Sexual
Health
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STD:
性病 seibyou -
Symptoms:
症状 shoujou -
False Positive:
疑陽性 giyousei
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Chlamydia:
クラミジア kuramijia -
Gonorrhea:
淋病 rinbyo -
Hepatitis B/C (HBV/HBC):
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B/C型肝炎ウイルス bi/shi gatakan'en uirusu
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肝炎 ビ/シ kan'en bi/shi
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Herpes:
ヘルペス herupesu -
HIV:
HIV/ウイルス uirusu -
Syphilis:
梅毒 baidoku
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Insurance Card:
保険証 hokenshou -
City Health Center:
保健所 hokenjo -
Blood Test:
血液検査 ketsueki-kensa -
Urine Test:
尿検査 nyou-kensa -
"Discharge Test"
分泌物検査 bunpibutsu-kensa
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Can I have the HIV test?
HIV検査を受けたいです。
HIV kensa wo uketai desu. -
How much will the tests cost?
検査はいくらですか。
Kensa wa ikura desu ka? -
How much is it all together?
全部でいくらですか。
Zenbu de ikura desu ka? -
Can I have a copy of my results?
結果のコピー(写し)をもらえますか。
Kekka no kopii wo moraemasu ka?-
Test results:
Negative 陰性 insei
Positive 陽性 yousei
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Am I safe?
わたしは大丈夫でしょうか。
Watashi wa daijoubu deshou ka. -
What should I do next?
これからわたしは何をすればいいですか。
Kore kara watashi wa nani wo sureba ii desu ka. -
What are your recommendations?
先生は何をすすめますか。
Sensei wa nani wo susumemasu ka.
References: http://kumamotojet.com/shin/index.php/living-in-kumamoto/health/sexual-health/, jisho.org
Get Social!
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Here is a short list of some Facebook groups you might want to join.
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You can also post anonymously.
JET Ladies +
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A group where all female‐identifying individuals can discuss and debate about various female‐related topics, give or seek for advice, and share their own experiences.
Shiga JET Ladies
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Similar to the previous one, but more specific to the Shiga community.
Futon Party! ‐ A love/dating discussion group for expat women in Japan
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A group opened to all orientations for all female‐identifying individuals who want to seek for advice, vent, share tips and stories about dating in Japan.
Stonewall Japan
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A group targeted to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Cultural Differences
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About the people you'll meet, either in person or on dating apps, ESID (Every Situation Is Different)! A mix of cultural influences and each individual's personality and upbringing will influence the way people interact with you.
LGBTQIA+
Laws & Discrimination
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Even with some laws regarding marriage equality and protection for the LGBTQIA+ against discrimination (at work or anywhere else), it might not be what you are used to (like the public opinion about it), especially if you are from a country with fairly liberal leanings on LGBTQIA+ rights.
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That being said, you’ll be okay and you will find that more and more people are supportive and ready to accept the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Gender and orientation labels are often viewed differently in Japan, so be ready for a lot of questions.
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If you plan to come out to any of your Japanese acquaintances, understanding these cultural differences about homosexuality will help you explaining it to those who do not know much about this topic.
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Since your sexual orientation has nothing to do with your job (Japanese usually keep their social “circles” separate), you don’t have to mention about it unless you really want to.
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⚠ Just keep in mind that the dynamics might unfortunately change at work if you do, but don’t let this discourages you to do so.
Social Life
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Kyoto and Osaka (especially Osaka) have regular parties and get‐togethers that are LGBTQ friendly/exclusive.
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Most are shared less publicly and you have to know someone who knows someone who can invite you or get you in.
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There are also some Facebook support groups available such as Stonewall Japan.
Social Networking/Dating Apps
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OKcupid and Tinder are not so great for these purposes (but still used).
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The kinds of people you meet will vary as well, based on the medium you use.
For Gays
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Jack’d
For Lesbians
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Spindle
For Lesbians & Bisexuals
(Apps that are also foreigner friendly.)
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WAPA
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Lespark (has gender verification)
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Scissr
Online Dating
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Nowadays, online dating is just another way for people to meet people, whether they are looking for a casual or serious relationship
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In Japan, popular apps such as Pairs or Omiai are available (said to be better for more serious/long‐term relationships), but they will require a higher Japanese level since their interface is all in Japanese.
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If navigating in Japanese is not your cup of tea, Tinder is also now in the game (not ideal for serious/long-term relationships, but perfect for casual dating and physical-only relationships).
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Some people on it might only look for friends or language partner, but there are many others who are obviously looking for a relationship, serious or not (e.g. one-night stands, FWB).
