University of the Ryukyus
Information Book for Foreign Researchers

2019-2020
International Collaboration Section
University of the Ryukyus

CONTENTS【1】Statuses for Foreign Researchers【2】Status of Residence

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3【3】Research Grants for Foreign Researchers

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7【4】Accommodations
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・(1) International House(2) Researcher Exchange Facility 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall

8【5】Procedures for Staying in Japan

10(3) Accommodations Outside the Campus

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・(1) Residence Registration(2) Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence(3) Extension of Period of Stay
(4) Temporary Leave and Re-Entry Permission(5) Changing the Status of Residence【6】Health・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・(1) Health Administration Center(2) University Hospital(3) National Health Insurance【7】Bank

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・【8】Income Tax Convention

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20【9】Security Export Control System ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

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1【1】Status for Foreign Researchers
When researchers from overseas visit the University of the Ryukyus and engage in research activities, they will
be accepted under the following statuses:
Table 1.
Status(1)
Foreign Researcher(Gaikokujin Kenkyu-in)(2)Visiting Foreign
Researcher(Gaikokujin Kyakuin
Kenkyu-in)

ActivitiesThose who were invited by the Universityof the Ryukyus and are employed as
full-time researchers in order to promoteacademic research and engage incollaborative research.
Those who engage in research activities
at the University of the Ryukyus, except“Foreign Faculty Members” and “Foreign
Researchers.” (Not employed)

Faculty/Center
Graduate School of Medicine,
Tropical Biosphere ResearchCenter(3)
Participant in a meeting

Those who participate in a meeting,
symposium, etc. held by the university.

All Faculties / Graduate Schools,
University Hospital, Tropical
Biosphere Research Center,
Center for Research
Advancement and Collaboration,
Organization for Regional
Collaboration, Computing and
Networking Center, Institute for
Global Education, HealthAdministration Center, ResearchInstitute for Islands andSustainability, Disaster Prevention
Research Center for Island
Regions, Transdisciplinary
Research Organization for
Subtropical and Island Studies
All Faculties / Graduate Schools /Centers(4)
Foreign Visitor

Those who visit the university for acourtesy visit or observation.

All Faculties / Graduate Schools /Centers

For the necessary procedures at the university, please contact a faculty member of our university who is goingto accept you as a host faculty member.

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【2】Status of Residence
In principle, foreign researchers wishing to enter Japan are required to possess a valid
passport issued by their home government and obtain a visa from a Japanese embassy
or consulate overseas before coming to Japan.
The type of visa differs depending on the period of stay in Japan, whether or not you earn
an income, and so on. For the appropriate type of a visa, please ask an official at
the Japanese embassy/consulate where you are going to apply for a visa.
[List of Japanese Embassies and Consulates]
http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/zaigai/list/index.html
Table 2.
Status at the University

Type of Visa

(1)
Foreign Researcher(Gaikokujin Kenkyu-in)

working visa

(2)
Foreign Visiting
Researcher(Gaikokujin Kyakuin
Kenkyu-in)(3)Participant in a meeting(4)Foreign Visitor

ordinary visa

short-term
visa

Status of Residence(period of stay)

Authorized Activities

Activities for research, guidance of researchor education at a university, equivalenteducational institutions or colleges oftechnology ("Kotosenmongakko").
Academic or artistic activities that provide no
Cultural Activities
income, or activities for the purpose of(3 years, 1 year,
pursuing specific studies on Japanese culture
6 months oror arts, or activities for the purpose of learning
3 months)
and acquiring Japanese culture or arts under
the guidance of experts (except for theactivities listed in the "Student" and "Trainee"columns of this Table).
Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting
Temporary Visitor
relatives, inspection tours, participating in(90 days, 30 days, lectures or meetings, business contact or
15 days or period of other similar activities during a short period ofless than 15 days)
stay in Japan.
Professor(5 years, 3 years,
1 year or 3 months)* A foreign visiting researcher is required to obtain the status of residence as “Cultural Activities” even when s/heplans to stay for 90 days or less.
To apply for a visa, you are required to submit the necessary documents to a Japanese embassy/consulateaccording to the type of visa you are going to apply for. Visa application cannot be made inside Japan. You alsoneed to submit documents issued by the host institution (University of the Ryukyus) to a Japanese
embassy/consulate. The documents to be submitted are shown below. Please note that it might be necessary
to submit additional documents. For detailed information about application procedures and documents, pleasecontact the Japanese embassy/consulate where you apply for a visa.

Table 3.
Status of Residence
Professor

Supporting Documents
1.Passport
2.One visa application form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia needto submit two visa application forms)
3.One photograph (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia need tosubmit two photographs)
4.Certificate of Eligibility (Note) - the original and one copy3Chinese nationals must also submit the following documents:
5.Copy of the Chinese Family Register
6.Temporary Residence Permit or Residence Certificate (If the applicant does
not have a family register within the region under the jurisdiction of theembassy or consulate where the application will be made)Cultural Activities(Note) Depending on the nationality of the applicant, other documents may
be necessary in addition to the above. For details please refer to the web siteof a Japanese embassy or consulate in your area.
1.Passport
2.One visa application form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia needto submit two visa application forms)
3.One photograph (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia need tosubmit two photographs)
4.Certificate of Eligibility (Note) - the original and one copy
Chinese nationals must also submit the following documents:
5.Copy of the Chinese Family Register
6.Temporary Residence Permit or Residence Certificate (If the applicant does
not have a family register within the region under the jurisdiction of theembassy or consulate where the application will be made)Short-term Stay
(Temporary Visitor)(Note) Depending on the nationality of the applicant, other documents may
be necessary in addition to the above. For details please refer to the website
of a Japanese embassy or consulate in your area.
Documents to be submitted differ depending on nationality of an applicant ortype of visa (single or multiple permit). For details, please refer to the websiteof each Japanese embassy or consulate.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html※ Nationals and citizens of those countries and regions with which Japan has
taken measures concerning the Visa Exemption Arrangements are not required
to obtain visas to enter Japan. (For the countries/regions with the Visa
Exemption Arrangements, please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.)

