After the Earthquake & Tsunami

There was a violent uplift at the sea floor 80 miles off the coast of Sendai, where the Pacific tectonic plate slides beneath the plate Japan sits on that caused the most powerful earthquake recorded in Japanese history. With a magnitude of 8.9, this was the sixth largest earthquake in the world. The most devastating earthquake to strike Japan was in 1923, when a magnitude 7.9 tremor devastated Tokyo and Yokohama and killed an estimated 142,800 people. The largest waves measured by instruments in the water were 7 meters (nearly 23ft) high in the north-east of Japan, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii. Other estimates put the wave height at 10 meters

N-H-K reports how the World Health Organization has concluded there is no radiation danger outside of the Fukushima nuclear plant’s 30-kilometer safety zone. It is also confident enough about the future state of the nuclear plant to state that there is no public health reason to avoid travel to Japan and no reason for people to evacuate from the country

The overall level of the advice has not changed; we advise against all but essential travel to those areas in north-east Japan most directly affected by the March earthquake and tsunami
We advise against all travel to within a 60km radius of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility. This is based on the latest scientific advice from the Scientific Advisory Group in Emergencies (SAGE). The Tokyo Metropolitan area and Narita airport lie outside this zone.

In Tokyo, operations are largely back to normal, although you should check before you travel as some routes, including the Narita Airport Express, may be operating limited timetables. Transport in western Japan, including Osaka, is not affected

It is safe to eat the food and drink the water in Japan since the earthquake.

http://youtu.be/YYsxYOiaHns

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/japan

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-tsunami-questions-answers

INTERNATIONAL LAWS

International Law is comprised of (1) treaties, (2) decisions of "international courts" (e.g., the International Court of Justice), (3) the past practice of nations and (4) the writings of international law scholars. As such, International Law is distinct from "Foreign Law," which is the law of other countries.
Interantioanal law is often defined as the body of rules and norms that regulate activities carried on outside the legal boundaries of states. More particulaly, it is the law that applies to three interantional relationships: (1) relations among nation-states; (2) relations among individuals (including corporations) and foreign nations; and (3) relations among individuals from different nations.

Public International Law--Public international law governs the relationships between national governments, the relationships between intergovernmental organizations, and the relationships between national governments and intergovernmental organizations. It regulates governments and intergovernmental organizations across national boundaries.

The sources of international law are based on Article 38 of the ICJ Statute[4]:                    

• International conventions (treaties);             
• Customary law (general practice of states and intergovernmental organizations that are legally binding and generally recognized by all states);
• General principles of law; and
• Judicial decisions and the teachings of the most highly qualified publicists of the various nations.

Private International Law--Private international law governs the choice of law to apply when there are conflicts in the municipal law of different countries related to private transactions between those countries. Often it is known as conflict of laws. National laws are the primary sources of private international law. However, private international law is also embodied in public international law sources, especially treaties (for example, the Hague Conventions[5] on Private International Law). Private international law deals with topics such as contracts, marriage and divorce, jurisdiction, recognition of judgments, child adoption and abduction, and many other areas.

Foreign Law--Foreign law is essentially national or subnational law. It defines the role of governments to the people they govern and controls relationships between people. It may regulate foreign persons and entities, but it does not have effect outside the boundaries of a nation. Foreign law is embodied in constitutions, statutes, regulations, and court decisions. Constitutions, statutes and regulations are primary sources of law for all jurisdictions. Courts decisions are also primary sources of law in common law jurisdictions, but are considered secondary sources of law in civil law jurisdictions.

The three forms of international business, or methods of entering a foreign market are:

            trade

            the licensing of intellectual property

            foreign direct investment

            over 266,000 individual identified exporters

Successful exporters make long-term commitment to their foreign markets and customers and undertake an export plan.

The US share of world merchandise exports is at 8.0 percent

The management of international business is the management of risk. This includes political risk, such as the risk of war, terrorism, or political instability, as well as commercial or transaction risk. The successful international manager is one who will plan in advance to manage the unique risks of international business.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

ISO is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards.
ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 162 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system.
ISO is a non-governmental organizaiton that forms a bridge between the public and provate sectors. It enables a consensus to be reached on solutions that both requirements of business and the broader needs of society.

A global quality management standard. It applies to all types of organizaitons. A network of standards institutes from 159 countries with a central office in Geneva, Switzerland, and was established in 1947 to develop commom international standards in many areas.A gap analysis will tell you exactly what you need to do to meet the ISO 90001 standard.

