Preventing the spread of tuberculosis in Japan

ニッケン学園で結核検診が行われました

2015/03/19 Thursday Kalusugan

01Tuberculosis is a disease that can lead to death if there is no appropriate treatment. In 2012, there were 252 newcases of tuberculosis, and among them 28 cases led to death. And in 2013 there were 241 cases and 27 deaths.

Periodic exams are indicated to check out health conditions and prevent diseases. And the Mie’s Health Management Center (Kenshin Center Sante), carried out free exams at Brazilian school Nikken Gakuen in Yokkaichi city. The person in charge for the exams spoke about the purpose of this exam and gave us important information on tuberculosis.

[Interview with Fukuoka Hideyasu – health supervisor of Kenshin Center Sante]03

“Mie’s Health Management Center’s purpose is to carry out free tuberculosis exams for foreign residents in Japan and, through it, raise people’s awareness on the importance of this exam, as well as bring information on what is tuberculosis. And if everyone carries out the health exam, our goal will be reached.

Could you speak about what is tuberculosis?

“Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Koch’s bacillus. And the most affected organ is the lung. Elderly, children and people with low immunity are the most vulnerable, therefore they need to be careful.”

06What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

“The first symptoms are similar to a cold. Prolonged cough for 2 weeks, catarrh, sudden weight loss, fatigue in addition to fever and night sweats are symptoms of tuberculosis.

How should we proceed in the case of suspected infection?

“When there is suspected infection, it is important to attend a hospital immediately. Even there is no suspected infection, the recommended is to carry out a periodic health exam once a year.

Besides children, school’s employees have also carried out the preventive exam, and they thanked to have the opportunity to join it.

[Interview with Celina Yojo – director of Nikken Gakuen]14

“According to researches the number of foreigners infected by tuberculosis is significant, but there is the fact people does not comment on. And in Japan there are several cases of diseases caused by viruses, and there are the cases where children are in a serious situation due to this. So we find important since they carry out not only the X-ray exam to detect tuberculosis, and if any problem is detected they let us know. We appreciate their presence and if we could carry out this exam every year here at school I think it is very important. Because we have to take care of both children and employees’ health. ”

09[Interview with Ademar Oshiro – teacher at Nikken Objetivo]

“It is gratifying, not only on prevention, but in an eventual detection of a further problem. That’s why I think it was quite valid, and also I feel thankful because this company is making it availableto school with no cost.”

Tuberculosis is a serious disease, therefore we have to avoid a mass spreading. Periodic exams are important since they can detect 05the disease in the initial stage. Get information on health exams at the Hoken Center of your city.

Multicultural Integration and Japanese society

2015/03/19 Thursday Kalusugan

2015年2月14日に開催された「多文化共生啓発イベント」

Image2In Japan there are many foreign residents who contribute to society. They work, study and bring a little from their culture to Japan, contributing to the development of a multicultural society.

But what is the meaning of “Tabunka Kyosei” (multicultural integration).

[Interview with Mr. Sakanishi Takuro, executive director from PHD foundation]

“I believe the most important is the integration there is on daily living. For example, recently, several news form Islamic State are being released, but there are many differences regarding religion, daily life, culture, among others. But, these differences are the best part, since there is a mutual understanding among those who live in the same place, this is something very important to multicultural integration.”

In the event “Tabunka Kyosei Keihatsu” held on February 14 in Ise city, there were a number of seminars and presentations about different cultures existing in Japan. We interviewed some foreigners attending in the event and asked them about their experiences in Japan.

[Interview with Nepalese Muku Maya Tamang]2

“It was very hard when I arrived in Japan since I was not able to understand Japanese. But I started studying at a school where teachers were lovely and taught me in a nice way, it was very nice because I could learn Japanese.

I had some difficulties but all the Japanese were nice to me and always helped me. I always faced difficulties everywhere I went but it was very nice because everyone helped me.”

If there is another opportunity to come to Japan, would you come?

“Yes, if there is another chance, I would like to come again.”

[Interview with Indonesian Melti Afrida]

“My name is Melti and I am from Indonesia. I am a trainee from PHD.”

How is your daily life in Japan?

“Here in Japan life is convenient and everyone is on time. And all the Japanese are nice, and I find it very good.”

Image4[Interview with Burmese San Tun Oo,]

“My name is San tun Oo. Japanese children call me San-chan.”

Where are you from?

“My country is Myanmar.”

How is your daily life in Japan?

“I think life here is very difficult. It is convenient but daily life is busy. Everyone speaks in a nice way that’s why I have never experienced problems with people who come to talk to me.”

[Interview with Australian Keiko Holmes]

“I enjoy daily life in japan. The easiness of convenience stores, and I like Japanese food. For example, I think I like sushi the most. I love kaiten zushi. All the times I come to Japan with friends or my family we go to kaiten zushi. In Australia, sushi is on the rise, but undoubtedly, Japan’s sushi is the best.”

How is your communication with Japanese people?

“Undoubtedly, in the beginning I tense up due to comprehension level, mainly because in Japanese there are more polite terms, so it causes a little tension. As Japanese don’t care about it, since they know I am still studying the language, our communication runs smoothly.”

The event also featured a cultural presentation from Peru, with the typical dance “Mariñera Norteña” that attracted all the people through the graciousness of movements.

[Interview with Peruvian Grace Akiko Casalino]Image1

“It is a goal both from me and Peruvian children’s mothers who attend the dance school, in order to them learn typical dances from our country and perform in nice places like this, where many Japanese join together.”

Since you have been living here, how is your daily life?

“I made many friends since I have been living in Japan, the relation I have with them is the best enjoyable thing for me, my daily life is like this.”

[Interview – Japanese learners of Peruvian Dance]

“I started practicing this Latin dance after I saw teacher Grace performing. I was impressed with such beauty and I became interested in doing the same.”

Foreign residents in Japan can contribute in many ways to Japanese society. Not only working, but helping to create a society with more understanding on foreign culture.

Image3[Interview with Mr. Sakanishi Takuro – executive director from PHD foundation]

“For example I can mention the city of Kobe, today I came from there. In Kobe, when the great earthquake struck, Japanese people went through hard times, but they had support from foreign residents. Based on this experience and the current situation in Japan, where population is decreasing gradually, it is no longer possible to live or work only with Japanese citizens.

Statistics have been already released for 2015, predict to be the year with the greatest number of foreign residents in Japan’s history. And with the decreasing birth rates, it will be increasingly difficult to keep industrial sector in the country only with Japanese manpower. That’s why, I think that, when more people come to Japan, if they work here, get married here, live and raise children here, this will bring a great learning to Japanese people. And these foreigners will be very important for Japanese economy. Therefore, I would be grateful if everyone thinks like that and try to live together this way.”

Learn it. Feel it. Join it. Show your smile to everyone. This is the true meaning of multicultural integration.