Things to Know About Living at AIU, in Akita and Japan

There are a few things that may surprise international students after arriving in Japan, Akita, and at AIU. We would like you to be aware of the rules, social etiquette, and daily life at AIU and in Akita so that you can be well-prepared before studying abroad.

1．AIU Advises International Students Against Driving Due to Safety Concerns in Unfamiliar Areas

While AIU does not prohibit international students from driving vehicles in Japan, we encourage students NOT to drive because of the high safety risks of driving in an unfamiliar environment. Additionally, some partner universities may restrict their students from driving in Japan, so please check with your home university first.

Driving in a foreign country involves different laws and cultural norms, unfamiliar roads, and possibly driving on the opposite side of the road. In Akita, drivers also face icy roads and a lack of plowing through the winter. Another reason AIU advises against international students driving is the risk of accidents. Even if students are confident in their driving ability, they have to be careful of other drivers – Akita is not known for high driving ability! In the event of an accident, few in Japan, including police officers, speak or understand English. Students who drive must ensure that they are fully insured and that their insurance covers accidents and includes translation services if needed. 

AIU does not provide any support related to driving, including translation, mediation, or negotiation for the following reasons:

• Insurance Coverage Issues: In the event of an accident or trouble in Japan, there may be cases where the student’s own insurance does not apply. Even if the university were to provide negotiation or interpretation support, resolving such insurance issues would be difficult.
• Clarification of Legal Responsibilities: As a university, AIU cannot assume legal responsibility for actions that students choose to take on their own. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and transparency.
• Lack of Specialized Knowledge: Matters such as traffic accidents and legal issues require specialized knowledge. University staff may not necessarily possess such expertise, making it challenging to provide appropriate support.

International students are not allowed to own vehicles during their stay at AIU. AIU does not issue parking space certificates, a prerequisite to purchasing or registering a vehicle, to any students.

2．Japanese Alcohol and Driving Laws Are Stricter Than in Other Countries

Students should also be aware that Japanese laws about driving while intoxicated are much stricter than in other countries. The legal alcohol limit is extremely low and also applies to riding bicycles. Students who have consumed any alcohol that day must not drive. There have even been incidents where drivers were arrested for drunk driving on the day after drinking because their blood-alcohol level was still over the limit! Alcohol-related and other serious driving infractions may result in deportation from Japan.

3．Bear Attacks in Akita and Nearby Prefectures Lead to Injuries and Fatalities; Risk Present Across Japan

AIU is surrounded by nature, and you may encounter wild raccoon-bears (tanuki), Japanese serows, and black bears. Bear attacks in Akita and surrounding prefectures have resulted in injury or death, and the risk is present throughout other parts of Japan. Please take necessary precautions and avoid wooded areas, including the forest near campus, to prevent encounters with bears. Never approach a bear if you see one, especially a cub. If you spot any wild bears on or near campus, please report it to AIU immediately.

4．Bring a Smartphone with a Call-Enabled SIM for Emergencies such as Earthquakes in Japan

In recent years, earthquakes, floods, and typhoons in Japan have made international news for the degree of devastation. While Akita experiences fewer earthquakes than other regions of Japan and the campus sits on a hill, which reduces the risk of flooding, students should still be prepared, especially when traveling around the country. Know the evacuation plan for any place you visit, and be sure to bring a smartphone capable of receiving emergency communications.  

Bring a Smartphone for Emergency Preparedness in Japan. The number of public phones in Japan has significantly decreased. Therefore, it is important to bring your smartphone and purchase a SIM card capable of making calls, which can be used for communication in case of an emergency, such as earthquakes that occur frequently in Japan. (Helpful apps for preparing for natural disasters in Japan are available for your smartphone.) It can be challenging to purchase a SIM card after arriving in Akita. Therefore, we recommend consulting with your current cell phone carriers and obtaining one in your home country or at a major airport in Japan, such as Narita or Haneda, upon your arrival.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster during your study abroad at AIU, please contact AIU as soon as it is safe to do so, so that we can confirm your safety and organize necessary support.

5．AIU Campus is Completely Non-Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all areas on campus. Additionally, there are few smoking areas off campus, so if you are a regular smoker, please be mindful of this.

6．Japan /Akita is Relatively Safe, But Stay Cautious

While Japan is generally a safe country, it is important to always take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Please keep the following tips in mind:

• Protect your valuables: Keep your wallet, phone, and other valuable items secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night: Try to avoid walking in dark areas or unfamiliar areas by yourself.
• Be cautious with strangers: Do not follow or trust people you do not know, even if they seem friendly. Scammers and those involved in cult activities in Japan often target international students and use friendliness to mask their true motivations.

7．Plan Ahead: Currency Exchange Tips for Your Stay in Akita

It is very important that you exchange your currency before leaving your home country or at the international airport where you arrive. Please be aware that there are no currency exchange services in Akita including Akita Airport, JR Akita Station, on campus, or near the campus.

While certain banks in Japan may offer a foreign currency exchange services, you will need to open a Japanese bank account with the bank in question in order to use these services, which can take around one month. Additionally, please note that we are unable to provide interpreters or assist with the procedures involved in using these types of services.