NO MORE
TROUBLE̶ Handy hints to ensure your timeat Doshisha University is safe ̶Edited and issued発行・編集
by the Doshisha
同志社大学学生支援センター
University Student Support Services Center
Assisted by the Doshisha
University
Comic Circle
協力同志社大学漫画研究会

CO NTE NTS

I ntrodu c tio n
This pamphlet is designed to provide you with a better understanding of
the dangers that lurk in and around student life. It uses familiar scenarios
such as commuting, dorm-life, social networking media, and drinking, inorder to bring the lessons closer to home. Forewarned is forearmed; in thiscase, knowledge of these risks and pitfalls may prevent small incidents
developing into major problems. This pamphlet has been produced withthe kind assistance of the Doshisha Comic Circle to offer useful information

1
2
3
4

on various dangers in easy-to-read comic form. We hope you will read it
carefully and lead a safe and enjoyable existence as a Doshisha University
student.

5
6
7

The Cast

2

Hiroma Shinmachi

Shion Tanabe

Takashi Karasuma

A senior student who has
survived an eventful time atuniversity so far. Filled with
the noble spirit of Doshisha’s
founder, Joseph Hardy Neesima,
he is always keen—sometimes
a bit too keen—to help others
avoid the pitfalls he has
encountered.

Came to Doshisha full of hopeand apprehension about life
on campus. She was so eager
to succeed in those first days
that she even spent a big effort
getting her make-up just rightevery day, but that seems
to have quickly fallen by thewayside.

Sat the entrance exams
because he thought going touniversity would improve his
chances of getting a girlfriend.
His performance at school is as
terrible as his haircut.

8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Traveling between the Imadegawa and Shinmachi campuses

4

Using the designated route to commute to the Kyotanabe Campus

6

Traveling to and from University at Night

8

Mind Your Cycling Manners

10▶Commuting by bicycle and motorbike

12

Smoking ban on campus and smoking near the campus

13

Don’
t be a victim of theft or bag snatching on or off campus

16

Drug Abuse

17▶Stop drug abuse!

19

Drinking safely

20▶Rapid binge drinking is stupid – don’t do it or make others do it

22

The ABCs of SNS safety24▶Ignorance is no excuse: The basics of internet use

26

Unwanted Visitors to Student Residences

28

Malicious Religious Groups

30

Watch Out for Exploitive Employers

32

Sales Scams

34

Lowering of the age of adulthood

36

Where to Seek Help38

Seminar Information

39

3

1. Traveling between the Imadegawa and Shinmachi campuses
Well, I’m off. See you.

Hang on. I haven’t
told you the best
bit yet.

Have you heard about that popular
new noodle joint? Generous
portions of big fat noodles andheaps of roast pork. They say they
put on lots of veges, too, but it’s
all sprouts for the most part. Or
maybe it was just mine that was
like that.

I haven’t got time
for this. Oh well...

LOL

I can stay for abit, I guess.

LOL
Comingthrough!

Karasuma-kun, yousneak out while I keep
him occupied.
How did you
get up to the
2nd floor
window?

Hey! Ladder,ladder!

Thud!

Argh! I’ve been hit
by a student with
an improbablehaircut fromanother age!

What the...?

Shinmachi-san?
Thanks.
I made it
to class
on time.

Good. You’ve got
to be carefulwith travel
times between
campuses.

Leave yourself
enough time or...

This route’s
packed! Get
out of theway.

Don’t cause trouble
for people living in
the neighborhood.
I can’t be pottering
along the officially
recommended route
today.

“Love thyneighbor,” asthey say.

BustleBustle4

Oh no! I’m
going to missthe lights.

No way!

Whoops, I’ve got
to get ready formy test over at the
Imadegawa campus.

Don’t dally,
Karasumakun! Get
going!

Really?

Um…
yes sir.

...you’ll be amenace toothers.

Message from Doshisha University
The noise and bad manners of students passing
through campuses in Imadegawa has becomea major issue. The narrow streets between
our two campuses are now filled with large
numbers of students, and there have been
complaints from local residents about rowdy
behavior at night. Unlike on-campus paths, thestreets between campuses are public roads
used by people of all ages, from infants to theelderly, so remember to act accordingly.

52. Using the designated route to commute to the Kyotanabe Campus
I feel like taking
a different
route today.

Grab

Hold on,Tanabe-san!

Besides, walking ingroups on the narrow
streets of residential
areas will disturb the
local residents.

There’sanother thing..

Since when
were you here,
Karasuma-kun!?

Hmm,
I get it!

It’s very refreshing to walkon the designated route.
You can feel the change ofseasons --There’s a designatedcommuting route for
Doshisha students!
You look like a
cop on a stakeout
today.