For detailed and updated information, please access the Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites:
Visa Information: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html《Certificate of Eligibility》
If foreign researchers plan to enter Japan with a status of residence other than “Short-term Stay”, they may
apply for the “Certificate of Eligibility and by submitting the necessary documents required for the status ofresidence which they wish to obtain to the Immigration Service Agency in Japan before coming to Japan, in order
to simplify, accelerate and streamline immigration procedures. After examining the suitability of landing
conditions at Immigration Service Agency, the Certificate of Eligibility can be issued and the visa procedure at aJapanese Embassy or Consulate can be facilitated by showing the certificate when applying for a visa.
Application for the Certificate of Eligibility can be made only in Japan by the applicant or a proxy (relatives,faculty/staff member of a host university).
Table 4.
Where to Submit
Naha District Immigration Office
Who May Submit
1. Applicant
2. A staff member of the organization that accepts the foreign national (proxy)4When to Submit
Application fee
Documents to Be
Submitted

The Applicant should submit necessary documents well in advance so thatthe applicant can submit the certificate when making visa application.
No fee is required[Common documents for all applicants]
1) Application form (1 copy)2) Photos (4cm X 3cm) (2 copies)* Shot from the front within 3 months before application, clear with no hat, nobackground* Write the name of the applicant on the back of the photo and attach it to thephoto column of the application form
3) A return-mail envelope (Write the receiver’s address and put 404-yenstamp)
Status of Residence: “Professor”
Category 1: For those who work as a full-time employee at a university, etc.
・ Common documents only (in principle)
Category 2: For those who work as a part-time staff at a university, etc.
・ One document certifying the content, period, status and reward of theactivity*If a proxy makes an application, a document certifying a proxy’s identification(such as a university ID) is necessary to be presented.

Status of Residence: “Cultural Activities”
For those who engage in academic or artistic activities, or engage inacademic research regarding traditional culture or arts in Japan,
1. A document prepared by the applicant or the host organization thatindicates the activities in Japan and the period
2. Documents (brochure, etc.) that outline the organization where theapplicant intends to engage in the activity
3. Any of the following document certifying academic or artistic career:(1) Recommendation letter from an institution involved (1 copy)(2) Article about an activity involved in the past(3) Awards(4) List of academic papers/art works in the past(5) Substantial document equivalent to (1) ~ (4) above
4. Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all the
expenses incurred during the stay in Japan(1) In case an applicant covers all the expenses by him/herself, one of thefollowing documents:①Certificate for scholarship indicating the amount and benefit period ofscholarship (1 copy)②Certificate showing the balance of a bank account of an applicant③Document equivalent to ① or ②
(2) In case all the expenses are covered by a person other than an applicant,a document related to a person covering expenses:①Residential tax receipt (or tax-exemption document) and certificate of tax
payment (indicating annual income and amounts of tax payment) 1 copyeach
* Certificates can be issued by the municipal office of city/town/village ofresidence as of January 1.
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*If a certificate indicates both annual income and tax payment, either
certificate in ① can be accepted.
②In case a person covering the expenses is outside of Japan, certificate
showing the balance of a bank account of that person③Document equivalent to ① or ②
*If a proxy makes an application, a document certifying a proxy’s identification(such as a university ID) is necessary to be presented.
ExpectedTime
to 1 month to 3 months
Complete the Procedure＊ Additional documents may be required if necessary.
＊ A Japanese translation is required if a document is written in a foreign language.
＊ In general, documents submitted to the Immigration Office can not be returned to the applicant. If you
need to submit any document which is difficult to obtain again, please notify it to an immigration officer.
＊ For details, please make an inquiry at Naha District Immigration Office.

For more and updated information about the necessary procedures regarding the status of residence,
please access the Website of the Immigration Service Agency:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/tetuduki/index.html
Naha District Immigration Office Information Center(Located on the 7th floor of the Naha First District Government Office Building)Mon. - Fri. 9:00 ～ 12:00 & 13:00 ～ 16:00 (except national holidays)
1-15-15 Hikawa, Naha, Okinawa
TEL: 098- 832-4186＊Immigration Information Center for Foreigners (URL: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/info/ )(Services in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese are available.)
TEL: 0570-013904 *IP phone, PHS, overseas calls: 03-5796-7112
Hours: 8:30~17:15 (except Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)

6【3】Research Grants for Foreign Researchers
There are some research grants available for foreign researchers. For more information about research grants,
please access the websites concerned or contact the foundation/organizations providing research grants.
(1) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)[Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan]
This program was established to assist promising and highly qualified young foreign researchers wishing toconduct research in Japan. It is aimed at providing opportunities for such researchers to, under the guidanceof their host professors, conduct cooperative research with researchers in universities and research institutes
in Japan.
[Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan]
This program is designed to enable Japanese researchers to invite their foreign colleagues to Japan toparticipate in cooperative work and other academic activities.
[JSPS Ronpaku Program (Dissertation Ph.D.)]The aim of the JSPS RONPAKU (Dissertation Ph.D.) Program is to provide tutorial and financial support forpromising researchers in countries in Asia and Africa who wish to obtain their Ph.D. degrees from Japanese
universities through the submission of a dissertation without matriculating a doctoral course.
(2) Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)[Strategic International Collaborative Research Program]This program is aiming at solving common international issues that cannot be solved in a single country andachieving research outcomes that contribute to strengthening Japan's science and technology capabilities
through international collaboration.

