Rules and Manner in Japan
Compliance with Japanese Law
During their stay in Japan, any student who commits a crime, misdemeanor or any other illegal act, will be subject to legal procedures according to Japanese Law. Nagoya University also takes strict disciplinary measures against staff and students who commit crimes or misdemeanors, and may expel them from university.
(1) Prohibition of Narcotics
In Japan, the possession and sale, for personal use or otherwise, of all narcotics and any illegal substances are strictly prohibited. There are so called "legal herbs" which are in fact poisonous and have caused serious damage. If offered, refuse them. In such an instance like leaving Japan temporarily, never agree to look after a stranger's luggage at the airport.
(2) Drinking and Smoking Restrictions
In Japan, people aged under 20 are not allowed to drink or smoke. In gatherings where there are participants aged under 20, never offer them alcohol.
Smoking is not allowed in many places, including stations, public facilities and within the campus. Nagoya city has special zones where smoking on the street is banned. If found smoking there, you will be fined.
Driving a car, riding a motorcycle or bicycle after drinking any amount of alcohol is a serious offence in Japan, and can also cause accidents. Never drive after drinking. Those who accept a ride in a car that is driven by a drunk driver or those who offer alcohol to a driver are all subject to punishment under Japanese law.
(3) Prohibition of Computer Crime
Distributing movies, music or software on computer networks without the permission of copyright holder is prohibited. Students should also refuse to use or possess illegally copied software, music and movies.
(4) Everyday Etiquette
While inside a shop, removing product wrappers, price tags or putting products into pockets or bags before actually paying for them may be treated as an attempt to shoplift in Japan. Talking on your mobile phone or chatting in a loud voice with friends in public places, such as on a train, can cause a disturbance in Japan.
Safety Guide
Japan is not as safe as most people think. There is the risk of crime anywhere in the world, including Japan. This is what you can do to avoid problems.
- Avoid going out alone at night and keep away from deserted places.
- Many bag-snatchings occur in Nagoya. Keep your handbag close when walking on the street.
- Do not answer phone calls from unknown numbers. Do not open the door to strangers, even if they claim that they are representing certain companies. If necessary the companies will put notices in your mailbox, so it is not necessary to open the door for an unknown visitor. Lock and chain the door of your apartment when you are at home.
- There are deserted or dark places on campus which you should avoid. There is the risk of theft inside and outside of buildings. Please always protect your property.
- To avoid being a victim of crimes such as fraud, illegal business practices, or stalking, do not answer advertising gimmicks and tempting campaigns. Do not give your personal information easily. Trouble on the Internet has increased. Be careful about buying and selling through online auctions. Internet based fraud is continuously increasing. Be mindful of the online trade of items.
- There may be occasions when unknown people talk to you very kindly and invite you to their parties and gatherings. Some of these groups may ask you to become a member of antisocial organizations, or to be involved in illegal works, or force you to buy expensive goods. These activities were reported to take place even on campus. Please be cautious about these invitations from unknown people even if they appear very kind at first.
If you are involved in any kind of trouble or become an eyewitness to a violent act or crime, call the police immediately (Tel：110).
If you witness any trouble on campus,
• inform the Security Guard Station (Tel：052-789-4917/2111)
• if you are near a school office, go in and report it immediately.
If you are the victim of a crime or are worried about becoming so, please do not hesitate to consult a counselor on campus and contact the police.
Not to get involved in Crimes. (Aichi Police)
＊Click 【英語】 to see PDF or watch videos in English.
Loss of Purses, Cash Cards and ID Cards
Report the loss to the office of your school, as the finder may contact the university.
- When you lose cash cards or credit cards, report to the issuing bank or the credit company and cancel the card(s).
- Report the loss to the nearest "KOBAN" (police box).
- Loss of your student ID card should be reported to the office of your school. Please apply for a new card.
Refuse Disposal at Nagoya University
A sorting system for refuse disposal is used at Nagoya University. There are trash cans for "combustible refuse", "non-combustible refuse", and recycle bins for "empty bottles", "empty cans", "PET bottles(=plastic bottles)", etc all over campus. In addition, there are boxes and a reverse vending machine near the Co-op. The sorted refuse will be recycled. Newspapers or magazines are collected by recycle companies. Used paper products such as used copy paper is collected and recycled. Students are kindly requested to be mindful when they throw away their rubbish and to use the correct bins to help waste reduction and the reuse of recyclable materials.
Garbage Disposal Rules in Nagoya
A sorting system for refuse disposal is carried out in Nagoya city for environmental management. All residents are expected to separate their refuse in accordance with the system (combustible waste, non-burnable garbage, recyclable garbage and oversized garbage) and place it in the right paid plastic bags. Place the bags at the designated place by 8:00 a.m. on the designated day.
To prevent your trash from being scavenged by animals, DO NOT place it there the night before.
For more information, please see this YouTube video(in Japanese) made by Nagoya City or the webpage of City of Nagoya.
How to use toilets in Japan
There are two types of toilets in Japan: Western-style (standard type) and Japanese-style. Mostly we have Western-style toilets, but there are still some Japanese-style ones on campus and in old facilities.
You can check how to use these toilets with images here. (Click to enlarge it.)
Western-style toilet (standard type)
- Open the toilet lid and sit on the toilet seat. Do not stand on the seat.
- Place the toilet paper in the toilet and flush. Do not throw the toilet paper away in the trash bin.
* Please do not put anything (including any paper nor tissues) other than toilet paper. - Push the lever or press the button to flush the toilet after use.
Japanese-style toilet
- Squat over the toilet bowl.
Please do not sit backwards. (The one with the hole is the front side.) - Place the toilet paper in the toilet and flush. Do not throw the toilet paper away in the trash bin.
* Please do not put anything (including any paper nor tissues) other than toilet paper. - Push the lever on the front of the toilet downward to flush after use.