+Okaya Culture Promotion Group Okaya Int’l Center
8-1 Saiwaicho Former City Hall 1st Floor 394-0029
TEL:(0266)24-3226 FAX：(0266)24-3229

E-mail:oiea@oiea.jp
URL:www.oiea.jp
Spring 2020 edition
(英語)

OIC

This newsletter is distributed four times a year by the Okaya International Center with the aim of providing foreign
residents with information necessary for daily life, as well as insights into Japanese culture. Please feel free to contact
us with any questions or feedback you might have.

An Explanation of the New Policy and Penalties
Using a smartphone
while driving…

The following penalties will be incurred when a driveris talking on and/or looking at a mobile phone (orsimilar device) while the device is in their hand

Before Amendment

For Standard-sized vehicles
Fine: Up to ¥50,000
Penalty: ¥6000 (standard-sized vehicles)
Point(s): 1 point

The following penalties will be incurred when a drivercauses an accident and they are found to be talking on amobile phone with the device in their hand, and/or looking
at the screen (regardless of whether the device is in theirhand or not)Before Amendment

For Standard-sized vehicles
Fine: Up to 3 months imprisonment or ¥50,000fine
Penalty: ¥9000 (standard-sized vehicles)
Point(s)：2 points

After Amendment (New Law)
Fine: Up to 6 months imprisonment or ¥100,000 finePenalty: ¥18,000 (standard-sized vehicles)
Point(s)：3 points…And then an
accident happens
Your drivers’ license
will immediately besuspended!

After Amendment (New Law)
Fine: Up to a 1 year imprisonment or ¥300,000 finePenalty: The rules for traffic ticket charges do NOT
apply. All charges will be subject to penalties
Point(s)：6 points (license suspension)

Driving at Night Is Dangerous !
Most fatal car accidents involving pedestrians
occur at night…
❶ Cars turning left into an intersection can be dangerous forpedestrians!

❷ Even after a car has passed, the intersection is still dangerous!

You Can Prevent Accidents By Not Biking
Recklessly And Following The Rules Of TheRoad!
In Principle, Ride Your Bikeon the Road and Not on theSidewalk

Ride Your Bike on theLeft Side of the Road

Slow Down and Give Rightof Way to Pedestrians

Remember the Rules of the Road

Wear a helmet
Rememberto wear yourhelmet!

・Stop at intersections and train
tracks before continuing
・Use a headlight at night・Ride single-file if in groups
・No biking while intoxicated・Follow traffic light signals
・No double riding■Cycling Seminars
Cyclists who have been arrested twice or more within three years due to certain violations (such as ignoring
traffic lights, biking while intoxicated, etc.) are required to take a cycling safety seminar (these seminars areheld at either the nearest Driver's License Center or Police Station).

■ You can take preventative measures against accidents or injuries byhaving Personal Liability Insurance
Liability for damages caused in bicycle accidents are covered by Personal Liability Insurance (個人賠償責任保険・こじんばいしょうせきにんほけん・Kojin Baishō Sekinin Hoken), whereas personal injuries are covered throughAccident Insurance (傷害保険・しょうがいほけん・Shōgai Hoken). Make sure to review and confirm the details ofyour insurance coverage.
Subject

Party Involved in the Accident

Oneself

Life・Body

Property

Life・Body

Personal Liability Insurance〇〇×Accident Insurance

××〇

Type of Insurance

For inquiries regarding insurance, call: ☎03-3255-1215(The General Insurance Association of Japan)

It is mandatory to have Cycling Insurance in Nagano Prefecture. To learn more about cycling
laws and Bicycle Liability Insurance, please visit the Nagano Prefectural Government homepage.

Search for: ☜ Nagano Prefecture Cycling Laws
https://www.pref.nagano.lg.jp/kurashi-shohi/anzen/201903hokenkanyu.html

The Okaya International Center organizes many different events throughout theyear which aim to promote international awareness and create a pleasantenvironment for all residents.

SpringEnglish Hanami Picnic～Mid-April～ Enjoy speaking English with native speakers and other picnic
goers underneath the spring foliage

Summer Mt. Pleasant City Sister Exchange～Late July～

Fall～October～

WinterStudents experience Japanese culture and take part in the Taiko
Festival while doing a homestay with a local family

Okaya City Tour for Non-Japanese Residents
Join us in touring and experiencing the different types of sights
and services Okaya City offers to residents

International Christmas Event～Mid-December～ Elementary school students and their families can enjoy theChristmas season through different international games andtraditions

Consultation for Foreign Residents

Translation & Interpretation

English, Portuguese, Chinese※ Official administrative documents

9：00～15：00 International CenterOffice

8：30～16：00 InternationalCenter Office

Japanese Classes

School Support Services

FREE ※personal textbook fee required
Every Monday

Language support services for foreign
students entering local schools

Beginner and Intermediate Classes
Culture Center
19：00～20：30

Local city elementary and juniorhigh schools

Please visit the OIC homepage and Facebook page for more up-to-date information
regarding any of the events and programs listed in this newsletter.