Last updated: Jan. 27, 2012

Compiled by Christopher Blasdel
Artistic Director, The International House of Japan, Inc.

IMPORTANT--for year 2012 artists: NECESSARY TAX FORMS REQUIRED BY IRS BEFORE DEPARTING THE U.S. FOR JAPAN.
Click here for more information.

Table of Contents Click any of the Table of Contents headings to go directly to that topic. Introduction General Conditions of the Grant Final Report Preparing for Departure Visa Handling your Stipend Arriving in Tokyo The International House of Japan Orientation Setting up House Going about Your Work The Language The People Prices Travel Medical Problems and Health Insurance Clothing Coming with Children Miscellaneous Notes Appendices Helpful Telephone Numbers and Web Sites Japan's National Holidays Outline of the responsibilities of the I-House toward the USJFC Creative Artists Exchange Fellows Helpful Advice from Former Artists Contacting us Kevin James (2008) and Jane Rigler (2009) present their Artists' Forum at the I-House.

INTRODUCTION

This handbook is intended for fellows of the US-Japan Creative Artists Program. In this program, five US-based mid-career artists are chosen to spend three months in Japan immersing themselves in the Japanese culture and meeting artists from their particular fields. This program is sponsored jointly by the Japan-US Friendship Commission and the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts). The Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachô) provides visa sponsorship and the International House of Japan provides logistical support in Japan. If you are not on this program, much of the information in this guidebook will be irrelevant. For more information about the program and how to apply, please refer to the Japan-US Friendship Commission homepage here. (N.B. The information in handbook refers to residencies beginning in 2013)

For those of you who have been chosen for this wonderful fellowship, here you can find basic information about the responsibilities of the fellowship, how much stipend you will receive, tips for getting set up and other pertinent information to help make the most of your time in Japan. The information here is general, but whenever possible we've added url links to the text. If you need more information about a certain topic, click the link and you will go the appropriate web site. Please note that, obviously, in doing so you will also leave this site. Use the back button on the browser to return. The links are also listed in the appendix.

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE GRANT

These are the conditions of the grant, a copy of which you have probably already received.

A. Grantee agrees to spend three months in Japan without lengthy interruption except for unforeseen emergency. If Grantee is to be absent from Japan for more than ten consecutive days, Grantee must first seek clearance with the Commission's office in Washington. If Grantee spends a period of longer than three months in Japan, it is mutually understood that time will be the responsibility of the Grantee.

B. A grant award in the amount of $20,000 will be provided to each artist to cover housing, living, and professional expenses. Artists will be responsible for converting their dollar award into yen. Disbursement of the grant and financial responsibilities of the grantee will be outlined when awards are made and are included below under “Handling your Stipend”. Fellows are strongly encouraged to discuss management of funds in Japan with his or her bank well in advance of departure.
Up to $2,000 for round-trip transportation will be reimbursed to the artist to cover the cost of airfare.

C. The activities financed by this Fellowship are expected to be carried out exactly three months, beginning from the Grantee's arrival in Japan.

D. The Grantee shall submit a program report describing and evaluating the activities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement within sixty (60) days of the completion date of the Fellowship, or at such times as requested by the Commission. The format of the report is avilable for download below.

E. The Grantee shall use United States flag carriers or code share affiliates for international travel for all travel supported under this agreement.

F. During the period of this Fellowship, the Grantee may not be concurrently receiving any other fellowship award.

G. During the period of this Fellowship, the Grantee may not work for pay.

H. No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, political preference, labor organization/or non-affiliation, marital status, or parental status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Commission assistance.

FINAL REPORT

All Creative Artist Fellows must submit a final report on his or her residency within 60 days of the completion of the grant. A template of this report can be downloaded in MS Word format here and in a PDF file here. Please answer all the applicable questions on this template, adding extra lines or pages as needed. Feel free to add other things to the report, like dairy entrees, photographs or drawings if you see fit. This report is vital to the continuation of this unique fellowship. It is the testimony of each individual artist that speaks to its success and helps insure that funding will continue. Please send the report to the Japan-US Friendship Commission in Washington DC, the NEA and the International House of Japan, addresses as follows:

PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE

Japan is an amazing country where one can experience a mixture of the traditional and the contemporary, the East and West, freedom and restriction. Compared to Western countries, Japan and its people have evolved from a completely different cultural, linguistic and geographical backgrounds, yet as urban centers, Tokyo and other major cities of Japan share much in common with other great cities of the world.

Japan is not necessarily an easy culture to step into and even harder to understand (at least in the common Western way of "understanding"), but the amount of preparation you undertake before arriving and the effort you make once arrived will do much to determine the quality of your stay. We urge you to undetake as much reasearch on the country and culture as possible before your departure. This pamphlet provides a few details about the workings of the fellowship, what to expect upon arrival, and generally how to set up house in Japan and plan your stay.

Artists in the United States tend to congregate in New York. Likewise, the majority of artists coming to Japan choose to remain in Tokyo, which is the center of most artistic activity, both contemporary and traditional. Furthermore, the International House of Japan, which acts as advisor and curator of this fellowship, is located in Tokyo and is best able to assist those artists who remain in that city. Nonetheless, this fellowship contains absolutely no strings or conditions on location, and artists should determine for themselves where they should stay. The suggestions and hints given here are more or less applicable throughout Japan. For those who have lived previously in other countries or traveled extensively, these notes may seem redundant, but these pages were designed to make your transition easier and to lessen the intimidation of moving to Japan.

There are currently a great many publications available about Japan ranging from very scholarly, detailed studies, insightful personal reflections, helpful hints for the newly arrived to the official and non-official tourist guides. A look in the local library or on Amazon.com will yield a listing, but here we recommend a few books which are helpful, if you can find them. If you are unable to locate them in the US, they might be available in Japan.