Other routes haveheavy traffic, so
it’s dangerous!

And it keeps you
in shape too!

I’m working out on
the footbridge on theroute so that I getbuff and get a girl.

Message from Doshisha University
Students who walk from Kodo Station
to the Kyotanabe Campus must use thecommuting route designated by theuniversity. Using other routes is very
dangerous as they have heavy traffic.
Manners of students are also drawing
complaint from neighborhood residents.
Behaviors like spreading side by side
across the street or talking loudly late at

Soundsfishy..

night or in early morning while walking inresidential area can lead to trouble. Try
Poke6

to improve the level of morals including
commuting manners.

7

3. Traveling to and from University at Night
Vroom!

Gee, it’s late. Timeflies when you’restudying hard. I’dbetter go home.

Which route
shall I takehome tonight…

The shortcut as
usual.

You never know what kindof creeps are waiting tospring out at you.

Don’t be a fool,
Tanabe-san!

She reported the incident
to the police, but they didn’t
even find her bag let along
the wallet inside it.

That would
be you.

Eeek!

Bam!
Argh!

Wha…

I just want you to
be careful whengoing to and fromschool at night.

Shinmachi-san?!

Vrooom!
Vroom!

Message from Doshisha University

Especially when you’relistening to music or
engrossed in your mobile
phone.

You never knowwhat might
happen.

ShuffleYeah, yeah.
I’ll be careful.

8

Doshisha Students have been robbed on
their way to and from school at night.
Please use public transportation whentraveling to and from university after
dark. Doshisha University offers a latenight bus service between the KyotanabeCampus and the nearest railway station.
If you have to walk home, try to avoid
walking alone and don't make things
easy for robbers by listening to music orburying your head in your mobile phone.
There are security cameras in somelocations to the east of JR Doshishamae
Station along the route to the KyotanabeCampus, as well as buttons that connect
with the police. In an emergency, press
these buttons.

94. Mind Your Cycling Manners
I overslept and
now I’m late!
I’d better blast tohome on my bike!

Huh?
The light’s notworking.

But if you ride without aclear field of vision…

Never mind.

No,

a-kun,
Karasumrisky!
that’s too

WhooshRiding at night without lights
is really dangerous!
Click

Argh!
My eyes!

You’re bound to have an accident.

Mind your cycling manners!

I can still see
OK without mylight.

Tsk! Rain!

Use thisForinstance…

Ta-dah!
My fold-up
umbrella.

Whoosh10

Okay.
Whoa… this isa bike light?

to stay out oftrouble.

Message from Doshisha University
The Road Traffic Act was revised in June 2015 tostiffen penalties for bicycle offences. These days,
bike-versus-pedestrian accidents are on the rise,and some have resulted in serious after-effects andeven death. Perhaps you, without even thinking
about it, ride your bike at night without a light, or
cross when the light is red, or ride double, or ride
two abreast, or ride on the footpath, or ride on theright-hand side of the road… if you do, you needto stop.
A moment’s inattentiveness can ruin your whole
life, or someone else’s life, so learn the road rules
for bikes and be sure to ride safely. (See the next
page for more on riding your bike to Doshisha
University)114. Commuting by bicycle and motorbike

5. Smoking ban on campus and smoking near the campus
KyotanabeCampusI’m done with class today
and finally gonna smoke
the first cigarette in mylife.

Doshisha University does not allow students to commute to university premises
by car; travel by motorbike is also prohibited in the case of the Imadegawa
Campus. Please use public transport for commuting. When commuting by bicycle
or travelling to the Kyotanabe Campus by motorbike, ride safely and be sure tofollow the road rules. Cyclists should walk----not ride----their bicycles for pedestriansafety on campus grounds and around the parking area. (It is prohibited to rideany vehicle anywhere on the campuses.)■ Commuting to the Imadegawa/Kyotanabe Campus by bicycle
Students who wish to commute to the Imadegawa/Kyotanabe Campus by bicycle
are required to take a course on cycling manners to be offered at each campus.
The course covers all the dos and don’ts of cycling. Check the university website
and bulletin board for course schedules and other information.

■ Commuting to the Kyotanabe Campus by motorbike
Students who wish to commute to the Kyotanabe Campus by motorbike are
required to take a course on motorbike driving manners to be offered at the
Kyotanabe Campus. The course covers all the dos and don’ts of riding a
motorbike. Check the university website and bulletin board for course schedules
and other information.

