Information of APRM 2021
Pre APRM 2021/7/19~22 APRM Date 2021/7/22~26
Venue & Accommodation Narita city, Chiba Proposed Theme Pandemics in the Digital Era
Table of Contents 1.
Message from Organizing Committee
2.
Member of Leaders
3.
Message from President of IFMSA-Japan
4.
Message from Regional Director
5.
About Japan
6.
About IFMSA-Japan
7.
About Narita city
8.
About Venue
9.
About Accommodation
10. APRM Date 11. About Theme of APRM 2021 12. Social Program
13. About Registration 14. Travel Tips Because of current COVID-19 situation in Japan, we can’t publish the information of registration, visa and payment in this Invitation Package. Please follow our SNS and get the latest information.
Message from Organizing Committee Dear Asia-Pacific family, APRM 2021 is the biggest challenge for the IFMSA family to create a new IFMSA. Due to COVID-19, we are facing great difficulties that we have never experienced all over the world, including our AP region. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to those who are working on the front lines and those who are taking online lectures that they are not accustomed to. We, IFMSA, are no exception. We haven't been able to meet our friends for a long time and were forced to hold online GA and regional meetings. The theme of APRM 2021 is “Pandemics in the Digital Era”. This theme has two messages, which are COVID-19 pandemic and information overflow. We are going to think about both pandemics as digital native. I hope that we can have discussions based on the situation and policies of each country. Although it may not be possible to hold the event as usual, OC are creating a new APRM adapted before and after the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining the warm atmosphere of the traditional APRM. We are preparing to provide hospitality that gives maximum consideration to the safety of all participants. We will operate according to the guidelines supervised by professionals specializing in infectious diseases, such as workshops that maintain social distance. The hard situation continues, but let’s take care of each other until July. OC are all looking forward to seeing you in Japan.
Best regards, Aya Murakami 村上綾 APRM 2021 Organizing Committee Chair IFMSA-Japan Vice President for International Affairs
OCC Aya Murakami
Vice OCC Megumi Yoda
OCCs of APRM
Vice OCC Takahiro Hara
Vice OCC Risa Sugimoto
Registration Nonoka Furuya
Visa Yuki Nibu
Finance Sayaka Ohara
Team Leaders of APRM
Accommodation
Nayu Matsuoka
Logistic Kota Namioka
Hospitality Tomoki Yashio
Theme Event Junna Iwata
Pre APRM Kaho Itagaki
Fundraising Ai Suzuki
Publication Mikoto Nosaka
Photo & Record Takuya Taura
SNS Satomi Tara
Social Program Takuya Takahashi
Message from President of IFMSA-Japan It is with great pleasure that we can host APRM 2021 and invite you to Japan. I hope you will have an interesting, exciting, and heartwarming time in this APRM. In the process of preparation, we faced many difficulties and barriers, considering COVID-19 situation in the AP region, especially in Japan. I would like to thank our OC, AP regional team, and AP members for overcoming this situation and achieving this event. As the main theme ” Pandemics In Digital Era “ indicates, we all are getting involved in the pandemics of COVID-19, mental illness, and information. Because of them, many changes happen in our life and are causing confusion, anxiety, uneasiness to our society. But I am convinced that we IFMSA members can create a new style of life with pandemics and lead it with enthusiasm toward achievement of global health, even in this difficult situation. We will find the dawn of a new era of IFMSA through APRM 2021. I truly wish that APRM 2021 in Japan will help the IFMSA AP region make connections for the new era by sharing ideas beyond country, language, religion or other diverse things in AP regions . Welcome to Japan and hope you enjoy APRM 2021 in Japan! Best regards, Mizuho Kuze 久世瑞穂 IFMSA-Japan President 2020/2021
Message from Asia-Pacific Regional Director Dear IFMSA Asia-Pacific and medical students from across the globe, It is of my utmost pleasure to extend my warmest welcomes and invite you to the Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) 2021 Japan. APRM has long-been considered a celebration of the achievements that our region has made, whether this is accomplishments in the past year, or efforts from our predecessors that we have built on. It seems like almost yesterday when I nervously stepped into the venue of APRM 2018 Korea, nervous yet brimmed with excitement for what the next few days would bring. It was that first IFMSA meeting that allowed me to discover the world of IFMSA, and the power that ‘mere medical students’ could transpire within and beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. As future healthcare professionals, we are, by default, placed at the forefront of driving the health agenda on a local, national, regional or international scale. Now, it is our job to prepare ourselves to best utilize our positions to support and improve our communities. With this year’s theme for APRM being “Pandemics in the Digital Era”, we hope to highlight the intersectionality of health approaches and issues, and the (re)defined roles that we, as healthcare students, bear during these times. Importantly, these modern challenges can be viewed, not only as an exposé of shortcomings within our current health and governance structures, but also as an impetus for us to work towards a better normal. I trust that this Regional Meeting will be a rendezvous for an exchange of ideas and best practices, a gathering for you to build your capacity and enhance yourself, and therefore improve your communities through your thoughts and actions.
