Resource Center FAQ

Below are some commonly asked questions at the Resource Center. Hold the "control" key and the "F" key at the same time ("command" key and the "F" key on Macs) to type in a keyword.

What do I need to switch my driving license?

A. The procedure to switch a foreign license to a Japanese license varies depending on the home country.  Essentially, you will need the following:

  • your original driver’s license
  • a translation of the license
  • documents (tax returns, transcripts, etc. ) proving that you have been in the country of issuance for at least 3 months before coming to Japan. *

*Some driver’s licenses don’t have an issue date. In that case, you will need your driver’s license history as well.

For more detailed information, please see the HERE

 

Where can I get information car insurance?

Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI)

Under Japanese law, all registered vehicles must be covered by Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance. This compulsory insurance is very similar in concept to that mandated in other countries, and it is designed primarily to protect third parties from injury by any vehicle in an accident. Although compulsory insurance is effective, it is by no means adequate in providing coverage for the insured, property damage to third parties and it does not cover any repair or replacement for damage to the vehicle itself.

Optional Automobile Insurance

There's no shortage of optional auto insurance coverage and policy types. Collision coverage pays to repair damage to your vehicle caused by a crash. In addition to the standard types of insurance, comprehensive coverage will also pay for damage to your vehicle if it's vandalized or stolen, etc. Both comprehensive and collision coverage generally require you to pay an excess (sometimes known as a 'deductible') before you can claim any money. The amount of the excess is decided at the time of insuring the vehicle, and is typically 50,000 yen, 100,000 yen etc. The point to remember is that the lower the excess you choose, the higher the premium will be. Furthermore, different policies will specify the particular circumstances under which coverage is available.

** Every Wednesday from 11:00 - 15:00, English speaking insurance company visits OIST (Level B: Restaurant Private Room). No reservation required!

 
 
CHUBB:
 
WILLIAMS TECHNICAL SERVICE KK
 
368 Sunabe Chatan-cho, Okinawa 904-0111
 
TEL: 098-936-2710 / FAX: 098-936-8054
 
 
 
WILLIAMS TECHNICAL SERVICE KITAMAE OFFICE
 
1-10-9 #201 Kitamae Chatan-cho
 
TEL: 098-936-4700
 
 FAX: 098-936-4700
 
 
 
AIU:
 
Nakama Insurance
 
Hamagawa  2-4-5 1F
 
Chatan, Okinawa
 
Tel: 098-926-1089
 
 
 
Other options (Japanese only) include:
 
AIOI Insurance
 
JA Insurance
 
Daido Insurance
 
 
You will generally need to present the following when getting voluntary insurance:
 
Copy of Japanese Drivers license (front and back)
Copy of Car Shaken/Inspection Certificate
Proof of Compulsory Insurance
Previous insurance card/paperwork (if you would like to change insurance companies)

How do I transfer a car title (buy/sell a car from/to an individual)?

The buyer or the seller should take all of the documents below to the Okinawa Land Transportation Office (Okinawa Riku'un Jimusho 沖縄陸運事務所)  and explain that you would like to do a Title Transfer (meigi henkō ;名義変更).  If you transfer a Kei-car, it will be at the Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Association (軽自動車協会 kei jidousha kyoukai), but they are located in the same area. You can also have someone (such as a mechanic at a car shop) do this for you if you both sign a letter of attorney (委任状), but they will usually charge a fee for this service.
 
  • Where to go:

For white-plate vehicles: 512-4 Minatogawa, Urasoe, Okinawa 〒901-2134

For yellow-plate vehicles: 512-12 Minatogawa, Urasoe, Okinawa 〒901-2134

 
  • Necessary Documents (white-plate cars)
  1. Buyer's and seller's Personal Seals (inkan or hanko)*both the seals must be the ones which are registered at the municipalities that the buyer and the seller live in
  2. Buyer's and seller's Personal Seal Certificate (印鑑登録証明書)
  3. Deed of Transfer (譲渡証明書) (needs to be signed by both the buyer and the seller. The seller also needs to stamp thier personal seal)
  4. Compulsory Insurance Certificate (自賠責保険証) from the previous owner
  6. Letter of Attorney (委任状) *Fill in this form and stamp both the buyer's and the seller's personal seals if either or both of them cannot go to the office in person.
  7. A proof of a parking space from the police station(車庫証明書) *if the buyer is a resident of either Onna or Yomitan, this is not required.
  8. Proof of Payment of Automobile Tax (自動車税納付証明書) from previous owner (ONLY IF the car needs to undergo a Shaken inspection when having its title transferred)
  • Necessary Documents (yellow-plate cars)
  1. Shaken Inspection Certificate (車検証) from the previous owner
  2. Buyer's residence certificate(住民票抄本) (the one issued within 3 months)
  3. Both the buyer's and the seller's inkans (personal seals)*the seals doesn't necessarily have to be registered at the municipalities that the buyer and the seller live in
  4. Letter of Attorney (委任状) *Fill in this form and stamp both the buyer's and the seller's seals(signature will do if inkan is not available) if both or either cannot go to the office in person.
  5. "OCR application form format#1"
  6. Report of light-sized vehicle tax*This document can only be available at the Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Association


