Job Discussion Forums

sanadamushi · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 21 Location: Osaka

to the OP, my god do I feel your pain. In every single place I lived in Japan, I had noise problems that drove me to drink. my first apartment, my neighbors were shift workers who left the t.v. blaring full blast, 24/7. I could also hear them sniffing glue in these crinkly plastic bags.

My next apartment this crazy housewife with two little boys would religiously vacuum her hardwood floors for 30 minutes every morning at 7:00am and the noise was insanely grating and loud.

My last place in Japan the whole structure was cheaply made concrete that transmitted every little fart and whistle. I could hear my neighbor pulling toilet paper to wipe his butt with. It sounded like he used half a roll every time. I could hear the washing machine which he would use after midnight, cigarette smoke would roll in my windows, ect ect.

Japanese apartment construction certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Curiously, my apartment in Korea I couldn't hear a peep from my neighbors. Now, living in America, my downstairs neighbor (duplex) is never home and is quite and respectful when home. I am lucky for now. I have no advice for you, the earplugs are uncomfortable, but there is a little device I saw here in America that creates a "white noise" that is very effective at blocking noise, look them up on the internet.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Speaking of noise. What is it with the noisy motorcycles in this country racing around from midnight to 4am? Deafening is a better word than noisy. Yesterday I saw one with a blowhorn attached to its muffler.

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 3:46 pm Post subject:

A lot of people in this country have no respect for other peoples' peace & quiet. And it doesn't matter how you wrap that up with culture or whatever other excuse. It's just plain selfish and typical of the blinkered approach to life here.

Just another one of the reasons I will be heading home at Christmas and staying there.

Anna007 · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 1

Hi Lindsay, I can fully sympathise with your plight. I:ve been in Japan for 8 months even though i:ve moved once, the noise can still drive me to distraction. As others have said, due to the thin walls in most Japanese houses or apartments it:s something you really have to learn to live with. I have spoken to other Japanese people about the fact that it seems people don:t respect each other re. accommodation and noise-the way it seems to be here is that you let people do whatever the heck they want and don:t complain. If you do complain, you:re in the wrong. Do you think you can learn to live with this? Try a relaxing CD and see if it gets any better. I really hope it doesn:t spoil your stay in Japan. Gambatte.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Hi AgentMulderUK,

What's that? You are out of here? How long has it been? How long have you been planning to bail? And where's home?

Sorry about so many questions it's just that I am excited for you!

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

I feel bad. All 4 of my apartments have been quit sound proof (as far as neighbors go). The only one that made a peep was my Irish freind that lived above my apartment that used to swear at his soccer PS game.

As for my apartment now, I live near the tracks and they are only loud when there is importants dailog on the TV. The neighbors pulling up and down the "blast doors" is the only sound coming from them.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Kumagaya? I think that's near us.

We also don't hear a peep from anyone. Though one of the neighbors has a pond and the tranquil sounds of running water can be heard from my bed. That and birds.

Hmmm? Lucky, I suppose.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

SNS,

That's the ticket!

crazyteacher · Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Tokyo

You know a really great night time activity (other than the best one listed above!)

Vaccuming!

Perhaps you havent heard of this new method called "wall vaccuming!"

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

crazyteacher · Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Tokyo

The reason for vaccuming is to wake up the snoring person......

I think you should look at noisy neighbors as a mixed blessing. When I hear the cultists chanting in the morning I interpet that as my free pass to make as much noise as I want any other time. I dont go crazy (as my name would suggest) but I do use up the credit I accrue when they are being noisy.

I been here a while and no complaints so far.