As a Japanese person, I often hear from my foreign friends about how stressful navigating our healthcare system can be.
And honestly, I understand why.
Recently, I had my own comprehensive health check—the “ningen dokku” (人間ドック)—and it was a powerful reminder of how intimidating these experiences can be.
Even for me, a native speaker, the whole process felt overwhelming at times.
I want to share my story, so you know what to expect and can feel a little more at ease.
The Wall of Medical Jargon
My challenge began with the multi-page questionnaire.
Even though it was in my native language, it was filled with complex medical jargon (専門用語) that I struggled to understand.
I found myself using my phone to look up terms, feeling a growing sense of pressure.
I could only imagine how much more difficult this would be for someone still learning Japanese.
But the real test of my composure came during the barium swallow test for my stomach X-ray.
A Moment of Panic and Unexpected Grace
In the dark X-ray room, a technician gave a series of rapid-fire instructions while I clung to a strange, tilting machine.
“Breathe in, hold, turn right, drink, don’t swallow yet!.”
I was completely lost and couldn’t keep up.
I felt a wave of panic, convinced I was messing up the entire procedure.
Just then, a kind-faced nurse who was assisting noticed my distress.
She gave me a reassuring smile and, in a calm voice, began to guide me through each step, one by one.
She would listen to the technician, then turn to me and repeat the instruction slowly, adding a gentle gesture.
Her patience and kindness were a lifeline.
She transformed what was a moment of pure panic into a manageable experience.
It was a powerful reminder that in Japan’s highly efficient system, there is still so much room for human warmth and compassion.
A Lifeline in My Pocket
Looking back, I was so thankful to have a reliable internet connection on my phone that day.
Using it to look up confusing medical terms on the questionnaire saved me a lot of stress.
Having a Pocket WiFi or an eSIM is truly essential for navigating these kinds of complex situations, giving you a sense of security when you need it most.
You Might Also Like
Understanding the system behind these health checks is just as important.
Learn more about Japan’s National Health Insurance and how it works.
A Foreigner’s Guide to Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI)
If you found this guide helpful, please give it a like!.
