general information

Congress Venue

The Scientific Session will be held at Osaka International Conference(OICC). OICC is located in Nakanoshima in central Osaka. The Nakanoshima area has long served as one of Japan's primary bases for cultural and economic exchange. This area, which offers the best of urban functionality, is serviced by a variety of transportation systems, making Nakanoshima ideally suited to serve as a place where people from around the world can come together to meet and interact. OICC aims to be one of the world's foremost convention facilities as well as a new symbol for the international city of Osaka. Dedicated to providing the utmost in quality, service, and usability, OICC offers the perfect setting for a diverse range of events, including conferences, music concerts, and exhibitions. http://www.gco.co.jp/english/english.html

Duty Free Import

Personal effects and professional equipment can be brought into Japan duty free as long as the customs officer deems their contents and quantities reasonable. For example, you can bring in 500 grams of alcoholic drink, 2 ounces of perfume, and gifts and souvenirs whose total market price is less than 200,000yen or its equivalent. There is no allowance for alcoholic beverages for persons aged 19 years or younger. All firearms, other weapons and narcotics are strictly prohibited.

On-site Registration Desk

The Registration Desk will be open in the Congress venue from Sunday 20th May until Thursday 24th May

Passport and Visa

Visitors to Japan must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have visa-exempt agreements with Japan. For visa requirements, please contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. For general information, see the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

Climate

The temperature in Osaka during the period of the Congress usually ranges between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Currency Exchange

Only Japanese yen is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can buy yen at foreign exchange counters on presentation of your passport. As of May 25 2006, 1,000 yen is approximately equivalent to US$8.99 or 6.99 Euro.XE.com currency converter: http://www.xe.com/pca/input.cgi

Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards

Traveller's cheques are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities. Traveller's cheques are not as popular in Japan as in other countries. However, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express, are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

Tipping

Generally, tips are not expected anywhere in Japan, even in hotels and restaurants.

Electricity

The electric current is 100 volts AC throughout Japan, but with two difference cycles: 50Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo and Yokohama, and 60Hz in western Japan including Kyoto and Osaka. Rooms at leading hotels in major cities have outlets providing 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept only a two-pin plug.

Shopping

Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Department stores, however, are closed on one weekday, differing by store. Certain specialist shops may not be open on Sundays and national holidays.

Insurance

The Congress Organisers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss of, or damage to, property belonging to Congress participants, either during or as a result of the Congress. Participants are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country. Insurance plans typically cover accidental loss of belongings, medical costs in case of injury or illness, and other possible risks of international travel. Please check the validity of your own insurance.

This symposium is partly supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and
Commemorative Organization for the Japan World Exposition ' 70 (http://www.expo70.or.jp/).