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1.
Vivinavi Hawaii
Mobile Phones in Japan(2kview/18res)
Problem / Need advice Today 21:46
2.
Vivinavi Silicon Valley
blemish removal(1view/0res)
Beauty / Health Today 21:19
3.
Vivinavi Silicon Valley
Day care or preschool(4view/0res)
Problem / Need advice Today 21:15
4.
Vivinavi Hawaii
About the Kamehameha Schools (KS) Examination(1kview/7res)
Learn / School Today 19:23
5.
Vivinavi Hawaii
Montessori Community School's Acceptance Examinati...(11kview/53res)
Free talk Today 18:53
6.
Vivinavi Hawaii
Student Income(1kview/6res)
Question Today 18:39
7.
Vivinavi Hawaii
Did you get pregnant and use temporary disability ...(2kview/5res)
Daily life Today 17:19
8.
Vivinavi Hawaii
global entry(1kview/1res)
Problem / Need advice Today 16:58
9.
Vivinavi Los Angeles
Anything and everything related to travel to Japan...(1301kview/4546res)
Free talk Today 12:56
10.
Vivinavi Hawaii
Internet instability is a problem(438view/3res)
Problem / Need advice 2026/01/18 12:41
Topic

Vivinavi Hawaii
Mobile Phones in Japan

Problem / Need advice
#1
  • 日本での携帯電話
  • 2025/12/07 11:20

I go back to Japan once a year
when I need my cell phone number for various documents
I was allowed to use my parent's number
however, I received a text message saying that my parent's number was registered in the same place and it turned out that your phone was used by another person.
I'm thinking of buying a cell phone in Japan
I rarely use it and it would be a waste, but it's the only thing I can think of
If you have a better idea, please let me know.
if you know which model and what kind of plan would be best for me to buy in Japan
to be honest, I am not familiar with the Japanese situation in this area.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#8
  • 日本での携帯電話
  • 2025/12/12 (Fri) 00:58
  • Report
  • Delete

Thank you very much. By the way, I would like to leave my cell phone in Japan not only when I go back to Japan temporarily, but I would like to use it all the time in Japan for receiving authentication codes and such like.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#9

#2 Mr. Resident in USA,

If you have a Japanese ID, you can buy it even if you live in USA. I chose Rakuten Mobile, which has the lowest monthly call charges.

Can I use my passport as a Japanese ID? I don't have any family in Japan, so I don't have an address where I can register.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#9
  • mani
  • 2025/12/13 (Sat) 14:23
  • Report

#2 Mr. Resident in USA,

If you have a Japanese ID, you can buy it even if you live in USA. I chose Rakuten Mobile, which has the lowest monthly call charges.

Can I use my passport as a Japanese ID? I don't have any family in Japan, so I don't have an address where I can register.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#11
  • アメリカ在住
  • 2025/12/15 (Mon) 16:02
  • Report

#9 mani

I lived in Japan, so I have a renewed driver's license with a Japanese address.
Please check with your cell phone store to see if your Japanese passport will work as a Japanese ID.
I told them honestly when I bought my cell phone that I do not reside in Japan, so I do not receive any mail.
Nowadays, paperless is more appreciated.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#12

#2 Resident in USA

Yes, I understand. Thank you. In this day and age, if you lose your parents' home in Japan, it is inconvenient in every way, including banking. I am very thankful for my parents' home.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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Vivinavi Silicon Valley
blemish removal

Beauty / Health
#1
  • ゆり
  • mail
  • Today 21:19

I am in my mid thirties. I am becoming concerned about spots and am considering laser for spot removal. If anyone has had laser treatment at a clinic around the Bay Area, I would appreciate it if you could tell me how it went.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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Vivinavi Silicon Valley
Day care or preschool

Problem / Need advice
#1
  • かなこ
  • mail
  • Today 21:15

We have a 1 year old and a 3 year old. If anyone knows of a Japanese day care or preschool in the Hayward, Fremont, Union City, or Milpitas area, I would appreciate it if you would contact me.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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Vivinavi Hawaii
About the Kamehameha Schools (KS) Examination

Learn / School
#1
  • いちご
  • mail
  • 2025/12/01 14:56

Hello, I have a child who is currently in preschool.
I have a child currently in preschool and am considering applying to Kamehameha Schools ( KS ) in the future. We understand that there are multiple timings to apply, so we are looking to apply from Kindergarten first.

We already have Hawaiian ancestry registry ( Hawaiian pedigree registry for Kamehameha ) but we are wondering if you actually have
• children attending
• who have taken KS in the past • If you have siblings who have enrolled at KS
or any other position, we would be very happy to hear your advice and experiences.

Any small details would be helpful, such as points to prepare for the application, things you wish you had done in preschool, the atmosphere of the interview, the actual atmosphere of the school after attending, etc.