■ Danger of Bicycle Accidents
You might think that bicycles are a safe mode of transport. Accidents causedby cyclists fiddling with their smartphones or listening to music have become
increasingly common in recent years. With the June 2015 revision of the Road
Traffic Act, those who are repeatedly caught riding a bicycle in an unsafe mannerare required to take a cyclist course. Also, with the April 2018 revision of the Kyoto
prefectural Ordinance on the Promotion of Safe Cycling, cyclists or their parent/
guardian are required to take out accident insurance. For more information, check
the Kyoto Prefectural Police’s website or Kyoto prefectural government’s website.
▶ Recommended Insurance

There is always the possibility
that you might suffer illness or
injury or be involved in a traffic
accident during your commuteor in any other facet of yourlife while at university. We
recommend that you take out
voluntary insurance to coverunintended eventualities.

12

You can’t smoke on the campus!!

Light a cigarette and..

Click
Listen,Karasuma-kun

Shinmachisan!?

Smoking is prohibited on both
campuses of Doshisha University!

To prevent passive smoking, there’s
not even a smoking area on campus!

Doshisha University Co-op Doshisha University Co-op
Student Mutual Benefit
Student Liability Insurance13

I didn’t know. Sorry.

Near Imadegawa Campus

Listen,Karasuma-kun

Stop that!!
Karasuma-kun!

Whoa!

I’ll smoke on the street
if I can’t on campus.

Private Property
Do Not Enter

Street smoking is against the ordinance of
Kyoto City.
Entering private property like residences andparking spaces is also violation of the ordinance.

I’m sorry.

I was so close to
becoming a violator!
You are not allowed toenter private property.

Smoking at a traffic light?
This student has nocommon sense!

Actually, you’re
underage and notsupposed to smoke.

You’re right!

I saw a student smoking in a parkin front of children! You should
educate them better!

Having the courage towarn others made you
look a little cooler!

Just a little..?

14

Hey there! Don’t
smoke on the street!

Sorry.

Message from Doshisha University
Smoking is prohibited on the entire
campus of Doshisha University. However,
our students are frequently seensmoking on streets or in a park near
the Imadegawa Campus. Such act ofpublic smoking exposes neighborhood
residents to unwanted passive smoking
and is a violation of the ordinance of
Kyoto City. We receive many complaints
about street smoking of our students. On
the Kyotanabe Campus, some students
smoke secretly behind buildings or
smoke on the pedestrian road in frontof the taxi stand at the main gate. As
Doshisha students, you must observe
the rules set by the university as well as
manners to live in the local community.

15

6. Don’t be a victim of theft or bag snatching on
or off campus

National crime statistics show that theft and bag snatching make up at least
70 percent of all crime. The rate is reported to be similarly high in Kyoto
Prefecture.

7. Drug Abuse“Caught in possession of marijuana.”
That’s what it says here.

■ How to Lessen the Chance of Becoming a Victim of Theft▶Don’t leave your belongings unattended on your seat!

There are a conspicuously high number of bags taken or wallets removed
from bags when their owners left them unattended on their seat in thelibrary, Learning Commons, lecture room, student lounges, or outdoor
bench—some were even stolen while the owners were right there asleep.
Make a habit of keeping your valuables on your person, and never leave
your belongings unattended on your seat.
▶Always lock your bike!

Some 30% of all thefts in Kyoto Prefecture are bicycle thefts. The figures
for Kamigyo-ku and Kyotanabe-shi are high, and most of the victims
are university students who left their bikes unlocked. Always lock your
bike—preferably with a double lock—to prevent it being stolen. It is also
recommended that you do not commute to university on expensive roadand mountain bikes.
▶Don’t be a victim of bag snatching

Incidents of bags being snatched by passers-by while walking or riding areincreasing. Situations people are wearing earphones listening to music or
engrossed in their mobile phones and unaware of their surroundings are
particularly dangerous. Everyone needs to take care, but especially female
students, who are the most common victims of this crime.

Pfft.
Nothing to do with us.

That’s where you’re wrong,

For instance…

Tanabe-san andKarasuma-san.
Drug danger is lurking
where you least expect it.

Hey there,
Karasuma-san. Here,
I’ve got a little
something for you.

Whoa!

What the…?

Where
were youhiding?!
Hang on. Are
you offering
me marijuana?

Here, this is just thething to relieve yourtension.

■ What to do if you are a victim of theft▶Call your bank, credit card company, and mobile phone company

immediately to ensure your stolen cards and phone cannot be used.
▶Notify the Student Support Service Department at either Doshisha
campus, and seek advice.
▶File a complaint with the police.

It doesn’t
matter if you
just do it once.

Huh?

16

It’s safer than regular
tobacco. Anyway, I’m notgoing to charge you forit this time.

17

Stop drug abuse!

It was just a bit ofsun when he started

He started usingmeth

But as he began to givein to the euphoria

Whoa!

