About
ICReDD has been extensively supported by the Japanese government since being selected as one of the centers of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in October 2018. Therefore, it is our obligation that we continue demonstrating leading-edge research accomplishments as well as maintaining a strong sense of responsibility to the mission of the WPI centers.
Researchers’ well-being and quality of life are the fundamental elements for them to maintain an environment in which they can focus on their research, while concerns and challenges they may experience in their daily lives can often pose serious obstacles. In order to eliminate these, we have established a “Hospitality System” that specializes in helping our international researchers with resolving difficulties in their everyday lives with the aim of enabling them to concentrate on their research and perform at their full potential.
We welcome applications from ambitious researchers from around the world who are determined to contribute to leading-edge research, and are looking forward to supporting them with our attentive assistance.
Mission
ICReDD is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment in which our international researchers can devote themselves to their research, and enabling them to lead a comfortable life in Japan.
What we can offer you
ICReDD offers a comprehensive support to our international researchers to both assist them during concrete challenges and enable them to live independent lives.
Examples of our support
Before coming to Japan
- Provision of information and support for immigration procedures, including for family members
- Arrangements for housing
- Various liaisons and coordination with your group members
Upon your arrival
- Support for moving in
- Support for reporting to the municipal office
- Support for opening a bank account
During your stay
- Information and support for moving
- Information and support for matters concerning your resident status
- Assistance with practical matters related to living in Sapporo.
Upon leaving the Institute
- Information and support for emigration procedures, including for family members
- Information and support for reporting to the municipal office
A quick look at Sapporo and Hokkaido
ICReDD, part of Hokkaido University, is located in the heart of Sapporo, which has a population of approximately two million people and is the capital of Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan. Sapporo and Hokkaido are blessed with four beautiful seasons, and you will find no other city this large in the world with an average annual snowfall of five meters. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, parks and greenery, Sapporo is a place where you can relax and enjoy downtime besides your busy days.
Sapporo
Hokkaido
FAQ
Q: Do I need a visa to work in Japan?
A: Yes. All non-Japanese nationals who intend to work in Japan must obtain an appropriate visa beforehand. In addition, they have to obtain a “Status of Residence”, which is the permission to stay in Japan, from the immigration officers at the port of entry.
You will be hearing from our team immediately after your joining to ICReDD is decided. At that time, we will inform you about the necessary immigration procedures. If you plan to bring your family members with you, we will also provide assistance for them.
Q: How can I find a place to live?
A: Hokkaido University offers a variety of accommodations for international researchers. There are also several estate agents on and around campus that provide services in English and help you rent an apartment privately. ICReDD offers personalized housing advice and assists you in finding both types of accommodation.
Links to webpages on HU Accommodation:
- 【HU Foreign Scholars’ Accommodation】
- 【HU International House Kita 8】
- 【Maison De Grue (HU Leased Apartments)】
Q: How about the average rent and living cost in Sapporo?
A: For a private 1-bedroom apartment in Sapporo, the average rent ranges from 35,000 yen (outside of city center) to 70,000 yen (in city center). Rent for HU Accommodation is reasonable likewise, ranging from 29,000 yen to 64,000 yen for a similar-sized room. You will also find the cost of living in Sapporo is lower than other major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka.
Q: I’m worried about medical expenses when I get sick or injured in Japan.
A: Employees who work for companies etc. in Japan are eligible to join the Employees’ Health Insurance system regardless of their nationality. It covers 70% of the medical costs when you visit a medical clinic for sickness and injury (although there are some exceptions). If you have dependent family members in Japan, the system also covers their medical costs.
Q: I don’t speak Japanese. Where can I learn it?
A: Hokkaido University offers free Japanese language classes at all levels to its international faculty members and researchers. Also, classes for their family members are available on campus.
Q: I’m worried about the safety, such as crime and natural disasters.
A: According to “The Global Competitiveness Report 2019” published by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked as the 10th-safest country out of 141 around the world. As for the natural disasters, data show that Sapporo has an extremely low risk of being struck by a powerful earthquake causing major damage in the next thirty years. Also, impacts of torrential rains and typhoons are much smaller in comparison with those on the main island of Japan. Sapporo is a city where everybody, including women and children, can enjoy their lives in peace.