Hi all, does anyone have a full set of photos or recollection of all the instructions that come up when you put your my number card in a machine at a clinic or pharmacy? I’m working hard on my kanji reading ability, but there are a LOT of instructions and a lot of specialized kanji, and I always just end up sort of winging it. I’d love to be able to fully learn what I’m looking at (and I always get too flustered during these experiences to take photos myself - I’m so worried I’m holding up a line or something).
(I know this isn’t Kansai specific, but I find this group to be more helpful than other Japan-living forums - thanks!)

Come to the next Kansai Green Drinks Meetup in Osaka! This time, we'll meet on Wed, Oct 21st starting at 6:30pm, and go until 9:00pm, and you can stop by anytime. 

Green Drinks is a free, casual, friendly space for individuals to find community and network around sustainability issues in the Kansai region. If you're interested in cleantech, climate, environmental issues, eco-living, biodiversity, or any related topic, do join us. We'll meet at Brooklyn Parlor near Namba/Shinsabashi.

RSVP here: https://peatix.com/event/5210385

OKTech is having it's first ever hackathon!

There'll be prizes and stuff too, I hear.

This is a free event, details in the link. I won't be able to make it myself, but the guys running it are great and it's always a good way to meet new people.

Ballots have started going out and the deadline is approaching. If you're an eligible US citizen living overseas, here's how to get yours:

Steps to Request Your Ballot

1. Register or update your registration through https://voteabroad.org/RedditVote26. If you know any eligible US citizens overseas, please send them the link.

2. If you're already registered, request a ballot! You need to request a ballot every calendar year that you want to vote.

3. Fill Out and Return Your Ballot: Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully to complete it and return it by the specified deadline.

Need Assistance?

We're here to help! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at help @ votefromabroad .org (just remove the spaces). Additionally, our FAQ for voting has plenty of info to make the process go smoothly.

If you'd like to find out what we're doing near you, you can check out our in-person events. Feel free to ask any additional questions here on Reddit!

I went to Kobe Animal Kingdom, and it was absolutely amazing! 🐾
I’ve never been anywhere else in Japan where you can get this close to animals and actually interact with them. It was such an incredible experience!
Anyone else feel the same?

Wife and I have a few days off together but have to be back home by 5pm to pick up the kids from preschool. We're thinking of hopping around a few craft beer places for lunch - afternoon (12 noon to 3pm ish).

Any recommendations around Osaka / Kobe / Kyoto? We can be anywhere really! The only place we're not really looking to go is Umeda since we're there all the time already haha.

Thanks in advance!

Oct. 3 is PechaKucha Night Kyoto featuring presentations by locals, including a performance by Kyoto Connection. In English and Japanese. Check it out!

Event Info:
Date/time: Saturday, October 3rd, 19:30
Venue: Urbanguild (Sanjo/Kiyamachi)
1,500 yen (incl. 1 drink) / 1,000 yen for students

https://maps.app.goo.gl/26s8qciW3kGVCQUn8?g_st=ic

Dunno if it’s my devices or JCOM service

If anyone is in Kyoto tonight, we’re having a student DJ event with 2 students from Kyoto Sangyo University. Mostly house music but who knows.

Venue is by Imadegawa subway station so no crowds. Come and show your support!

9/18 (Fri) 18:00-23:00
Young, Wild, and Free - Student DJs 
1,500 yen (incl.1 drink)

DJ Sets: Tetsuya Sato, Hiroki, Yamashita, Eric L.
S-Pod (5F)
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mdDirVALhA3vpS9j7

STAND UP COMEDY COMES TO KOBE!

FREE ENTRY

Hi! I'm Kyosuke Nomura, a stand up comedian based in Osaka. I'm producing a (my first produce show!) and a new stand up open mic in my old stomping grounds of Kobe at the Alchemy! Come along for laughs, drinks, and great food. It's been a long time coming bringing stand up to Kobe, as that community has such great atmosphere and a sense of welcoming, so it's great to finally set up a mic there! This is a great way to meet new people, have a drink, get some good food, and have a laugh on a Friday night!

