Family and Community Orientation

Dear new Family Members,

Welcome to Okinawa and OIST!

We are delighted to welcome you to the OIST community. Moving to Japan, Okinawa from another part of the world can be both exciting and challenging. Many of us have gone through the same journey—saying goodbye to loved ones while embracing the adventure of discovering a new home, exploring beautiful places, and experiencing the rich culture Okinawa has to offer.

Crossing borders always brings unique challenges, and that’s why OIST provides a wide range of services to support our community. It is important to us that you feel connected and know that you are not alone—many others have shared similar experiences.

This orientation is designed especially for new members who are not yet familiar with OIST’s community resources. You will hear from different teams at OIST about the services they provide, and you’ll also have the chance to meet and connect with other family members. In addition, long-term OIST family members will share their experiences and insights, which we hope you will find both valuable and encouraging.

Logistics

Event Information

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Where: OIST Conference Center Meeting Room 1

Register here. Registration will close October 14, 2025.

Participants will be able to pick up reference materials with important information about resources they can access as OIST family members. University Community Services staff will be available to answer questions. Participants will be able to hear from speakers and have the option to participate in interactive activities to meet other OIST family members. This event will be conducted in English.

If you are unable to attend but would still like to receive the information via email, please register and indicate this on your form.

Parking

• Free parking is available in the Conference Center parking lot and in the parking building near the Childcare Development Center area.
• Additional free parking is available nearby in designated areas on campus. Please note that the route from Village Center Parking to the Conference Center area is an uphill slope with a paved sidewalk next to the housing units.

Children

• Supervised children are welcome to attend. Please include the number of children in your registration form. Unfortunately, no childcare will be provided.
• A diaper changing station and nursing room are available in the Conference Center (see attached map).

Accessibility

• An accessible, all-gender toilet is located in the Conference Center (see attached map).
• An ostomate toilet is located in the Center Building, a roughly 8-minute walk and elevator ride from the conference center (see attached map).
• If you require disability accommodations to participate in this event, please indicate this in your registration form, and a member of the planning team will follow up with you. Please submit your registration form no later than 2 weeks prior to the event to enable enough time for preparation.

Food options

• The Ice Cream Truck from Coconut Glen will park at the Parking Lot next to Aeon and will provide delicious vegan Ice cream
• If you want to get your lunch before coming to the Event you can find different lunch options for purchase at Aeon in the Village Center, Yun Taku Restaurant, Café Tancha, and other food vendors in Center Court.

If you have questions, please email DEI@oist.jp.