For more information about the above programs or other programs, please access the websites below:
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/index.html
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST): http://www.jst.go.jp/EN/index.html
For information about programs of the University of the Ryukyus Foundation, please contact
the International Collaboration Section (098-895-8033).
In addition, information about grant projects is also available in the University of the Ryukyus
Competitive Research Fund Application Information Search System (in Japanese).
http://www.res.lab.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/conf/7

【4】Accommodations(1) International House
The International House is designed to provide not only housing for international students and researchers but
also opportunities for promoting international exchange. The House consists of: single rooms (researchers: 8
rooms; students: 46 rooms), 26 rooms for married students, and 8 room for married researchers (2 couple’s rooms,
4 family rooms). These are all private rooms. Each has a kitchen, bathroom, and toilet and is furnished with adesk, chair, bed, and bookshelf. Due to a shortage of rooms, rooms may not be available for all foreign
researchers visiting our university.
Application for permission to reside in the International House should be made by a host faculty member, not byforeign researchers themselves. For information about availability and application, please contact the International
Collaboration Section (098-895-8033).
Room Rents
Type of RoomSingle Room
Couple’s Room
Family Room(as of 2019)
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)

Rent for Researchers
per month
per day¥ 8,600¥290¥30,000¥1,000¥35,000¥1,170according to the quantity consumed〃〃＊The room rents may be subject to change.
In addition, residents are required to pay the following fees as maintenance and cleaning fees.
(as of 2019)
Type of Room
Maintenance Fee
Cleaning and Maintenance Fee(to be paid once when moving in)Single Room
¥11,800¥3,000 (per month)
Couple’s Room
¥20,600
Family Room
¥22,600＊Period of residence to be permitted: one month or longer, up to one year (a period of residence less than one
month may be permitted if the director of the International House approves it).
＊Procedure for move-out: notification for moving out has to be submitted to the director of the International
House at least one month prior to move-out.
※It should be noted that, due to renovation of the International House, single rooms for researchers will betemporary closed in the academic year 2020.
(2) Researcher Exchange Facility 50th Anniversary Memorial HallThis Researcher Exchange Facility was constructed as a symbol of the 50th anniversary of our university andcontains a lounge and an exhibition room as well as lodging for visitors in order to promote collaboration withresearchers from our university.
Room reservations must be made by a host faculty member, not by the visitors themselves. For reservations
and information about room availability, please contact the Research Promotion Section (895-8016).
Information about the facilities, guideline for use, application is available on the website of the Researchers
Exchange Facility / 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall.
http://gspd.jim.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/gakusaibu/kenkyu/?page_id=19676
Room Rents

Type of Room(as of 2019)
Room Fee

Single Room

¥2,850/night

Twin Room(accessible room)for one person¥4,790/nightfor two persons¥5,700/night8

(3) Accommodations Outside the Campus
On-campus accommodations for foreign researchers are limited, and it may be difficult to reserve a room on
campus. If university accommodations are not available, you may need to stay outside of the campus, such as
at a hotel or a private apartment.
In Japan, it is customary that a person who rents a room pays a deposit and “key” money to the owner in
addition to the monthly room rent when a contract is made. The system of a deposit and key money may bedifficult to understand for people from foreign countries, and they may have a difficult time understanding acontract and communicating with a real estate agent and/or an apartment owner. When you look for anapartment or make a contract, it is advised that you ask a Japanese national or someone who is familiar withJapanese housing for help.
《Accommodations (furnished) near the campus》
Rooms for single person
East Palace (website in Japanese: http://eastpalace.iinaa.net/)
1-1-2 Shimashi, Ginowan
Phone: 090-9787-3994 E-mail：okitan39@gmail.com
Granmer Samasita (website in Japanese: http://www.grandmers.com/ )63-3 Samashita, Ginowan
Phone: 090-9787-3994 E-mail：okinawa@luck.jp
Rental Mansion Kijyu
243 Uehara, Nishihara (near the University Hospital)
Phone: 098-944-1903
Ginowan Seminar House (website in Japanese: http://w1.nirai.ne.jp/oki-gsh/)
c/o Okinawa Christian Center, 4-24-7 Shimashi, Ginowan
Phone: 098-898-4361 Fax: 098-897-6963 email: oki-gsh@nirai.ne.jp
Leo Palace 21 [many apartments in Okinawa] (website (English available): http://www.leopalace21.com/)
Leo Palace Center Naha Phone: 098-869-5300
Rooms for family
SUMUKA [available in south & central areas, for 1 week or longer](website (in Japanese): http://www.sumuka.jp/)“Daito-kentaku Quarterly Chintai” [Daito-kentaku Quaterly rental housing](many apartments in Okinawa, for 1 month or longer)(website (English available): https://www.eheya.net/okinawa/)“Kina Jyutaku Kaihatsu” [Kina Housing] [available in Naha-city, for 1 week or longer](website (in Japanese): http://www.kina.co.jp/weekly/)9

