GUIDEBOOKFOR LIVINGI N J A PA N

Immunology
Frontier
ResearchCenterOsaka University

Immunology
Frontier
ResearchCenterWe are ready to assist you.

02
Table of Content

03

Introduction

04

What is Japan Like? What is Osaka Like?

05

Useful Information for Living in Japan

06

Location of Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC)

07

Living Cost in the Area Around the Campus

09

Social Insurance System in Japan

10

Fellowship, Scholarship, and Postdoc Programs

11

Comprehensive Support for Foreign Nationals in IFReC

12

Message from IFReC Members

View your futurewith ambition!

As you can imagine, pursuing a career abroad is a unique and wonderful experience. It
provides deeper insight into a country, and the many great experiences available in a new
culture will develop you personally and professionally.
If you have never considered working or studying in Japan, one of the reasons why must bea question of “what life will be like while working or studying in Japan.”This brochure contains the information you need when considering Japan as a destination
for work or study. It contains details about the diverse cultural and social aspects of living,working, and studying in Japan. These details will bring better understanding and help you
make a more informed decision for your future.
In this brochure, we have gathered the information you will need if you decide to work or
study at our institute, the Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University,
as an example.
We are dedicated to recruiting and accepting excellent research scientists and students, andproviding you with continuous, comprehensive support for both research and daily life inJapan, and enabling you to focus deeply on your research.
We seek highly motivated scientists and students across all fields of Immunology, Imaging,and Informatics research.
See P10-11 for available programs and our contact information if you are interested inworking or studying at our institute.
We are ready to assist you.

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WW Osaka ?
hat is Japan Like?
hat is

Japan

Osaka

Like

Transportation

125.988 million
Area │ 377,975 square kilometers
Population │(as of Jan. 2020)

Japan is a fascinating country that encompasses busy, modern,and exciting cities as well as historical and traditional rural
areas.
In addition, an exciting and healthy lifestyle coexists becauseof the wide variety of healthy foods using many natural

8.82 million
Osaka
Area │ 1,905.14 square kilometers
Population │(as of Jan. 2020)

ingredients. Japan also has an excellent and affordable healthOsaka is the second largest city in Japan. In thecare system and accessible educational facilities.

mid-19 th century Osaka thrived as the “MerchantJapan is well known for being safer than most countries. There

City”. Osakans are friendly and like to joke and laughis a very low crime rate and even women can generally walkwith others in their daily lives. It is said that thissafely outside at night.

regional characteristic is derived from the spirit of the“merchants”.

Japanese culture is distinctive and each region has their own

Osaka is the center of the Kansai region, and hascustoms and dialect. In many places it is possible to findeasy access to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe with plenty ofbilingual staff and shopkeepers as well as signs in English due toamusement and delicious foods, and diverse places toan increased interest in internationalization.

see. Such as the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto
and Nara, the mountains and sea of Kobe, venturing

Japan is profoundly influenced by its four distinct seasons withfurther afield to the Sea of Japan or to Hiroshima isa climate ranging from subarctic in the north to subtropical inalso easy by train.

the south. Northern Japan has warm summers and very cold

The main areas in Osaka are Umeda called “Kita”, andwinters with heavy snow on in mountainous areas and on

Namba called “Minami”, and both are easily accessed

the Sea of Japan side. Western Japan has very hot and humid

by public transport. You can find anything you want insummers (with temperatures frequently higher than 35°C) andthese areas.

moderately cold winters.
As you know, natural disasters do frequently occur in Japan. So,
it’s very important that you always be prepared for them.

▶ Tips!
Prepare to come to a warm place. Osaka has amuch warmer climate than I anticipated. Evenso, houses are built for the warm and humid
summers, which means it is still nice to havesome warm sweaters for winter. –Floris (fromthe Netherlands)

Driving Cars

Useful Information
for Living in Japan
Prepaid Smart Cards: ICOCA, PASMO, Suica etc.

There are several prepaid smart cards (called IC cards in Japan) that can be used fortransportation such as trains, buses, and monorails as well as for cashless shopping. We
recommend having one of these cards because ticket purchases for public transportation canbe complicated due to many different private railways and bus companies serving the Osakatransport network.

Driver’s Licensea) International Driving Permit (IDP) (May only be used for one year)b) Other Country’s Driver’s license with Japanese translation (Permitted countries only)c) Japanese license converted from your driver’s license※ Scan the QR code for details. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

Bicycles▶ Tips!