I must not forget to acknowledge the wonderful efforts that the Organizing Committee from IFMSA-Japan has dedicated to work towards hosting a successful APRM 2021. They were brave to bid for and commit to hosting the IFMSA Asia-Pacific family, even during these unpredictable times. This is a true testament to their love for our region, and support for our federation as a whole. The Asia-Pacific Regional Team has worked and will work tirelessly to curate enlightening sessions that aim to capacitate, enlighten and inspire. APRM thoroughly redefined my purpose to pursue medicine, as I witnessed what seemed like magic appear before my eyes. I hope that this Regional Meeting, regardless of format or capacity, would be able to light up your eyes as it did to mine. I, along with the rest of the Asia-Pacific Regional Team look forward to a fruitful APRM 2021, and we hope to see you there to be part of this Regional Meeting! Warm Regards, Mathew Chow 周兆駿 IFMSA Regional Director for Asia-Pacific 2020/21
ABOUT JAPAN Japan is the island country lying off the east coast of Asia. It consists of a great string of islands in a northeast-southwest arc that stretches for approximately 3,500km. There are, in total, more than 6,000 islands, and Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu are the four main islands.
FOOD Japanese cuisine, washoku (和食) has a large variety of dishes and regional specialties. Among these, Ramen, Sushi, and tempura are very famous all over the world. Japanese cuisine was recognized by the UNESCO as an “Intangible cultural heritage” in 2003 because of the cuisine’s philosophy that puts its utmost importance in achieving harmony with changing seasons and nature.
THE EMPEROR The Japanese emperor is stated in the Japanese constitution as “the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people” and Japanese people have worshipped the emperor all the time. On 1 May 2019, the then Crown Prince Naruhito officially ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne as the new emperor. And the new imperial era started.
GEOGRAPHY The total land area of Japan is approximately 380,000km² , which is about the same size as Germany or Vietnam. And surprisingly, nearly three quarters (75%) of the land in Japan is mountains and forests. Of all the mountains in Japan, Mt. Fuji is the highest peak, which is 3,776 meters in height. It has been worshipped and loved by the Japanese people since ancient times for its noble, majesty, and nearly perfect conical shape.
TECHNOLOGY Japan is often considered as one of the most advanced countries in terms of technologies. Especially, in the fields of Robotics, supercomputer, vehicles, and space exploration, Japan is well known. These technologies have played an important role in our lives now and have given us a lot of benefits. For instance, the supercomputer Fugaku which has retained the No.1 ranking of the world’s fastest supercomputers was used for research projects aimed to combat COVID-19.
RELIGION Religion in Japan is almost dominated by Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto, or “the way of Gods “ is the indigenous faith of Japanese people. It has no founder, no dogma, no scripture and its most important concept is purity. The greatest Shinto impurity is death and it’s considered taboo. On the contrary, Buddhism teaches how to escape the agonies of life and to reach enlightenment. Therefore, most Japanese go to Shinto shrines for occasions related to this life like weddings or Omiyamairi and go to Buddhist temples on occasions related to life after death such as funerals.
IFMSA-Japan Vision As one of the NMOs of IFMSA, IFMSA-Japan has a vision, “Through the contribution to the domestic society and under the connection to the international society, we develop human resources of medicine with a wide perspective that can make our society better. ”
What we do Our activities are based on six standing committees and our motto, “Think globally, act locally.” SCORA, SCOME, SCORP, SCOPH, SCOPE, and SCORE established the international team in each committee and made their activities more internationalized by staging the CB Fest in Japan and joining AP Week, AP Academy, and GA. They continue their original projects and online small sessions using Zoom or Skype. As a whole NMO, in addition to some annual events and parties on Zoom (e.g. Welcome events from May to July, NGA in November, Christmas Party on Christmas), International Relations Office of IFMSA-Japan makes the connection between IFMSA-Japan and IFMSA stronger than before by spreading information on IFMSA in our NMO. As you know, our regular activities are restricted by COVID-19 , but we never yield to infection disease, on the contrary, we strengthen our connection and expand online activities!!
