COMMON JAPANESE WORDS AND PHRASES
Pronunciation Tip: When words end with a "U," it is typically "soft" or silent.
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
HAI | Yes. Does not always mean yes or agreement. In fact, most of the time it means I've heard you or I am being attentive to what you are saying. |
ARIGATOU | Thank You |
OHAYO | Good Morning |
KONNICHIWA | Good Day (use after 10 a.m.) |
KONBANWA | Good Evening |
KUDASAI | Please Give Me |
IKURA DESU KA? | How much is it? What is the price? |
SAYONARA | Goodbye |
SUMIMASEN | Excuse me (use when interrupting or when you would appear to be inconveniencing someone) |
GOMEN NASAI | I'm sorry |
ONEGAI SHIMASU | Please do me a favor, as in please help me; please do so; please serve me; etc., with the verb usually being understood. |
CHOTTO MATTE | Just a minute; wait a moment |
HAYAKU | Quickly; faster |
CHIGAI MASU | It is wrong |
SOH DESU | That's right; that is so |
SOH DESUKA? | Is that right? |
WAKARI MASEN | I can't understand |
MILITARY EXPRESSIONS
BEIGUN | U.S. Forces |
ZAI NICHI BEI RIKUGUN | U.S. Army Japan |
SHOKO | Officer |
HEITAI | Soldier |
GAIMU SHO | MOFA or Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Since most of us are not fluent in Japanese, we are dependent on English language media for information and entertainment. American Forces Radio and Television Service offers one AM radio channel (Eagle 810 for Tokyo area. Check for your local AFN radio station) with rotating formats to try to serve all listening interests. Currently there are eight television channels available at no cost through Armed Forces Network (AFN)-TV as well as dozens of additional cable channels offered through the Exchange commercial vendor. TV channels also try to address all viewing tastes, with a good variety of network series, movies, sports and news. There are no commercials. AFN-TV also broadcasts segments of interest to local communities, including weather, exchange rates, community events, and other items. AFN-TV is only available through the cable (no fee if not subscribing for additional cable services) or via an antenna and decoder box. The Stars and Stripes is an English language newspaper published for members of the U.S. forces, five days a week. You will find it a comprehensive, balanced source of international, U.S., and local area news with regular features such as comics, advice columns, classified ads, etc. The Stars and Stripes is sold by the Exchange and Commissary, in machines on U.S. installations, and is available by home delivery in many communities. All military installations have video rental outlets. There are often English video rental stores in the local community. Most military installations also have at least one movie theater, plus there are often cinemas in the local community which show English language films. Just remember there are other things to do in Japan besides watching TV.
Family Member Employment
You are coming over here with a job, but what about your spouse? What are the possibilities for her/his employment while you are here? As anywhere, the skills, experience, and desires of your spouse have a lot to do with the likelihood of employment. There are some special complicating factors in an overseas area, however. First and foremost is the supply of family member job seekers versus the number of positions available. There are many more family members than full-time positions. Since employment on the local economy is usually not possible, the competition for on-base jobs is very stiff. Second, spouses of civilian employees are not eligible for military spouse preference (a preference for Federal employment) so they have lower standing when referred for a job. If your spouse or other eligible family member has Civil Service status, lack of military spouse preference has much less impact. Many family members will be unable to find employment which meets their desires for work schedule, salary, or level of work. Job seekers should use USAJOBS to search and apply for open positions. In addition to USAJOBS already employed Army Spouses can register in the Department of Army Voluntary Reassignment Program (DAVRAP) to increase their chances of finding work in the new location. Contact your local HR regarding more information on the DAVRAP.
State tax requirements vary by state of legal residence.
- Some states do not tax military income earned overseas
- Others may still require filing or estimated payments
- Contact your state tax office or a tax professional for guidance
The Army Education Center in BLDG 246 has qualified personnel to provide educational and vocational-technical guidance.
Eligibility:
- Military personnel
- Civilians and family members (on a space available basis)
- Several civilian institutions offer resident credit at the Army Education Center.
- Classes are usually held during off duty hours.
Current Institutions include:
- Central Texas College
- University of Maryland
- University of Phoenix
Shopping
Torii Station has a small footprint, However there are robust shopping options in the surrounding prefectures. In addition to local economy shopping, personnel have access to the exchange and commissary on both Kadena AB and Camp Foster.
Exchange / PX
Torii Station has a Shopette which includes a Subway.
Kadena AB Exchange supports military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, their families and other authorized personnel.
The Exchange maintains a wide range of services - from a main store with a full assortment of merchandise to Express stores on Kadena AB.
