March 29, 2011
Organization for the Promotion of International Relations
Kyoto University
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to all those who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami which struck the Pacific coast of the northeastern region of Japan on March 11.
As is being widely reported in various news media etc., the efforts to stabilize the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant are continuing.
At present, there is thought to be no direct danger to the Kansai area (western Japan) from the effects of the earthquake or the accident at the nuclear power plant. We request that all parties asses and confirm any relevant information, and respond to the situation calmly and appropriately.
Due to their limited access to information, certain overseas media sources are presenting an inaccurate account of the incidents. We ask therefore that you also refer as much as possible to the reports and information available from domestic media and public information sources.
- Links to official information sources are available on the Website of Kyoto University’s Organization for the Promotion of International Relations (OPIR):
http://www.opir.kyoto-u.ac.jp/news/20110314.html
* As the situation is changing rapidly, please ensure that you are acting on the latest information.
For those who have temporarily returned to their home countries, or who are intending to come to Japan in April.
As there is considered to be no direct danger to the Kansai area, Kyoto University is scheduling its courses and classes beginning April 2011 as normal.
Please note, however, that it is presently not possible to form a general criteria to deal with cases in which students or researchers are directed to return to their home countries or postpone their arrival in Japan by their country’s embassy, their university or their family etc. In view of that situation, Kyoto University will respect the individual circumstances and decisions of its international students and researchers.
We ask that you consider your future plans carefully and discuss the matter thoroughly with your family, academic advisers and the relevant officials from your country’s government institutions.
Please Note:
Students and researchers temporarily returning to their home country etc. are advised that they must complete the following procedures prior to their departure from Japan.
- Inform the Relevant Parties of your Plans
If leaving Japan, be sure to inform the relevant parties of your plans. It is necessary to obtain a re-entry permit from the Japanese Immigration Bureau. Please inform your faculty or graduate school etc. of the e-mail address and telephone number where you can be contacted. - Secure Your Home before Departure
Complete the official procedures to disconnect electricity, gas, and water supplies etc. and confirm their safety.
Please be aware that if the rental agreement on your accommodation has not been terminated you are still required to pay rent even if you are temporarily absent from the property.
Be sure to inform your landlord or letting agency of your intended absence and your plans to return.
If you do not intend to return to Japan, you must complete the necessary procedures to vacate the accommodation and remove all personal belongings from the property. - Regarding Scholarships
Students receiving scholarships from Monbukagakusho (Japanese government), JASSO, Kyoto University or private associations are required to sign a ledger each month to receive their scholarship. Students who are unable to sign the ledger for the month of March due to seeking refuge overseas upon the advice of their home country’s government etc. are requested to contact their faculty/graduate school immediately.
Students who do not intend to return to Japan must complete the necessary formalities to withdraw from the scholarship program.