Bicycle Registration
All bicycles must be registered in order to identify the bicycle if it is stolen. The registration
can be done when purchasing a new bicycle. It costs just 500 yen. The store staff will give

The traffic is a bit different here
than where I come from. Use thecurved mirrors to check if traffic
is coming around the corner andget bicycle insurance that covers
your liability in case of accidents.
–Floris (from the Netherlands)

you a sticker to be displayed on the frame of the bicycle after you fill out a form.

Bicycle Insurance
Bicycle accidents have become a social issue in Japan. If you have an accident you may beliable for compensation. Therefore, it is now mandatory to have bicycle insurance in Osaka.
You can buy bicycle insurance at a convenience store. It costs around 300 yen per month.

Japanese Customs and Manners
Shoes

Shoes should be removed just inside the door whenentering someone’s house, Japanese inns, some Japaneserestaurants, temples, and castles. If a room has tatami matsthen slippers should also be removed.

PhonesExcept in emergency situations, people in Japan don’t tendto speak on the phone in the train, bus, or in a shop. Phones
should be kept on silent mode in public.

Escalators

It is strictly stand right, pass left on Osaka escalators, andstand left, pass right on Tokyo ones. There is currently acampaign to discourage walking on escalators.

▶ Tips!

Water and Oshibori

A glass of water or tea served at a restaurant is free.
However, those at bars or clubs are not free.
A moist towel, called “Oshibori”, or “Otefuki” is often
supplied at a restaurant or convenience store. It is used toclean your hands (not your face) before eating.

Taxi Doors

The rear left taxi door in Japan is automatic. The taxi driverwill open and close the door when you get in and out. Do
not open or close the door yourself.

Tipping

There is no custom of tipping in Japan.

Learn some Japanese and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. –Floris (from the Netherlands)

06

L
Osaka University
Suita Campus

iving Costin the Area Around theLayouts of Japanese Apartments

c

ampus

1R = Studio
1K = One Room and Kitchen
1DK = One Room, Dining Space, Kitchen
3SLDK = Three Rooms, Service Room, Living & Dining Room, Kitchen

Location of

Immunology
Frontier
ResearchCenter (IFReC)
The Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) is on the Suita Campus
of Osaka University located 30 minutes by train from central Osaka andborders two cities; Suita and Ibaraki. The entire campus covers an area of
997,110.72 square meters and is surrounded by lush greenery.

Suita City※S
 ervice room is a space which cannot be specified as a room under the Building Standards Act
often without windows.

4LDK = Four Rooms, Living & Dining Room, Kitchen

Standard Room Sizes
Single Person: 1R, 1K, and 1DKFamily: 2DK or Larger※1$=105yen
as of Sep. 2020

Rent
▶ Off-Campus Apartment (Utilities Excluded)

Minoh City

22 to
135 y enthousand(1R-4LDK)

Suita City

Ibaraki City

46 to
189 y enthousand(1R-4LDK)

40 to
152 y enthousand(1K-3SLDK)The Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) is located on the northside of the campus and is a 10 or 15-minute walk from the closest train
station of KitaSenri.

▶ University Accommodation

Kasugaoka House(Utilities Included)

For researchers

92 to 184 yen

thousand(1R-2LDK)

Toyonaka International House

For researchers

37 to 99 y en

thousand(1R-2LDK)For students

16 to 18 yen※ MEXT scholars will be allotted a room near Osaka University. The rent will depend on the dormitory.

thousand(1R-2DK)

08
Market Values▶ Utilities

Electricity: from

3,000 yen

Gas: from

Water: from

5,000 yen

3,000 yenInternet: from

4,000 yen

▶ National Health Insurance

ocial Insurance System

As a general rule, foreign nationals who have a resident visa (ainstay longer than 3 months) in Japan must join social insurancein Japan regardless of nationality.

Health Insurance※ Students without income can apply for a discount on the monthly fee.

Minoh City: from│ 4,500 yen/month
Suita City: from│ 6,700 yen/month
Ibaraki City: from│ 5,100 yen/month

J

apan

There are two types of health insurance in Japan. All people living in Japan, both citizens and temporary residents
with a resident visa, are required to join either the Employees’ Health Insurance or the National Health Insurance.
Under the current health insurance system, 70% of the cost associated with hospital visits, tests, and prescriptions
are covered by the insurance. However, some special treatments, tests, and hospitalization will not be covered.

▶ National Pension Premiums

National Health Insurance

Employees’ Health InsuranceThis is for unemployed people, self-employedThis is for people who work more than 30 hours perpeople, students, and people who work less than 30

week.

hours per week.

