Can I still teach in japan if I have cystic fibrosis ?

4 comments

1. While I’m sure Japan has adequate medical care for that condition. Based on my friend’s 65 roses journey. I’d tell you you probably would need frequent stays in the hospital, oxygen and meds. It scars your lungs eventually you’ll need a transplant. I can’t think of a company (even the black ones) that would take on someone with that kind of chronic medical condition visa wise. Maybe vacay there?

2. Hello – am not an expert but I used to run a theatre tour which involved bringing actors from overseas and in one year there was an actor who had cystic fibrosis, and he had to use a piece of medical equipment every morning.

   We couldn’t get his machine to work on the different voltage and we also couldn’t find a local equivalent machine to buy/rent. To our surprise cystic fibrosis seemed to be very rare in Japan (far less than 100 people with it). Apparently it’s to do with a genetic difference somewhere. In the end we had to get a rather expensive transformer for the device.

   If you depend on one I would probably look into how you would get a replacement if you needed it, and whether the way Japan deals with CF in general matches what you need. Someone at our Embassy also had cystic fibrosis but apparently not very severe and we didn’t get much help from them as they just self-managed, but if you were thinking of becoming a longer-term resident your embassy might be best placed to help you navigate this issue or try to locate a doctor that knows what to do.

   嚢胞性線維症 is how you say it formally in Japanese by the way, or just CF.

3. I feel like it’s a personal health question that only you can answer. In principle I don’t think anybody should stop you or discourage you.

   Maybe talk to your doctor. My cousins died of cystic fibrosis in their teens and had very difficult lives. However, I suspect treatments have changed, so people like you can live much fuller lives (which is awesome).

   My only 2c would be…
   – Teaching over there probably won’t have flexible working arrangements. Are you comfortable working 7-8 hours a day? There’s also part-time working arrangements. Guess that’s a call for you. What works best?
   – Visas ask about health conditions. I have a heart condition and had to demonstrate I was gonna be able to source meds/advice…etc. IMO you’ll have to be willing to walk into a Japanese doctor’s surgery, discuss everything with them and work-out a local treatment plan. People will say no doctors speak English but 99% of them will be pretty good as they have to ace English in order to get into med school (also all the meds/conditions have the same names in English/Japanese). But… they probably won’t be perfect at English, so you’ll need to be comfortable with that from an accessibility context.

4. I don’t know what kind of treatment or medication cf requires but it will be available here. The question is how much does your condition affect your work? If all you need to do is take medication daily, as I do for my condition, you will be fine.

   I do not disclose my condition to employers during interviews, as it will discourage them from hiring me and my condition does not affect my work / is not a visible condition. After a few months on the job I tell them about my situation (in case there is ever an emergency) and they have all been very understanding. Some people may advise against this, but I was never so much as given a second interview when disclosing my condition / have had my pick of jobs when I don’t.

   Doctors are hit and miss with English in my experience. Hospitals have gone above and beyond in assisting with any language barriers. Most have hand held voice translators, they may have staff that assist patients who don’t speak Japanese, they may do a 3 way call or video chat with a translating service. They will make sure Language is not an issue that keeps you from treatment. I like to hire an interpreter for my first visit. Most Language issues will arise during registration on your first visit. You should be fine on subsequent visits.

   People with chronic conditions can get a special insurance that will drastically lower medical costs (sorry the name escapes me at the moment). In Osaka I was given a pass that allows me to use the metro system for free. I was told the other day that there are even tax breaks available.

   My advise:
   – keep researching, not likely to find much about your specific condition
   – apply to jobs in bigger cities. More hospitals, more doctors who will specialize in your condition
   – let your doctor know you are thinking of moving overseas. Ask about getting 3 months of medication
   – do or do not disclose your condition to potential employers based how comfortable you are with either option

   Once you have a job lined up:
   – fill out the necessary paperwork to import your 3 months of medication
   – look for English speaking clinics in your new city. (You will need a referral letter to see a specialist. Clinics with English speaking doctors will be easy to find. If not, look up a local international center that can assist you finding a clinic)

   When finally in Japan:
   – visit the clinic to get a referral letter. They will likely make you an appointment to see the specialist
   – search Facebook for an interpreter. This is not absolutely necessary but will make the process less stressful
   – see your doctor, get meds. Repeat
   – when you register at your local city office ask about insurance for chronic conditions. The process is long but worth it

   A lot more than what you asked for, but this is the info I wish I knew when I was thinking of moving to japan. Hope this helps ease your mind.