I know you’re
out to kill me!

■ Drug abuse

Drug abuse is defined as the act of taking any pharmaceutical product for non-medical purposesor the misuse of non-medical pharmaceuticals. The consequences of drug abuse include
addiction and tolerance to drugs; not only do you become unable to control your use of thedrug, it causes physical and mental damage. Stimulants, cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, heroin,
psychotropic drugs, and solvents are all addictive and prone to abuse, and are therefore bannedor restricted by law. Trying one of those drugs just once constitutes drug abuse under Japaneselaws.
If you’re thinking just once won’t do any harm, you’re wrong. Don’t do drugs, ever.

Oh!

■ Japanese University Students and Drugs
Until his paranoid
hallucinations madehim think he had to kill
innocent people.

On saleIn the end, he
was arrested.

Hakusaicabbage
Made inKyoto

He lost his
friends andhis family.

He started tohallucinate

Poor guy.
You must,
absolutely stayaway from drugs.

For crying
out loud,

I don’t do drugs!

18

Message from Doshisha University

In recent years, there have been multiple cases of university students possessing or abusing
substances such as marijuana, and the situation is quickly developing into a major social issue.
Although law revisions and increased efforts to curb these substances known as “dangerous
drugs” are having an effect, as indicated by the significant decrease in deaths believed to be
drug-related, these drugs are still seen circulating on the Internet.
Moreover, Metropolitan Police Department figures show that the amount of marijuana-relatedarrests increased again in 2014, and we need to remain vigilant against this troubling trend.
Possession of marijuana is prohibited by law in Japan. Violators may be subject to a maximum
imprisonment of 5 years.

■ More information
Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare pageon drug abuse policy

Ministry of Health, Labourand Welfare information
on preventing drug abuse

Using marijuana and other narcotics
not only cause physical harm, it causes
irreparable damage to relationships withfriends and family, and frays the threadof law and order that runs through oursociety. Possession of dangerous drugs
is punishable by up to three years inprison; possession of marijuana by up to
five years; and possession of meth by up
to ten years.
Be wary of invitations to try drugs; bestrong and use your courage to say no.

19

8. Drinking safely
Drink! Drink! Drink!

Show us what
you can do,
Shion.

I’m going to a mixer heldby an extracurriculargroup. Wanna tag along?

Hang on. I’m
underage, so…

I’m already going toanother group’s mixer
on that day.

Hey you guys. Talking
about mixers?

Mixers are all well andgood, but make sure you
drink safely.

I really
shouldn’t.

Well, if you say
so, I guess I’ll be
alright.

You keep drinking
and pass out…

Hi
Shinmachi-san

Who cares?
All students
are supposedto drink!

Wee-ooo
wee-oooOkay, here
goes.
Man,
what’s up
with you?

Speak for yourself!

You end up getting caught
by the police for underagedrinking, you’re allpunished and your groupis disbanded.

Recruiting new members

Imagine this…

Buzz

buzz

buzz

Hello everyone. I’m
Shion Tanabe.

Nice to meet you all.

20

Clap clap clap

Stick to soft drinks until
you’re 20 unless you want to
end up like that.

Thanks for coming
everyone.

Yey! Clap clap clap

Woo-hoo!

To start with, everyone
will introduce themselvesand quickly drink up theiralcohol.

Message from Doshisha University
And don’t drink
to excess evenafter you’ve
turned 20.

University students have many
opportunities to welcome party andsocial gathering, such as with seminarclassmates and extracurricular groupmembers. Drinking large amounts ofalcohol in short periods of time cancause extreme drunkenness and makeyou pass out, and can even lead toacute alcohol poisoning and death. Keepin mind that minors are prohibited todrink alcohol by law, and that you areresponsible for taking care of yourself.
Finally, never pressure anyone to drink
alcohol if they don’t want to.

21

Rapid binge drinking is stupid –don’t do it or make others do it■ Is it true that some people can handle their liquor whileothers can't?

Did you know that some people are unable to drink liquor? It’s not thatthey don’t like it; their bodies can’t handle it. It is said that between 30 and
50 percent of people genetically lack acetaldehyde dehydrogenase type2, the enzyme that breaks down the harmful substance (acetaldehyde)
created in the body by alcohol. Those people cannot drink alcohol. Even
those who have the required enzyme need to be careful: Drinking fasterthan the body’s metabolism (7g of alcohol—equivalent to 175 ml of beer—
per hour in a person with a body weight of 60kg) can cause acute alcohol
poisoning.

