What we do:
We interpret for the foreign community at healthcare institutions.
Those eligible for our service:
International residents in Sapporo.
We regret to inform you that due to staffing shortages, as of April 1, 2024, we will no longer be able to provide volunteer interpretation services to residents outside of Sapporo, except for international students and their families who needs to go to medical facilities in Sapporo.
However, those who are currently visiting hospitals with SEMI interpreters may continue to use our service until doctor consultations regarding any ongoing health issues are concluded.
For medical consultations where you need to communicate with doctors or other medical staff, phone interpretation services are accessible by contacting the Sapporo Medical Communication Hotline.
We appreciate your understanding during this transition. If you need our assistance, please make an inquiry from [Contact Us].
How to use our service:
1) First, please call Sapporo Medical Communication Hotline at 011-211-2121 to ask for an appointment with a medical institute to be made for you.
(Unfortunately, SEMI doesn’t help make an appointment for your consultation.)
Then please ask the hotline operator for a SEMI interpreter to accompany you to that appointment and provide your contact email.
2) After we receive your request for an interpreter from the hotline, we will check to see who is available for assignment.
3) The assigned interpreter (or contact person) will then send an email to you to confirm the assignment.
If you have sent a request and you still haven’t heard from your assigned interpreter three days before your appointment, please send us a reminder email.
4) We will communicate the meeting location and time to meet via email.
5) If you already have an appointment, you can directly request a SEMI interpreter by emailing us. Please describe your condition in detail, such as symptoms, medical history, and the medical institution where your appointment is located.
The fee:
Our services are free for international residents in Sapporo who use clinics and hospitals in Sapporo, with some exceptions. However, an interpretation fee may be charged by SEMI for travelers, residents outside of Sapporo, and those whose medical expenses are not covered by their health insurance. Whether a fee will be charged is dependent upon each individual’s particular circumstances.
What we do not accept:
If a client assaults, uses abusive language towards, or otherwise harasses one of SEMI’s members or anyone else, that client will no longer be able to make use of SEMI’s services.
Your confidentiality is guaranteed.