A 376-page guidebook to help foreigners cope with life in Japan will be published at the end of this month.
The book was prepared by counselors working for the Tokyo government. It provides a wealth of information on such issues as foreign residents' status, marriage, taxes, welfare and medical treatment based on 10 years of experience gained by the Foreign Residents' Advisory Center in Shinjuku Ward.
The center, probably the biggest of its kind, according to the Tokyo government, is open Monday through Friday and receives more than 7,000 queries a year, government officials said. "Q&A: A Guide to Your Life in Japan" is written in English, French, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Japanese, and includes 10 sections on common problems faced by foreigners.
One question in the draft for the book begins: "I was hit by a car while driving a motorcycle and injured my leg. I am worried how compensation will be carried out?"
Answer: "If the driver at fault does not respond in good faith, the victim should report the case (to police) and make a claim to the non-life insurance company where the driver holds his compulsory automobile liability insurance policy. To do this, the victim should obtain a Traffic Accident Certificate at the Japan Safe Driving Center."
The book goes on to explain voluntary insurance policies and the systems of compulsory insurance, which all automobile owners are obligated by law to have. Other sample questions include those about family registration, working conditions, insurance and financial aid for foreign students.
The book will be published by Gyosei and will sell for 3,360 yen. The publishing company said it hopes the book will help foreigners, local government counselors and others in charge of international exchanges.