Members
Over 550 students belong to IFMSA-Japan, and about 400 of them are engaged in managing our NMO. And 53 medical schools belong to IFMSA-Japan and manage local Exchange Offices for students in their schools.
International city, Narita With the population of 130,000 people, Narita city is famous as an international city of Japan. As about 14 million tourists from all over the world visit the city every year using Narita International Airport, the biggest international airport in Japan, Narita developed as an international tourist city. Moreover, the many signs are written in both Japanese and English so there is no need to worry about the language. Don’t worry about what to buy for souvenirs! In Narita city, there are many stores selling souvenirs, from tchotchkes to such as traditional crafts and Sake. You can get almost everything you want here!
Historical city, Narita Narita city has been prospered with the famous Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (成田 山新勝寺). At Omotesando, the famous traditional street that takes you to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, you can find many small shops and restaurants, with buildings dating back to the Edo period. Indeed, Narita is famous for its local specialties: unagi (grilled eel), peanuts, and tsukemono (Japanese pickles). As we are planning to do a side event here, you can enjoy Japanese tradition together!! With a beautiful skyline as well as traditional foods, Narita will surely provide you unforgettable memories and experiences.
Venue International University of Health and Welfare MorinpiaKozu The APRM 2021 Japan will be held at the International University of Health and Welfare, located in Narita city, Chiba prefecture. The university is located in front of the ‘Kozunomori’ station, so it is easily accessible. In this university, there are more than 100 international students along with noninternational students who are interested in interacting with them. This school has faculties that offer various global study experiences. This campus was built in 2017, so we can use the new facilities to hold the APRM 2021, such as lecture room, conference room, lounge, hall, and so on. In the current times with the pandemic, it is important to take precautions to protect our health and those around us. We will take preventative measures including using a large room, having constant ventilation, providing alcohol hand sanitizers, and checking the body temperature of all participants.
MorinpiaKozu The APRM 2021 will also use ‘MorinpiaKozu,’ which is a regional public hall. Morinpia is named after Kozunomori, the name of the city, and the word of “peer” and “utopia”. This hall is located in front of the ‘Kozunomori’ station and you can get there from Narita campus of the International University of Health and Welfare on foot in 5 minutes. We can use the conference hall, conference room and other facilities in this venue. The venue, Narita campus of the International University of Health and Welfare / IUHW is located in front of ‘Kozunomori’ station on the ‘Keisei-Main Line.’ Both from Narita Airport station and ‘Keisei-Narita’ station, you can take the ‘Keisei-Main Line.’ It takes approximately fifteen minutes from the Narita Airport station.
Accommodation
Accommodation & Access Accommodation APA Hotel Keisei-Narita Ekimae
For both pre APRM and APRM, the accommodation would be ‘APA Hotel Keisei-Narita Ekimae’. Each room will house between 1 and 2 persons depending on the availability types. We hold reservations in single rooms. All rooms are equipped with a bathroom, free Wi-Fi, air conditioner, and a hair dryer. Shared laundry is also available in the hotel. In addition, you can try a shared hot spring bath for free. APA hotels HP: https://www.apahotel.com/en/about/
Access ＊Volunteers to help guide participants will be waiting at Narita International Airport and Keisei-Narita station. From Narita International Airport to the APA Hotel Please take the ‘Keisei-Main Line’ from ‘Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station’ and get off at the Keisei-Narita station, which takes approximately 7 minutes. It takes 2 minutes on foot from Keisei-Narita station to the hotel.
From Haneda Airport to the APA Hotel Accomodation Please take the ‘Keikyu Airport Line.’ At the ‘Keisei Takasago Station,’ switch to the Keisei-Main line, and get off at the Keisei-Narita station. It takes 2 minutes on foot from KeiseiNarita station to the hotel. a
From Tokyo Station to the APA Hotel
Please take the Narita Express and get off at the Narita station. It takes 7 minutes on foot from Narita Station to the hotel.
From the APA Hotel to the venue (Session venue & ceremony hall) You can reach the venue within 40 minutes’ walk from the hotel. If you use the train, it takes approximately 20 minutes from the hotel. Use the Keisei-Main Line, and the nearest stop is Kouzunomori Station.
Preventive Measures against COVID-19 (APA Hotel) 1. Hotel staff are encouraging and exercising frequent handwashing, gargling, and observing "cough etiquette.“ 2. Please feel free to use hand sanitizers placed at various locations throughout the hotel.