• Tokyo, A Bilingual Atlas, Kodansha Inc. A detailed map of Tokyo written in both in romaji (Romanized letters) and kanji (ideographs). The index contains addresses and telephone numbers of embassies, hotels, etc. There is also a version for the whole country: Japan, A Bilingual Atlas (Nihon Nikakokugo no Atorasu).
• Your Life in Japan, (Volume 1 Daily Life, Volume 2 Leisure) Japan Times, Ltd. This book gives basic but important information for first-timers in Japan.
• Japan, The New Official Guide, The Japan Travel Bureau. A revised edition of one of the most respected and complete guidebooks.
• Japanese for Busy People, Association for Japanese Language Teaching, Kodansha Int. A thorough yet easy to use introduction to the basic of Japanese speaking, reading, and writing.
• Japanese Literature, An Introduction for Western Readers, Donald Keene, Tuttle Books.
• A Reader's Guide to Japanese Literature, Thomas Rimer, Kodansha International.
• A Lateral View, Donald Richie's collection of essays providing a sensitive insight into the workings of the Japanese society and interpersonal relationships.
• A Tractate on Japanese Aesthetics, Donald Richie's musings on Japanese aesthtics (by the way, any book by Donald Richie on Japan is worth reading) .
• Japanese Aesthetics and Culture, A Reader, edited by Nancy Hume, SUNY. This collection contains 12 essays by leading scholars covering literature, noh, kabuki, martial arts and modern sensibilities.
• Art Space Tokyo--an Intimate Guide to the Tokyo Art World, Chin Music Press, Seattle--Tokyo. As the title suggests, this book provides detailed information to a number of distinctive Tokyo galleries through interviews with the gallery directors and art critics.
• G 12 Twelve Gallery Owners, Interviews written by Hiroyasu Yamauchi, Tokyo Chizu Publishing Co. Ltd. This guidebook, also taking the form of interviews with gallery owners, covers some of the more avant garde galleries that the above book leaves out.

Major book stores that have extensive English language sections include Maruzen in Nihonbashi across from the Takashimaya Department Store on the Ginza subway line, and the Kinokuniya stores in Shinjuku and Shibuya. The area around Jimboucho and Kanda is a publishing center and contains hundreds of book stores, specializing in new or used books. Many of these stores also sell English language books. Nadiff in Shibuya, On Sundays in Kita Aoyama and the Aoyama Book Center in Roppongi and Aoyama next to the United Nations University carry a varied selection of foreign art and photography books. Art and stationary supplies can be picked up at Lapis in Roppongi or Seikaido in Shinjuku.

VISA

As a Japan-US Creative Arts Fellow, your work here involves cultural exchange.  Therefore you must obtain, before coming to Japan, a visa enabling you to engage in "cultural activities." This type of visa is valid either for six months up to a year (depending on what the local consulate gives you). The Commission and Bunkacho (Japanese Agency for Culutral Affairs) will provide the necessary papers for obtaining the cultural visa, but you need to begin the process several weeks before your departure. Please note that on this grant it is NOT possible for you to enter the country with a Tourist Visa, nor will you be eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. You are welcome to remain in the coutry as long as your visa allows, but you will be responsible for all your expenses beyond the dates of your fellowship.

If you are travelling with a companion who is family (spouse or children), they will be able to enter on your visa, but you must apply for this status as well. If your companion is not related by marriage or blood, he or she can enter the country without a visa (obtaining a Tourist Visa upon entry), but their stay will be limited to180 day (three months). We have had limited success with a same-sex partner obtaining an accompanying visa, but it seems to depend upon the understanding of the individual consulate.

Soon after your selection as a Creative Arts Fellow, the I-House will send you a questionnaire requesting information about your work, activities, any special needs or problems you might have. You will also be asked if you would like to reserve a room at the International House for the initial days of your stay. Most artists stay at the I-House for the first few days, as they usually need time to recover from jet-lag and acclimatize themselves to the enormity and complexity of Tokyo. It would be helpful if you could let the I-House know your arrival plans as soon as possible. You should keep in mind that time-wise, Japan is one day ahead of the United States. Your arrival date in Japan will be one calendar day after your departure from the US.

HANDLING YOUR STIPEND

Prior to your departure you will be given a sum of $20,000 (as described below). In addition, the Commission will reimburse your airfare up to $2000.

You will receive your $20,000 stipend in two tranches: $10,000 six weeks to one month prior to departure and $10,000 at the six-week juncture. These funds will be transferred to your US bank account electronically, based on the bank information you provide. This money will cover your living, housing and professional expenses while in Japan.

To use the funds of your stipend, you can either open a bank account in Japan or access funds with your ATM card. Because of safety reasons, we strongly advise you to limit the amount of cash you physically carry to Japan. Use of ATM machines in Japan and wire transfers to a bank account in Japan will both involve transfer fees, but having a Japanese bank account would likely be less costly. It is critical that you consult with your bank well before leaving to determine the best approach for managing your funds during your stay in Japan. There may be an affiliate of your bank in Japan and/or you may be able to make arrangements for international wire transfers at specified times. Based on advice you receive from your bank, the I-House can assist you in opening an account on arrival. Please do not wait until the last minute to consider this aspect of your fellowship!

Japan is still mostly a cash-based society. Personal checks are not accepted in Japan, but internationally recognized credit cards are accepted. Many small stores only deal in cash. The following websites contain information on money in Japan.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/money.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

Depending on how you arrange your finances before you leave, you should bring enough cash to tide you over before you can access your account. You should change a few hundred dollars at the airport on arrival. You can change more later, and the bank exchange rate is the same throughout the country.

The grant doesn't provide special funds for shipping your effects back to the US, and shipping charges beyond your two suitcases can be very expensive and have strict limitations. Keep this in mind when you come; you might want to keep your baggage to a minimum. See also the "shipping" section below.

Although you won't need to pay Japanese taxes on your grant, you will have to report your grant income to the IRS. Please keep any receipts that may relate to professional expenditures, since you will have to account for them to the Friendship Commission after your return. It is best to make a note of them in English so you can keep track of them later.

PRICES IN JAPAN

The truth about Tokyo is that it can be one of the most expensive cities in the world, depending on how you use your money and how you shop. This is especially true now that the Yen is at an all time high. The grant is sufficient but not luxurious, especially if two or more are living together on one grant. The prices of goods in Japan can be daunting, but it is necessary to get the feel for the local currency and economy and not try to convert all prices into dollars in your mind. Years of deflation in Japan has brought down prices, so that many goods and services--like clothing or eating out--in Japan are now cheaper than ever before.