■ Rapid binge drinking can lead to acute alcohol poisoning
Technically, intoxication is partial paralysis of the brain; how “high” you
get depends on your blood alcohol level. The alcohol you take into yourbloodstream through drinking remains in your body until your liver has hadtime to break it down. Rapid binge drinking drinks raises your blood alcohol
level rapidly and carries a significant risk of acute alcohol poisoning. And
did you ever stop to think that giving others alcohol to drink could get you
in trouble? For instance, if you pressure someone to drink alcohol, you canbe accused of coercion, and in case such drinking should cause him/herto act violently, you can be held liable for causing bodily injury resulting indeath. Rapid binge drinking is stupid – don’t do it or make others do it.

What to do in urgent situations
If someone has passed out drunk■ Know the rules: Don’t drink alcohol until you’ve reached
20 years old.

▶Don’t drink alcohol if your body can’t handle it (i.e., if your body can’t

break down acetaldehyde).
▶If your face goes red after just a single drink, consider it an indicatorthat you lack the enzymes to break down acetaldehyde, and keep youralcohol intake to a minimum. Once your face goes red, switch to softdrinks for the rest of the night.
▶Even if your face doesn’t go red when you drink alcohol. You should still
follow the following precepts.

22

Always eat when
you drink.

Mix hard liquorwith soft drinks.

Take your time anddrink slowly.

Call it a night at
midnight.

Never pressure
anyone to drink ifthey don’t want to.

Block off several
days a week as
alcohol-free days.

(1) Never leave the person alone.
(2) Loosen any tight clothes to ensure they are comfortable.
(3) Prevent extreme drops in body temperature by covering them witha blanket.
(4) Roll the person onto his/her side to prevent choking on vomit.
(5) If the person is going to vomit, don’t move him/her upright; justroll him/her onto his/her side.

Call an ambulance straight away if…
(1) The person begins to snore heavily and does not wake up when
you pinch them.
(2) The person falls over and froths at the mouth.
(3) The person’s body temperature drops and they are cold to thetouch.
(4) The person’s breathing is extremely shallow and fast, or extremely
slow (i.e., they are only breathing very occasionally).
(5) The person vomits large amounts of blood.

23

9. The ABCs of SNS safety
You know
I want a motorbike.

Let’s say thishappens thenext day…

I’d love to travel
around the country
with a girl on thepillion.

It’s all over the
online chat sites andthe internet’s goneberserk.

That’s an impossible
dream. You…
with a girlfriend?

Holy cow.
That tweet hasgone viral.

That’s the impossible
part!?

Anyway, you haven’t
even got your license.

Vroom

I need ad!
gir lfrien

Vroom!

Doshisha identifies him; he’s called before the school
authorities, reprimanded, and given a stern warning against
making unnecessary posts on SNSs. Things are looking
desperate for him.

Too late. The
damage has
been done.
How did youeven passthe Doshisha
exams?

So much forthe bike.
This’ll make agood tweet.

“Karasuma-kun riding
without a license.”
It’s not like he’s reallyriding unlicensed, so
there’s no harm.

“I know you meant it
as a joke, but posts
like that can bemisunderstood.”

Geez, itcomes upjust bysearching“Doshishastudent
driving
without alicenseWhat
the…?!
Look here,
young lady!

Hiroma Shinmachi

I s’pose so. I guess
I’d better take morecare of what I post
online.

Message from Doshisha University
Good. You’ve
learned yourlesson.

What do you
mean? It’s not acrime or anything.

Let meexplain.

24

Whoops. I think I’ll
delete that post fromyesterday.

You were there thewhole time?! You could
have just told me.

Social networking services are popular
because they offer easy online exchange of
information. But they are also fraught withdangers that students are often unawareof and find themselves in trouble. Use theinternet with care, and always remember
these three things:
・ Despite appearances, there is no realanonymity on the internet; anything you post
is public, and the whole world can learn theidentity of the poster.
・ Nothing that goes on the internet can becompletely deleted, and it is entirely possiblethat something you post as a student canhurt your chances of getting a job later on.
・ Libelous posts can result in punishment
under the law.

25

use:
c
x
e
o
n
s
i
Ignorance
use
r
e
t
n
i
f
o
s
c
i
The basnet

Do you use the internet? Of course you do; at least, most students
do. But do you know the dangers of the internet? Many students might
say that they have heard rumors but there’s nothing to worry about. Theinternet is a handy tool that we use on a daily basis, but it can be scary:
one incident can lead to a lifetime of trouble. Read the warnings below
carefully, and make sure you’re safe online.

Social Networking Services
Twitter, Facebook, and other SNSs have proved their worth and became
highly popular, but a lack of online etiquette and awareness of the risks
mean many people—particularly young people—are getting into trouble
over SNSs and the media are having a field day over the lurid stories. Whenusing SNSs, be sure you’re on solid ground by reading the following.