※ Foreign researchers must join this insurance.

※ Foreign students must join this insurance.

※ Students without income may apply for an exemption.

16,540 yen/month (for FY2020)

S

See page 9 for details.

Pension Insurance
Pension insurance is a system in which the premiums paid by the working generation are used to support people
aged 65 and over.

Other Prices for Reference

ulationCost Sim
Case (living alone):

50,000 yen for rent and
50,000 yen for food
The minimum monthly cost will be around

140,000 yen.

※ The cost will change depending on frequency of eating out. The costof insurance and pension premiums will change depending on income.

Average Price of Food

National Pension

Milk (1L): 200 to 250 yen
Egg (10 eggs in a carton): 200 to 250 yen
Bread: 200-250 yen (baguette), 150 to 200 yen (half-size
loaf of bread)
Rice: 2kg for 900 to 1,000 yen, 5kg for 1,600 to 2,100 yen

This is obligatory for all people who are 20 to 60 years old, and foreign nationals are no exception.
※ Foreign students must join this pension, but you can apply for an exemption to the contributions.

Average Eat-Out Expenses

Employees’ Pension

Lunch 500 yen to 1,000 yen /per person

This is a pension that anyone who works in Japan must join in addition to the national pension. The Employees’※ Big Mac Value Set: 650 yen

Dinner 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen without drinks / per person※ Soft drinks from 280 yen, Beer medium size from 500 yen, bottle
from 550 yen※ as of Sep. 2020

pension insurance includes a segment for the national pension and is deducted from monthly salary half thepremium is paid by the company or organization the employees belong to.
※ Applicable to foreign researchers.

10

F

p

ellowship, Scholarship, andFor Researchers
JSPS Fellowship

ostdoc Programs

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), one of the major publicfunding agencies in Japan, provides overseas researchers with an opportunity to
conduct
collaborative research under the guidance of host researchers belonging toinstitutes in Japan. These programs are intended to help advance the overseas
researchers’ research activities while promoting science and internationalizationin Japan. All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences areincluded under this program.

C

omprehensive Support for
Foreign Nationals in IFReC
IFReC provides comprehensive support to foreign nationals to help with their research and daily life in Japan.

Support Before Arrival

The first thing you need to do before coming to work or study
in Japan is obtain a visa. We provide each individual with thenecessary information and advice to obtain the required visa towork or study in Japan.

Support Upon Arrival

We offer assistance with various things required for setting up life
in Japan, such as registration procedures at city hall, opening a bankaccount, helping you buy items for living, as well as joining theJapanese health insurance and the public pension systems.

Support in Daily Life

We offer many kinds of support for foreign nationals such astranslating notifications from public organizations, explaining
procedures, filling out documents required by organizations orcompanies. We are also available to listen to and assist with anyother issues that you may have during your stay in Japan whenever
you need.

Research/Study Support

We provide foreign nationals in IFReC with all essential information
in English, from paperwork to facility orientation and consultations
related to your research or study. We also assist you in applying
for Japanese research grants, by checking your application form ortranslating the documents into Japanese as required.

IFReC Japanese Class

We hold Japanese language classes free of charge for foreign
nationals to help alleviate stress and inconvenience in research
operations and daily life that may be caused by the language
barrier.
The classes have been held since 2012, and to date, the cumulative
total is over 300 participants. We have two classes, one isfor elementary to pre-intermediate level, and another is forintermediate to advanced level.

Financial Support for Monthly
Rent for Kasugaoka House

We provide financial support of 30% of the monthly rent toforeign researchers in IFReC who live in Kasugaoka House, Osaka
University’s accommodation for foreign researchers.

※ In principle, applications are accepted twice a year. Scan the QR code for details.

Kishimoto Foundation

IFReC has a fellowship, named the Kishimoto Fellowship, which was establishedin 2008 in honor of Dr. Tadamitsu Kishimoto, who, during the 1980s and 90s,
elucidated the function of interleukin‐6 (IL6), a key molecule for stimulating
immune responses. This program is open to postdoctoral researchers of
non-Japanese nationality who seek to collaborate with IFReC immunology
researchers. Scan the QR code for details.

Advanced Postdoc Program

The Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) at Osaka University is
recruiting postdoctoral researchers for its original “Advanced Postdoc” program.
IFReC, the top-level research center for immunology in Japan, has a team ofworld-recognized principal investigators using state-of-the-art facilities. Active
interaction with outstanding members will enhance your productivity andachievements in your career. The center also provides information assistancein English for daily activities in IFReC. This research environment is the ideal
foundation on which to base your successful career in research.

