Job Discussion Forums

Aqua78 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003 Posts: 19 Location: St. Paul, MN

This is related to the clothing and cosmetics question. I know there's no way that Japanese clothes will fit me, so I'll need to bring everything with me. I'm leaving for JET in a couple months, so I want to start shopping now.

How do most teachers dress in Japan? I've heard some men say they wear a dress shirt and tie to class. I've also heard that many Japanese teachers wear funky sweatsuits that most Westerners wouldn't be caught dead in.

What about clothing for women? Is it better to wear skirts or pants, or doesn't it make a difference? Are there any fashion taboos I should avoid?

Any advice about gifts to bring? I live near the Mall of America, so I was thinking of bringing a few souveniers from there. Is that tacky, or will it go over well? How many gifts should I bring - half a suitcase full, or just a few?

I know to bring some books in English, plenty of music, and lots of pictures, but not to pack too much. Anything else I should be thinking about?

Thanks!

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

Deodorant.Lots of deodorant.Your favorite name brand will be difficult to find in Japan.

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

Absolutely bring souvenirs from the Mall of America. I think they'd go over well. Depending on where you'll be located in Japan, you may be able to find things like English books, properly fitting clothes, etc. Unless you are ridiculously huge, you can find clothes in Japan. I think it's a bit of a myth that Westerners have about the size differences. Again, unless you are in the sticks, you should be able to find clothes that will fit.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Don't worry much about gifts. Who are you planning to bring them for? I'd suggest some flavored coffee and/or some decaf coffee for the office staff and little else. Some sports pennants or other light flat things would be ok, but don't sweat gifts.

JETs are probably the most casually dressed people, and that's ok because they are cultural ambassadors much more than teachers. However, you should really be somewhat professional, even as a JET. Just my opinion. Dress like your own HS teachers did.

Celeste · Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 5:41 am Post subject:

If you are going to be working in a junior high school, skirts and blouses are fine for women. If you are going to be working in an elementary school, you might want to wear slacks because you will find yourself getting down on the floor with the kids at times (and while I have played dodgeball with the kids while wearing a skirt and heels, it is not something I would recommend.) Remember that the summer classes will be sweltering hot (deoderant-bring lots of deoderant!) so you want to make sure that your summer clothes are stylish yet breathable. Don't wear shorts to teach in unless you are the gym teacher. Also, I know it should go without saying, but don't wear sleeveless tops to work either.

In the winter, you will probably want to wear lots of layers. I have long underwear for the winter, and I also have about a million cardigan sweaters.

Definitely bring your own pair of "slippers" or you will have to endure the awful plastic guest slippers provided by the school. I have a pair of Birkenstock sandals that I wear to teach in. (Musn't wear your outdoor shoes in the school)

Basically, though Glenski is right. Strive to emulate your old highschool teachers, and you won't go far wrong. I have seen some rather shabbily dressed foriegn teachers here, and it is no wonder the Japanese teachers don't take them seriously.

Sherri · Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 5:49 am Post subject:

curveegrrl · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 39 Location: Utsunomiya, Japan

I'd definately bring all the nylons you can. I'm pretty sure (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) that even at more relaxed schools, bare legs under skirts are a no-no. Japanese sizes for nylons were a bit of a problem for me and my femaile co-workers. Colours too, but that was less of an issue.

If you have a favourite brand of toothpaste you might want to bring a supply of that too. You can find Colgate pretty easily, but not so many other big American brands. (ooh. But if you're not from North America, then that doens't help you so much. sorry)

I agree with Shonai Ben about deoderant. But up it to anti-persperant (did I spell the correctly?)! You won't find it. Or at least I didn't. And I looked!

Aqua78 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003 Posts: 19 Location: St. Paul, MN

Thank you all - very good advice so far. I'll save room on gifts and bring half a suitcase full of deodorant and nylons. It will be funny if my bags get searched by airport security.

curveegrrl · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 39 Location: Utsunomiya, Japan

Even if you're not "rediculously huge" you may be just a really different shape. Height and weight don't matter much in a country where clothes aren't really designed wor women with fuller sized bust and hips. Shoulders can be a problem too.

Where abouts in Japan will you be? I was in Tokyo, and didn't need nearly as many winter clothes as I had packed. The heaviest "jacket" I wore was a sweat top. And yeah, summers get crazy hot-himid so bring things that breathe and wash well.

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

Celeste · Posted: Wed May 21, 2003 5:56 am Post subject:

I hate to break it to you, Aqua, but you are going to be ridiculously huge for Japanese clothing stores. I am 5'4" tall, and I can't get pantyhose that have long enough legs here. A size 8 (25cm) shoe will be difficult to find(not impossible, but difficult). I wear a size 7 (24cm) and that is largeish here. I find that pants here are cut with very little room in the seat(and if you get a larger size, it just seems to have room for a bigger belly, not a bigger bottom). Even if you can find foundation garments in your size (I haven't yet found a C cup) they are really expensive here. Best off bringing extra from home. As to indoor shoes, some teachers have clean sneakers, a lot of teachers wear some kind of sandals- generally with socks(though one older male teacher I know always has bare feet in his sandals, even in Winter).

Aqua78 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003 Posts: 19 Location: St. Paul, MN

Wonderful - I pretty much have my suitcases packed and I'm not even leaving for almost 2 months!

I'll be in Saga-ken (Kyushu), so I'll bring mostly lighter clothes and send my winter things through the mail. Also, I'm hoping to visit some relatives in Hong Kong, and they say I can have nice clothes taylor-made for me very cheaply there. (I'll try to plan that visit early on!)

I'm sorry to exhaust the subject of packing, but I just have one more silly question -- what about items that are illegal in Japan, or things are limited by customs? I don't mean actual illegal drugs, just things like flouride toothpaste and over-the-counter medications which aren't available there. Can a person get in trouble for bringing these things into Japan, or for bringing too much of something? I've read that some items are only allowed in limited quantities (2-months suppy of toothpaste, etc). So if the customs agents should open my suitcase stuffed with American personal hygene products and Advil, what would happen then? Do they even bother to check? (In other countries, they do, but they're not so strict.) Has anyone run into a problem with this? Just curious. Thanks!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

Aqua,
No one can give you a definitive answer on Japanese customs; not even Japanese customs! It's a mixed bag. You may have your luggage checked, you may not. I know security at both Narita and Haneda airports has increased significantly in the last year or so, but that doesn't mean everyone is getting searched (obviously). There is a list of items one cannot bring in to Japan (available from the U.S. State Dept. and the Japanese Embassy). My guess is if you are bringing small quantities of toothpaste or a month's supply of a prescription medication, you should be OK. (However, this last statement is based on personal experience; I am not an attorney).

Lynn · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 696 Location: in between

I was also on JET and out it the sticks.

The first day you should dress more formallly because you will have all your introductions. A white short sleeved cotton blouse and skirt should be fine.

When at the schools I was allowed to go bare legged because it was so damn hot and there is no air con. I bought Japanese "skorts" in my little town and I am 5'6". I wore new sandal type slippers, or sneakers with socks. You might think it looks dorky, but I was playing dodge ball and chasing kids. Furthermore, if you visit elementary schools the children will crowd around and hug you so comfort is very important.

I would advice against mini skirts. It's not really a taboo, but the staff will tease you. My skorts just hit above the knee and that was perfect.

Wow, talking about this brings back memories!!! I wish I could go back in time. JET was so exciting and fun. It was one of the best times in my life. Good luck to you!