SHIPPING

Previous artists have used both the postal service and private shipping companies to send extra luggage to and from Japan. Air Postal rates are very expensive, and surface mail is slow. Yamato Kuro Neko (Black Cat) has offices in the US and can arrange shipping to and from Japan at reasonable rates. Weight limits are strictly enforced and you must declare a detailed listing of all contents. When shipping to Japan, you can send your articles C/O the Arts Program, International House of Japan and we will hold them for your arrival.

For shipping from Japan to the US, the Japanese post office is reliable and easy. Air mail is quick but expensive and limited by weight. Surface mail is cheap but slow and sometimes the boxes can get fairly beat up. Other shipping companies are listed below (this is a list for your convenience only; we cannot recommend nor attest to any of these companies):

• Japan Luggage Express
• Moving Japan
• Fukuyama Transporting
• Yamato Transport Company
• Economove Japan
  

You also might want to consider bringing your extra bags or boxes along with you on the return flight home. Although the airline will charge their standard excess baggage fees, they may be cheaper than shipping companies, and it will certainly make clearing US customs simpler.

ARRIVING IN TOKYO

Most of you will be arriving at Narita Airport, which is about an hour and a half outside Tokyo. Narita has two terminal buildings, but the arrival process is the same for both. Unfortunately, the airport itself is so far away that essentially only heads of state and ambassadors get met at the airport, so you're on your own. Don't despair, the transportation folk at the airport usually go out of their way to help first time arrivals at the airport, and it usually turns out to be a very simple though time-consuming process. What follows is a detailed outline on how to get from the airport to the International House of Japan, assuming you will be staying there for the first few days. The Narita Airport site also provides detailed information for arrivees.

After deplaning you will go downstairs, past the quarantine checkpoint, past the immigration officers (who will check to see you have the right kind of visa, take fingerprints and photograph you), to the luggage pick-up and then through customs.  All in all, this process is quite simple, compared to many American ports of entry.  Shopping carts are provided for heavy suitcases. After customs, there is a money-changing desk. If you haven't brought yen from the states, take the opportunity to change several hundred dollars at this time. You can change more later, but you will be getting a sizeable advance on your grant within a few days. (The exchange rate at Japanese banks is the same anywhere in Japan, though hotels tend to charge more.)

At the end of the arrival lobby are a row of baggage handlers' desks. For a reasonable fee, they will ship your heavy bags and packages to the I-House or any other destination. As the luggage will usually arrive the next day, this service is highly recommended. It means you won't have to lug the large cases by yourself into Tokyo. You can also use this service when you leave to send your luggage ahead to Narita.

There are several ways to get into Tokyo from the airport, but if you are even thinking of taking a taxi to Tokyo, be forewarned that it might cost up to $300! That leaves the trains and buses. The following methods are the recommended ways to travel to Tokyo from Narita. The URL links will provide fares and times.

The Narita Express (NEX) is the fastest and most comfortable way to arrive at Tokyo station, taking just one hour and costing about 3000 yen. Trains leave on the average every 30 minutes during the day. You need to buy a reserved ticket before you board, but there is a JR desk at the arrival lobby where you can obtain schedules, reserve a seat and purchase a ticket.

Keisei Railways operates the Skyliner, which runs from Narita to Ueno in less than 40 minutes. Ueno is a little further away from Roppongi than Tokyo Station, and for this reason we recommend the Narita Express. If you go to Ueno, however, you can take the Hibiya subway line to Roppongi.

If you prefer buses (or arrive at off-hours when the train doesn't run), right outside the customs door is the Airport Limousine desk (with signs in English) where a bus leaves for the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT) every 15 minutes. The fare is slightly less than JR, but if the traffic is bad (and it usually is), the bus can take over 2 hours to reach Tokyo. Whether you arrive at the TCAT or Tokyo station, you should take a taxi to the International House in Roppongi. Hand the driver the map that is reproduced here, or, if you don't have the map, just say "Kokusai bunka kaikan, Roppongi." The taxi fare should be around 3000 yen. Don't worry about being cheated. Most taxi drivers, and most Japanese as well, are very honest and conscientious.

One marvelous thing about Japan is that there is no tipping of taxi drivers, waiters, or bell-persons. One last thing about the taxi--the driver controls the opening and closing of the passenger door, and he doesn't like it if you try to help. When you alight from the taxi, ask for a receipt (reshiito or ryôshûsho). Since you will need to account for professional funds, you should get into the habit of asking for receipts.

Some US air carriers operate flights in and out of Haneda Airport, which is much closer to Tokyo. If you can arrange a flight to Haneda, you willl save both money and time when you make the trek into Tokyo. The Haneda website provides detailed information on ground transportation.

THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF JAPAN

The International House is a highly respected, private non-profit membership organization dedicated to furthering understanding between Japan and the rest of the world. With its own endowment and support from foundations, corporations and individuals, the I-House sponsors various academic and cultural programs and activities, fellowships, scholarships, conferences and research. The grounds contain a hotel, conference rooms, a small all purpose hall, a beautiful Japanese garden, restaurants and a small English language library, all of which are available for exchange scholars, researchers, artists and members. The library maintains a collection of recent English language works on Japan in the area of the social sciences, humanities and arts. As a Creative Arts Fellow, you are eligible to join as a library member. The librarians will help you locate any books which may not be at the I-House library. The area around the I-House, Roppongi, is high-fashion and a mecca for models, thrill-seekers and night clubbers. Not exactly quaint old Japan, but it is convenient to the rest of the city and a good place to start. 

The Program Department, which is in charge of your fellowship, is open only on the weekdays during regular office hours and is closed on national holidays (see appendix for listing of Japanese national holidays). It will be helpful if you keep this in mind when planning your arrival. 