The ISO 9000 family of standards represents an interantional consensus on good quality management practices. It consists of standards and guidelines relating to quality management systems and related supporting standards.

HOST COUNTRY--Prior to the arrival of a U.S official intending to conduct judicial assistance activity abroad, it may be necessary for the U.S. consulate to deliver a diplomatic note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The note explains the purpose of the travel and requests permission for the U.S. official to conduct judicial assistance activity.  This notification may or may not be required, depending on the nature/purpose of the trip and the sensitivities of the host country.

U.S. Companies Doing Business Abroad: You can look up U.S. companies doing business abroad in American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries (also available in print), the Directory of Corporate Affiliations and Dun & Bradstreet. You could also try contacting the relevant U.S. embassy, chamber of commerce, Foreign country's trade agency, etc

http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_9000_essentials

http://www.ll.georgetown.edu/guides/InternationalForeignbasics.cfm

http://the9000store.com/what-are-iso-9000-standards.aspx?pmc=G9-US.&gclid=CNq6npSes6kCFcPt7QodwFO8MA

http://www.enotes.com/biz-encyclopedia/international-law

http://law.lexisnexis.com/infopro/zimmermans/disp.aspx?z=1401

http://travel.state.gov/law/judicial/judicial_692.html

ANNUAL CONFERENCE POWERPOINT

I decided to put together a power-point presentation with pertinent information that will assist my  co

workers on there travels to Japan. Since I have been here for some time now I found that knowing certain behaviors, customs, and etiquette's of the Japanese culture that can be very beneficial. These tips can help you save time and a little embarrassment.

Keeping your luggage small is recommended when you travel around Japan. You might want to bring several small bags so that you don't have to carry a large suitcase.

Bringing a pair of shoes that you can slip off and on easily might be convenient. Make sure to bring, and wear, a nice pair of socks or pantyhose to avoid any embarrassment when you take off you shoes.

Money!!

The unit of Japanese currency is yen. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen and bank notes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen. There is no limit on the amount of any currency that may be brought into or taken from Japan. If the money exceeds 1,000,000 yen in or out of the country you must complete a customs declaration. 


16270 (JPY) = $ 200.00 (USD)
40675 (JPY) = $ 500.00 (USD)


You can buy at foreign exchange banks, international airports and other authorized money exchangers.

Japanese Currency


International credit cards are accepted but it is recommended to obtain cash beforehand when traveling outside your country.
Visa, MasterCard, AE & Diners Club are all accepted.


The easiest and most economical way to send have money sent to me in Japan would be Postal Money Order. The quickest, most expensive but secure way would be a Wire Transfer.


List of things I may need to spend money on:

• Hotel
• Food
• Shopping
• Attractions
• Transportation

Japanese Yen
























http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/money.html
http://www.x-rates.com/

How will I communicate?

Since I will be in Tokyo for several days I began to wonder how would I communicate with my family & friends while I am there. Then I questioned if my cell phone would work while I am there. I found out that my cell phone will not work in Japan due to different technologies. However, I may rent a cell phone, purchase a magnetic phone card or use public phone. I will chose to rent a cell phone once I arrive, this seems like the easiest option since I am already accustomed to using a cell phone everyday here in the states.

You can make a direct international telephone call from your home or from designated public telephone without signing a contract with a long-distance company. Access codes, rates, services, and discounts differ depending on the international telephone phone company you use.

Calling Japan from the United States explained:

011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada

81 - country code for Japan            

area code - 1 - 5 digit codes

phone number - 4 - 8 digits; area code + phone number total 9 digits for landlines

Area code for Tokyo - 3

★If you are calling from a land line and are registered with "My Line":
Dial 010+ country code + phone number with area code minus the first zero
*For example calling the US from Japan with MY Line you would dial 010-1-646-555-1234★If you are calling from a land line or public pay phone and are not registered with "My Line":
Dial Carrier Code + 010+ country code + phone number with area code minus the first zero
NTT Communications - 0033
KDDI - 001
Softbank Telecom - 0041
* For example calling the US from Japan with Softbank Telecom you would dial 0041-010-1-646-555-1234★Calling international from a mobile phone
Depending upon your mobile contract pre-registration may be required
Carrier Code + 010+ country code + phone number with area code minus the first zero
DOCOMO - 009310
AU - 005345
Softbank - no code required
Willcom - no code required★Country Codes
US / Canada 1

Need to find a phone that will work in Japan without parting with lots of cash? We recommend Softbank as being one of the cheapest providers with good options for temporary stays in Tokyo.