【5】Procedures for Staying in Japan(1) Residence Card
A residence card shall be issued to a foreign national who has stayed in Japan for a mid- to long term associatedwith residence permits, such as a landing permit, a permit for a change of the status of residence, and a permit for
the extension of the period of stay.
For foreign nationals in Japan with a status of residence for longer than three months, residence cards will be
issued.
At New Chitose (Hokkaido), Natira, Haneda, Chubu (Nagoya), Kansai (Osaka), Hiroshima and Fukuoka
International Airports, mid- to long-term residents will obtain a landing permission on a passport and be issued aresidence card.
For other ports of entry, a seal of landing verification will be stamped in a passport and a description “a residencecard to be issued at a later date” will be made near the stamp. In this case, a residence card will be issued after a
mid- to long-term resident follows the residency procedure at a municipal office of the city/town/village. Basically,a residence card will be mailed by the Regional Immigration Office to the reported place of residence.
① Notification of Place of Residence (including change of place)- Address:
Those who have newly arrived in Japan and have been issued a residence card at the port of entry must bring
their residence card within 14 days of deciding the place of residence and report the address at the municipal
office of city/town/village of residence.
If your passport indicates that “a residence card to be issued at a later date”, you have to bring your passport
within 14 days of deciding the place of residence and report the address at the municipal office ofcity/town/village of residence.
In case that you have changed your place of residence, you have to bring your residence card to the municipal
office of your new residence within 14 days of moving to the new residence and notify the new address.
- Change of Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Nationality/Region
In case you change your name, date of birth, gender, or nationality/region, or you change the organization ofaffiliation or the status of residence, be sure to notify Naha District Immigration Office within 14 days of thechange.
② Application for re-issuance of a residence card
(In principle, a new residence card will be issued on the day of notification and application.)- Residence card being lost or stolen:
You need to apply for reissuance of a residence card at Naha District Immigration Office within 14 days from the
day when you notice the fact (or the day when you re-enter Japan in case you notice it outside of Japan).
(Note) When applying for reissuance, instead of bringing your residence card, you need to bring a document
such as a certificate of notification of lost item or stolen item issued by the police department, or a disaster victim
certificate issued by the fire department.
- In case your residence card is severely damaged or defaced:
You need to apply for reissuance of a residence card at Naha District Immigration Office as soon as possible.
If you wish to replace your residence card, you can apply for reissuance of a new residence card even if it is notseverely damaged or defaced. In such a case, you are required to pay a handling fee for reissuance.
※Concerning the residency management system, please refer to the website of the Immigration Service Agency,
Ministry of Justice.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/index.html[Offices around the university campus] (Mon.－Fri. 8:30 ～ 12:00, 13:00 ～ 17:00)
・Nishihara Town Office, Citizen Section Phone: 098-945-5012
Website (in Japanese, English translation available): http://www.town.nishihara.okinawa.jp/
・Ginowan City Office, Citizen Section
Phone: 098-893-4411
Website (in English): http://www.city.ginowan.okinawa.jp/about/2410.html
・Nakagusuku Village Office, Citizen and Living Section Phone: 098-895-2131
Website (in Japanese, English translation available): http://www.vill.nakagusuku.okinawa.jp/10(2) Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence
Since you are staying in Japan as a foreign researcher and have the resident status of “Professor” or “Cultural
Activities,” you are expected to engage only in education and/or research activities. If you need to engage in any
other activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted and earn some income,you are required to obtain permission to do so from the Immigration Office in advance. (Although the number ofworking hours is not limited, please be careful not to interfere with your research. It should be mentioned that
activities are limited to those not related to businesses such as bars and cabarets which may affect public morals.)
In some cases, for example, when a person with the status of “Professor” delivers a lecture at a symposium andreceives an honorarium, permission from the Immigration Office may not be necessary. You are advised to contact
Naha District Immigration Office before you engage in such activity. It should be noted that those with “temporary
visitor” status cannot apply for permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted.
If you are going to engage in an activity and receive some income from any institution/association other than our
university, you may need to obtain permission from our university in advance. Please consult with the Personnel
Section (895-8023) before you engage in such activity.
Table 5.
Where to Submit
Who May Submit
When to Submit
Application Fee

Naha District Immigration Office
The applicant him/herself
Before engaging an activity other than that permitted under the
status of residence the applicant currently holds
No fee is required

Documents to Be Submitted

1) Application for permission (1 copy)
2) A document which indicates the nature of the activity in which theapplicant wishes to engage (1 copy)3) Passport, Residence Card
Expected Time to Complete the 2 weeks – 2 months
Procedure(3) Extension of Period of Stay
The authorized period of your stay in Japan is indicated on your residence card which is counted from the dateof the landing permission. If you desire to extend your stay in Japan, you must apply for and obtain permission toextend your period of stay. (If the permitted period for your status at our university expires, you also need to makean application for extension of your status as a foreign researcher through your host faculty member.)
When submitting an application for extension to the Immigration Office, a stamp “in the process of application”
will be affixed to applicants’ passports, which will allow them to stay even after the expiration date until anapplication for extension is approved.
For detailed information about application, including necessary documents, please contact the Naha District
Immigration Office in advance.
Table 6.
Where to Submit
Who May Submit
When to Submit
Application Fee
Documents to Be Submitted