Thank you very much !

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#2

My son is attending. He is in Elementary now.
If you have a Hawaiian pedigree, you can usually get in ! not that much ( like Punahou or Iolani ) the odds are not that high !
the atmosphere in the school is pretty laid back. The atmosphere in the school is quite laid back, which is typical of Hawaiians. ( Laughs ) It is good for my son, but
academically, I don't think you should have high expectations. I grew up in Japan, and from my point of view, the academics are not good enough, and
the teachers at the conferences don't give many pointers. It is a very Hawaiian school with children of Hawaiian heritage !.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#3

My husband is a KS interviewer lol so I can't go into details

-The school is dedicated to keeping the Hawaiian culture alive

Even kids who can express their own opinions about what they want Hawaii to be like in the future will be noticed

-The interview The judgment has already started as soon as the
They can tell if a child is restless or not

-They want to accept as many different children as possible
I don't think you need to worry about it
A fixed number of students per region are selected


those who want to improve their skills will have dedicated
teachers who will help them to achieve their goals.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4
  • いちご
  • 2025/12/06 (Sat) 22:51
  • Report

Thank you all for your valuable comments.

I feel a little lighter now that you mentioned that "the odds are not that high if you have a Hawaiian pedigree". Also, your realistic stories about the atmosphere of school life and academic aspects were very helpful. Since I have a family member who teaches Hawaiian Studies, I feel that my child is naturally developing an interest and attachment to Hawaiian culture himself. I really agreed with what you said in the interview about the importance of having one's own opinion such as "what do you want the future of Hawaii to be like?

I would like to gradually increase the opportunities to experience Hawaiian culture in my daily life and watch over my children so that they can develop their own perspectives and ideas. The discussion about regional quotas and balance is also interesting and I will keep it in mind as a perspective when applying.

I would be happy to learn more from you.
Thank you for your continued support !

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#5

I can't go into details, but I have a family member who runs a cram school for the Kamehameha entrance exam. According to the latest information, tuition will be completely waived starting in 2026, and graduates will be able to pay for college tuition as well.
My impression is that it is not so easy to pass the entrance exam, even though it is not as easy as Punahou or Iolani.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#6
  • いちご
  • 2026/01/08 (Thu) 22:04
  • Report

Thank you so much for sharing your detailed story.
This is the first time I heard about the full free tuition from 2026 and the support to the university, and once again I realized that it will be even more competitive in the future.

As you said, it is a different difficulty from Punahou and Iolani, and it is not an easy entrance exam. With this in mind, I will discuss again with my family about our future preparation. Actually, we are also looking into cram schools little by little, but we have not been able to find many that have the Kamehameha Kindergarten entrance exam in front of them, so we are not sure how to proceed.
I saw some Kamehameha names in the photos of successful applicants at Takahashi Juku, so I thought I would inquire about it, and I am wondering if there are many similarities with Iolani ・ Punahou-oriented preparation.

If you have any more advice, I would be happy to hear it.
Thank you so much for your valuable talk.

Please do not hesitate to contact me.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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Vivinavi Hawaii
Montessori Community School's Acceptance Examinations

Free talk
#1
  • お受験ママ
  • mail
  • 2025/02/02 11:36

We moved to Hawaii from the Bay Area last May and have two children, our oldest is now 3.5 years old and our youngest is 1.5 years old.
I was interested in Montessori education before my children were born, and while researching, I heard that
Montessori Community School in the Makiki area is a wonderful school. I saw that over 95% of the students go to Iolani or Punahou each year
through the Feeding School to Iolani or Punahou schools.
I know that it is very difficult to get into Montessori Community School as there are several topics on this site.
I would like to enroll my oldest son from Kinder and my youngest son from Pre, what should I do to prepare for the entrance exam?
We would like to know what kind of education and preparation you have done for your son who is currently attending the school.
We have contacted the school and are afraid that the admission rate is quite high.

My two sons will be living in Hawaii for at least 10 years, so I am hoping that they will be able to attend Iolani School or Punahou School in the future
We are hoping to attend Montessori Community School. I heard that another school, Hana Hau'oli, is also a feeding school, but
I heard that you have to have some kind of connection such as family connection or working to get in, but I have given up because I have no connections in Hawaii.
I would appreciate any information you can give me if you have taken the test for Puri or Kinder.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#46

I used to send my children to a preschool 6 years ago in Corona. It seems that preschools are still very popular.
The reason is, like you, that the number of students is too small and it is important for children to learn a lot from their friends who are the first generation. The reasons are the same as yours, too few students, only 8 students in the same grade at the most important time for children to learn a lot from their friendships, and too few facilities for several years of elementary school.
Many students from MCS go to public kinder and elementary schools. ! Conversely, few students from MCS preschool and kinder go to Punahou and Iolani.
Six years ago, MCS Preschool was very good.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#47

Let me take a flight. I think I will go to another school since there is no Montessori from Middle, but I heard from an MCS student that only 3 of the 9 graduates from 2025 were accepted to Punahou. I wonder what the difference is, the website says 78% from Middle to Punahou, while only 30% were accepted in 2025.
What is the actual situation?