Set privacy to an appropriate level of restricted access

You might think you’re just having fun with yourfriends, but…
Hanging out on SNSs (which generally feels just like you’re meeting up
with friends or having a private phone conversation) is often a time forcutting loose from the bonds of everyday norms and rules. But don’t forgetthat all sorts of people will check up on you online—especially university
authorities, employers at your part-time jobs, and personnel of yourprospective company—and it is not unusual for them to identify individuals
from online content. Even if you delete an offending post, you cannot
delete what has been spread among others, so people are always able tosearch your online history. So it’s no good simply watching your behavior
while job hunting; past bad behavior will ruin your chances of getting a job
in future.

！ Privacy■

Protection! ■！

Make sure you set privacy settings to an appropriate level of restricted
access to ensure that your profile, photos, and other personal information
are not visible to the public. Otherwise the whole world will be able to see
what was meant only for your circle of friends and acquaintances. Setting
your visibility to “public” increases the risk of personal information leaks,
privacy invasions, and confidentiality breaches, and leaves you vulnerable
to accusations of defamation.

There have been reports of private information being leaked throughquestionnaires conducted outside of Doshisha University premises andbeing used for commercial activities. If you are asked to provide personal
information, think carefully and decide whether or not you can trust thegroup doing the survey. If you are faced with pushy solicitation or forced
into a contract, consult the Student Support Services Center. Even if you
do end up signing up for something, you are able to cancel the contractby utilizing the cooling-off period. But first and foremost, take care toprevent these situations before they arise by not giving out your personal
information.

Using an alias does not guarantee anonymity*What is a Cooling-Off Period?

Even if you use tight privacy settings, there is a significant possibility
that the content of your posts will be leaked, intentionally or not. If a
problem arises—for instance you are involved in a crime, “antisocial act,”26

or litigation—the victims may be permitted under the Provider Liability
Limitation Act to demand that your internet provider disclose the details of
the account from which the offending information originates. The alleged
perpetrator can be identified from the IP address and find themselves witha hefty bill from the victim for damages. There is no such thing as complete
anonymity or security on the internet.

The cooling-off period allows consumers to withdraw purchase requests or cancel
contracts against the seller within a certain period after applying to purchase orentering into a contract to purchase a product.

27

10. Unwanted Visitors to Student Residences
Hey there,
Tanabe-san.

It’s been three
weeks since I
came to Doshisha
University.

I know. I got called out‘cos there was a leakon the floor above you.

Come in.

Clunk

Click

Hi,
Shinmachisan.
How’s life in
the student
residence?

Oh, OK. Hang
on and I’ll let
you in.

I absolutely suck at
cooking… Haha.

Thanks.

In the end,
he took her
money
Listen,you’ve got to becareful living alone.

I’m gradually gettingused to things.

Huh?
She had to movebecause she was tooscared to live there.

Well, I mean…
Tanabeng
Ding-doYour landlord has
asked me to comeand inspect yourwaterworks.

28

Wait a minute. I don’t
remember getting a
notice about this.

h!

Hand over the cas

Message from Doshisha University

So don’t go
opening your door
to strangers.

Who it is?

What the…?

The landlord neversaid anything about
this to me.

Oh, sorry.
I didn’t mean toscare you.

Never let anyone into your apartment
who says they have come to check yourfacilities or deliver something. Don’tblindly trust someone just because
they’
re wearing an official-looking
uniform. If they refuse your request,
contact your apartment managementcompany or your landlord. In most cases,
inspections and repairs are announced
in advance with written notices posted
to each pertinent apartment. If you see
anyone suspicious in or around yourapartment building, consult the Student
Support Services Center or the police inyour neighborhood.

29

11. Malicious Religious Groups
Hey, you guys. Have
you decided on what
extracurricular group
you’re going to join?

That’s fine, butwatch out for the
shady groups.

Hi,
Shinmachisan.

Not yet. They all
look like such fun.

Gasp!

Welcome to ourchurch, sister.
Join us on ourpath to a new life.

But whenshe got tothe camp

Huh? Whatdo you mean
“shady”?

What the…?

DCC

Now youmention it,

In the end she wasbrainwashedHuh?

I was invited to join
the Comic Circle…
They seemed pretty
weird…

Erm…

Hey! We at the
DCC are upstanding
people!
Seriously, though.
Watch out for groups
you’ve never heard of.

Hey, wanna
help usclean up?
This could bea rewarding
experience.

After some volunteer
cleaning, the clubmembers began to show
the newcomers the ropes.

Oh yeah! We’rehaving an overnight
camp soon.
Wanna come?