Naha District Immigration Office
The applicant him/herself
Up until the applicant's resident status expires (If the applicant isauthorized to stay in Japan for 6 month or longer, an application
form can be accepted three months before the expiration date.)
4,000-yen revenue stamp (when permission is given)[Common documents for all applicants]
1) Application form (1 copy)2) Photo (4cm X 3cm) (1 copy)3) Passport and Residence Card
4) Permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted
under the status of residence previously granted (if an applicant
received the permission)
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Status of Residence: “Professor”
Category 1: For those who work as a full-time employee at auniversity, etc.
・Common documents only (in principle)
Category 2: For those who work as a part-time staff at a university,
etc.
・Residential tax receipt (or tax-exemption document) and certificate
of tax payment (indicating annual income and amounts of tax
payment)
Status of Residence: “Cultural Activities”
1. Documents certifying the activity and its duration for the person
concerned, and an outline of the organization where he or she
intends to engage in the activity concerned.
(1) Document indicating an outline of the activity and the period,
prepared by the applicant him/herself or the organization(1 copy)(2) Document (brochure, etc.) providing an outline of theorganization where the applicant intends to engage in theactivity concerned
2. Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all
expenses incurred during the stay in Japan.
(1) In case an applicant covers all the expenses by him/herself, oneof the following documents:①Certificate for scholarship indicating the amount and benefit periodof scholarship (1 copy)②Certificate showing the balance of a bank account of an applicant③Document equivalent to ① or ②
(2) In case all the expenses are covered by a person other than anapplicant, a document related to a person covering expenses:① Residential tax receipt (or tax-exemption document) andcertificate of tax payment (indicating annual income and amounts oftax payment) 1 copy each
* Certificates can be issued by the municipal office of city/town/
village of residence.
*If a certificate indicates both annual income and tax payment, either
certificate in ① can be accepted.
②In case a person covering the expenses is outside of Japan,
certificate showing the balance of a bank account of that person③Document equivalent to ① or ②
Status of Residence: “Short-term Stay (Temporary Visitor)”
In principle, extension of the period of stay for “Short-term Stay”
status can be permitted only when unavoidable circumstances forhumanitarian reasons or equivalent special reason arise.
1. Statement of reason explaining extension of the period of stay for“Short-term Stay” is necessary. (any format, 1 copy)*For example, if a reason for extension is disease treatment, pleasesubmit a medical certificate.
2. Document explaining activities which an applicant has done after
arrival at Japan (any format, in concrete terms) (1 copy)
3. Document indicating that an applicant can cover necessary
expenses during his/her stay, and document indicating a mean for
departure from Japan or coverage of expenses for departure.
* For example, certificate of bank account balance or return air ticket
Expected Time to Complete the 2 weeks – 3 months
Procedure＊Additional documents may be required if necessary.
＊Any document prepared in a foreign language must be submitted along with Japanese translation.
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(4) Re-entry Permit◆ Special Re-entry Permit
Foreign nationals in possession of a valid passport and residence card (*1) who will be reentering Japan within
1 year of their departure to continue their activities in Japan (*2) are, in principle, not be required to apply for are-entry permit. This is called “Special Re-entry Permit”. (See also “Re-entry Permit”.)
When you leave Japan and fill in “Re-entry ED Card (Re-entry and Departure Record)”, be sure to tick thecolumn indicating your intention of departure with a Special Re-entry Permit and present your residence card to
an immigration inspector.
Foreign nationals who have departed from Japan on a special re-entry permit will not be able to extend its validity
period while abroad. Please note that such foreign nationals will lose their resident status if they fail to re-enter
Japan within 1 year after their departure (*2).
(*1) If a person has a passport containing a statement indicating that the residence card shall be issued later, or
has an alien registration certificate equivalent to a residence card are also eligible for a Special Re-entry Permit.
(*2) If your period of stay expires within 1 year after your departure, please ensure that you re-enter Japan before
the expiration of your period of stay.
◆ Re-entry Permit
Foreign nationals who are not eligible for a Special Re-entry Permit, or those who will return to Japan after one
year are required to obtain an ordinary Re-entry Permit.
Table 7.
Where to Submit
Who May Submit
When to Submit
Application Fee

Naha District Immigration Office
The applicant him/herself
Before the expected date of your departure
3,000-yen revenue stamp for a single re-entry permit,
6,000-yen revenue stamp for a multiple permit
Documents to be Submitted
1) Application for Re-entry Permission (1 copy)
2) Passport and Residence Card (or alien registration certificate
equivalent to the residence card)
Expected Time to Complete the 1 day (a permit can be given on the day of application)
Procedure(5) Changing of Status of Residence
If foreign nationals desire to cease their present activity and engage in a new activity that falls outside thosepermitted by their status of residence, they must obtain permission to change their status of residence. For
instance, if a foreign researcher with the “cultural activities” status is hired as a professor at a university in Japanafter completing his/her research activity at our university, that person has to obtain permission to change his/her
status of residence to “professor.” It should be mentioned, however, an application will not necessarily beapproved.
For foreign nationals with the status of residence as “Short-term Stay (Temporary Visitor)”, they are required toleave Japan and visit Japan again after obtaining an appropriate visa at a Japanese Embassy/Consulate
overseas, except for unavoidable circumstances. It is possible to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility at the
Immigration Office before leaving Japan. Although there are cases change of the status of residence can bepermitted without leaving Japan, decisions are relied on examinations at each immigration office. If you need tochange your status of residence, please contact Information Center of Naha District Immigration Office.

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Table 8
Where to Submit
Who May Submit
When to Submit

Naha District Immigration Office
The applicant him/herself
From any changes in the applicant's resident status up until theapplicant's resident status expires

Application Fee

4,000-yen revenue stamp (when permission is given)

Documents to Be Submitted[Common documents for all applicants]- Application form (1copy)- Photo (4cm×3cm) (1copy)- Passport and Residence Card (or alien registration certificate
equivalent to the residence card)
Status of Residence: “Professor”
1. Document that provides an outline of the intended activities,
period, the status, and the income; either of the following:(1) Copy of employment agreement (1 copy)(2) Copy of appointment letter (1 copy)(3) Copy of notification of employment (1 copy)(4) Equivalent documentation to all of the above
Status of Residence: “Cultural Activities”
1. Documents certifying the activity and its duration for the person
concerned, and an outline of the organization where he/she
intends to engage in the activity concerned.
(1) Document indicating an outline of the activity and the period,
prepared by the applicant him/herself or the organization(1 copy)(2) Document (brochure, etc.) providing an outline of theorganization where the applicant intends to engage in theactivity concerned
2. Any of the following document certifying academic or artistic
career:(1) Recommendation letter from an institution involved (1 copy)(2) Article about an activity involved in the past(3) Awards(4) List of academic papers/art works in the past(5) Substantial document equivalent to (1) ~ (4) above
3. Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all
expenses incurred during the stay in Japan.
(1) In case an applicant covers all the expenses by him/herself, oneof the following documents:①Certificate for scholarship indicating the amount and benefit periodof scholarship (1 copy)②Certificate showing the balance of a bank account of an applicant③Document equivalent to ① or ②