More dating apps
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Bumble
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OkCupid Japan
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Japan Cupid
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Match Alarm
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Tapple
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YYC
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Zexy Koimusubi
⚠ Risks
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When you meet with a new encounter for the first time, make sure you let people know where you go and who you meet with.
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The best is to bring a friend along (if possible) and always meet in a public place for your on safety.
What's Not Covered
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National Health Insurance does NOT cover consultations for dispensing of oral contraceptives or screening of STIs.
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Expect costs of ¥2000 - ¥4000 for consultations and an additional ¥2000 - ¥4000 for the cost of testing or medications.
Condoms
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Found in the ladies’ or adult section of drug stores, conbini, Don Quixote, etc.
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Viewed as the woman’s responsibility: abortion is considered contraception (see Abortion).
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Due to the lack of sex education, men might not want to use it, so stand your ground.
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⚠ Beware of "stealthing" or non-consensual condom removal! It's the practice of a man taking off or damaging a condom during sex, when his sex partner has only consented to condom-protected sex.
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They tend to run narrow compared to Western sizes, and are not necessarily known for their quality.
UTI Prevention & Treatment
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Most people go to the doctor for it.
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Cranberry juice and cranberry supplements are hard to find (you might want to buy it online instead).
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DON’T ASSUME IT’S NOT IN JAPAN! Sometimes, the same product is sold under a different name.
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Ask female friends or co‐workers.
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Describe what you want/why you want it.
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Best friends: Amazon, Amazon JP, Costco, iHerb, etc.
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Pro‐tip: go to bathroom (urinate) within 10 minutes after sexual activity to reduce risk of UTIs.
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-consensual_condom_removal
Pregnancy Tests
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Found in pharmacies and drugstores in the condom and lotion section.
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There are different brands and they will vary in prices, but they usually follow the same rules: positive when you get two blue/pink lines or the word "pregnant" (sometimes in kanji).
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A few common brands are:
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Clearblue (クリアブルー)
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Check One (チェックワン)
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P-Check (P-チェック)
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Do test (ドゥーテスト)
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⚠ You can get false negatives on pregnancy tests, but it’s almost impossible to get a false positive.
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So, if you’re still not sure, you may want to arrange for a doctor’s pregnancy test.
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These will be available at any OB-GYN clinic (or ladies' clinic).
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Abortion
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See Abortion in Birth Control.
Pregnancy
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See Pregnancy.
Social Taboo & Responsibility
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Being a responsible and sexual active adult, you may already know that getting yourself tested for STIs/STDs is really important.
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Asking a possible partner about it and disclosing your own STIs/STDs status will not only help you having a safer sex practice, but also prevent you from getting or spreading something.
⚠ Notes
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You may have already heard about it, but in Japan, sex is a social taboo.
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Sex and STIs/STDs are not openly discussed in Japan.
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Sex‐ed is different in Japan, be careful.
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AIDS cases are on the rise in Japan (more so than in most developed countries) and one of the factors is the lack of awareness of the risks posed by unprotected sex and the different diseases among many young people.
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Another reason why it is very important to get tested and ask about it!
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THERE ISN’T A TEST FOR ALL STIs, so proceed with caution/awareness.
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JUST BECAUSE THERE AREN’T SYMPTOMS DOESN’T MEAN IT’S NOT THERE.
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This counts for known and unknown. (For example, you can carry something for years and not know it until your first symptoms much later.)
Clinics & co.
Cost
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The price will vary depending on the kind and number of STIs/STDs tests you're getting done.
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Standard screenings are covered by insurance.
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If you have possible symptoms of an STI/STD, the National Health Insurance can cover the tests, but if you do not, you will have to pay the full amount for each STI/STD tested with an OB-GYN at a hospital or a clinic (or ladies’ clinic).
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You can also pay for a hard copy of the results with your name, the date and some other information on it.
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Alternatively, AIDS checks are also available at public health centers and are free and anonymous, but you will not get official papers of the results.
Where?
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For a map of places that perform HIV/ AIDs and STD testing in Japan: https://www.hivkensa.com/language/en/
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For the “big ones” such as AIDS/HIV, you may need to go to Kyoto or Osaka.
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For the “little ones”, regular clinics should do.
Home Testing Kits
Cost
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Price‐wise, it may vary but they can be slightly cheaper than going to a hospital or a clinic since you don’t have to pay for the doctor fees.
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Maybe you don’t have time because of your schedule, maybe you’re still not comfortable with the idea of going to the OB-GYN to get it done. Then, STD home testing kits may be the solution for you.
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Depending on which kit you order online, they should arrive within a few days in a discreet package.
