3 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water.  Allow time for the bird droppings to soften;

-- surgical masks should be worn if removal will aerosolize the droppings; i.e., cause the droppings to turn to airborne dust;

-- remove the droppings with a disposable or cleanable utensil;

-- if dust is observed as the droppings are disturbed, stop and wet the droppings again before continuing the clean up;

-- place the droppings, tainted debris, and tools into a plastic bag and seal the bag;

-- clean re-usable utensils with water and detergent or preferably a disinfectant solution as described above;

-- clean the exterior of footwear with detergent and water or the disinfectant solution;

-- rinse reusable gloves with detergent and water or disinfectant solution prior to removing.  Disposable contaminated gloves should be placed in a sealed bag for appropriate trash disposal;

-- place reusable gloves in a clean plastic bag and wash them in water containing detergent or disinfectant;

-- thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds.

Dead Birds

The AI virus remains in the tissues of infected dead birds for some time.  Therefore, contact with dead birds should be avoided and local veterinary or agricultural authorities should be notified to collect the bird carcass for disposal or testing.  If contact with a bird carcass is unavoidable (for example, a cat brings a dead bird into the house), follow the guidance below:

-- wear gloves and, if possible, remove the carcass with a shovel or other disposable or cleanable utensil.  Under no circumstances should the bird be touched with bare hands.

-- place the carcass in a plastic bag and seal it.  Place this bag in another bag or a cardboard box.

-- if disposing of the carcass in the absence of other instructions, bury it in a location where it is unlikely to be disturbed by other animals.

-- thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds.

House Cats

A few domestic cats, in addition to pigs, tigers, leopards, ferrets, and stone martens (a weasel-like mammal), have been infected with AI.  The cats are believed to have been infected by eating uncooked diseased birds.  Although no human cases of AI have been associated with contact with AI-infected cats, the following measures are recommended if there has been a verified AI infection in birds within the region:

-- keep domestic cats inside the house to avoid exposure to potentially infected birds;

-- avoid all contact with stray cats and keep them outside the house;

-- inform local veterinary authorities if your cat is sick and has possibly been in contact with birds;

-- strictly follow normal cat care hygiene rules.  When cleaning cat litter boxes, wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately afterward.

Useful Links

For further information, consult the following websites:

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/avian_faq.asp

http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian_cats.html

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/wildlife_health_bulletins/WHB_05_03.jsp

http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm


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World Cup 2006 Fact Sheet
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The 2006 FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) World Cup will take place in twelve cities in Germany, from June 9 to July 9, 2006.  

For additional information on the FIFA World Cup, including information on hotel accommodations, tickets, transportation, and advice for spectators, please see the official World Cup 2006 website at http://www.fifaworldcup.com/ or the U.S. Soccer Federation's website at http://www.ussoccer.com/.  

American citizens planning to travel to Germany to see or participate in the Games should visit the U.S. Mission to Germany's World Cup website at http://worldcup2006.usembassy.de/. 

The State Department has assembled a World Cup 2006 Fact Sheet available at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/world_cup/world_cup_2900.html


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Plan Ahead for Security Procedures at the Airport
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With the summer travel season upon us, air travelers are urged to plan ahead for security procedures at the airport.  Because of the heavy passenger traffic expected throughout the summer, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration has created a "Summer Travel Website" to minimize delays by helping passengers prepare for the screening process. Following a few simple guidelines will help make passenger screening as efficient as possible.

The checklist is available at; http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=40&content=090005198013fe99


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Unsubscribing
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We make every attempt to include in our newsletter information of real value.  We know that should world events dictate, we can use this email channel to get important information to you, as we did in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.

That said, if you are leaving Japan or otherwise wish to unsubscribe from this list you can unsubscribe by writing from the same email address you used to subscribe, and send a blank email to:

          leave-tokyoacs@mh.databack.com


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Contact us:
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The American Embassy in Tokyo
American Citizen Services
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
Tel: 03-3224-5174
Fax: 03-3224-5856
http://japan.usembassy.gov/acs/

Visit us online in Japanese at http://japan.usembassy.gov/tj-main.html

The Embassy helps Americans in Tokyo, Chiba, Fukushima,Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Yamagata, Yamanashi.


American Consulate General Sapporo
American Citizen Services
Kita 1-jo, Nishi 28-chome
Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821
Tel: 011-641-1115
Fax: 011-643-1283

The Consulate in Sapporo helps Americans in Akita, Aomori, Hokkaido, Iwate and Miyagi. As there are  times when both officers are away from the office, we ask that you make an appointment before coming to the Consulate General.


American Consulate Nagoya
Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor 
1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001 
TEL (052) 581-4501
FAX (052) 581-3190


Nagoya area residents, please contact the Consulate in Osaka-Kobe for extra passport pages and other passport services.


American Consulate General Osaka-Kobe
American Citizen Services
11-5, Nishitenma 2-chome
Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543
Tel: 06-6315-5912
Fax: 06-6315-5914

The Consulate in Osaka helps Americans in Osaka, Aichi, Ehime, Fukui, Gifu, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Ishikawa, Kagawa, Kochi, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Okayama, Shimane, Shiga, Tokushima, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama. 


American Consulate Fukuoka
American Citizen Services
5-26, Ohori 2-chome
Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052
Tel: 092-751-9331
Fax: 092-713-9222

The Consulate in Fukuoka helps Americans in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga and Yamaguchi. 


The American Consulate General
211 Toyama,
Urasoe City
Okinawa 901-2104
Phone: 098.876.4211
Fax: 098.876.4243
DSN: 645-7323


The Consulate in Naha helps Americans in Okinawa, the Amami Oshima Island group, parts of Kagoshima Prefecture.

Travel, safety and security information is also available directly from the Department of State at http://travel.state.gov


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