(2) In case all the expenses are covered by a person other than anapplicant, a document related to a person covering expenses:① Residential tax receipt (or tax-exemption document) andcertificate of tax payment (indicating annual income and amounts oftax payment) 1 copy each
* Certificates can be issued by the municipal office ofcity/town/village of residence as of January 1.
*If a certificate indicates both annual income and tax payment, either
certificate in ① can be accepted.
②In case a person covering the expenses is outside of Japan,
certificate showing the balance of a bank account of that person③Document equivalent to ① or ②
＊ Additional documents may be required if necessary.
＊ A Japanese translation is required if a document is written in a foreign language.
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＊ In general, documents submitted to the Immigration Office cannot be returned to the applicant. If you
need to submit any document which is difficult to obtain again, please notify it to an immigration officer.
＊ If you need to change your activity and engage in an activity falls under other status of residence, please
make application for change of the status of residence immediately. In case a foreign resident does not doan activity under his/her status of residence for three months or longer, his/her permission for residence
may be cancelled.

＊For more and updated information about the necessary procedures regarding the status of residence,
please access the Website of the Immigration Service Agency:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/index.html＊Naha District Immigration Office Information Center(Located on the 7th floor of the Naha First District Government Office Building)Mon. - Fri. 9:00 ～ 12:00 & 13:00 ～ 16:00 (except national holidays)
1-15-15 Hikawa, Naha, Okinawa
TEL: 098- 832-4186＊Immigration Information Center for Foreigners (URL: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/info/ )(Services in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese are available.)
TEL: 0570-013904 *IP phone, PHS, overseas calls: 03-5796-7112
Hours: 8:30~17:15 (except Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)15

【6】HealthBecause it is relatively warm and humid in Okinawa, people from foreign countries may have difficulty adjusting
to the climate. Some may also have difficulty getting used to Japanese or Okinawan food and have a difficult timeeating properly; others may become too busy with their research to live a regular life.
Researchers from overseas sometimes have health problems caused by stress in their academic or personal
lives in Japan. Being in good health both physically and mentally is extremely essential for you to conduct
research successfully; therefore, you need to take good care of your health.
For the purpose of maintaining your health, the following facilities and services are available:
1) Health Administration Center
Our university has a Health Administration Center, which aims to preserve and promote the health of students
as well as of university faculty members and staff. Please feel free to visit the Center when you need simple
medical treatment, medication, or first-aid treatment, or seek medical advice. The service provided there is free.
Health Administration Center (next to the Gymnasium):Mon. - Fri. 8:30 ～ 17:00 (Except 12:00 ～ 13:00)
Phone: 098-895-8144
2) University Hospital
The University Hospital, located on the Uehara campus, has clinical departments in various fields for both
inpatients and outpatients, as well as an emergency department.
The reception for outpatients is until 11:00AM, Monday through Friday. Consultation days are different
depending on clinical departments. For detailed information, please contact the hospital.
*For those who visit the University Hospital for the first time, a referral letter (documents providing medical
treatment information issued by another hospital) is necessary for most clinical departments. For new patients
without a referral letter, extra charges (medical departments: 5,500 yen, dental: 3,300 yen) is required in addition
to an initial fee.
Phone: 098-895-3331 Ext. 3297 (8:00 ～ 11:00)
Mon.—Fri. 8:30 ～ 11:00 (For outpatients)
Website (in Japanese): http://www.hosp.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/[Internal Medicine I, Internal Medicine II, Internal Medicine III, Cardiovascular, Surgery I, Surgery II,
Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology,
Pediatrics, Dermatology, Urology, Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Neuropsychiatry, Radiology,
Anesthesiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery][Schedule for Consultation days (in Japanese)]
http://www.hosp.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/guideline/outpatient.html

For those who have never been to a hospital in Japan and those
who do not understand Japanese well enough, it is recommended
that you ask a Japanese to go to the hospital with you.
If an ambulance is really necessary, please dial “119.”(Please avoid improper use of ambulances.)16◆Hospitals Near the Campus
The following are some major hospitals outside of the campus. Consultation days and hours may differ
according to clinical departments. Please call the hospital and make sure it is open before you go.
NameAddress & Phone number
WebsiteGinowan Memorial Hospital
183 Shimashi, Ginowan
TEL: 098- 893-2101
Website (in Japanese):
http://www.ginowan-kinen.or.jp/

