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


-- Upcoming Holidays

-- Security Situation

-- Tokyo: Updated Services

-- Summertime Festivals across Japan

-- Elections 2006: Four Months Left!

-- Elections 2006: Writing Your Representatives  


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)  


Respect for the Aged Day, September 18 (Monday) 


Columbus Day, October 9 (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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Public Announcement

Worldwide Caution 


On Monday, June 19, 2006, the U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution for American citizens abroad, in effect until December 6, 2006, which is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html 

The announcement encourages U.S. citizens to be particularly aware of their surroundings while outside the United States, citing the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against Americans and American interests.   


Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorist attacks on "soft targets" such as sporting events, hotels, and places of worship, as well as on public transportation systems, and financial and economic centers across the world.   


For any additional information, please visit "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the website http://travel.state.gov.  To obtain up-to-date information on security conditions, call 1-888-407-4747 (toll free in the United States), or 1-202-501-4444 if you are in Canada or outside the United States.   


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.  We 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). 


Travel Warning-Philippines

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2190.html 


The Department of State issued a travel warning on June 16 urging American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to the Philippines and continues to warn against all but essential travel throughout the country.  The Department also continues to urge Americans who choose to travel to the Philippines to observe vigilant personal security precautions, and to remain aware of the continued potential for terrorist attacks.  No area of the Philippines is immune from the possibility of a terrorist attack, although the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are particularly affected.   


Travelers should be aware that since security has increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists might seek softer targets.  These include, but are not limited to, places where Americans and other Westerners might live, congregate, shop or visit-hotels, restaurants, businesses, schools, or public recreation events.     


Read more at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2190.html 
 


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Tokyo: Update on Services

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A Reminder about Tokyo's New Hours: 


Beginning June 21st, Tokyo's new window hours went into effect.  Please note that passport and Report of Birth services are no longer available 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 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM; on Wednesdays, 8:30 AM to 12 noon only. 


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


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 


Installation of Q-matic : 


Beginning July 6, 2006, the Tokyo Consular Section will be using the Q-matic ticket issuing system to serve our ACS and visa customers better.  The ticket issuing machine for ACS will be placed in front of the ACS waiting room, to the right of the cashier's window.  Please select whether you are coming for a passport or report of birth, additional pages, a notarial, Federal Benefits, or another service, and you will be given a number that corresponds with that service.  Customers will be called up by number, eliminating the need to wait in line at the counter for assistance.  Numbers being called will both be announced and will flash on our television screen.  All screens are written in both English and Japanese, and help screens are available on every page.  We welcome your feedback about this new service.       


Updated Phone Tree: 


ACS Tokyo would like to update our Tokyo-area customers on our new and improved customer service phone system.  The new phone system, which customers can access when calling into the Embassy, includes a series of automated messages specially designed to address all of your frequently asked questions regarding passport services, reports of births abroad, notary services, Social Security, getting married in Japan, and much more.  


Each of the phone system's menus has been revised in English and Japanese to meet your specific needs without your having to wait on the line for a staff member.  The system has also been redesigned to ensure that you are directed to the most appropriate person who can answer your inquiry.   


We urge you to make the most of the information in this system, and to listen to each menu carefully since your questions may well be answered before having to speak with an official.  And of course, if you've listened to the phone tree for information and then come in for a service, please let us know if you found the phone tree helpful. 


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Summertime Festivals across Japan

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Japan is renowned worldwide for its magnificent summertime festivals.   Each festival is vivid and historical, and it becomes quite a feat to choose which festivals to attend.  Luckily, there are plenty of websites available to assist with the decision-making process by offering in-depth descriptions of festivals across the country.   


The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) has a site available in English, Japanese, and various other languages that includes a yearly calendar of festivals throughout Japan.  Links to specific dates and descriptions for each festival are available at http://www.jnto.go.jp, as well as travel information for each of the festivals' locations. 


The official website for the Visit Japan Campaign also offers a plethora of information about festivals throughout the summer.  Please visit http://www.visitjapan.jp for details on the Campaign's highlighted festivals.      


The Japan Times has a link to festivals around the Tokyo area, including brief descriptions of each event as well as directions from specific subway stations.  http://www.japantimes.co.jp also includes a calendar of garden exhibits throughout the Tokyo area.      


If you're traveling in the Osaka/Kyoto area this July, you may want to visit Kyoto's Gion Matsuri, a month-long festival beginning on July 1, with a popular parade on July 17.  If you are interested, make reservations right away, for it gets very crowded.  For more details, visit http://users.cihost.com/ata/gionmatsuri.html 


The August 5 and 6 Ishidori (Stone Gathering) Matsuri in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, near Nagoya is sometimes called "the loudest festival in Japan" and is famous for its lacquered wooden "dashi" portable shrines and taiko drums. For specific dates and event information, please visit http://kikuko.web.infoseek.co.jp/english/festival-in-surrounding-area.html 


