Hey, finally making the move soon and looking for clarifications for some simple questions from the experienced users here, would appreciate your time and replies!
Some preliminary info if it helps – I’m going to be a language exchange student going to Tokyo for one year.
1. Regarding the commuter pass, it seems there’s different prices for the normal (ie. working adults) and student price. Would I qualify for the student price or the normal price? Eg, [Navitime – Shinjuku to Ikebukuro station](https://www.navitime.co.jp/transfer/pass/result?orvStationName=%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF&orvStationCode=00004254&dnvStationName=%E6%B1%A0%E8%A2%8B&dnvStationCode=00005947&thrStationName1=&thrStationCode1=&thrStationName2=&thrStationCode2=&thrStationName3=&thrStationCode3=&month=2024%2F3&day=3&type=1&hour=8&minute=0&atr=2&defaultCondition=0&init=) shows 5,280yen (通勤) vs 2,940yen (通å¦), and just wanted to confirm my expenses.
2. Are language exchange students considered students in general? Meaning student discounts if available, student prices and the likes?
3. I’ll be bringing some basic non-prescription medicine just in case, such as paracetamol and charcoal pills, and not in large amounts. Reading [this link](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html), I am okay to bring up to a month’s worth without requiring any application forms, is that correct?
4. I understand I am allowed to work up to 28 hours per week, and if I apply for the permit at the airport upon arrival, I just need to fill in [this simpler form](https://i.imgur.com/2TbzWoX.png), compared to if I do it after arrival and have to fill in [a more thorough form](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004124.pdf)?
5. I will be leaving Japan and returning to my home country for a weekend in April. Per my understanding, I do not need to apply for any re-entry permit as long as I have my Residence Card and passport, is that correct?
6. To register the address at the municipal office, there’s [this form](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004178.pdf) which asks for a Representative. What if I don’t have one, or do I put the school I’m attending? Also, I’ll be staying temporarily at an Airbnb for the first 14 days on arrival, since my sharehouse will only be open 15 days after arrival. Am I allowed to just register my final sharehouse address? Just shy of 1 day, man.
7. Is the My Number card essential to apply for as a language exchange student for one year? I’m not sure the importance or practicality of having one besides our Residence Card, if it’s needed for health insurance or opening a bank account at Japan Post (which I’m limited to in the first 6 months).
Thanks to anyone who read through all that, I did not intend for it to get so long but just wished to confirm the details before going! Appreciate any replies!
by crazywarriorxx