Clinical Departments

Reception hours

Internal Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedic Mon.— Fri. 8:30 ～ 12:00,
Surgery, Rehabilitation]
14:00 ～ 18:00
Saturdays 8:30 ～ 12:00* Closed on Saturday afternoons,Sundays, National Holidays.
*Consultation days and hours
vary depending on thedepartment, so please check thereception hours on the website orcall the hospital in advance.
Adventist Medical Center
Internal Medicine, Surgery,
Mon.— Fri. 9:00 ～ 11:30,
868 Kochi, Nishihara
Orthopedics, Gynecology, Pediatrics,
14:00 ～ 16:30
TEL: 098-946-2833
Dermatology, Dentistry, Continence
Sundays 8:00 ～ 11:00
Website (English available):
Clinic, Cancer Support (for discharged
14:00 ～ 16:00
http://www.amc.gr.jp/
patients), Smoking Cessation Clinic,*Consultation in English is
Lifestyle Medicine
available depending ondays/clinics. It is necessary tocontact the hospital in advance.
* Closed on Friday Afternoons,
Saturdays, and National Holidays.
Reception usually starts one hour
before clinical service hours.
* Consultation days and hours
vary
dependingonthedepartment, so please call the
hospital in advance.
Heartlife HospitalInternal Medicine, General Medicine,Mon. — Fri. 8:00 ～ 11:30,
208 Iju, Nakagusuku
Cardiovascular Internal Medicine,
12:00 ～ 16:30
TEL: 098-895-3255
Respiratory Medicine,
Saturdays 8:00 ～ 11:30
Website (in Japanese):
Gastroenterological Medicine, Liver* Closed on Saturday Afternoons,https://www.heartlife.or.jp/hospital/ Internal Medicine, Hematology,
Sundays and National Holidays.
Hemodialysis Internal Medicine,
24-hour emergency designatedRheumatology, Pediatrics,
hospital.
Psychosomatic Medicine, Psychiatry,*Consultation days and hours
Surgery, Esophageal Surgery,vary depending on the
Pancreas Internal Medicine, Vasculardepartment, so please check theSurgery, Breast Surgery, Large
reception hours on the website orIntestine/Anus Surgery, Orthopedic
call the hospital in advance.
Surgery, Plastic Surgery,
Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology,
Ophthalmology,
Obstetrics/Gynecology, Urology,
Dermatology, Radiology,
Anesthesiology, Emergency
Department, Rehabilitation,
Pathological Diagnosis, Dentistry, Oral
Care173) National Health Insurance
All foreign nationals who have been in Japan or plan to stay in Japan for longer than three months are obligatedto join the National Health Insurance Program. You are required to pay an annual insurance fee when you join.
By using the insurance, you will be charged 30% of the full medical expenses you incur.
You have to apply for the National Health Insurance Program at the municipal office of city/town/village ofresidence. (You need to show your Residence Card (or alien registration certificate equivalent to a residence card)
for an application. An insurance fee will be charged later.) An insurance certificate is issued by yourcity/town/village office, and insurance fees vary according to the city/town/village. (For example, the annual
insurance fee for 2018 for those without income in Nishihara town was 14,500 yen.)
According to the law, when you apply, you will be charged the insurance fee for the period of your residence inthe city/town/village; this means it will be retroactive to the date on which you registered your address at themunicipal office in the district when moving there (not from the date of application for the insurance). Even if you
have not been to a hospital during the period you were not insured, you must pay the insurance fee. It should
also be noted that even if you have been to a hospital and spent your own money during the uninsured period, themoney that you paid will not be reimbursed after you join the program. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you
join the National Health Insurance Program within 14 days after your arrival in Japan or moving to anothercity/town/village. (In some cities/towns/villages, residents can join the National Health Insurance only after
completing residence registration. In that case, medical expenses paid by residents before joining the insurance
can be reimbursed.)
All insurance certificates expire on March 31 every year, regardless of the date issued, so the insurance
certificate has to be renewed by the end of March at the municipal office in your district that issued it. (Somecities/towns/villages send the new certificates to residents by mail. If you do not renew it, you cannot use thecertificate on or after April 1.)
When you leave Japan or move to another city/town/village, please be sure to return your insurance certificate
to the municipal office in your district at which it was issued. Otherwise, you will be charged the insurance fee evenafter you leave the district.
For more details, please contact the National Health Insurance Section of the municipal office ofcity/town/village of residence.
＊Offices around the university campus [Mon. - Fri. 8:30 ～ 12:00, 13:00 ～ 17:00]
・Nishihara Town Office: Welfare and Insurance Section TEL: 098-911-9163
Website (English translation available):
http://www.town.nishihara.okinawa.jp/goven-service/purpose-06.html
・Ginowan City Hall: National Health Insurance Section TEL: 098-893-4411
Website (English translation available):
http://www.city.ginowan.okinawa.jp/organization/kokuminkenkouhokenka/sm.html
・Nakagusuku Village Office: Health and Welfare Section phone: 098-895-2131
Website (English translation available):https://www.vill.nakagusuku.okinawa.jp/detail.jsp?id=53515&menuid=11700&funcid=1&csrt=17604936762
216933182* In case for high-cost medical expenses for a sickness or injury
In case that medical expenses for hospital admission or visits exceed the certain amount,“high-cost medical expense support system” by the National Health Insurance can beapplicable. The criterion amount for this system differs depending on income, family
members and so on. A foreign resident without income is regarded as a family
exempted from tax, and when medical expenses covered by him/herself exceeds
35,400 yen in one month, the amount exceeding the criteria will be reimbursed.
It should be noted that expenses for meals, advanced medical cares, additionalcharge for a bed, and so on will not be covered by the high-cost medical expense
support system.
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Concerning necessary procedures for this support, an insurance holder needs to pay 30% of the total medical
expenses first at a hospital. Later s/he will receive an application form for “high-cost medical expense support
system” at a municipal office of city/town/village of residence. After submitting an application form, s/he will
receive reimbursement. In case that an insurance holder has some difficulty in paying 30% at a hospital byhim/herself, it is possible to obtain an eligibility certificate for amount limit in advance at a city/town/village office.
By using this certificate, the amount exceeding the criteria will be paid to the hospital directly by a city/town/village
office, instead of making payment by an insurance holder and receiving reimbursement.
For details about “high-cost medical expense support system and eligibility certificate for amount limit, pleasecontact the National Health Insurance Section at a city/town/village office of residence.

【7】Banks
In Japan, according to the law, it is not allowed for foreign nationals who stay in Japan for short-stay (90 days orless) and those with long-stay visa (90 days or longer) who have stayed for less than six months in Japan to open
a bank account at ordinary banks. At Japan Post Bank (called “Yucho Bank”), foreign nationals who have stayed
for less than six months are able to open a bank account.
If you open a bank account during your stay in Japan, please make sure to close your bank account before
leaving Japan.