Though most popularly known for its snowy white winters, Sapporo offers a plethora of summertime festivals as well.  July 21-August 20 marks the 53rd Sapporo Summer Festival, and the Jozankei Onsen Yunonigiwai Fair is held on August 1.  For more information on these and other events in Sapporo, please refer to http://www.city.sapporo.jp/keizai/kanko/event/event_calendar_english2006-2007 
 


July's Hakata Gion Yamakasa, held in Fukuoka from July 1-15 is a popular in the Fukuoka regiont.  During the festival, enormous decorated floats are set. At  the Oiyama Race, held on July 15 at 4:59 a.m. 26 men, race through carrying the decorated floats through the city streets to see who can complete a 5-kilometer course in the shortest time.  The spectators lining the streets throw water on the mean as they pass and cheer them on. For more information about this summertime festival, please visit http://web-japan.org/atlas/festivals/fes22.html

Though most popularly known for its snowy white winters, Sapporo offers a plethora of summertime festivals as well.  July 21-August 20 marks the 53rd Sapporo Summer Festival, and the Jozankei Onsen Yunonigiwai Fair is held on August 1.  For more information on these and other events in Sapporo, please refer to http://www.city.sapporo.jp/keizai/kanko/event/event_calendar_english2006-2007 


More July festivals include Naha's Orion Beer festival, and The Orion Beer Festival will take place August 19-20 in conjunction with the annual All Island Eisah Festival.  "Eisah" is the Okinawan style of dance, and Orion is a locally-brewed beer.  Both festivals will be held at the Okinawa City Sports Park, which is located near Kadena Air Force Base.  Admission is free, and Orion Beer will be on sale at discounted prices.  The start time is around 2:00 p.m. and both days will end with firework displays around 9:00 p.m.  Please visit http://www.orionbeer.co.jp/english/event/idex.html for further information about these two events and Naha's Peace, Love, Rock festival.   
 


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Elections 2006: Four Months Left!

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Remember that November 7, 2006 is general Election Day in the United States.  If you are eligible, please vote!  You may do so by absentee ballot.  If you are not registered to vote or have not requested your absentee ballot, there is still time.   


The official US Government website for overseas absentee voting assistance is the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at http://www.fvap.gov/.  The site includes a downloadable absentee ballot application (SF-76, Federal Post Card Application, or FPCA), state-specific instructions for completing the form and registering to vote, links to or contact numbers for state and local officials, and a downloadable emergency ballot.   


Registration and ballot request procedures and deadlines vary by state.  Information about your state's procedures is available on the Internet at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/vagchapter3.html  Information about your state's registration and voting deadlines is available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/primarycal.html.  


Overseas Americans may also contact Democrats Abroad, Republicans Abroad or other American citizens groups or organizations for absentee voting information, or for assistance in registering to vote.  Links to these groups may be found on the FVAP website at http://www.fvap.gov/links/ocitlinks.html.


Non-partisan information about candidates, their positions on issues, as well as your representatives' voting records, are widely available and easy to obtain via the Internet.  You may use the links appearing on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at http://www.fvap.gov/links/otherlinks.html, or you can choose to use one of the many popular search engines to locate articles and information.   


Additionally, a Voting Assistance Officer at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Japan is available to answer questions about absentee voting.  If you wish to speak to a Voting Assistance Officer, see the contact information below for the Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Look for notices from the Embassy/Consulate throughout the remainder of the year relating to the 2006 general elections. 

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Elections 2006: Writing your Representative

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As this year's general Election Day approaches on November 7th, it is important for all American citizens to know candidates' views and how representatives are voting.  It is also essential for each representative to know how his or her constituents feel about the issues facing society today.  Writing one's representative is a relatively fast and simple way to both request information directly from a representative and to let them know the opinions of a concerned voter.    


Non-partisan websites such as http://www.congress.org are great resources for finding your representative and any information necessary to write or e-mail them.  Simply by typing an American zip code in the designated box on the home page, one can gain access to contact and background information for specific Senators and Congressmen or women, as well as voting records and PAC contributions to particular campaigns.  There are also links to state and local officials' information at http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/?lvl=L and http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/?command=local respectively.   


To write a representative on Capitol Hill specifically, please visit http://www.house.gov/writerep.  Here, a list of representatives can be found, as well as a link to frequently asked questions about how to write a member of Congress properly.  Other links on this site include voting information on the Hill and an annual House schedule.   


Other websites, such as the League of Women Voters' site at http://www.lwv.org, Democrats Abroad in Japan at http://www.demsjapan.jp, and Republicans Abroad in Japan at http://www.rajapan.org, include issue-specific material and pre-written letters and petitions to be signed by constituents and sent to representatives.    

 


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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: 03-3224-5000

Fax: 03-3224-5856

http://japan.usembassy.gov/acs

Visit us online in Japanese at http://japan.usembassy.gov/j/tacsj-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 


Consulate Nagoya provides emergency consular services including death and arrest cases for Americans living in Aichi, Gifu, and Mie prefectures.  Please call Nagoya or Osaka for confirmation before traveling to Nagoya if you believe you have an emergency situation.  Routine American Citizen services are provided by appointment only. If an appointment is not available, American residents may also receive service at the Consulate in Osaka. 
 
 


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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