Various facilities within the Exchange include home and garden, digital movie theater, Burger King, Popeye’s, Anthony's Pizza, Subway, Taco Bell, Military Clothing Store, gas stations and vending machine services. Additional concession facilities include new car and motorcycle sales, car rental, beauty/barber shops and more.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service continues to provide quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices.
Commissary / DeCa
Shopping on the Economy
Some Japanese businesses offer a "Tax-Free" option on the purchase of goods over certain dollar amount. When shopping look for a sign that indicates "Tax-Free". You will be required to show your passport in order to get to take advantage of the Tax-Free option. Be sure to ask before you purchase.
Due to electronic banking, most of the conveniences of home are available to you here in Japan. You may keep your U.S. bank of credit union accounts or establish one at either institution. Some people keep an account in the United States and one in Japan for convenience because of delays in mailing deposits to stateside banks and credit unions. An ATM (automatic teller machine) card from either the bank of credit union is very useful here and can usually be used at most Japanese ATMs. The ATMs on military installations dispense both dollars and Yen currency and do not charge a transaction fee, however, your bank may charge a fee so check with them beforehand. The bank and credit union sell Yen, but large amounts may need to be ordered in advance. The credit union rates are slightly less than the bank.
Community Bank:
- Bldg. 244
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. - ATM locations:
Attached to Shopette Building 238hange
Telephone:
DSN: 315-652-5191
Within Japan: 098-938-1111
IMPORTANT! Average electrical current supplied to most Japanese homes and on military installations is only 30 to 50 Amps, at 100 volts and 50 cycles for Eastern/Northern Japan (including installations in the greater Tokyo area) or 60 cycles for Western Japan including Okinawa. The average home in the U.S. is supplied with at least 100 Amps (usually 150-200), at 120 volts and 60 cycles.
Most kitchen and entertainment appliances will work well throughout Japan with the 100 volt electrical current.
However, in Eastern/Northern Japan certain electrical items that depend on clocks or timers will lose approximately 10 minutes per hour if the rating is only 60 cycles. Appliances with motors operate at a slower speed due to the 50 cycle electrical supply, but should continue to serve adequately. A transformer may increase the voltage from 100 to 120, but it WILL NOT adjust the cycles from 50 to 60. Electric clocks (without a 50/60 cycle or automatic switch) are not recommended for shipment if used in Eastern/Northern Japan, since they will not keep accurate time on 50 cycles. Freezers are not recommended for shipment since space is limited in quarters. Carefully choose the electrical appliances you wish to bring to Japan by first checking the electrical information imprinted on all electrical devices. Most items manufactured today are multivoltage and 50/60 cycles.
Cordless telephones (including baby monitors and walkie-talkies) in the 900 MHz AND 1.6 & 1.7 GHz range and not within the standard Wi-Fi band cannot be used in Japan as they may interfere with commercial communications frequencies. Authorized cordless home phones usually include those in the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz range and do operate within the standard Wi-Fi band. Telephones which meet these requirements are sold at the military Exchange.
A commercial vendor at the Exchange provides U.S. commercial phone service, including your own U.S. telephone number, as well as Internet and cable television service. Otherwise, long distance rates for calls to the U.S. vary based on carrier and type of service used. If you plan on calling the U.S. on a regular basis and do not live on post or want U.S. phone service, the Exchange and Lodging offer calling cards.
If you have an American cellular phone, you will most likely not be able to use it here -- the frequencies are different from those used here for such service and can interfere with other users.
Environmental Considerations
Know Your Environment
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Water Conservation
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Vehicle Maintenance
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Recycling
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Okinawa has many beaches and fun aquatic opportunities, but safety should always be top of mind. Check out the water safety video to learn more about water hazards and being safe while enjoying what Okinawa beaches have to offer.
Healthcare
Accessing healthcare needs in Japan will vary depending on your status. The information below is designed to assist you with some the "need to know" aspects of navigating your care while in Japan.
Emergency Care
U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa at Camp Foster is a full-service hospital that provides care comparable to many stateside facilities.
Phone Routine
DSN: 646-WELL
If calling from a cellular phone: 098-971-WELL
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
Ambulance from On base: 911
Ambulance from Off base or Cell: 098-911-1911
Hours
24 hours per day, 365 days per year
Location
USNH Okinawa
Camp Foster
BLDG 960
First Floor, West Wing
Host Nation Assistance:
If you experience a medical emergency:
Dial 119 for an ambulance.
- Ambulance transport is free, but hospital treatment will incur charges.
Healthcare in Japan can operate differently than in the United States.
- Japanese emergency departments are not required to accept patients or provide stabilization as U.S. hospitals are.
- Hospital acceptance may take time, even during emergencies.
- Medical capabilities at Japanese hospitals can vary from day to day.
