How to use this handbook
Contents this handbook ...
This handbook is for foreign workers who are currently working or planning to work in Japan.
It includes guidelines for receiving medical treatment in Japan, information about health insurance, and what to do in an emergency.
It also presents information about the prevention of infectious diseases, mental health, occupational health, and reproductive health in a Q&A format.
The information in this handbook is of a general nature and may not necessarily reflect the latest laws, programs, and procedures, etc. in Japan.
Information about consulting services, etc. is current as of November 30, 2024
The contents of this handbook do not represent the official opinions of the organizations that were involved in its production. The presentation of the information in this handbook and the contents themselves are not an expression of the official opinions of the national government, local governments, etc.
The original Japanese version of this handbook was produced with funding provided by the IOM (International Organization for Migration) Development Fund.
The English version is a translation of the Japanese version produced by MINNA.
Updated：November 30, 2024
If quoting this publication: Migrant Health Working Group (MHWG), 2022. Handbook for Vietnamese Nationals Working in Japan. MHWG, Hanoi. （Revised on Novemebr 30,2024）
For health-related queries or problems
Check the questions in the Contents and read the
[Answer] Check the questions in the Contents and read the
More detailed information than provided in the Answer can be found in the Find Out More! sections.Use the links provided to go to more information or read the columns.
If you do not understand, see the [List of Consulting Services] and seek advice.
[Detailed Information in Japanese] Show this to a Japanese person or someone who understands Japanese and seek their advice.
Characters in this handbook
These characters are fictional. In this handbook, the kinds of queries that Vietnamese people working in Japan are likely to have are presented as questions asked by these characters.
1. A
Age: 35
Occupation: Manufacturing industry worker.
Speaks almost no Japanese
2. B
Age: 22
Occupation: Manufacturing industry worker
Speaks Japanese a little
3. C
Age: 30
Occupation: Foodservice industry worker
Speaks Japanese a little
4. D
Age: 22
Occupation: Agricultural industry worker
Speaks Japanese a little
[List of Consulting Services]
Advice is available in English!
*Information is current as of November 30, 2024
The following information provides the contact details for relevant organizations in the various areas compiled by the editorial team for reference.
* AMDA Medical Information Center
Available from anywhere in Japan (Consultation is free. Telephone charges are the responsibility of the caller.)
For sudden onset of severe illness or injury requiring an ambulance, dial 119. Service is available in foreign languages.
Infectious Diseases
Tuberculosis
* TB Action Network/Tuberculosis Action Network
Tuberculosis Telephone Consultation Service of The Research Institute of Tuberculosis Department of Programme Support
* Tuberculosis Telephone Consultation Service Tel: 03-3292-1219 (Every Tuesday, 10:00 – 15:00)
Both services are free, and your privacy will be protected.
TB Action Network
Tel: 03-3292-1219 (Every Tuesday, 10:00 – 15:00) :Both services are free, and your privacy will be protected.
HIV/AIDS
* Website: HIV Testing and HIV/AIDS Counseling Map in Japan
Information about telephone consultation and HIV testing sites is presented.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Pregnancy, Reproduction, etc.
*Kumustaka – Association for Living Together with Migrants (Kumamoto City, Kumamoto)
Runs the “Ninshin in Japan” website that provides information about contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth in Japan.
Provides consultation services for foreigners
Requests for consultations should first be made via e-mail or Facebook Messenger.
Kumustaka Association for Living Together with Migrants
Email: groupkumustaka@yahoo.co.jp
* SOS Counseling Channels during Pregnancy in Japan (Japanese)
Contains a list of pregnancy counseling channels across Japan. Click on the counseling channel to view contact information and support hours.
Violence, Domestic Violence (DV)
* Domestic Violence Hotline Plus by the Social Inclusion Support Center
Consultation service if you have been subjected to violence by a current or former intimate partner
Occupational health
Native Language Consultation Center of the Organization for Technical Intern Training (8 languages)
*Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT)
Technical intern training, life in Japan, etc.
SOS and emergency consulting service for technical interns
English: 0120-250-147 Monday and Thursday 11:00 – 19:00, Saturday 9:00 – 17:00
Telephone Consultation Service for Foreign Workers
English consultation service for advice about working conditions, etc.
0570-001-706 Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (closed from noon to 1:00 p.m.)
0570-001-706
Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 15:00 (lunch break: 12:00 – 13:00)
* Labor Standards Advice Hotline
Commissioned service entrusted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Telephone counselors with specialist knowledge advise on problems regarding laws and regulations on labor standards, such as health problems caused by illegal overtime and heavy labor and unpaid overtime.
Mental health
Other
Comprehensive Consultation Support Center for Foreigners, a one-stop consultation center for foreigners administered by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau
Foreign residents of Japan can ask questions and seek advice about various matters.
It provides consultation on visa status and any concerns that occur in daily life.
TEL 03-3202-5535, 03-5155-4039
★ Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) Residence Consultation
Offers consulting about matters such as visa status and immigration procedures.
Consultation is by appointment, so you can consult with staff without having to wait.
You can also seek advice anonymously.
An interpreter will be provided for people who cannot speak Japanese.
Choose between in-person (come directly to FRESC’s offices) or online consultations.
Telephone consultation is not available.
Multilingual Consultation Centers
These consultation centers have people who will assist foreign residents of Japan when they encounter problems.
Search for a multilingual consultation center in your local area.
Comprehensive Consultation Support Center for Foreigners
* Comprehensive Consultation Support Center for Foreigners, a one-stop consultation center for foreigners administered by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau
Foreign residents of Japan can ask questions and seek advice about various matters.
It provides consultation on visa status and any concerns that occur in daily life.
English service times: Monday to Friday 9:00 – 16:00
TEL 03-3202-5535, 03-5155-4039
Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) Residence Consultation
* Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) Residence Consultation
Offers consulting about matters such as visa status and immigration procedures.
੦ I was fired because of COVID-19.
Will my visa status be affected?
੦ I am thinking about divorcing my husband, but would I be able to keep living in Japan? etc. …
Consultation is by appointment, so you can consult with staff without having to wait.
You can also seek advice anonymously.
An interpreter will be provided for people who cannot speak Japanese.
Choose between in-person (come directly to FRESC’s offices) or online consultations.
Telephone consultation is not available.
Multilingual Consultation Centers (English)
* Multilingual Consultation Centers
These consultation centers have people who will assist foreign residents of Japan when they encounter problems.
Search for a multilingual consultation center in your local area.