Full list available here: http://countrycode.org/

Source(s): http://www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/dailylivi…
http://www.iwami.or.jp/fudoplan/first-t

Travel Itinerary

Departure Flight:

Date November 1, 2011

Continental Airlines 1612

Flight Number 1612

From: Tampa, FL

Departure Time: 6:45 A.M.

Departure Terminal/Gate 22

To: Tokyo, Japan

Arrival Time: 2:10pm-Arrives the next day

Length of Flight: Total duration: 38hr 38min | Total miles: 15494 miles *overnight flight

Hotel and Lodging

Date of Reservation: May 22, 2011

Hotel : Shinjuku Washington Hotel

Address: 3-2-9 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Check-In Day/Time: Wed, Nov 2, 2011 (1400)

Checkout Day/Time: Tue, Nov 8, 2011 (1000)

Return Flight

Date: November 8, 2011

United Airlines/Continental

Flight Number: 1075/318

From: Tokyo, Japan

Departure Time: 5:45pm

Departure Terminal/Gate: 45

To: Tampa, FL

Arrival Time: 11:58pm

Length of Flight: duration: 38hr 38min | Total miles: 15494 miles *overnight flight

Seat Number: 2A

Round-trip flight price- $1,383.00,8 days 7 night

Totalduration: 38hr 38min | Total miles: 15494 miles 

Round-trip with hotel included price is $1,948.00

There are several travel options for getting around Tokyo.

JR Narita Express (NEX) About 3000 yen, 60 minutes to central Tokyo
Departures every 30-60 minutes
The fastest way of travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station is the JR Narita Express (NEX). The one way journey takes roughly one hour, costs around 3000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Pass. There are departures every 30 to 60 minutes. The Narita Express is a fast and comfortable airport train into central Tokyo (serving Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Stations), the Tokyo Tama region, Yokohama and Saitama. All seats are reserved. Thanks to the NEX & Suica package, the Narita Express can also be a relatively economical airport access option. With the Suica & NEX package, available for 3500 yen to foreign tourists only, you can travel by Narita Express from the airport to Tokyo and receive a Suica prepaid card worth 2000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit plus 1500 yen worth in train fares). A round trip version is available for 5500 yen.

The "Keisei Skyliner & Metro Pass", consists of a one way trip by the Keisei Skyliner from the airport to central Tokyo and a 1-day or 2-day pass for Tokyo Metro for 2600 or 2980 yen respectively. A round trip version is available for 4500 yen or 4880 yen respectively.

1st Step in Preparing my trip to Tokyo

First steps for myself was to find out if I needed a passport and/or visa to enter Japan.
I read it is wise to let your Consulate or Embassy in Japan know of your travel plans.
Doing so will keep you updated on important safety and security announcements.

US citizens can visit Japan for up to 90 day without requiring a visa. All foreign visitors
will need to bring their passports when coming to the country. If you stay longer than 90
days, you will need to obtain a diplomatic, official, working, general, or specified visa. 

*I will be requiring a New first time Passport*

Processing time: 8-12 Business Days

Service Fee $49 + Government Fees

Same day service available for $299

The Embassy provides services to U.S. citizens, such as:

Passport services         Citizenship services           Tax services

• Help US citizens who have lost their passport whilst on their travels
• Renew passports for US citizens who reside in another country
• Add children to existing passports
• Deal with any Visa requirements for US citizens to another country, or indeed to allow foreign citizens to visit the United States
• Information on works visas and permits
• Information on marriage licenses and visas
• Information in driver's licenses and visas

Note that most U.S. Embassies require an appointment to be made in advance
before you will be allowed to even enter the building. There may be a delay of
several weeks, so it is recommend to book your appointment early.

 If you need a visa contact a Japanese embassy or consulate for more
information.

U.S. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Japan is located at
10-5, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku (107), Tokyo - Telephone: (81-3) 3224-5000; Fax:
(81-3) 3224-5856. Recorded information for U.S. citizens (24hours) is available at
8 (81-3) 3224-5168.

U.S. Embassy in Tokyo