COVID-19 risks
Oct. 19, 2022, midnight
In light of the general improvement in the global infection situation and the fact that the G7 countries have already canceled the designation of levels by country and region, all the new coronavirus infectious disease risk information was announced on October 19. The world is uniformly set to level 1 (please be careful).
Aug. 24, 2022, midnight
On August 24, the infectious disease risk information for 41 countries was changed from level 3 (recommendation to avoid travel) to level 2 (please refrain from non-essential travel), and the infectious disease risk information for 55 countries/regions was changed to level 2. The level has been lowered from (Please refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent travel) to Level 1 (Please be careful).
July 25, 2022, midnight
On July 23, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak of monkeypox a "public health emergency of international concern." According to the WHO, more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox infection in 75 countries and regions have been reported so far, and the infection is spreading worldwide.
July 1, 2022, midnight
Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the risk of death and aggravation has decreased, and deregulation at the water's edge and in Japan has also been seen, especially in countries where vaccination is progressing worldwide. I'm on the way. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.
May 26, 2022, midnight
Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the number of new infections and deaths is declining worldwide, and the risk of death and aggravation is mainly in countries where vaccination is progressing. Is declining, and regulations are being relaxed at the water's edge and in Japan. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.
April 1, 2022, midnight
The level of infectious disease risk information should be reviewed after comprehensively considering the actual situation of each country / region, such as the number of newly infected people in each country / region, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures. It was made. As a result, infectious disease risk information has been reduced from Level 3 "Recommendation for suspension of travel" to Level 2 "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" in 106 countries.
Nov. 29, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please be informed and try to prevent the infection.
Nov. 29, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please be informed and try to prevent the infection.
Aug. 13, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.
May 18, 2021, midnight
Coronavirus infections are still spreading worldwide, with more than 160 million confirmed infections and more than 3 million deaths worldwide. Although the number of infected people is decreasing in North America and Europe, the situation continues to require caution, such as the remarkable spread of infection in South Asia.
Based on this situation, the infectious disease risk information level in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Saint Lucia, Thailand, East Timor, and Mongolia has been newly set to Level 2 by comprehensively considering various situations including the deterioration of the infection situation. "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" has been raised to Level 3 "Travel Cancellation Recommendation".
Oct. 30, 2020, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.
Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates
Information from the past two weeks.
[Warning] Telephone scammers claiming to be customs officials or police officers
Dec. 25, 2024, 8:47 a.m.
[Main text]
1. Overview of the cases reported to the Embassy We have received multiple reports of telephone scams in which individuals claim to be employees of Japanese government agencies demand money or personal information.
(1) Case 1
-I received a phone call from someone claiming to be an employee of the Tokyo Customs Office saying, "Prohibited drugs were found in the package you sent from the United States to Japan via courier."
-The call was transferred to an employee at the airport police station, who urged me to appear there that same day and file a complaint, but when I told them that it would be difficult to do so, I was told that "your passport will be revoked and you will be deported," and that "you are now a suspect, so you should not mention this to anyone," "you should not answer any other calls," and "the consulate general is in on it, so you should not ask for advice."
(2) Case 2
-I received a phone call from someone claiming to be an employee of the Consulate General of Japan in New York who said, "A large amount of money has been deposited into an account in your name by a group of criminals, and it is being used for money laundering," and "A mobile phone that was fraudulently contracted in your name is being used by a group of specialized fraudsters."
- The call was transferred to someone claiming to be a police officer from Yamaguchi Prefectural Police, and the interview was conducted via Skype and LINE video call under the pretext of an "interrogation to prepare a report remotely," during which personal information and credit card numbers were requested.
- They told me, "If you continue like this you will be arrested. To avoid arrest you will need to pay bail," and asked me to transfer a large amount of money.
2. To prevent yourself or someone close to you from becoming a victim: (1) If you are asked to provide money or personal information for a reason you do not recognize, please assume that it is highly likely a scam. Do not easily believe it, even if it is in Japanese.