Pre APRM：2021/7/19-22 19
Arrival Day
20
First Day
21
Second Day
22
Third Day
APRM：2021/7/22-26 22
Arrival Day
23
First Day
24
Second Day
25
Third Day
26
Departure Day
Theme of APRM 2021 Pandemics in the Digital Era
COVID-19 has changed life as we know. In this uncertain
situation, unity and solidarity within our region has never been more vital. As future health care workers and people living through this pandemic, what policies have you encountered? Did Theme they meet your satisfaction, or more doubt about your countries’ healthcare system? In addition to the control of this disease, there is also a need for managing our mental wellness. How can we work it out? And, do you know information can be our obstacle? Latest developments in technology have given us every access to a huge amount of information. Now we are in the sea of information, we easily believe that much information is helpful. But, too much information is often inaccurate and annoying. We are having special expert speakers to talk about this theme from a practical view. What issues and responses are there under the condition of pandemics in the digital era? Listen, and learn carefully to gain essential knowledge and information as a medical worker in the post COVID-19 era. After the talk, you all are going to face an UNEXPECTED virtual crisis. You won’t know what the crisis is until the time comes. Utilize what you learned in the talk event, perform the best possible response to the crisis under a pandemic situation, and work as a team.
Please join us in starting an Asia-Pacific regional discourse and event on dynamically changing society and health in the digital era under a pandemic!
Social Welcome Party APRM Arrival Day
The APRM event will start with an opening ceremony. This year, we need to be careful with COVID-19, so we will take all possible prevention measures, such as taking social distance, using hand sanitizers, and so on.
Culture Night
Good opportunity to know the colorful cultures of the AsiaPacific countries. Each NMP will have time to perform or share their dances, songs, games, etc. This will be a sure way to break the ice and get to know each other even more. Dress code: Traditional costume.
NFDP
Get to know a little bit of the participant’s home country’s culture by enjoying their national foods and drinks! Although NFDP is scheduled after hard-working sessions, please come and join us! Don’t miss it, or you will regret it!
Registration
CAUTION
This page is for the offline APRM. If APRM is held online, we’ll inform you of the details of registration by email.
Flowchart for NMO Presidents STEP 1
Register individually using the registration form.
STEP 3
Within 1-3 days, the Registration team sends the President with the list of delegates from your NMO. The President needs to reply to the email with approval.
STEP 5
NMO makes payment and sends the receipt to the Director of Finance within the deadline, or asks for the contract for onsite cash payment if wire transfer is not an option. Send the contract back before the payment deadline.
STEP 2
The President sends an email to the Registration team as soon as all delegates from your NMO completes registration.
STEP 4
Within 1-3 days of approval, the President receives the invoice for the NMO and invitation letters for all delegates. Presidents will be responsible for notifying each delegate.
Travel Tips Transportation and Rechargeable Cards
You can move around Narita by railway, subways, buses, and taxis. To avoid the trouble of buying a ticket each time, I recommend getting Suica or Pasmo rechargeable cards. You can buy them at the airport or train station for a deposit of 500 yen. These cards can be used not only to ride public transportation, but also to pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and at stores and taxis that display the Pasmo or Suica logos.
Free Navigation Apps
Japan has a complicated transportation network, and it is confusing for even Japanese. Free navigation apps designed for foreign tourists, Japan Travel-transit, taxi or Japan Official Travel App, make it easy to reach your destinations and travel in Japan. These apps provide a lot of information about Japan as well as route search services.
Currency
The official currency of Japan is the yen, 円. There are 6 types of coins and 4 types of bills. By the way, many shops in Japan don’t accept credit card payment. You should have cash on you.
SIM Cards and Wi-Fi
Install the app, Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi or Travel Japan Wi-Fi, and you can connect to free Wi-Fi at the airport, train station, convenience stores, and so on. If you want to connect to the Internet anywhere, you should buy SIM Cards or rent a portable Wi-Fi router. SIM Cards for foreign tourists are JAPAN TRAVEL SIM, PAYG SIM, Sakura Mobile. Wi-Fi router rental services are Ninja Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi-HIRE.com, Telecom Square. Please check the website for more details.
Electricity
Japan uses an Electric voltage of 100 W and frequency is 50 Hz. The type of plug is A. Please prepare your own voltage converter, adapter and plug.
Type A Plug
In Case of Disaster
When a disaster occurs, you can receive push notification through the app, Safety tips. Free navigation App, Japan Official Travel App, also gives the same notification and other information for safety. In addition, it is a good idea to download ‘Safety Information Cards’ from the Japan National Tourism Agency website. It shows useful information when disaster strikes in English, Chinese, Korean.
Emergency Exit Symbol