MAP

Address: 11-16, Roppongi 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan Phone/Fax Numbers: Program +81-(0)3-3470-3211/+81-(0)3-3470-3170 Information/Reservation +81-(0)3-3470-4611/+81-(0)3-3479-1738 Directions: Subways 1.  Hibiya Line, Roppongi Station (Exit No. 3) 10 minute walk 2.  Nanboku or Oedo Lines, Azabu Juban Station (Exit no. 7), 3 minute walk. Buses From Shibuya or Shinbashi Bus No. 1 Get off at Roppongi 10 minute walk

ORIENTATION

The International House, or IHJ, is your host and 'window' into Japan and will help with the mundane but necessary aspects of life and getting started with your fellowship. They maintain on their staff experts in the arts scene in Tokyo to help facilitate meeting and exchanges with people in your field.  IHJ Artistic Director Christopher Blasdel is a part-time staff member who is active in the music scene in Tokyo. Arts Program Associate Manami Maeda joined the IHJ staff as a part-time assistant in August, 2003. These two help the artists in both professional and everyday matters. Although the I-House has built up an extensive network of artistic connections, thanks in large part to the contacts made by previous fellows, it is helpful if you can bring names of people you specifically want to meet or have had previous contact with. The day after you arrive (depending on the day of the week and whether or not it is a national holiday), you will have an orientation with the I-House artists' assistance staff. They willhelp you register as an alien, open a postal office or bank account (if necessary) , ordering calling cards (meishi) and other daily problems will also be covered. Housing will also be discussed as well as any other problems or questions you might have. Please refer to the list in the appendices below for a description of the responsibilities of the I-House toward the artists (e.g. what we can and cannot do for you). 

Soon after your arrival you must, as an "alien," register at the local ward or city office where you have decided to live. You will need to take your passport and two passport-size photographs for the identification card they will make for you (like in the US, coin-operated photo booths are available for identification photographs). You must carry this card with you at all times (if you have the card, it is not necessary to carry your passport). If you decide to open a bank account, the law requires that you have an alien registration card (or proof that you have already applied for one).

SETTING UP HOUSE

Your first order of business, if you haven't already arranged something, will be to find a place to live. This usually happens smoothly, but it takes some time and effort. Your most important decision is deciding whether to live in Tokyo or locate somewhere else. The majority of the artists choose to live in Tokyo (as Tokyo tends to be the center of artistic activity in Japan) , but many also choose to live elsewhere--Kyoto, Kyushu, or in the countryside: it all depends on what you want to accomplish during this fellowship and what environment will be most conducive to your research. Some fellows have used the grant to do extensive travelling around the country, but even in such cases they have found a need for a place to return to and store baggage while away.Unfortunately, most of the housing contacts the I-House maintains are centered in Tokyo, so if you decide to live outside the greater Tokyo metropolitan area you will be mostly on your own.

Tokyo apartment prices vary according to location, space, building quality and environment. Prices within the center of Tokyo are understandably expensive but become cheaper further out from the city center. Some artists have found wonderful, spacious places in nearby suburbs which are reasonable and not too far away from Tokyo. You will have to consider how often you need to commute into Tokyo.

There are several possibilities in apartment searching: short-term rentals, word of mouth, personal introduction, classified ads or going through a realtor. Often apartments are available because a previous artist is vacating, or word of a vacant apartment comes into the I-House office. Many of the artists now arrange housing before arrival through their own contacts. Searching apartments through a realtor is not really feasible for this residency, since most landlords require at least a year-long contract. A realtor will also charge a one-month finder's fee, key money and a hefty deposit; all best avoided.

There are also short-term furnished rental apartments (called weekly or monthly manshons) available without the key money or realtor fees. Several of the artists have opted for these kinds of lodgings. They are small but clean and furnished with the basics: bedding, kitchen utensils, TV, video, telephone, etc. You can look these places up online and get an idea of their size and location. Some even allow for online reservations. We have listed a few of these short-term apartments in the appendix below. The various free classified ad magazines mentioned above list reasonably priced apartments. If you have any questions or need guidance on the housing situation, please don't hesitate to contact us; the sooner the better. It will depend upon where you stay, but you should budget about 20 to 25% of your stipend money for housing.

As mentioned above, the I-House has few housing resources outside of Tokyo. A number of artists opt to reside in Kyoto. There city offers inexpensive hotels in Kyoto, like the Aoi So, along with a series of youth hostels (a n up-to-date guide book or Internet search will provide more information), but most likely if you go live in Kyoto you will have to arrange a plce before you arrive or just go and look.

Most everything in the way of utensils and kitchen tools can be found in Japan. Almost all neighborhoods have hardware stores, and inexpensive utensils can be purchased at supermarkets or the ubiquitous 100 Yen Shops. You might want to bring any particular appliance or items which you feel you cannot do without, but keep in mind your amount of luggage and also the fact you will probably acquire considerable amounts of goods during your stay and shipping to the US from Japan is very expensive.

Local 'mom and pop' restaurants scattered throughout the city are very good and inexpensive, as they cater to students and singles who eat out every day. It is oftentimes cheaper to eat out at one of these places than to purchase a lot of food and cook for just one person. There is much variety in the food here, including a large availability of European and ethnic foods.

Vegetarians fare well here, but avoiding fish products may not be so easy. Nonetheless, an increasing number of organic vegetarian restaurants are opening up, and the vegetables available in the shops are usually very fresh and delicious. Recently, some supermarkets have begun selling locally produced vegetables, with the name and location of the farmer written on the package.

Japan is still in the dark ages concerning smoking in public places, although it has improved somewhat in the last few years. An increasing number of restaurants include non-smoking tables, but they are in the minority and usually ineffective because smokers still puff away at nearby tables. The family restaurants like Dennys (much more upscale than their US counterparts) or Royal Host have roomy non-smoking sections along with kid menus. Hotels, although expensive, also are likely to have no-smoking sections. Starbucks has revolutionalized the cofffee shop scene in Japan with delicious, reasonably priced coffee and completely non-smoking shops. Check out these sites for a list of no smoking restaurants: No Smoke Tokyo, Kin-en Style.

GOING ABOUT YOUR WORK

While on the fellowship, you're essentially on your own when it comes to meeting people and getting on with your work. You were chosen for this fellowship partly because you appeared independent enough to get things done without a lot of support. Although the I-House and its staff will help arrange meetings and facilitate your work, and the Bunkachô or American Embassy might take an interest in your work, no one will act as your manager, promoter, or secretary. If you are interested in meeting a lot of people here, try to find out as many names as possible before coming. Ask other fellows who've been here (see address list of previous grantees) and the ones in Japan now.  While the staff at the the International House will share whatever contacts they have, there may be none in your particular field. It cannot be stressed how important is laying this sort of groundwork. Leave no stone unturned, because, more so than any other country, Japan runs on a "whom you know" basis. Most Japanese artists are warm and open, and once contact is made and trust established,they are usually willing to open their world and acquaintances to you--though it might take more time than you initially suspect. Tell your Japanese friends the things you would like to see and do; they are understandably proud of their culture and will go out of their way to help you.