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#48
  • MCSに通わせてました
  • 2026/01/16 (Fri) 16:07
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Now MCS has not passed 78% of the Punahou.
The pass rate has been slowly declining for the past few years and finally last year there were 3 students.
The 78% is listed for the past 5 years, but it is not an accurate percentage because the school stopped publishing it after the pass rate started dropping. Now only 30%~40% are passing.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#49

# Thank you, 48.
I still think 78% is strange. I thought it was strange because they stopped announcing it on their website and the percentage didn't change even though only 3 out of 9 students were accepted. 30%? I was wondering if I should send my daughter to Pre, but I will consider it ! Thank you for the accurate information.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#50

I am a parent considering transferring my child to Montessori 3rd grade starting August 2026. I have confirmed with the school that they have quite a few vacancies and are looking for students in all grades. it seems that the school has up to 6th grade and then 30% of the students are accepted and go on to Punahou middle and the rest are Mid-pac and Public. I know there is a difference in academic ability, but I wonder if they can keep up with their studies if they are accepted from middle school to punahou or Iolani … Of course, I know it is impossible to take the middle school entrance exam without a tutor.
I would like to know the actual situation of children who went from Montessori to Punahou or Iolani in the middle school. Thank you in advance.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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Vivinavi Hawaii
Student Income

Question
#1
  • megu
  • mail
  • 2025/10/18 09:38

I know I can't work as an F1 student ( but is it ok for me to work in Hawaii while I am a student ) in Hawaii, for example, to communicate with Japanese companies and earn Japanese yen in my Japanese account, or to make my own products and sell them in stores in Hawaii or sell them personally ?? I was curious about this because I saw a social networking site of a student who is doing this kind of activity.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#3
  • megu
  • 2025/10/19 (Sun) 11:23
  • Report

It's still no good.
It's not about me, I saw it on social networking sites and wondered if this wasn't illegal ?. I was working with an open mind. Thanks for the details.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#5
  • DT
  • 2025/10/21 (Tue) 12:42
  • Report

Basically, it is impossible, but it is possible that if the company he is doing business with is located in Japan and he receives remuneration in Japan, he does not have to file an April 15 tax return for $ less than 10,000 per year, but for $ more than 10,000, there may be problems later on. I think there will be a problem later on.

Don't report a person just because you see him or her, but report him or her to an immigration agent when you know for sure that he or she earns more than $ 10,000, otherwise, you may be suspected and you may also incur a grudge against him or her.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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Vivinavi Hawaii
Did you get pregnant and use temporary disability insurance TDI ??

Daily life
#1
  • ミサイルちゃん(妊娠中)
  • mail
  • 2025/10/06 00:27

Hello ! I am pregnant. !
I have been researching insurance from the state of Hawaii for my pregnancy, but I haven't heard of anyone who has taken it,
so I would like to hear from older moms and everyone who is currently pregnant.
I would really appreciate it if you could tell me how and when the paperwork is issued, whether you retired or not, etc. … I would really appreciate it if you could tell me about it.

[TDI details below]
Temporary Disability Insurance ( Temporary Disability Insurance : TDI

In Hawaii, non-occupational illness or injury ( pregnancy ・ including childbirth ) TDI ( Temporary Disability Insurance ) exists to supplement a portion of your wages if you are unable to work due to

pregnancy ・ for the period you are unable to work during childbirth, TDI may be available to receive a percentage of your wages for the period you are unable to work during childbirth.

However, there are some caveats :
• TDI covers illness ・ injury ・ non-occupational disability, including pregnancy, while accidents at work ・ injuries, etc. are covered by workers' compensation ( workers ' compensation ) may be covered, and therefore treated differently. 
• TDI may not be covered if the employer does not offer the plan / and the requirements are not met. 
• TDI does not automatically provide employment security ( or the right to retain your job ). In other words, there may be no institutional guarantee that you will always retain your former job after a leave of absence using TDI.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#2

TDI Used.
My memory is fading, but before the birth, ask your employer to prepare the forms for you to submit. The subsidy is for 4 weeks for a normal delivery and 6 weeks for a cesarean section. The amount of the subsidy is better than nothing, and it is about 70% or 80% of one month's salary, I think ?. I remember that it was after the delivery, not during the pregnancy, but after the delivery.
The maternity leave system varies from company to company, so I think it would be a good idea to discuss things with the company.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#3
  • グランマ
  • 2025/10/08 (Wed) 12:06
  • Report