She stopped
going to classes,
lost all her money,
and alienated all
her friends.

What should I
do? I don’t want
to offend my new
friends.

Could I?

So stay aware to makesure nothing like this getsin the way of an enjoyable
college experience.

Message from Doshisha University

The seniors
are allreally kind.

When choosing
courses, what
you do is…

30

Great.
What nice people.

Got it.

We have received reports of students
being harassed by malicious religious
groups looking to recruiting new members(particularly newcomers and those living instudent residences) in and around university
premises. Typically, they start by asking you
to join extracurricular group or volunteer
activity, fill out questionnaires about seminars,
or inviting you to attend bogus lectures,
seminars, and language training workshops.
If you are approached by religious groups
like these, never give out your personal
information—if it seems weird to you, befirm and say a clear no. If you cannot resolve
an issue by yourself,   consult the Student
Support Services Center. Recently, many ofthese groups recruit new victims via social
networking services, so be vigilant.

31

12. Watch Out for Exploitive Employers
There are so manythings I want to buy.
I’d better get a job.

Check out the termsof employment calmly
and objectively.

Oh come on,
we’re short-staffed!

Your employer forces
you to change shifts
without asking.
I’d better not
say anything…
I guess I’ll beable to savesome money.

Oh…okay.

You’ll want to avoid
contract problems.

What are you doing
there?

I didn’t want to work
this hard…

For
instance…

You’ll beon lower
pay during
training…

Huh? I didn’t
ask for a shift
on that day.

I suppose that’s
par for thecourse.

…but I can’t
say no whenpeople pressure
me like that.

So be careful or you’ll
end up like that.

Okay.

You end up working
for less than theminimum wage
without realizing it.

32

And you get so busy
at work that it affects
your studies.

How can you relax
in such a precarious
position?

Message from Doshisha University
In response to a 2015 study by the
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare,
60% of students said they had experienced
some kind of problem relating to working
conditions. Exploitive employers abound,making workers engage in types of workor work during hours that contravene theinitial agreement. Sometimes they force
workers to accept payment that is below
minimum wage during training, and/or failto pay wages (such as for overtime). In theend, some students end up forced to work
so hard that it affects their studies, and they
may not even realize there is a problem
with their employment contract. Check thecontract before you start working, and if
something seems questionable, contact
the Student Support Services Center or a
support service outside the university (see p.
31).

33

13. Sales Scams
Whoa!
“Make an easy
¥10 million!”

I need a job thatpays good money forlittle effort.

I wonder if I can sell that much.
Sure I can. This is just the firststep on the road to riches.

Awesome!
I made ¥10
million throughthis scheme.

You’re seriously
going to reply toan ad like that?

It’s really easy. All you haveto do is join up by buying
products, and then recruit
your friends and sell to them,and so on and so on.

This is going to be
awesome.
What kind of racket are
you involved in? Look, juststop calling me, okay?

In the end, he alienatedeveryone he knew, lost
all his friends, and hecouldn’t pay back theloan.

I knew someone who
fell for one of those
too-good-to-be-truestories.

Shinmachi-san!

We have all sorts ofwater filters, healthfood and internet
devices for you tosell. Why not try
some out?
The initial outlay is

Don’t worry.
The company canlend you the money.

There’s nosuch thing aseasy money.

¥500,000 and your sales
depend solely on youreffort. If you work hard
you could make a fortune.

Message from Doshisha University
Get a real job!

Half amillion yen?!

34

Business Information Meeting…and they’re reallygreat. What do you
think? Want to sign up?

Okay, I get it.
Now, calm down,
will you?

“Congratulations, you’re a lucky winner!”“This
lecture will give you an advantage when it
comes to job hunting.”“All you have to dois get your friends to join up and you makemoney.”These are all attractive-sounding
pitches used by scammers, including“catchsales” (swindles conducted by people
soliciting on the street), phone solicitation,and pyramid schemes, and there have been
many reports of students falling victim tothese. Becoming involved with these schemes
just once is enough to create long-term
repercussions like huge debt and losing thetrust of the people around you. If you getcaught up in a scam like one of these, consult
the Student Support Services Center or the
consumer affairs center of Kyoto Prefecture
or Kyoto City immediately.

35

14. Lowering of the age of adulthood

Since thelegal age ofadulthoodhas beenlowered to
18,

I get
invited tosign allkinds ofcontracts
thesedays..

All myfriendsaregetting
creditcards as
well.

Eh?

If youmindlessly
keepmakingcontracts..

My
credit
card
has
What
arrived!

shall I
buy?

Maybe Iboughttoomuch..?

18 yearI haveolds
nocan getotherloans,
choice..
Max. 30 days
right?
Interest 0 yen

I wantto shopfreely likeeveryone!

