This informational document is not meant as an exhaustive resource for STD information, testing, or counseling. However, here is some helpful information on where to go and what to expect, as well as some basic information on HIV/AIDS (how it is spread and how it is avoided) in both English and Japanese. This could be a helpful place to start, both for your own information, and for opening a dialogue with a partner.
JAPANetwork is a great website based in Nagoya set up by volunteers throughout Japan to increase HIV/AIDS awareness. Here you can find general information and statistics, links to further resources, complete information on Nagoya testing centers, breaking HIV/AIDS news (international and in Japan), and a host of lesson plans specifically designed for raising awareness in ESL environments. This website is in both English and Japanese.
Aichi AIDS Information is the official AIDS information website of Aichi-Ken. This has a lot of detailed information about HIV/AIDS. Here you can find information on transmission, prevention, detailed statistics, and Aichi testing centers. Most of this information is in Japanese, but there is also a summary version of the site in both English and Portuguese. This site is very helpful for discussing the information and issues in a multilingual environment, and you can download and print their comprehensive, bilingual HIV-testing guides (English/Japanese or Portuguese/Japanese) to help navigate the testing process. They also have the master list of times and locations for free HIV/STD testing throughout Aichi.
Owari Ichinomiya Hokenjo is probably the best place for many Gifu residents. It is reasonably close, anonymous, free of charge for everyone, and they test for three STDs in one blood draw (HIV, Chlamydia, Syphilis). It is difficult to find hokenjo in Aichi or Gifu that perform all three important tests. They also have evening hours on two days per month: 6pm-7pm on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. No appointment necessary. Most of the staff does not speak English, but they have pamphlets detailing the procedure and consent forms in several languages.
Chikusa Hokenjo may be more accessible to the Tono region for evening hours (3min walk from Ikeshita station on the Higashiyama subway line). Testing available 6pm-8pm on the 2nd Friday of every month. No appointment neccessary. Results available the following week. Usually, only HIV testing is offered free at this and other Nagoya-area Hokenjo.
Sakae San - San Site: Nagoya City, Sunday Testing and Consultation Site 栄サンサンサイト名古屋市日曜日検査・相談室. This center offers free rapid HIV testing twice a month in the Sakae area of downtown Nagoya. It's an easy 5 minute walk from the Yaba-cho station on the Meijo subway line. Testing available 2pm-5pm, 2nd and 4th Sunday. Appointment needed (limit of 40 people per day). For appointments call 052-831-2289 (Tuesdays & Thursdays 4pm-7pm, Saturdays 1pm-7pm). Results available same day (after about 2 hours). English is OK!
Have fun,
Be safe,
Get tested,
Spread the word,
Spread the Love...
Jeffrey Scott
Awarded AJET Casanova 2006
Safety Inspected and Certified every year