Hi,

I am going to Osaka this summer for an extended period of time (read E-xped!a length) and I have been looking to do a medical internship. I have some writing to do anyway that will take several weeks so something 6-8 weeks, 4 days a week would fit perfectly. I know there are several pharmaceutical companies in Osaka but it is difficult to get any information from their japanese websites. I am not expecting to be remunerated. My field is infectious diseases but I think it will be difficult to find this specifically in Osaka.

Thanks!

My field is infectious diseases but I think it will be difficult to find this specifically in Osaka.

You should have no problem finding infectious diseases in Osaka... :D

Seriously - Osaka is a very big city and there will surely be university hospitals working in your field. I am almost sure of it. Also Takeda Pharmaceutical is Japan's largest pharma company - and they have their HQ in Osaka. Quite a lot of information is available in English for that company...

If you're trying to arrange an internship, I think your best bet is to get an introduction from someone who knows someone ... Basically you're asking the company to take some risk and expend some effort to have you on their campus for 6 weeks. Even if they don't have to pay you, they won't necessarily see the benefit.

Perhaps you have a teacher / professor from your school who would seek connections at the institutions?

Failing that, I would suggest trying to establish a connection through some kind of international business association / chamber of commerce / rotarians club / or similar association. If you are an Italian citizen then perhaps your embassy has some chamber of commerce type of organization?
(You may find that some of these organizations are mandated with "making Osaka business more international" or "promoting collaboration with Italy" - and that makes them more amenable to your approach).

There are some examples of the kinds of organizations that I am thinking of on the following page:
http://www.moveandstay.com/osaka/guide_doing_business.asp

In my student days, I was fortunate to particpate in an internship with a manufacturing company here - the whole thing was arranged by the Shizuoka International Business Association. I don't think the manufacturing company would have given me the time of day if I had tried to contact them directly.

Maybe it's a cliché, but Japanese really don't like surprises or spontaneity when it comes to work and business. The Asian company I'm now associated with spent seven years "socializing" with our present ( ultra loyal ) Japanese partners before any serious and continuing business came into effect. Since establishing trust the Tokyo based guys have been extremely helpful and patient during any turbulences and difficulties encountered.

Another thing is isshokenmei, give all you got. How about seven days a week instead of four?

Jib71 is spot on in recommending using a middleman. Also I don't think you will be reimbursed for a mere six weeks stay in any other way than perhaps free meals. Are you a member of any Italian - Japanese friendship association? If not, better join now. One veteran member I know from a simiilar European association has amazing contacts in Japan, including having had tea with a certain couple living quite comfortably in Chiyoda-ku in Tokyo. ;)

And always contact your local representants first. One universal law is that people in most organizations hate you for going over their heads.

Great advice Mos and Jib ^ ^ ^ !

Thank you for the advices. I will definitely look into friendship associations.

As usual for the Osaka region, Kansai Time Out (http://kto.co.jp/) has the answer:

Malaria testing involves a microsopic examintion of blood, and a well-trained doctor or technician. Unlike many other illnesses, an antibody titer examination is not used for diagnosis.

In Kobe, inquire at the Kobe City General Hospital, on Port Island. (Tel. 078-302-4321)

In Osaka, inquire at the Osaka City General Hospital. (Tel. 06-6929-1221).

Kansai Medical University (tel. 06-6993-9437) also can assist.

http://kto.co.jp/new/modules/smartfaq/faq.php?faqid=105

Thank you for your help, I did find what I wanted.