The following page has additional information regarding buying and selling cars from dealers and individuals:
 
http://japan.angloinfo.com/transport/vehicle-ownership/buying-a-used-car/

Where can I buy a car?

For general information about finding a car, please see the Relocation Team’s “Living in Okinawa Guide”.

There are many places to buy a car in Okinawa. However, not all of them offer English support.  If this will be your first car in Okinawa, the Relocation Team can offer you assistance.

Buying from an Individual Seller

There are a few ways to find individuals selling cars:

•    TIDA’s “marketplace” section often features cars from OIST members.
•    OkinawaYardSales.com has a listing of vehicles.  (Search for “kanji plate” to avoid SOFA status vehicles)
•    Simply ask! Many OIST members may be looking to sell their vehicle.

If you decide to purchase a car from an individual seller, please read “How do I transfer a car title?” for more information.

Buying a car from someone with SOFA status  (Y plate car)

If you choose to buy a car from a personal seller, please be aware that as someone with a typical residence status (Japanese National, or on a work visa from the Japanese government and sponsored by OIST) purchasing a vehicle from someone who has SOFA status (generally people working for the U.S. military, U.S. government, and their dependents), can be very complicated and expensive (due to the additional taxes and inspections that need to be performed).  

Local Dealerships:

There are many used-car dealerships in Okinawa, but be aware  of the following:

•    Warranties are often very limited or non-existent
•    Some dealers will only sell a car to someone with a Japanese interpreter.
•    Some shop owners open their dealerships at very irregular hours.

If you shop for a car using the resources below, it’s best to check these details in advance with the Resource Center or a Japanese speaking friend.

Internet Sites

Goo net (Suzuki- Kei)
http://www.goo-net.com/area/okinawa/KEI/
This language has an English version, but it is difficult to find cars in Okinawa using the English page. Instead, you can use this Japanese page and run it through Google Translate.

Cross Road
http://www.o-cross.net/
This website is also in Japanese, but the Relocation Team has created a PDF guide that will be helpful for English speakers.

Used-Car Shops

Below are a few used-car shops near the Onna-area.

6351-3 Onna, Kunigami District,
Okinawa Prefecture 904-0411
Phone: 098-966-2450
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Monday-Saturday)
 
Car Shop Koja
181 Iramina, Yomitan-son
Nakagami-gun, Okinawa-ken
904-0303, Japan
Phone: 098-957-3595
Hours: 9:00-19:00
 
Kina Motors
505-1 Hija, Yomitan,
Nakagami District, Okinawa, 904-0311
Phone: +81 98-982-8686
Hours: 9:00-19:30 (Open Everyday)

Where can I get my car repaired?

Car repair shops are located all over Okinawa. Most shops do not speak English, so if you need assistance in explaining the situation, please visit the car shop and ask them to call the Resource Center.
 
Below are a few shops that OIST members have had good experiences with.
 
2366-1 Ishikawa
Uruma-shi, Okinawa-ken 904-1106
Phone: 098-965-6390

*Towing is available and the owner is familiar with OIST. Free loaner cars.
 
2761 Noborikawa,
Okinawa City, Okinawa 904-2142
Phone: 098-937-4059
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Monday-Saturday)
*Full Service in English. Free loaner cars.
 
Kishimoto Motors
2 Chome-33-5 Makiminato, Urasoe,
Okinawa Prefecture 901-2131
Phone:090-9494-5222
 *Performs body work and mechanical repairs. English is available. Free loaner cars.

Where can I get my shaken/JCI inspection?

Many car dealers, gas stations and car repair shops offer shaken/JCI inspections.
 