Medical (Active Duty & Family Members)
There are no medical facilities on Torii Station.
Army personnel receive care at Internal Medicine, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Camp Foster, except 1-1 Air Defense Artillery personnel stationed on Kadena Air Base, who report to the Kadena 18th Medical Group Clinic.
Army family members are assigned either to a military medical facility or to a community provider, depending on their TRICARE plan.
U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa at Camp Foster is a full-service hospital that provides care comparable to many stateside facilities. Primary care is also available at:
- Bush Clinic, Camp Courtney
- Kinser Family Practice
- Evans Clinic, Camp Foster
- Kadena Clinic
Medical (Civilian Employees & Family Members)
U.S. civilian employees assigned overseas may be eligible for care at military medical facilities on a space-available basis and for a fee. Availability depends on location, staffing, and patient demand. Active-duty service members and their families remain the priority for care.
Routine dental and optometry services may not always be available through military facilities.
Because military medical care overseas can be limited and expensive:
- Speak with your gaining CHRA and sponsor before arrival about your family’s medical needs.
- Keep health insurance that covers care off post.
- Contact your insurance carrier to confirm what receipts and claims are accepted for overseas care.
- Ask your local TRICARE office or coworkers for referrals to host-nation providers.
More information on Federal Employees Health Benefits is available through the Office of Personnel Management.
For host-nation medical options, visit:
Dental Care (Active Duty & Family Members)
The dental clinic on Torii Station provides care for active-duty personnel.
Family members of active-duty personnel may receive dental care at Kadena Air Base or Camp Foster when staffing and availability permit. However, most dental care is referred to local providers that accept TRICARE Dental.
For more information on Dental Health Activity in Japan: https://www.usarj.army.mil/units/dentac/
Dental Care (Civilian Employees & Family Members)
U.S. civilian employees overseas may receive care at military medical facilities on a space-available basis and for a fee, but routine dental care is often limited. Many civilians and family members will need to use host-nation dental providers.
Before arrival or as soon as possible after assignment:
- Review your dental coverage
- Confirm overseas claim requirements with your insurance provider
- Ask your insurance provider for local provider recommendations
Prescription Medications (Traveling with Medication & Prohibited Medications)
When traveling to Japan:
- Bring no more than a 30-day supply of medication.
- Medication must be in the original bottle with the pharmacy label.
If you need to bring more than a 30-day supply, you must apply for an import certificate: "Yunyu Kakuninsho" (Medication Import Certificate)
Medications That May Be Prohibited
Some medications legal in the U.S. are restricted or prohibited in Japan, including:
- Stimulants (example: Adderall)
- Narcotic medications (example: Percocet)
- Psychotropic drugs
- Certain controlled substances
Always verify medication status with ⚠
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: Japan Medication Rules ⚠
Additional guidance is available from the: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan
Optometry/Optical
Optometry and Optical Services are available at the Kadena Main Exchange ⚠.
Medical System Differences
Healthcare in Japan can operate differently than in the United States.
- Cultural approaches to doctor-patient interaction, pain management, and behavioral health treatment may differ from U.S. practices.
- Behavioral health services are limited across Japan.
- Specialized therapies for children, including ABA therapy, are extremely limited or unavailable.
The Marine Corps manages SOFA driver’s licensing for U.S. personnel assigned to Okinawa. All licensing services are conducted through Camp Foster.
Who Needs a License
- Service members
- Civilian employees
- Authorized family members (age 16+)
How to Obtain a SOFA License
To drive in Okinawa, personnel must obtain a USFJ Form 4EJ (SOFA license).
Steps:
- Complete the mandatory driver’s orientation (available online or in person).
- Pass the written exam.
- Obtain a USFJ Form 4EJ license.
- Undergo a background check at the time of application.
Important Notes
- Driving in Okinawa is on the left side of the road.
- Road signs follow international standards.
- Roads are often narrower than in the U.S.
- Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h).
- The Okinawa Expressway is the only toll road.
- Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
Motorcycle Licensing
To operate a motorcycle in Okinawa, personnel must:
- Complete an approved motorcycle safety course
- Meet all USFJ licensing requirements
- Obtain proper endorsement prior to operation
Additional Resources
- SOFA Licensing Office (Camp Foster) ⚠
- Driver's educational materials:
⚠
⚠
Vehicle Requirements and Needs
All vehicles owned by U.S. Forces personnel assigned to Okinawa must be registered through the Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) on Camp Foster. Vehicles are registered under the sponsor’s name, and there are limits based on household and licensing.