※ J PY 5.6M to 7.5M as an annual salary, and JPY 3M per year as a grant for your original research areprovided. The employment term is for 3 years. Scan the QR code for more details.

For Students
Japanese Government(Monbukagakusho: MEXT)
Scholarship

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
of Japan offers scholarships to international students who wish to study in
graduate courses at Japanese universities under the MEXT Scholarship Program.
Application procedures for this scholarship are conducted through Japanese
embassies or consulates in your countries.
If you require any further information regarding MEXT Scholarships, contact
a Japanese embassy or consulate in your country, or institutions of higher
education in which you wish to enroll. Scan the QR code for details.

▶ Contact Information

Immunology Frontier Research Center
Osaka University
Email: ifrec-office@ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp

12
Wai Tuck Soh, PhD (Malaysian)Message from
IFReC Members
Aybars Nazlica, MD (Turkish)

Specially Appointed Researcher (PostDoc),
Immunochemistry

PhD Student, Systems Immunology

It has been almost a year now since I live in Osaka. Living

years now. I’m financing my Ph.D.

in Japan has been smoother than I would expect. Despite
the language barrier, but due to Japanese professionality,
I felt confident in dealing with Japanese. Throughout mystay, I can see that there have been continuous efforts
in creating a much friendlier environment for foreigners,
especially within the institution. Japan has its own
unique and distinct cultural value. Personally, I find thecultural aspects unique and interesting. Living and working in Japan has brought meinvaluable life experience.

I’ve been living in Japan for threestudies with a Monbukagakushou(M EX T ) scholarship. All thistime, I didn’t have any difficulties
thanks to the management staffof the institute that helped me
through the MEXT scholarship
application procedure before coming to Japan, and also
after I started living in Japan. My experience in Japan is very
positive. Living in Japan is as easy as living in any otherforeign country. Learning basic Japanese before comingmight be helpful because even a very basic conversation

Jason White, PhD (American)
Specially Appointed Researcher (PostDoc),
Experimental Immunology
I have been working at IFReC and living in Osaka for
about a year and a half, and have greatly enjoyed it.

skill in Japanese makes wonders. Overall it’s been an
enjoyable time here and I’d like to stay more.

Shailendra Kumar Singh, PhD (Indian)and I found it surprisingly easy to navigate everyday life

Specially Appointed Researcher (PostDoc),
Host Defense(though I definitely recommend learning the language-

I have been living in Japan for

IFReC has a weekly class that is helpful in this regard!).

the last eleven years. I came

COVID has obviously made things a little strange forto Japan in year 2008 when I

everyone recently, but I am definitely impressed at

got the Japanese Government

IFReC’s flexibility in remote-work / changing work hours to emphasize safety

Monbukagakusho MEXT

while still doing science. Also, the food / scenery / architecture here is amazing,

Scholarship, for my PhD studies.

highly recommended!

I still remember that I was

Further, I came here essentially knowing no Japanese,

worried about life style,food, people from different cultural background andFloris Van Eerden, PhD (Dutch)

language barrier before coming to Japan. When I cameSpecially Appointed Researcher (PostDoc),
Systems Immunology

easily communicate in English. Moreover, outside of the

By now I have been living in Japan for three years, andJapan is really easy and comfortable, you can find out

it has been a very rewarding experience. Working at

assistance (English language) everywhere, for example

Osaka University has not only offered me the possibility

hospitals, clinics, banks, post offices, city offices and of

to perform state of the art research, but also to get thecourse University administration.

opportunity to get submerged in culture that is very

Working environment in Japan is really nice and especiallydifferent from my own background. Osaka is a pleasantin advance research field. During my research career, I feelcity to live in, it has a metropolitan vibe, but nature isjapan is the best place for scientific research career.

not far away. The city’s location in the Kansai regionmeans also that it is surrounded by a wealth of cultural heritage. Of course, there
are challenges when moving to a completely different country, but I have foundthe people at Osaka University to be always very supportive. Japan is an excellent
place to work for ambitious scientists, providing top-notch research infrastructure
in a stimulating environment.

here, I was surprised to see that most of the people canUniversity, the local Japanese people helped me by using
electronic dictionary; I was amazed to see that. Life inImmunology Frontier Research Center
Osaka University
3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita,
Osaka 565-0871, JAPANE-mail: ifrec-office@ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp

www.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/

Published in 2020