The arts scene in Japan is somewhat of a paradox. The highly refined and artistic aspects of the traditional culture give rise to a fertile avant-garde art scene, but public and private support of artists and musicians, especially young, contemporary artists, is almost non-existent. In spite of this lack of general support, however, there is a very thriving arts/music scene, both traditional and contemporary. Grantees have taken classes in noh, butô, traditional dance, tea ceremony, calligraphy and shakuhachi; just to name a few. Most teachers are more than willing to share their time and expertise with a foreign artist, but one can't expect to go too far with any of the traditional arts in Japan during a three-month visit, and very few artists or performers, especially those in traditional fields, speak English. The experience of taking lessons in a traditional art or craft can be invaluable, however, as an integrating part of your own work.

If you want to collaborate with a Japanese artist or theater group with whom you have a connection, try to arrange it before you come. Some artists have been disappointed because the time here is too short to arrange extensive collaborations. On the other hand, many of the artists have laid the groundwork for future collaborations during their three-month stay.

You cannot work for profit while in Japan, but you are encouraged to give readings, performances, or showings of your work (you may accept travel and per diem remuneration from the sponsoring insitutions). When you come, you should bring portfolios and examples of your work in as many media forms as possible: CDs, DVDs, slides, publications, reviews, etc.

The American Cultural Attachè and the staff of the US Department of State at the American Embassy are always interested in knowing about visiting American artists, and you should consider making contact with them soon after you arrive. They may be able to arrange performances, exhibitions, or presentations at the American Centers in Tokyo and other major Japanese cities. If you are interested, mention this early since planning can take a while.

Mr. Richard Mei
Program Development Officer
Cultural Section, U.S. Embassy
1-10-5 Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8420

Tokyo Tel: 3224-5242; Fax: 3588-0749

meirx@state.gov

Since 1987 the I-House has sponsored an Artists' Forum series where the fellows can show/ perform/read their work and meet their local counterparts. The I-House will, upon request, arrange a forum for you during your stay in Japan, as it will help you make contacts and share your work with other artists. The Artists' Forums have presented such diverse artists as film-makers, musicians, mime artists, video artists, computer musicians, poets, visual artists, and craft-artists. Be thinking of the kind of presentation you might want to make. Participation in the forum is not mandatory, but it is a good way to widen your contacts.

THE LANGUAGE

The bad news: for those who speak Indo-European languages as their native tongue: Japanese is a difficult language. You know this if you've already begun language classes. The good news is that all Japanese have had at least six years of schooling in English, so you are unlikely to starve or get hopelessly lost. Japanese language training, however, centers on reading, writing, and university entrance examination abilities, so they usually don't feel too competent in conversation. If you're really in trouble, try writing things down. Learning the katakana and hiragana syllabary alphabets before you come makes it much easier to read signs and generally get around.

Any effort that you make to speak Japanese will be met with the utmost kindness, if not somewhat overabundant praise. At the very least purchase a phrase book and try to remember the basics greetings, but if at all possible take some Japanese classes before arriving; the grant allows for a fair amount of language training in the states, and it is best to use it. Even a two-week Berlitz intensive course will be helpful. The language book, Japanese for Busy People, recommended above, seems one of the best all around language primers. Once here, you will be able to take Japanese language classes as part of your professional expenses. Spouses or partners can usually take for a reduced rate if you have classes together. Continuing your studies of the language once you come here is highly recommended. A knowledge of the language gives depth to your experience of the Japanese culture.

THE PEOPLE

It is impossible to reduce any culture into a paragraph, or try to predict how any one person will react to being here. Perhaps the most meaningful way to experience the culture and pick up the language is to make friends. This may seem elementary, but it is the creation of personal relationships with individuals in Japan that will determine the quality of your stay. You will meet people through your work, or at your favorite eatery or drinking place, or through your children, if you bring them. People here are fascinated with foreigners, and many want to make contact, though they may seem, by Western standards, to be at first overly shy. They will try their beginning English on you, and you your beginning Japanese on them. It is a wonderful experience. In Japan, it is easy to live a rarified existence and associate only with other foreigners, or Japanese who are integrated into the foreign community. Although these internationally-experienced Japanese and the expatriate community in Japan contain people who know the ropes and can be of immense help in providing guidance and advice, it is important to make friends with Japanese who don't particularly stand out or who speak only Japanese, and doing so will be a rewarding experience.

Living and travelling in Japan is obviously different from living and travelling in America, Europe or even other Asian countries. The views, both of the landscape and society, are fantastic. The blend of an incredibly long historical tradition and modern super-power status gives Japan an atmosphere unique to the world. People are paradoxically fascinated with foreigners yet remain ethno-centric.

The general notion is that the Japanese are a homogeneous race. That is false. There are important minorities of other Asian nationalities (Korean, Chinese, etc), and even minorities of other races (the Ainu, for example). The official dialect, culture, education system, and central government are very homogeneous and centralized, however, for both good and bad. The trend toward homogeneity makes anyone who isn't Japanese feel like an outsider, even though people may be very friendly toward you. Japan is very much an "insiders" culture, consisting of groups and cliques who have created a network of cozy relationships with each other. The feeling of being exclude is not only felt by foreigners, but by many Japanese as well.

The word for foreigner is gaikokujin, or literally, "outsider." This is often shortened to gaijin, and non-Asian foreigners in Japan tend to hear this word a lot. It is not pleasant to be constantly reminded that one is an "outsider," especially when one works hard to assimilate the culture, language and make Japanese friends. On the other hand, the Japanese have a label for everyone, for example omawari-san for the policeman, oyakusho-san for the bureaucrat and unten-san for the driver. To the Japanese gaijin is just another label describing the most salient aspect of a person. There is a place even for the outsider in this society.

As for the problems of outsiders, however, artists are exceptions and tend to be a special class unto themselves in any society. On the surface, this may make the Japanese artists you meet seem more open and international, and this might or might not be the case. You will probably feel uncomfortable from time to time; just accept that as part of the process and try to avoid the critical, judging habit which is so easy for Americans here to fall prey to: "Why do they do things this way? It would be much easier to..."