Registration Requirements
To register a vehicle, you must:
- Possess a valid SOFA driver’s license
- Maintain required insurance coverage
- Ensure the vehicle meets Japanese safety and inspection standards
Insurance Requirements
All vehicles must carry valid insurance. Requirements include:
- Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI)
- Purchased for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the vehicle
- Supplemental Insurance (strongly recommended)
- Covers additional liability and damages
- Required by most commands
Where To Go
Location:
Camp Foster Vehicle Registration Office
(cross the street from the Commissary, behind the bowling alley)
Hours of Operation:
- Monday–Friday: 0730–1600
- Closed on weekends, U.S. holidays, and Japanese holidays (limited services may apply)
Road Taxes
- Due annually in April or May
- Based on vehicles engine size and type
Child Care Programs
There are no Child Development Centers located on Torii Station, Okinawa. All child care services are provided by the Air Force and the Marine Corps. Licensed Family Day Care is also available on Kadena Air Base ⚠.
There are three child development facilities on Kadena service children of active-duty military members and Department of Defense civilians. The centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC Accreditation meets the highest quality of Early Childhood Programs Standards and Accreditation Criteria. There are also a variety of programs offered to meet the needs of families on Kadena.
Youth Services
There are no Child and Youth services provided on Torii Station, Okinawa. The Army community uses the services provided by the Air Force and Marine Corps, which are located on each of the installations with family housing, which include: Kadena AB, Camp Foster, Camp Lester, Camp Courtney and Camp Kinser.
Available Programs:
- Youth Centers
- Sports programs
- After-school activities
- Teen programs
Visit their websites here:
Teen Sponsorship can be arranged through the various Youth Centers on other installations. For more information on Youth and Teen Centers on Kadena Air Base and on the various Marine Installation, please visit the following websites: Kadena Teen Center ⚠, Kadena Youth Center ⚠, and Camp Butler Teen and Youth Centers ⚠.
Schools
Your school age children are eligible for registration in one of the Department of War Schools (DoWS) on a space-required, no fee basis, if you were hired from the United States. Your child’s school will depend on where in the local community you live and your child’s grade. DoWS-contracted bus service is offered in some communities. If you have school age children, be sure to get information on bus routes before you commit to a house, unless you or your spouse are willing and able to provide your own transportation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: DOWs must be made aware of school age children with special needs. Contact with the DoWEA-Pacific Area Office is critical if a child has special needs or exceptional requirements. The employee sponsor must obtain required school documents from the child’s U.S. school prior to departure for the overseas location. You will need to complete and return these forms before moving to the overseas location to assist with any special needs or exceptional requirements.
Connect with the School Liaison Officer External Link Snippet for more information and details.
Find your school-https://www.dodea.edu/pacific External Link Snippet
You can also access a full list of what schools are located on any specific installation by navigating the right side menu in the Kadena Military Family Housing site External Link Snippet.
U.S. Postal Service support is available on Okinawa, allowing personnel to send and receive mail through the APO system.
Key Information:
- You may begin forwarding mail once you receive a copy of your PCS orders
- Mail delivery timelines may vary when arriving or departing
- Use your APO address for official and personal correspondence
Legal Assistance
Legal services are available to assist with common needs such as:
- Powers of attorney
- Notary services
- Legal counseling
Appointments are required.
Pet Care
Whether you brought a pet with you to Japan or adopt one while you are living here, knowing where to go to get pet care and what your responsibilities are as pet owners will ensure a smooth experience for both you and your pets.
Responsible Pet Ownership in Japan
- Register your pets with the VETAC on Kadena AB
- Update vaccinations as needed and required
- Keep animals contained and under control
Veterinary Services
The pets of personnel assigned to Torii Station will receive their veterinary services through the Kadena Airbase VETAC.
Okinawa Veterinary Activity
Kadena AB, BLDG 731 Davis Ave
Website: https://phcp.health.mil/Commands/Veterinary-Readiness-Activity-Japan/Okinawa/
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 0830 - 1630 / Friday 0830 - 1500
Closed all Federal Holidays and Last Duty Day of the month for Inventory/Training
Contact Information:
DSN: 630-3990
JPN: 098-938-1110, wait for dial tone-630-3990
USA: 512-630-3990
Email: usarmy.zama.medcom-ph-p.mbx.pha-j-okinawa-vetac@health.mil
Okinawa VETAC strives to deliver high-quality care to all our Military family and their pets through the support of our highly capable team comprised of NAF, MLCs (local nationals), and the Army Veterinary Corps. The Okinawa VETAC provides Military Working Dog medical care for the III Marine Expeditionary Force and the 18th Air Wing. Our clinic serves as the Role III veterinary referral for the Indo-Pacific region. The Okinawa VETAC provides healthcare to over 13,000 personally owned animals and supports the Government of Japan with the Rabies Prevention Program. Okinawa Branch ensures food safety across 13 installations on the island.