I have grandchildren now, so this is a long time ago, but I used TDI because my pregnancy was not progressing well and I was unable to work. My husband also used TDI to take care of me. He and his wife both took a leave of absence until they used up their TDI, I retired at the end of my TDI, and my husband returned to his former job. It helped me during my pregnancy, but I had an emergency C-section, so it really helped to have my husband there after the birth.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4

I recently used TDI.
I have my employer, nurse and doctor fill out the form as well. The nurse told me that if I didn't work until 38 weeks, I should work until 38 weeks, even if I had to reduce my hours just in case, because there have been cases where I was turned down.
Of course, if you have an emergency delivery before then, you will be paid for 6-8 weeks from then on. After the birth, if there was a problem, it could have been extended further.
The amount depends on your income, but I believe the weekly limit was about $ 800.
I think you had to have been working in Hawaii for a few months before submitting the application, and you had to be working at least 20 hours per week.
If it is a large company with a large number of people, I think they may have their own benefits as well.

Please take care of yourself during your pregnancy.

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Vivinavi Hawaii
global entry

Problem / Need advice
#1
  • Aloha Green
  • mail
  • 2026/01/19 12:22

Hello
Please let me know if you are a green card holder.
I tried to apply for Global Entry, but it was rejected because the name on my passport is different from the name on my green card. ?
If you know how to solve this problem, I would appreciate it if you could let me know.
Thank you very much.

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Vivinavi Los Angeles
Anything and everything related to travel to Japan, topical.

Free talk
#1
  • 倍金萬
  • mail
  • 2018/02/14 11:44

Those of you who have crossed the ocean to come here to Los Angeles and Japan
are always concerned about something related to your travel between Los Angeles and Japan.

If you have anything to say or questions, please feel free to write.
I'll try to write "something" as well.

Example :
What means do you use to call when you return to Japan?

Which seat on the plane do you prefer, Aisle or Window, front, back,

Which airline do you think has the best food?

Which mode of transportation do you use to get to the local area?

and so on and so on

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4541
  • .倍金萬
  • 2026/01/12 (Mon) 18:22
  • Report

Flying After 70? NEW 2026 Airport Rules Are DENYING Seniors at the Gate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE6hp88ml2Q

This 70 ?

I'll be 81 this summer. Also, I don't plan to fly US domestic for now.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4542
  • .倍金萬
  • 2026/01/12 (Mon) 19:38
  • Report

Important Dual Citizenship Alert

January 2026 Law Update

What You Must Know

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=zbUltQVD28Q

There will be major legal changes this year for dual citizenship, including Canada.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4543
  • 倍金萬.
  • 2026/01/19 (Mon) 08:28
  • Report

#4531 Shikoku is not made up of four countries.

The four prefectures in Shikoku are Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4545
  • あのー
  • 2026/01/20 (Tue) 21:01
  • Report

I heard that Mr. Baikin is already living in his old age, but why does he always go to Japan for only about 2 weeks ? I always thought that he is like a company man. It is a simple question.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4547
  • バイキン
  • Today 12:56
  • Report

669>
My siblings are also too old or have other reasons to "move in" easily.

Therefore, I have to stay in hotels and motels, but recently

the rates are quite high and it costs a lot of money to stay for several days, so I have been using airbnb and other services

recently. However, as you know, I myself travel Shikoku on a walking pilgrimage, so

in the meantime, my wife in Tokyo is alone, so I'm staying with my sisters.

So our trip to Japan is limited to 2 weeks at the most.

Even if we stay longer than that, we are getting too old for places we want to visit, and

the cost of transportation is ridiculous, so I am a cheapskate and return at a reasonable place.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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Vivinavi Hawaii
Internet instability is a problem

Problem / Need advice
#1
  • Pineapple
  • mail
  • 2026/01/10 12:57

I currently live in Manoa.
I am on a 400Mbps plan with Spectrum, but my videos are starting to freeze up. a couple of months ago my internet started breaking up and frequently
Netflix and android TV feeds stop and I can't watch them. I do speed measurements and it is rated as fast with 38.5 downloads and 7,47 uploads, but it feels very slow. I'm aware that it's a problem with my connection because it's almost the same even though I bought a new router. I am wondering if it depends on the area ? Also, I was wondering if anyone who uses Hawaiian Telecom's fiber optic cable could tell me about it.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#2

It's an island where strong winds and heavy rain can quickly cause flooding, land subsidence, and power outages!

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

#4
  • Pineapple
  • 2026/01/18 (Sun) 12:41
  • Report

It is true that the infrastructure in the island country is weak. This time we also had Spectrum come and investigate the internet connection and found that there was a problem with the modem and the line. In the case of a problem, I still should have asked the company to investigate. I found it difficult to track down the cause just by testing the internet speed by myself. I'm glad to hear that it was surprisingly stable and the problem disappeared as a result.

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

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