Asian Americans, although racially like the Japanese, will experience different problems, but will still be considered as gaijin or outsiders. They might be expected to speak the language better than a non-Asian American, however.

Traditional sex roles tend to be clearly defined in Japan (it is still a very male-dominated society, though slowly changing), but then again, the artists tend to be different. The Japanese are more reserved than Americans, and at first shyness may seem like coldness. While in Japan, one has to suspend their cultural habits and language and learn new ones.

One aspect of the Japanese art world, and all of Japanese society, is that vertical relationships tend to be much stronger than horizontal ones. That is, there is much exchange of information and friendship between teachers and students of the same genre, but very little cross-genre collaboration. A dancer is not very likely to know a painter, etc. This is slowly opening up, but still discouraging for those used to a varied artistic community. Keep in mind, however, that it is the participation of such artists like yourself in the Japanese art scene which will bring about a more eclectic and fertile artistic community in the long run.

One of the beautiful aspects of this fellowship is that you are not required to produce. You needn't create any work of art or music, nor undertake any significant goal-oriented projects. All that is asked of you is that you write a simple report on how you spent your time in Japan. This report will be used to evaluate the program for future artists and funding possibilities. Therefore, these three months are, essentially, for observation and for taking time out of a busy schedule for an entirely new and life-changing experience. Most of the artists find that the three months go by very quickly, but the experiences garnered during the residency take months or even years to fully ripen and come to fruition in their art. Observation, listening, and receptivity are the keywords to penetrating Japan.

TRAVEL

This is a wonderful country to explore. The train system is superb, with frequent service to almost anywhere you might want to go. The average delay is 54 seconds, so expect the trains to leave on time. However, the same efficiency and magnitude of the system can make your first visit to the station frightening and confusing. Here are some clues.

JR (Japan Railways), the former national rail system, is divided into six corporations: JR Hokkaido, Jr East, JR West, JR Shikoku, JR Tokaido and JR Kyushu, each one serving a different geographical area of Japan.

Tokyo and the Northeast are serviced by JR East, which also runs the numerous JR commuter trains in and around Tokyo. The main commuter line, the Yamanote sen (sen=train line) makes a complete circle around Tokyo, taking about an hour. Generally, the subways are within this circle, and the private lines operate outside the loop. Tickets for both train and subway are sold at machines, near the entrance. First, you find on the systems map your destination and the fare. You put your money in (any amount) and push the appropriate amount. Your ticket and change, if any, will automatically come out.

In general, the train and subway lines here are separated as to color. In Tokyo the Yamanote circle line is green, Chuo Line orange, Sobu Line yellow, etc. In addition, the subway stations in Tokyo are all numbered, so if you can't remember the name of the station you can ask by number.

You must pay separate fares for the different lines (one fare for JR destinations, one for subway destinations, one for private line destinations, etc). Life is much easier if you carry English subway maps with you. When in doubt ask, in Japanese if possible, but in English if all else fails. All stations names are written in English somewhere (unless you're really out in the sticks). If you are uncertain on which track to board your train, ask any station attendant. Wickets are automated and will read your ticket when you enter the system and collect it when you leave. Even the Japanese get confused about fares, so if there's doubt, buy the cheapest ticket and pay the remainder when you get off. There are automatic fare adjustment machines near the exits that will tell you how much more to pay.

A single pre-paid IC card can be used to ride all the JR lines, private lines, subways and buses in Tokyo. This card, called PASMO or SUICA, is available at any station for a refundable 500 yen deposit fee and can be recharged whenever it runs low. The PASMO is highly recommended, since you won't have to fumble for change or try to figure out the byzantine fare structures each time you ride. There is a similar prepaid card used in Osaka called or ICOCA .

For longer distances, buy tickets at the "green" window or a travel agent. The easiest way to do this is to write down your destination and indicate whether you want katamichi (one-way) or oufuku (round trip). Express trains (kyuukou) and limited express trains (tokkyû) require special surcharge tickets, as does the Shinkansen super express. At largeJR stations there are automated ticket machines--with english guidance--where you can purchase reserved, long distance train tickets.

If you need help in making a reservation, or anytime you're stuck and need English language help in a hurry, you can call the Japan Travel phone service between 9:00 am and 5:00 PM, every day (see listing at end of pamphlet). They are very helpful and will go so far as to tell you exactly what to say to get the ticket, or even talk to the station master themselves.

There are many types of accommodations in Japan, from high-class Western hotels to tiny, family-run Japanese style inns called minshuku. The minshuku are very economical and a nice way to experience rural Japan. The I-House can help make hotel or minshuku reservations. In the larger sities there are inexpensive hotels called "Business Hotels," which cater to the businessman-traveller. They are small and simple, but what they lack in luxury and space they make up with very reasonable prices.The Japan Travel Bureau can also help you locate accommodations fitting your budget and needs.

Generally, you pay per person, not per room in Japan. Also, you don't have to be a 'youth' to stay in Japanese youth hostels, so if that appeals, get a membership card from the Youth Hostel Association before you come, or get an international guest card from the national headquarters in Tokyo. One note: only the more expensive hotels provide towels for their guests. It is best of you bring your own. Neither are washrooms are equipped with towels. That is why Japanese always carry clean handkerchiefs.

The street system in Tokyo was designed in such a way that invading hordes would be confused and unable to locate the central castle. It was very effective. Even taxi drivers get routinely lost. Tokyo, for all it hugeness, really only consists of numerous villages grown together in a great urban sprawl. Each village has its own bank, shopping street, station, local government, and community flavor. It takes a long time to get anywhere in Tokyo, though, so allow more time than you think it should take.

MEDICAL PROBLEMS AND INSURANCE

Terms of the fellowship require that you are covered by some sort of medical insurance while in Japan, and you must submit proof of coverage. Sometimes your own health plan can be extended to include overseas coverage, but it may be you have to purchase separate coverage. Below are some companies that offer travel/overseas health insurance. This is a listing for your convenience only: we can't recommend a particular company nor can we be aware of what they offer. You may also want to do an Internet search on your own. And be sure to read the details--often the coverage is limited.