English Speaking Shops:

  • Toma’s Garage

2761 Noborikawa,Okinawa City, Okinawa 904-2142
Phone: 098-937-4059
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Monday-Saturday)
*Full Service in English. Free loaner cars. Credit Cards Accepted

  • Auto Repair Shop Toma

Google Map
Phone: 098-956-0691
Hours: 7:30-18:00 (Monday-Saturday)
*Full service in English. Free Loner cars. Free car wash. Free estimates.

  • B&M Motors

28 Sunabe, Chatan,Okinawa 901-0111
Phone: 098-926-5588
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Monday-Saturday)

Shaken Specialists (Tend to be the cheapest options for JCI/Shaken)

  • Miyazato Komae Vehicle Inspection Shop

2 Chome-19-25 Miyazato, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture 904-2165
Phone: 0800-808-0250
Hours: 9:00-19:00 (Open Daily)

  • Super Car Inspection

Okinawa Branch
1-1-24 Ageda, Okinawa City, Okinawa, 904-0012
Phone: 098-937-3388
Hours: 8:00-19:00; (Sunday and Holidays: 8:00-18:00)
*Online reservation (Japanese). Cards not accepted

Uruma City Branch
287-1 Maehara, Uruma City, Okinawa, 904-2235
Phone: 098-937-3388
Hours: 8:00-19:00; (Sunday and Holidays: 8:00-18:00)
*Online reservation (Japanese). Cards not accepted

Where can I get a document notarized?

The Naha Notarial Center will notarize both English language and Japanese language documents.
 
那覇公証センター
Naha Notarial Center      
3F Malissa Hills, 176-4 Aza-Asato,
Naha City, 902-0067
Phone:  098-862-3161
 
American citizens also have the option of getting documents notarized at the American Consulate. Appointments are required.

Where can I go about questions concerning taxes?

The HR Operations team can help with questions concerning income or residence tax.
For more specialized tax advice, please visit the Shiroma Getetsu Tax office which specializes in assisting foreigners with various tax issues.
 
1-2-7 Mashiko, Ginowan City,
Okinawa 901-2224
Phone: 098-897-2719

What do I need to know about pregnancy/ childbirth in Okinawa?

Once you are know pregnant, you need to register your pregnancy with your municipal hall.
Once your baby is born, you must register the birth at your municipal hall.
 

Registering Your Pregnancy

As soon as you know that you are pregnant, you must submit a Pregnancy Registration Form (妊娠届出書/ninshintodokedesho) to the village hall.

You will receive several documents meant to help educate you about pregnancy. The most important thing you will receive is the Mother-child health handbook (母子健康手帳/boshikenkoutechou).

About the Mother-Child Health Handbook

This handbook is extremely important. Everything medical about you (through your pregnancy) and your child (until they are several years old) will be recorded in here. It must be brought to any doctor/midwife appointment, hospital visit, etc. and is usually necessary for any kind of legal or official government procedure.

Birth Registration Requirements

Period of Registration
 
  • Within 14 days of birth
Individuals Eligible to Register
  • Father or Mother
  • Person living with the family
  • Doctor, midwife (or other) who was present at the birth
Region for Registration
  • Father and mother's permanent residential region
  • Present region of individual registering
  • Region where the birth took place
Where to Register
  • Town or village hall
  • Hospital, birthing clinic or center
Necessary Items
  • Registration of Birth Certificate* (出生届/shusseitodoke)
  • Proof of Birth (with doctor/midwife certification) (出生証明書shusseishoumeisho)**
  • Mother-child health handbook
  • Registering person's seal
  • Bank Book***
  • Health insurance card(s)
Documents for Non-Japanese Residents
  • Passports
  • Residence Cards
* This will be given to you by the hospital where your child was born. It is not a birth certificate in the usual sense. You will get copies of your child's true birth certificate from the village office (for a small price) when you need them. They don't give you the original.
 
** This will be given to you by your doctor/midwife with their seal on it.
 
*** This is needed if you want to get the monthly allowance (15,000 yen/month) from the Japanese government to help with child costs.
 

Pregnancy and Birthing Costs

The Japanese government will pay for many of the costs involved in pregnancy and childbirth. It is important to note that pregnancy related costs are not covered by the Japanese national healthcare system. The government treats this differently.When you register at the village hall, you will also receive a coupon book for your checkups leading up to your delivery.
 
The government will also cover the cost of the delivery itself up to a certain amount (~420,000 yen). If the delivery costs less, than you may keep the excess. If you choose a place to give birth before your delivery, they can register themselves with your village/town hall and the government will reimburse them directly. Otherwise, you will need to pay cash and then get reimbursed later.