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【8】Income Tax Convention
If foreign researchers earn any income (such as a salary, a bonus and an honorarium) in Japan, it is subject toincome tax. If your home country and Japan have a tax treaty, however, you can apply for deduction fromincome tax in Japan.
The countries and regions that have concluded tax treaties with Japan are shown in the table 9. Since tax
treaties may differ in content depending on the partner country, please contact North Naha (Kita-Naha) Taxation
Office before applying.
It may be better not to apply a tax treaty depending on a tax rate in a home country. Please notify your hostfaculty member whether you would like to apply for tax deduction or not.
For researchers from U.S., U.K., France, Australia, Dutch, Switzerland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, it isrequired to submit “Attachment Form for Limitation on Benefits Article” and “Residency Certification”. The
Residency Certification has to be obtained by researchers themselves. Since it sometimes takes 2-3 months
until the certification is issued, please keep in mind when applying for tax deduction.
※ For countries that have concluded tax treaties, please check the latest information on the Ministry of
Finance website below (in English).
https://www.mof.go.jp/english/tax_policy/tax_conventions/international_182.htm
Table 9 (76 treaties, 136 countries/areas)
RegionAsia and Pacific (25)Middle East (9)Africa (12)Europe (44)America & the Caribbean(34)

Russia and New
Independent States (12)(as of Feb. 1, 2020)

Countries/Areas
Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam,
Marcao (*), Samoa (*), Taiwan (see note 3)(Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance only)
Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Vanuatu
Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates(Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance only)
Lebanon, Bahrain
Egypt, South Africa, Zambia(Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance only)
Cameroon, Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Tunisia, Uganda, Morocco
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Guernsey (*),
Isle of Man (*), Jersey (*), Liechtenstein (*)(No bilateral convention with Japan)
Albania, Andorra, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greece,
Greenland, Malta, Monaco, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia
Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, United States, Bahamas (*), Bermuda (*),
British Virgin Islands (*), Cayman Islands (*), Panama (*)(Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance only)
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Colombia,
Commonwealth of Dominica, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Peru, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint
Lucia, Sint Maarten, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands,
Uruguay
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Moldova, Russia,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan(Note 1) Since the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters is a multilateral convention, and the tax
conventions with the former Soviet Union and with the former Czechoslovakia were succeeded by more than one jurisdiction,
the numbers of jurisdictions do not correspond to those of tax conventions, etc.
(Note 2) The breakdown of the numbers of conventions, etc. and jurisdictions is as follows:20

・Tax convention (a convention principally for the elimination of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion andavoidance); 63 conventions applicable to 77 jurisdictions.
・Tax information exchange agreement (a convention principally for the exchange of information regarding tax matters); 11
conventions applicable to 11 jurisdictions (These jurisdictions are marked with (*) above).
・Private-sector tax arrangement with Taiwan; 1 jurisdiction(Note 3) As for Taiwan, a framework equivalent to a tax convention is established in combination of (1) a private-sector tax
arrangement between Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (Japan) and Taiwan-Japan Relation Association (Taiwan) and (2)Japanese domestic legislation to implement the provisions of the private-sector tax arrangement in Japan.

Table 10: Application for Tax Deduction
For foreign
When to submit By one day before the payment of honorarium, including cases when any
researcherschange is made in submitted documents.
receiving
How to submit
Submitting the completed application form (made in duplicate) to thehonorarium
employer (paying the honorarium). The employer will submit the original toDocuments tobe submitted
Additional
documents

For foreign
When to submit
researchers
receivinga How to Submit
salarythe North Naha Taxation Office.
Application for Income Tax Convention(relief from income tax on income earned by Professionals, Entertainers,
Sportsmen, or Temporary Visitors)
For some countries, it is necessary to attach “Attachment Form for Limitation
on Benefits Article” and “Residency Certification”
See National Tax Agency website below.
https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/tetsuzuki/shinsei/annai/joyaku/annai/5320/01.htm(English website: https://www.nta.go.jp/english/index.htm)
By one day before the payment day, including cases when any change ismade in submitted documents.

Submit the completed application form (made in duplicate) to the employer(paying the salary). The employer will submit the original to the North Naha
Taxation Office.
Documents to
Application for Income Tax Convention(incomes received by Professors, Students, Business Trainees, orbe Submitted
Recipients of grants, etc.)
Additional
For some countries, it is necessary to attach “Attachment Form for Limitation
Documents
on Benefits Article” and “Residency Certification”
See National Tax Agency website below.
https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/tetsuzuki/shinsei/annai/joyaku/annai/5320/01.htm(English website: https://www.nta.go.jp/english/index.htm)* For foreign researchers who are invited under the Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers by JSPS
(Japan Society for the Promotion of Science), the monthly allowance is not subject to taxation.

※For detailed information, please access the website of the National Tax Agency Japan:
https://www.nta.go.jp/english/index.htm※North Naha (Kita-Naha) Taxation Office
5-6-12 Miyagi, Urasoe, Okinawa 901-2550
Mon. – Fri. (except holidays): 8:30 ～ 17:00

TEL:098-877-1324

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【9】Security Export Control System
In many countries including Japan, security export control are performed to prevent the conversion to weaponsof mass destruction and conventional arms by the unprepared outflow to the foreign countries such as important
advanced technology information in the country and the leak.
Security control in Japan is prescribed strictly by the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Act. In thisact, when a person exports goods or provides the technique related to international security without acquiring thepermission of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, criminal penalty and administrative penalty will be
imposed.
When a foreign researcher makes a research plan in Japan, please confirm the lists of countries/areas, subject
institutions, goods, information and techniques to become a target by all means.

※For detailed information about the Security Export Control System, please refer to the websiteof the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry:○Security Export Control, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry〔Japanese〕http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/index.html〔English〕 http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/englishpage.html
For necessary procedures at our university, please access the website of Research Promotion
Section (on-campus network access only).
https://gspd.skr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/gakusaibu/kenkyu/?page_id=23946

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