International Medical Group (IMG)
Interglobal in Japan
Legend Travelers LLC
Global Health Insurance
Globasurance
AXA PPP Healthcare

In order to qualify for the Japanese National Health insurance coverage, you must possess a valid year long visa (most of the artists on this program arrive with visa good only for six months). You can access information in English about the national plan here:
http://www.htia.org/e/info/health_i.html

Over the counter medicines, including vitamins, are readily available in Japan, but they are labeled differently from the US, and imported items, like aspirin, antihistamines, Alka-Seltzer and body lotions, are much more expensive than in the US. Some over-the-counter drugs in the U.S. require a doctor's prescription in Japan. If you are taking prescription drugs, it is best you bring averything you need during the residency.

On the positive side, medical services here are good and reasonably priced. Consultation with doctors, especially in the larger hospitals, usually involve long waits, however, and you need to search to find hospitals whose staff can speak English.

The staff at the I-House will be able to introduce you to doctors or hospitals should the need arise. A clinic nearby the I-House, Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic, is staffed by doctors and nurses who speak fluent English. They will complete your insurance claim forms without charge and sent to you within a week after the consultation.

In addition to hospitals and Western medical practices, there are many traditional Eastern health practices available; shiatsu, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. These alternative practices are not covered by insurance.

HIV infection has spread in Japan, as in every other country. Since the condom is the main method of contraception in Japan, high-quality condoms are readily available, but, like clothing, Japanese sizes tend to be, well, smaller.

CLOTHING

Temperatures over most of Japan range from extremely cold in the winter to extremely hot in the summer, so keep this in mind when packing for your fellowship. For summer stays, cottons and short-sleeves are the most appropriate wear for the Japanese hot and extremely humid summers. The city streets in summer are like ovens, but public spaces trains, buildings, offices, etc. tend to be over-cooled, so some sort of simple jacket or wrap is recommended for air-conditioned spaces. Winter in Tokyo is relatively mild, but an overcoat and sweaters are needed. If you live in the countryside it can become much colder. Spring and Fall are the most pleasant times of the year, but the temperature can vary significantly during these periods. You should consult a guide book for average temperatures and general weather conditions throughout Japan, but the climate in Tokyo tends to parallel that of Washington D.C.

The fashion industry in Japan is on par with the best of Paris and Italy. Clothes are well-made and very attractive. Unfortunately, if the high prices don't deter you, the lack of appropriate sizes will. Japanese sizes are smaller than Western sizes and items like shoes, socks and shirts with sufficiently long sleeves can be hard to find, though with the advent of discount clothing stores like the ubiquitous Uniqlo, shopping has become much easier and prices more affordable. Since footwear is removed in Japanese homes, the condition and cleanliness of your socks will be apparent. As the average Japanese body size has increased over the years, clothing sizes have also become larger, but it is still difficult to locate standard American large-size clothing. 

COMING WITH CHILDREN

Some fellows bring along their children to share the experience of living in Japan, and we are often asked about the availibility of Japanese schools, either international or local, where children can enroll for short periods. There are a number of International Schools in Tokyo and other large cities that will accomodate the needs of short-stay students, but tuition tends to be expensive. Some public schools will allow temporary matriculation, but in such situations language can be a problem. The International House cannot take on the responsibility of locating or contacting schools for the fellows, but if you are interested in enrolling your child in an international school, you may want to refer to the following publication: Guide to International Schools in Japan. The site Tokyo for Kids also has a section on international schools and much other practical advice for living in Japan with children.

Betsy Dowd, a 1992 Fellow, wrote this short essay on bringing small children to Japan, and it has proved helpful for many subsequent artists who have brought their children.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

If you search enough, you can probably find anything you want or need in Japan, but some Western goods tend to be quite expensive. Listed here are some items that previous artists wished they had brought and other information of which you should be aware:

1. Stationary for writing thank-you notes, a must in this society.

2. Small gifts. Gift-giving is an integral part of the workings of this society. The gifts needn't be expensive, but be prepared to give and receive a variety. Souvenirs with local color, liquor, T-shirts, novelties are all appropriate, as are prints, postcards, tapes, CDs. or other examples of your work. Don't forget wrapping paper!

3.  Voltage here is 100 v, which means that any American appliance will run on Japanese current without a transformer, albeit somewhat slower. The plugs are the same shape. Personal computers (Macs etc.) can also be run here just as you do at home, and spare parts are readily available. USA-made fax machines are operable in Japan.

4. If you want to rent a car here, you will have to obtain an international driver's license from the AAA before you come. The steering wheel is on the right, as in England. If a child is riding, child seats are mandatory.

5. The Japanese postal system is highly efficient and fast. They have a wide range of services from letter and package carrying, banking serives, international money transfers and various insurance plans. Their informative website in English details their services and prices: http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/index.html

6. Some of the incoming artists have inquired about bringing their pets to Japan. Although it is possible, it is not easy. The law varies with the type of pet, but in the case of dogs, you will need USDA paperwork certifying that your dog is vaccinated against rabies and disease free. If you don't have this documentation they won't let the dog in, period. Furthermore, even with the paperwork, the dog will be quarantined at the airport for a period of 14 to 180 days, during which time you will have to pay an agent to take care of the animal or travel every day to Narita to feed it yourself. For more information on importing animals, please refer to the Japanese quarantine procedures at the following website. http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/index.htm. You should also keep in mind that many apartment and condominium owners will not rent to tenants with pets, so if you travel with an animal your living choices may be limited. For these reasons, we highly discourage the bringing of pets. Not only is it troublesome for the owner; it also causes undo stress to the animal itself.

Appendices

Helpful telephone numbers and Web Sites

Institutions:

Online museum, art, music guides:

• Tokyo Journey This rather funky site provides some suggestions for a few walking tours of Tokyo.