(2) If you receive such a suspicious phone call, hang up the phone and consult with people around you without worrying.
(3) Japanese public institutions will never demand money in the name of taxes, fines, or bail without going through proper procedures, and will never ask for personal information such as bank account numbers or credit card numbers over the phone.
(4) Even if the caller claims to be from an institution with a high social credibility, you should remain calm and never provide money (by bank transfer, etc.) or personal information (by credit card or social security number, etc.) even if instructed by the other party.
(5) Even if the phone number displayed on your cell phone screen is that of a real institution, it may be a false number displayed by a fraud group, so do not easily believe it.
(6) Please spread the word about these types of frauds with as many people as possible and urge them to be careful.
3. If you are a victim If you are a victim, you can help prevent secondary damage by reporting and contacting the following immediately:
(1) Banks and credit card companies If you have provided them with your bank account number or credit card information, please contact the relevant bank or credit card company and take measures such as suspending use of the account.
(2) Report fraud to the FBI: https://www.ic3.gov/
(3) Obtain a police report. To prove the facts of the crime, file a report with the nearest police station and obtain a police report.
(4) Other places to report fraud: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=A)
・IRS Bureau of Internal Revenue (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft)
(5) Obtain a credit report. Check to see if your credit is being used fraudulently. You can obtain a credit report once a year for free, so we recommend that you check it regularly.
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
(6) Credit Freeze If your credit information is known to fraud groups, a credit freeze can be implemented to prevent fraudulent contracts such as new loans. This must be done with all three of the following companies, but the freeze can also be easily lifted online or via the app.
・TransUnion (https://www.transunion.com)
・Experian (https://www.experian.com/consumer-products/free-credit-report.html)
・Equifax (https://www.equifax.com/)
(7) Consultations regarding Social Security Numbers If your Social Security number has been known to a fraud group and has been used fraudulently, you can contact us.
・Social Security Administration (https://www.ssa.gov/) (TEL:800-772-1213)
4. Related information Please take this opportunity to check the warnings regarding special fraud posted on our website below.
https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/m03_01_01.htm
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◇ Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles ◇
Address: 350 South Grand Ave., Suite 1700, Los Angeles CA 90071
Phone: 213-617-6700
Consular Security Team e-mail: ryoji@ls.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
*Please use the Online Residence Notification (ORR Net) to submit your Residence Notification, change notification, and return to Japan/moving out notification.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/index.html
******************************************************************
[Warning] Safety measures and closed days for the New Year holidays
Dec. 24, 2024, 10:31 a.m.
1. Christmas and the New Year are times when many tourists visit Guam, so you should be careful of thefts such as robbery, snatching, bag-picking, and car thefts that target tourists. There have been particularly many car-picking incidents in parking lots at tourist spots, and bag-picking incidents on beaches and food courts. Please take steps to prevent becoming a victim of these crimes by keeping valuables such as wallets and bags close to you at all times, and not leaving anything in your vehicle when you leave it. Also, please avoid dark areas and alleys with few people, as you may become the victim of crimes such as robbery and bag-picking.
2. There have been cases of passport theft and loss. If you lose your passport, it will take a considerable amount of time to report to the local police, have your photograph taken, and have a "return document (fee required)" issued in order to return to Japan, which may result in you being unable to return home as planned. During your stay in Guam, please store your passport properly in a valuables box at your hotel, and take a copy with you when you go out to prevent loss or theft.
3. Medical expenses in Guam are extremely expensive. In the past, there have been cases where medical expenses of several million to tens of millions of yen were billed. In addition, travel insurance provided with credit cards may not be sufficient, so we strongly recommend that you subscribe to overseas travel insurance before leaving the country, which includes emergency evacuation support and, if possible, allows cashless payment.
4. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is calling attention to the prevention of infectious diseases occurring overseas at each quarantine station and providing information via the following websites and social media.
● Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Quarantine Station website FORTHFORTH (For Travelers' Health) https://www.forth.go.jp/index.html
● Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website: "To everyone traveling overseas"
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou18/index_00003.html
● Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website "Awareness-raising tools"
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou18/index_00003_keihatsu-tools.html
5. The Embassy will be closed on Wednesday, December 25 and from Saturday, December 28 to Sunday, January 5. If you have an urgent matter during this period, please contact the Embassy's main telephone number at 671-646-1290 (your calls will be answered first by a contractor contracted by the Embassy).
Please see below for details on safety measures in Guam.
Safety Guide (on our website):
https://www.hagatna.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100633119.pdf
Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna
TEL: +1(671)646-1290
Email:infocgj@ag.mofa.go.jp
*This email will be sent to the email address registered on your residence notification and Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for TabiRegi and would like to change or stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving them from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*If you have submitted a residence notification and are returning to your home state (moving to another state) or wish to change the information on your residence notification, please complete the procedure at the following URL.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/residencereport/login
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
Recent safety measures information (December 20, 2024)
Dec. 21, 2024, 6:11 a.m.
[Main text]
Please be careful of burglaries.
According to local security authorities, there have been 40 high-value burglaries targeting the homes of Asian business owners and wealthy individuals in the Denver metropolitan area so far this year.
The criminal group's modus operandi involves following targeted business owners and identifying their homes, then hiding small cameras around the homes or using technology such as drones and GPS trackers to observe the victim's behavioral patterns. Even in homes that have contracts with security companies, the criminals cut off the power to the security equipment or cut the cables to stop the alarm from going off, and then enter through back doors or basement entrances that are less visible to the public.
Because the crimes are committed when the residents are away, there have been no incidents of physical harm so far; however, there have been cases of theft of cash, precious metals, luxury brand items, and other items.
Local security authorities recommend the following measures to help prevent you becoming a victim of burglary:
・Do not store large amounts of cash at home. If you must store cash, install a safe and install it on the floor or wall (or prepare a heavy object that cannot be easily moved).
- Check around your home at least once a week for any suspicious objects.
- Provide spare batteries for security equipment (cameras, monitors, etc.).
- Use timers to turn on garden and indoor lights.
- Make sure back doors and basement entrances are locked.
- Work with your neighbors to get in touch if you see any suspicious people or vehicles.
・Keep a guard dog.
If you notice anything suspicious, do not hesitate to report it to the police.
●Safety measures to avoid becoming a victim of crime during the Christmas season and New Year holidays With Christmas and the New Year holidays approaching, many people are planning and looking forward to going out to events and traveling, but to ensure they can do so safely and avoid becoming a victim of crime, we ask that you review some safety information in advance.
Terrorism and shooting incidents attract a lot of attention, and it is said that the risk of them occurring is higher at events where many people gather (sports competitions, rallies, demonstrations, etc.). If you spot a suspicious object or person at an event venue, leave the area immediately and report it to security authorities. Also, if you encounter explosions or gunfire, make your own safety your number one priority and do not approach unnecessarily.
In addition, if you are planning to travel abroad on vacation, we ask that you check the situation in the country or region you will be traveling to in advance. By registering with Tabi-Regi, you will be able to obtain safety information for your destination before you travel, so please also register with Tabi-Regi at the following URL.
◎ Ministry of Foreign Affairs overseas safety information distribution service "Tabireji"
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/index.html
In addition, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Overseas Safety Website below, which contains overseas safety information such as useful information for traveling to and staying in each country or region, as well as warnings about terrorism, etc.
◎ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety Website https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/
●Precautions for winter vehicle troubles (traffic accidents and breakdowns) With the arrival of the cold weather, traffic accidents and vehicle troubles are increasing in some places due to snow accumulation and frozen roads. In addition to driving, it is important to check your vehicle in advance and keep the necessary supplies in your car in case of an emergency.