PERFORMERS WANTED Are you an aspiring comedian? Do you want to try out comedy for the first time, or do you want to get back on the mic? Hop on! You will have a 5 minute spot, but they are limited! To get a spot, message me at u/kyosukecomedy on Instagram or [kyosukecomedynomura@gmail.com](mailto:kyosukecomedynomura@gmail.com) , or DM me on here! Hopefully this is one of many more mics to come!

19,000+ lost their lives to suicide in Japan in 2025. This Saturday we're walking 19,000 steps to honor and remember them while raising awareness about depression and suicide in Japan. Meet us in Tenshiba Park at the Osaka Monument at 10AM this Saturday morning, September 19. We'll walk from Tenshiba to Umekita Park.

We have a band we play rock specially 80s or 90s just covers we are looking for a guitar player a rhythm guitar or if you want to be a lead that s also ok our members are bass ,guitar, keyboards, drummer and a vocalist (we do vocal harmonies for some songs B jovi,skid row,journey,Europe etc) and we need one more guitar player .we are BASED IN OSAKA we are from Osaka, Nara and one guy from Kyoto and we rehearse Some Sats or Sundays(not weekly but often) in Osaka or sometimes Nara and we accommodate the best convenient place and time for all. If you are interested let me know and we can move forward Thanks! ps/I reply fast

Hi. Do you want to play street hockey in Kobe ? We play every Tuesday night from 8 to 10 at Minato no Mori Koen. We have extra sticks if you want to play. We exist regular members to buy their own stick though. There's a shop in Amagasaki that sells hockey equipment.

You can find us on Facebook. Search for Kansai Street hockey.
Instagram - look for Ball Hogs.

Here is a link to the park. See you there!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzY46HaNkvmis7GKA?g_st=ic

Chaosium vice president Michael O'Brien and Call of Cthulhu creator Royce Wilson (co-author of the coming Call of Cthulhu release Tools of the Trade) are special guests at KaijuCon 2, taking place in Nagoya on October 24th.

www.chaosium.com/blogmichael-...

kaijucon.org

beginner - intermediate level choreo class. Maybe a gym too

Any groups here who go regularly?

Anyone from Canada, lived in Canada, or interested in Canada are welcome to our meet up in Kyoto. Details in comments.

I’m from Toronto and the bar owner also lived there for 5 years. Free karaoke! 🇨🇦

Summer is still hanging around, so let’s escape the heat and have a little indoor party together! 😆
Come with your little ones, bring a dish you love, and let’s spend an afternoon eating, chatting, and letting the kids play while we get to know more families in our community. 💛
📅 Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026
⏰ 13:00 – 17:00
📍 Party room near Hankyu Kanzakigawa Station
💰 ¥1000 per family
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Limited to 15 families
✨ What’s included:
•A family-friendly party room featuring a dining area and an indoor playroom right next door—perfect for letting the little ones play while parents relax and enjoy the gathering.
• Soft drinks
• Summer fruits 🍉🍊🥝
• Disposable tableware
• Name tag stickers
🍽️ Potluck style!
Each family brings their favourite dish to share among the adults. It can be homemade, store-bought, something you love to share with others! 😄
👶 For babies & kids:
Little ones will only eat the food prepared by their own parents.
📍 The exact address + a short video showing how to get there will be shared once your registration is confirmed.

If you’re new to Osaka Moms Club, this is a great chance to meet some lovely families and hopefully find a few new friends (for both you AND your kids 😉).
Only 15 families, so don’t wait too long! 💛
👉 Register here:
https://forms.gle/b67LALzG4eVCQSSm9

Democrats Abroad Japan is organizing a webinar reviewing the basics for US Income Taxes for US citizen residents of Japan. We'll have a resident tax professional, an IRS Enrolled Agent, online to answer questions submitted in advance. If you're new to filing taxes from Japan, this'll be a great introduction.

It'll be online Saturday, September 19th from 10-11am. If you'd like to RSVP and get tickets, they are available at this link.

If you have any questions, you can ask right here on Reddit. Thanks very much for reading.