General Services
The Resource Center serves as a source of information and support for the life of the entire OIST community in Okinawa, including family members, children and visitors, and promotes international exchange to make the time at OIST an enriching experience for every member of the community.
It provides assistance to the OIST community members in acclimating to their new surroundings, which includes support for daily life and introduction to various activities on and off campus.
Location: Village Center (next to the gym)
Hours: 9:00-5:30
Email: resourcecenter@oist.jp
Phone: 098-966-8929 or 098-982-3562
Daily Life Support
Below are some popular ways people have used the Resource Center to support their daily lives. If you need any information, feel free to visit us in person, contact us via the phone, or even send an email.
1) Interpretation
If you are having trouble understanding or being understood while running an errand, you may call the Resource Center for assistance. We will support you throughout the entire process.
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vehicle repair/inspection support
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appliance repair/operation support
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housing agency support
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car insurance agency support
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municipals office procedures
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restaurant reservations
*Please note that the Resource Center typically does not offer on-site support.
2) Translation
If there are Japanese documents that you do not understand, we would be happy to explain them to you in English. We can also write down information in Japanese to make your visits to government offices and other locations easier.
- government notices
- bank notices
- school notices
- allergy information
- appliance instructions
3) Administrative Assistance
Paperwork is apart of life wherever you live. We offer support for the paperwork required for living in and leaving Okinawa.
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paperwork for birth/marriage/etc.
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other city/village office documents
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procedures leaving the island
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paperwork for pension claims and tax representatives
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international shipping/movers information
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disposing of bulk items
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other necessary administrative procedures
4) Information About Child Care Services
We navigate parents through various childcare services.
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setting up meetings/visits with school administrators
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providing information about local/international school options
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helping to apply for child allowances
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connecting you with local activities and family support groups
5) Other Services
Upon request, we can also assist in applying for or requesting additional services.
- credit/ETC card applications
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rental car reservations
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food delivery services
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housekeeping services
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gardening services
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cable TV services
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setting up other services
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mobile/cell phone services
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redelivery requests (postal mail, parcels)
Social Support
Regular Events and Activities
The Resource Center is committed to helping foster a sense of community on campus. For this reason, we organize a number of regular events that help to connect you with others in the OIST community.
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Family Orientation
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Language Exchange
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Yoga classes and other cultural activities
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Monthly group trips
For the latest information about activities going on, please check the our "Events and Activities"page. We also post information on TIDA. If you have any ideas or suggestions for events or activities, please contact us any time!
Inside of the Resource Center
The Resource Center is an open space where you can feel free to drop by with no appointment necessary. You will find the following when you visit us:
1) Facilities
- Tables and chairs for discussion
- Lounge area
- Two computers (Japanese and English).
- Scanner/copier
- Music player
- Kitchenette with a coffee machine, water cooler, and sink.
- Children’s play area
- Restrooms (Handicap accessible/baby changing station)
2) Brochures, Booklets, Pamphlets and Other Information
- Okinawa information (maps, guidebooks, etc.)
- Local/national newspapers
- Discount tickets
- Local event information