It is more difficult to control a vehicle on snowy or icy roads than under normal circumstances, and the distance it takes to stop even when braking is significantly longer. During this season, it is important to slow down, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and drive with ample room to maneuver.
Frozen roads, which can cause accidents, tend to occur near tunnel entrances and exits and on bridges where temperatures are low, and black ice in particular is easy to overlook because at first glance it looks like a wet, black road surface, so you should be careful. Please refer to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service's information on road conditions and driving precautions.
◎ United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service website https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd488148.pdf
In addition, in winter you need to be prepared for vehicle troubles such as breakdowns and getting stuck for long periods of time. Inspect your vehicle in advance, keep the fuel tank close to full, and prepare the following supplies that will be needed in an emergency:
・Snow shovel ・Jump cables, warning devices, etc. ・Blankettle blankets to protect yourself from the cold ・Water, food, etc. In addition to the above, the U.S. Department of Transportation also provides information on vehicle inspections and advance preparations, so please check the website below in advance.
◎U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) homepage https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips#preparing-your-vehicle
●Precautions regarding the use of cell phones while driving a vehicle In Colorado, a law will come into effect on January 1, 2025 making it a violation of holding a cell phone or other device in your hand while driving, in order to prevent accidents caused by careless driving.
This law makes it a violation not only to use a mobile phone to send text messages while driving, but also to hold the phone in your hand and make a voice call.
In addition, texting is also a violation in all states under our jurisdiction except Colorado (New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming). In addition, in New Mexico and Utah, it is also a violation to hold a cell phone or other mobile phone while driving.
Regardless of whether it is illegal or not, to prevent accidents, be sure to use hands-free accessories or devices when using a mobile phone while driving.
For more information about Colorado's new law, please visit the Colorado state government website below.
◎Colorado State Government Website: https://www.codot.gov/safety/distracteddriving/colorado-hands-free-law
●New Year's holiday closures The Embassy will be closed from Saturday, December 28th to Sunday, January 5th, 2025. It will reopen on Monday, January 6th in the new year. If you have an urgent matter during the closure period, please contact the Embassy's main telephone number below.
◎Consulate-General of Japan in Denver Tel: +1-303-534-1151 (Press "1" when prompted)
*This email will be sent to the email addresses of those who have submitted a residence notification, those who have registered with Tabi-Reji, and those who have requested to receive our email newsletter.
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*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please encourage your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of 3 months or more) or register with Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than 3 months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
[Contact Information]
Consulate-General of Japan in Denver Consular and Security Team
Consulate-General of Japan in Denver
1225 17th Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80202
TEL: 303-534-1151
FAX: 303-534-3393
E-mail: cgjd-consular@de.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Information on overseas safety measures seminar (online viewing)
Dec. 20, 2024, 8:26 a.m.
As part of our safety measures for Japanese nationals living overseas, we will be holding an online seminar on safety measures overseas from today until January 9th at 7pm (local time). You can watch the seminar any time during the period by accessing the following URL.
The purpose of this seminar is to raise awareness of crisis management and safety measures among Japanese nationals and companies living overseas and to strengthen safety measures, and the content will focus on safety measures taking into account the current public safety situation in Florida.
Florida has many famous tourist destinations, but there is also a risk of becoming a victim of crime. We hope that by watching this seminar, you will have the opportunity to review the current crime situation and take measures to protect yourself.
Format: Recorded seminar (available for viewing at the following URL)
https://vimeo.com/1036968161
Period: Thursday, December 19, 2024 to Thursday, January 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (local time)
Contents: Dealing with gun crime in Florida, things to be careful of in a car-driven society, key points for everyday life Duration: Approximately 25 minutes Created by: Control Risks Group Co., Ltd. Seminar Team Content inquiries: j-het@controlrisks.com
[Consulate-General of Japan in Miami]
Consulate General of Japan in Miami
80 SW 8th Street, Suite 3200, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-530-9090
Representative website: http://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp
This email address is for sending only.
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