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You only need to follow the instructions for each sample to provide, put them into the prepaid return envelope, post it back to the lab.
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You should then get the results within two weeks.
Useful Links
Japan HIV Center (Tokyo)
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Hours: 12:00–15:00 (Sat)
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Tel.: 03-5259-0256 (English), 03-5259-0622 (Japanese)
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Website: http://www.npo-jhc.com/english.htm
STDs in Japan
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5815645/
Urologists in Japan
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"Urology (Hinyoukika): They diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary system in men and women and disorders of the male reproductive system. Urologists can prescribe medicines, perform surgery, and treat urination problems. They treat problems of the male reproductive system such as impotence."
Recommendations
Kusatsu
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Tsuka Clinic
Tel.: 074-953-3410
Notes: This clinic is more specialized in urological care but not English care.
Cost
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The cost depends on the kind of consultation, test or procedure you get done.
References: https://japanhealthinfo.com/japanese-healthcare-services/which-specialist-do-i-see/
Gynecologists in Japan
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"Obstetrics and Gynecology (Sanfujinka) : Obstetrics specialize in the care of pregnant women, from the time of conception through delivery and the period following delivery. Most obstetricians are also gynecologists who diagnose and treat diseases of the female reproductive system and provide care for women when they are not pregnant. Gynecologists diagnose and treat diseases of the female reproductive system. Gynecologists perform surgeries and also can provide routine care, such as Pap smears or breast examinations."
Recommendations
Hikone
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Hayashi Women’s Clinic
https://hayashi-womens-clinic.com/
Address: 〒
Tel.: 0749-26-0528
Hours: 9:00–11:45 (Mon–Sat), 16:00–18:45 (Mon–Fri; Wed PM appointments only) (Closed on holidays)
Notes: There's an English-speaking male doctor, although the receptionists only speak Japanese.
Kyoto
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MATSUMOTO Clinic
http://www.maia‐matsumoto.com
10‐15 minute walk from Gojo Station (Karasuma Line).
Address: 〒600-8452 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, 松原下ル永倉町558
Tel.: 075‐341‐4103
Hours: 9:00–12:30 (Mon–Sat), 17:00–19:00 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) (Closed on National Holidays)
Notes: Most JETs come to this clinic for their health needs. The ladies at the front desk are kind, the doctor at this clinic you’ll most likely see is a woman and can speak English for your appointment. If there is any concern feel free to request her. Forms are bilingual. No appointment needed, walk in patients welcome. General check‐ups, STI testing, birth control, etc. are available.
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SATOKO Clinic
http://www.myclinic.ne.jp/tamakiclinic/pc/
5‐10 minute walk from Saiin Station.
Address: 〒615-0011 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Saiinhigashijunnaincho, 13-9 ミスターキーズ西院 1F
Tel.: 075‐325‐0272
Hours: 9:30–12:00 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat), 17:00–19:00 (Mon, Wed), 15:00–18:00 (Fri)
Notes: The doctor at this clinic speaks English, but the receptionists don’t. Kind and patient staff. The forms are in Japanese but with rough English translations. Possibly busier than other clinics, because there is only one doctor. Appointments made by phone; walk‐ins in case of emergency only. General check‐ups, screenings, birth control, etc. are available.
Kusatsu
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NOMURA Clinic
http://www.nomura‐magokoro‐med.or.jp
5–10 min walk from Minami‐Kusatsu Station.
Address: 〒525-0059 Shiga, Kusatsu, Noji, 1 Chome-6-5
Tel.: 077‐561‐3788
Hours: 9:00–12:00 (Mon–Sat), 15:00–19:00 (Mon, Wed, Fri), 17:00–19:00 (Tue)
Notes: Several JETs have had appointments here. The atmosphere may differ than at other clinics, as there might be a language barrier depending on your Japanese level. Appointment necessary for 15:00–17:00 and after first time.
Katata
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Ukita Clinic
http://www.ukita.gr.jp/
Address: 〒520-0242 Shiga, Otsu, Honkatata, 6 Chome-36-1
Tel.: 077-574-3751
Hours:
Notes: Appointments only.
Otsu
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Matsushima Ladies Clinic
Address: 〒520-0027 Shiga, Otsu, Nishikori, 3 Chome-6-22
Tel.: 077-525-0025
Hours: 9:00–12:00 (Mon-Sat), 13:30–15:00 (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat), 16:30–19:30 (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat) (Closed on holidays)
Cost
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The cost depends on the kind of consultation, test or procedure you get done.
References: https://japanhealthinfo.com/japanese-healthcare-services/which-specialist-do-i-see/