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.
- Prohibition of Narcotics
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.
Never agree to look after a stranger's luggage at the airport. - Drinking and Smoking Restrictions
People aged under 20 are not allowed to drink or smoke. In gatherings where there are participants aged under 20, never offer them alcohol.
Nagoya city has special zones where smoking on the street is banned. If found smoking there, you will be fined. There are also many non-smoking areas on university campuses.
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. - Prohibition of Computer Crime
Copying, distributing, or using movies, music or software on computer networks without the permission of copyright holder is prohibited.
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.
- Many bag-snatchings occur in Nagoya. Keep your handbag close when walking on the street. There is the risk of theft inside and outside of buildings on campuses. Please always protect your property.
- Do not answer phone calls from unknown numbers. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
In case 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).
- go in and report it immediately if you are near a school office.
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, Mobile Phone and ID Cards
- When you lose your cash card, credit card or mobile phone and cannot find them immediately after searching, please contact the bank or relevant companies to proceed with the suspension of services, and report the loss to the nearest police station or "KOBAN" (police box).
- Loss of your student ID card should be reported to the office of your school. Please apply for a new card.
- For Application for reissue of Residence Card due to loss, etc., please see the web page of Immigration Services Agency.
Refuse Disposal 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. You are kindly requested to be mindful when you 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 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 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.