Need advice but don't know where to turn? Whether you have just arrived and are having trouble getting settled or are a long-term resident facing a new challenge, there are several places you can call for help.

The toll-free Japan Help Line (01-2046-1997) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Service is available in English and 17 other languages. Staff deal with requests ranging from medical emergencies and immigration problems to information on where to take stray animals. Depending on the severity or nature of your problem, they may refer you to another agency or lend an ear themselves to help you through your difficulties. They also organize phone link-ups for individuals short on cash who need to make emergency calls.

For more serious counseling matters, you can contact the Tokyo English Life Line, TELL (03-5721-4347), which is staffed by trained, certified counselors. Although, this is not a toll-free number, the line is often busy and you have to be persistent to get through.

For AIDS-related matters, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's toll-free AIDS Telephone Service (0120-177-812) operates 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Service is in Japanese but staff can help you find English information and help. The Ministry's Sapporo line (231-4111 ext. 25219) offers information, in Japanese only, on AIDS testing and counseling.
English-speaking volunteers are on call to listen and provide information on test sites, costs, etc. at the Tokyo-based HIV-AIDS Line (03-5721-4334) from Sunday-Thursday, 7-10 p.m.

There are no Hokkaido-based help lines for foreign residents, but several local organizations provide services in English. For job-related matters, the Hokkaido Labour Standards Bureau in Sapporo (709-2311 ext. 3534) can answer questions in English and several other languages Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Sapporo International Communication Plaza (1st and 3rd floors of the MN Building, N1 W3, Tel. 211-2105) can refer you to English legal services and English-speaking doctors and hospitals in Sapporo. You can call, or drop by in person. The 3rd floor is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.