Problem: Article: You will need a passport to enter Japan. The passport must be recent enough that it will be valid for the entire period of time that you intend to stay in Japan. If you don't have a passport already, you will need to apply for one well in advance of when you plan to go to Japan. In the US, a routine passport application may take more than 4-6 weeks to process. If you need a passport more quickly, you can apply for expedited service for an additional fee. In order to qualify for an extended stay (6 months to 5 years) or residency in Japan, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility. To get a Certificate of Eligibility, you will need to specify what types of activities you plan to carry out while in Japan (e.g., working, studying, or living in Japan as the spouse or dependent of a permanent resident), and provide evidence that you will have financial support while you live in Japan. It may take 1-3 months to complete the application process. You can submit the application yourself, or the application may be completed by a staff member at an organization sponsoring you in Japan (e.g., a company that has hired you). You will need to submit a copy of your application form, along with a 4 centimeter (1.6in) by 3 cm (1.6 in by 1.2 in) photo of yourself, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and any required supporting documents. Send these materials to the regional immigration office where you plan to reside. Visit the Immigration Bureau of Japan's website on applying for a Certificate of Eligibility to get application forms and view a list of supporting documents (these vary depending on what you plan to do in Japan): http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/01.html Once you have a Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply for a visa. The procedure will vary depending on what you are planning to do during your stay in Japan. You can apply for a visa at your local Japanese consulate. You will need: A completed visa application form, available here: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/j/download/VISA_APPLI.pdf A passport-sized photo. A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility, along with any other required documents for the specific type of work, study, or other activities you plan to do in Japan. Once you are in Japan, you will need to obtain a resident card. If you arrive at Narita, Haneda, Chubu, or Kansai Airport, you can get your resident card at the same time that you get your passport stamped. Otherwise, the Regional Immigration Office in the area where you plan to live will mail the resident card to you at your place of residence in Japan within a few days of your arrival. Once you have your resident card, carry it with you at all times. The Japanese Police are legally authorized to ask to see your card at any time. If you make any changes to your place of residence, you will need to inform your municipal office so that your card information can be updated. You can apply to have your card replaced or your residency period extended at your Regional Immigration Office. . If you are working or studying in Japan, your employer or school may help set you up with a place to stay. However, you may be able to save money or find a place you like better by finding an apartment on your own. If you want to find your own lodgings, check out listings on foreigner-friendly housing sites like apartments.gaijinpot.com or realestate.co.jp. Unless you are very proficient in Japanese, it is easiest to find a find a place with the help of a real estate agent. Most agents charge a fee that is equivalent to 1 month's rent in the property that you choose. Most landlords in Japan will not rent to you unless you have a guarantor who is willing to vouch for your ability to pay rent. Ask your employer, a friend, or a relative in Japan to be your guarantor. Be prepared to pay substantial upfront charges when you move in, including a security deposit and a "key money" (reikin) fee that may be equivalent to up to 3 months' rent. While you're looking for a permanent home, you can save money by staying in a share house.
Summary: Obtain a passport. Acquire a Certificate of Eligibility. Apply for a visa to live or work in Japan. Get a resident card. Find a place to live

Problem: Article: If you need to get rid of smell and bacteria, turn to rubbing alcohol for your solution. If your shoes are sneakers or made of cloth, soak the shoes in a tub or large bowl of rubbing alcohol. If your shoes are made of more sensitive material, gently scrub them down with rubbing alcohol using a rag. Bleach is a powerful chemical, which makes it a great tool for disinfecting shoes. Unless your shoes are white, be careful to only spray bleach on the inside of your shoes, otherwise they could get bleach stains on the outside. Use a small spray bottle to spray bleach on the insides of your shoes to disinfect them. You can use an antibacterial spray, such as Lysol or Clorox, to disinfect the inside of your shoes. Spray the entire insides of your shoes, and allow your shoes to dry completely before putting them on. Using an antibacterial spray will disinfect your shoes and help eliminate bad odors.
Summary: Soak your sneakers in rubbing alcohol. Use a bleach and water mixture to disinfect the inside of your shoes. Purchase antibacterial sprays to sanitize all types of shoes.

Problem: Article: After having a bowel movement or urinating it is very important to wipe from front to back, so you don't risk getting fecal matter in your urethra. This is a very common cause of urinary tract infections, so if you take this simple measure, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble. Sexual intercourse is another situation that leaves you more susceptible to getting bacteria in your urethra. Take the time to wash yourself with soap and water both before and after having sex to greatly reduce your risk of getting a UTI. Ask your partner to wash before sex, too. Many UTIs are contracted when a person is touched with a partner's hands or other body parts that have not been washed with soap and water. Urinating before and after sex is essential for preventing UTIs because it helps flush the bacteria that may be present near the urethra. Avoid having sex with someone while he or she has a UTI. Men are especially at risk of getting an infection from a partner who already has one. UTIs occur more frequently with a new sex partner. They should subside once you and your partner have been having intercourse for awhile. These products contain chemicals and perfumes that can irritate the urethra and cause an infection. The body produces natural cleansers to keep the internal vaginal area clean, so using soap and water on the exterior body parts should be sufficient. Powders, especially scented powders, should also be avoided since they can irritate the urethra. Use gentle, natural cleansers if you do decide to clean the internal part of your vagina.
Summary:
Clean from front to back. Wash before and after having sex. Avoid feminine sprays and douches.