Hypothetically, if one were to be prescribed meds right before arriving to Japan, leaving zero time for a shaken yomei, how deep in shit would one hypothetically be if one were caught with more than a month of said medication?
Hypothetically, if one were to be prescribed meds right before arriving to Japan, leaving zero time for a shaken yomei, how deep in shit would one hypothetically be if one were caught with more than a month of said medication?
Not antibiotics. I think they're used to treat Parkinson's in part.
I dunno how much sh*t you'd be in. Realistically, the chances of you getting snagged during customs are minimal at best (particularly if you're white, most especially if you're somewhat attractive). You'll probably be with a bunch of other JETs and the procedure will be relatively quick and painless.
If you really want to improve your odds, get something inappropriate of some kind--say, a large, realistically-sculpted dildo or a statue featuring enormous, exposed breasts--and put your medication inside it. Make sure it won't rattle around. Wrap said object in cloth or paper of some kind. If the customs agent bothers to unwrap it, s/he will be completely horrified the moment it is revealed and will quickly wave you through. MG and I discovered this (quite by accident) the last time we went through customs.
I will hypothetically relay this message to the appropriate party. Thanks.
Not sure if they're available in Japan. I will see if they are and if I can get a prescription for Japan? I'd have to probably get a referral for a prescription to fill there. I'm not sure if they're neurological, if I do get prescribed anything they'll be hormonal. I'll check out their availability in Japan right now.
True, but OP (or OP's "friend") intends to bring said meds in under the radar. Intent is evident. I'd very much prefer to see the OP (or OP's friend) find a legal means by which to import her/his meds.
Lacking any other option, though, and being the moderate libertarian that I am....
I will probably suggest to my friend that they take the first month, which is legal (yes?) and then have the rest shipped. I think.
Safest thing is to take a month and have the rest either filled in Japan or shipped with the Yakan Shoumei. Some 'hormonal' drugs (or 'hormone replacement therapy' drugs) aren't available in Japan or are extremely expensive (not covered by insurance.) Double check with a consulate (not your local one/the one you applied through if you want privacy) to make sure that the drug isn't illegal in Japan.
Don't get caught trying to smuggle anything into Japan. Its a quick ticket to a concrete cell and an uncomfortable and expensive plane ride home.
Last edited by webstaa; July 16th, 2014 at 08:56.
Could I fill out a yakan shoumei in Japan to have meds shipped from the US to Japan? I'm also worried about telling my Consulate what's the up and up because of the scary disclaimer "IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES AND WE DONT KNOW IT YOU WILL BE TERMINATED."
I don't want that to happen, especially if they hear what my diagnosis is and take it to its most extreme. I'm guessing its an insta ban if someone on the Japanese end misunderstands.
Is this a new diagnosis? They can't blame you for not telling them about a condition you didn't know you had 6 months ago.
This dancing around is too tantalizing though. Is it a Girl thing or a Brain thing?
I don't think an easily treatable, non-contagious illness that you were recently diagnosed with will get you kicked out of the program.
The bigger concern is making certain that you can still get the meds or can get your prescription changed to something you can get. Switching after you arrive will be difficult and/or dangerous, especially if it plays with neurochemistry.
Also, does this diagnosis affect driving ability?
Once your contract is signed and all official, they have to try HARD to fire you. Even if you end up with debilitating epilepsy (happened to a JET in Iwate? I think - I don't know his actual posting) as in full on seizures needing multiple MRIs and weeks off of school to seek specialist treatment - they are unlikely to fire you. (Unless you were diagnosed well in advance and then deliberately hid it from the JET application process.) If you keep it in your school and don't bring every issue to the BoE, you'll probably get more sympathy too.
AFAIK you can submit a Yakkan Shoumei from inside Japan - use the info from this page to talk directly with them instead of going through the embassies.
Last edited by webstaa; July 17th, 2014 at 08:23.