Tourist & Living Information:

• Metrohomes is an inclusive housing site that automatically sifts through dozens of realitor sites to help you find the right apartment. It then directs you to the realotor.
• Sakura House A monthly efficiency apartment rental agency.
• Monthly Chintai A monthly efficiency apartment rental agency.
• Tokyu RelocationThese tend to be a bit fancier and pricier
• Kimi Information Center a site with reasonable apartment and accomodation listings for many areas in Tokyo, some without key money.
• Leopalace A monthly efficiency apartment rental agency with units in Kyoto, Osaka and around the country.
• Vivre le Japon A French agency that lists spacious and reasonably priced short term apartments available in Kyoto. The information is all in French.
• Fontana, Inexpensive, clean apartments for rent throughout the city.
• Azabu Court, A bit higher end, located in the posh Azabu district, close to Roppongi and the I-House
• Tokyo Tourist Information Center (TIC) 03-3502-1461, 03-3201-3331
• Kyoto Tourist Information Center (TIC)  075-371-5649
• Narita Tourist Information Center 0476-34-6251
• TIC Outside Tokyo or Kyoto (toll-free, from Western Japan) 0120-444-800
• TIC Outside Tokyo or Kyoto (toll-free, from Eastern Japan) 0120-222-800
• The JAPAN WEB GUIDE's FAQ of Japan. This offers some very useful information, especially for the first-time visitor to Japan, on a variety of topics, including the usage of eletronic equipment in Japan, customs proceedures, setting up house and other topics. Some of the information is slightly out of date.
• Escapeartist.comThis site is geared towards those coming to work in Japan, but it contains a lot of basic information and useful links.
• Hyperdia Japan Homepage
  -This amazingly helpful site will give you the departure and arrival times between any stations in Japan, along with the quickest routes, fares and platform numbers. It is invaluable for planning travel within Tokyo or around the country. Searchable in both English and Japanese. Some other sites which do the same are:
• Tokyo Subway Map is a very useful subway map for Tokyo and geneeral information about the reticulated rail system underneath Tokyo.
• Town Page site provides comprehensive, detailed information about how to get by in Japan. (http://english.itp.ne.jp).
• Japan Travel Bureau    03-3201-3331
• Japan East Railways 03-3423-0111
• Japan West Railways
• Narita Airport
• Townpage An English telephone directory (yellow pages only) for Japan
• Schauwecker's Guide to Japan
  -About 200 pages with illustrated, general information about most aspects of modern and traditional Japan. Sections include: Arts and Crafts, Computer, Current News, Entertainment, Etiquette, Food, History, Language, Living in Japan, Politics, Regional, Religion, Sports, Tourism, Tradition and Transportation.
• Japan Postal Service Answers any question you might have about the Japan postal service and provides rates, weight limits, etc.

Online Maps There are many online maps available. While they are only provided in Japanese, it is fairly simple to use if you know the address of your destination. In addition to a Japanese Map site,

Magazines, Newspapers, Book Stores

Japan's National Holidays

(When the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes the holiday)

January 1 (Ganjitsu) / New Year's Day

Second Monday in January  (Seijin-no hi) / Adult's Day

February 11  (Kenkoku Kinen-no hi) / National Founding Day

March 20 or 21 (Shunbun-no hi) / Vernal Equinox Day

April 29 (Midori-no hi) / Greenery Day (Late Shouwa Emperor's birthday)

May 3 (Kenpô Kinenbi) / Constitution Memorial Day

May 4 (Kokumin-no Kyûjitsu) / National People's Day

May 5 (Kodomo-no hi) / Children's Day

July 20 (Umi-no hi) / Marine Day

August 15 (O-Bon) / This is not an official holiday, but many Japanese take several days off during mid-August to visit their ancestral homes.

September 15 (Keirô-no hi) / Respect-for-the-Aged Day

September 23 (Shûbun-no hi) / Autumn Equinox Day

Second Monday in October (Taiiku-no hi) / Sports Day

November 3 (Bunka-no hi) / Culture Day (Former Emperor Meiji's birthday)

November 23 (Kinrô Kansha-no hi) / Labor Thanksgiving Day

December 23 (Tennô Tanjôbi) / Present Emperor's birthday

Outline of the responsibilities of the I-House toward the USJFC Creative Artists Exchange Fellows:

The fellows on this program are basically on their own, and our main objective at the International House of Japan is to help facilitate the fellowship and make sure that artists have the support and assistance they need to work smoothly in this culture, but there are limits to what we can do. Previous fellows have mentioned that it would be helpful if the I-House's responsibilities toward the fellowship artists were made clearer so they could know exactly what to expect. We enjoy the interaction with the artists and try to do as much as we can. For that reason, each individual artist is treated on a case-by-case basis, according to their needs and time. However, below are listed some examples of what the I-House can and cannot do for the artists who come to Japan.

Things we can do for the artist

1.        Answer specific questions or concerns before arrival. Make reservations at the I-House and hold parcels or cases sent in advance to Japan.

2.        Provide a comprehensive orientation upon arrival, including assistance in alilen registration and opening a bank account (if necessary) , application for I-House library card, explanation of Artists' Forum, respond to any questions or provide advice on living in Japan and ordering business cards for the artist.

3.        Assist in the search for housing. Provided the artist has contacted us in advance with his or her needs, we will do what we can to help find suitable housing and try to line up several possibilities before the artists' arrival.

4.        Provide general letters of introduction, in Japanese, explaining the nature of the grant and briefly introducing the artist.

5.        Assist in making contacts and introductions. Although the artist should do their best to make contacts on their own, oftentimes it helps to have an official organization, like the I-House request meetings and interviews on the artists' behalf.

6.        Set up an Artists' Forum, if requested.

7.        Be available for consultation on matters ranging from the arts to daily living and respond to any emergency situations (personal, medical, etc.) and be available for emergency help.

Things we cannot do

1.        Act as agent or secretary for the artist, including helping the artist to set up any commercial contacts or profit making activities.

2.        Act as translator or interpreter on the artists' behalf (except for official events like the Artists' Forum).

3.        Guarantee housing. The I-House makes no promises or guarantees housing for the artist, nor can they act as guarantor for rental contracts (houshô rentai nin).We cannot sign a housing contract on the artists' behalf.

4.        Provide professional assistance or support to the spouse or partner of the JUSFC artist.

5.       Assume any kind of personal responsibility to the artist or provide legal support. In the event of an accident or legal problems on the part of the artists, all we can do is refer you to Citizens Services at the US consulate in Japan.

Helpful Advice from Former Artists

Address:
The International House of Japan, Inc.
11-16, Roppongi 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Phone/Fax Numbers:
Program +81-(0)3-3470-3211/+81-(0)3-3470-3170
Information/Reservation +81-(0)3-3470-4611/+81-(0)3-3479-1738

E-mail:

This guide was written by Christopher Blasdel, based on an original drafted in 1986 by Susan Spencer and Nancy Karp. We try to keep the links as up to date as possible, but if you find any missing or broken links, please let me know.