They told
me thisbusinesswouldmake merich,

But it alsomeans youmust take full
responsibilityof theoutcome byyourself.

Tanabe-san?
I know you’re in.

but allthat’sleft isdead
stock.

We’re here to
get our money
back.

Where
did I gowrong!?

Knock Knock

Fraud &
Pyramid scheme

Wait!

36

It’s true you
are now legallyallowed tosign contracts
without aguardian fromage 18.

Consumer damage

Get aconsumer loan

If youdon’t
want
to endup likethat,

Message from Doshisha University
Check things
carefully
beforehandand sign
contracts
responsibly
as an adult!

Nod Nod

From April 1, 2022, the legal age ofadulthood in Japan is lowered from 20 to
18. This allows you to sign various kinds ofcontracts on your own, which means you
can rent an apartment room, get a credit
card or take out a loan to buy something
expensive without your parent’s consent.
But there are also unscrupulous companies
aiming to take advantage of you for that,so make sure to read the contract closely
before signing and give careful thought
to whether you can really pay for it, if thecontract is really necessary for you, andso on. If you feel even slightly suspicious
or felt that the solicitation was coercive,
consult the Student Support Services
Center or the consumer affairs center of
Kyoto Prefecture or Kyoto City before
signing the contract.

37

Wh e r e t o Seek H e lp

N O M OR E TR OU BL E S e mi n a r
In order to protect yourselves from various troubles and risks surrounding university
students, it is important to understand and act on accurate information.
The Student Support Services Center will hold video-streaming seminars on thefollowing topics which are common causes of trouble involving university students.

Contact information on campus
Imadegawa Campus Student Support Services Center
Tel: 075-251-3270■ Alcohol issues – How to take them as your own –■ The risks of social networking and how it could put
university students into trouble■ For a drug-free university life

Kyotanabe Campus Student Support Service Center
Tel: 0774-65-7021

Public institutions where students can seek advice
Kyoto Prefectural Police(regarding bicycle
matters)

Bicycle Safety
Committee website

Ministry of Health, Labour andWelfare website for information
on working conditions＜ Application Deadlines ＞ April 6 (Wed), April 13 (Wed)The link to the video of the seminar you applied for will be sent toyour university-provided e-mail address after the deadline.

Form

C o u rs e o n c y c l i n g ma n n e rs
Students who wish to commute to the Imadegawa or Kyotanabe campuses by bicycle
are required to take the Course on cycling manners. For both campuses, the courses
are held online.
The courses in April are as follows. We will send the video of the courses to theuniversity-provided e-mail address after each application deadline. For more details on
how to take the course, please check on the university website.
*The courses will be held regularly after May as well.

Kyoto City Consumer Affairs Center

Tel: 075-256-0800

Kyotanabe City Consumer Advice Department

Tel: 0774-63-1240

Kyoto Prefecture Consumer Safety Center

Tel: 075-671-0004

For help on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays

Tel: 075-257-9002

Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry
Consumer Advice Department

Tel: 06-6966-6028

Kyoto Police Scam Hotline

Tel: 075-451-9449

Kyoto Prefecture Drug OfficeTel: 075-414-4786

Kyoto Prefectural Police “Young Telephone”
Youth Support Hotline

Tel: 075-551-7500

Kinki Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Narcotic
Control Department Cannabis Stimulant & Addicted Helpline Tel: 06-6949-3779
Kyoto City Mental Health Center

Tel: 075-314-0874■ Imadegawa Campus
April 3 (Sun), April 5 (Tue), April 7 (Thu),
April 10 (Sun), April 12 (Tue), April 14 (Thu),
April 17 (Sun), April 19 (Tue), April 21 (Thu)■ Kyotanabe Campus
April 3 (Sun), April 5 (Tue), April 12 (Tue),
April 19 (Tue), April 26 (Tue)Form(Kyotanabe)C o u rs e o n mo to rb i k e d ri v i n g ma n n e rs

（Only for students commuting to Kyotanabe campus）
Students who wish to commute to the Kyotanabe Campus by motorbike are required
to take the course on motorbike driving manners to be offered online.
The courses in April are as follows. We will send the video of the courses to theuniversity-provided e-mail address after each application deadline. For more details on
how to take the courses, please check on the university website.
*The courses will be held regularly after May as well.
■ Kyotanabe Campus
April 5 (Tue), April 12 (Tue)April 19 (Tue), April 26 (Tue)

38

Form
(Imadegawa)

Form

39

BeforeStudent Support Services Center

After
If you are in trouble or worried about something, don't keep it to yourself.
Consult the Doshisha University Student Support Services Center.

Published : March 2022