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rich_n23
Joined: 17 Feb 2005
Posts: 14
Location: Bristol, Uk
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 Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:51 pm Post subject: Sport/life style questions on Japan |
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Ok, new guy here. despite all the negative comments about Nova i've gone ahead and sold my soul to the devil. Anyway just have a few basic questions about life in Japan that i can't find the answers for.
1.) What is japan like for team sports, is it unfeasible for a westerner who can't speak much japanese to hope to find a football(soccer) team? i don't know where i will be based yet, but wondered how easy(or not) it is to join sports teams.
2.)What are japanese gyms like and how much do they cost. I'm not looking for a fancy gym with sauna etc, just want a basic gym if that exists.
3.)Also how easily accesible are sposts facilities e.g tennis courts, squash etc
I know some of the answers to this will be area specific, but just wanted to know about your experiences
i also realise that these are fairly minor points, but i'm curious about how this stuff works over there. So if anyone has had any success joining sports teams let me know |
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Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:28 pm Post subject: |
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| There are lots of gyms in Japan with varying price ranges. You can find some simple community centers for only a couple hundred yen/drop-in if you want. Tennis/squash courts are another matter. They are part of expensive gyms or clubs. I've yet to see a free tennis court here, unfortunately. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:44 pm Post subject: Re: Sport/life style questions on Japan |
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| rich_n23 wrote: |
1.) What is japan like for team sports, is it unfeasible for a westerner who can't speak much japanese to hope to find a football(soccer) team? i don't know where i will be based yet, but wondered how easy(or not) it is to join sports teams.
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Considering that all mail correspondence, announcements, newsletters to members, use of club facilities, notification of training days etc will all be in a foreign language you would be advised to consider joining a sports club with foreign members or where there are plenty of expats. KRAC in Kobe has quite a large foreign membership and hosts a number of teams such as cricket, rugby, soccer tennis, and they have a gym and courts as well
| rich_n23 wrote: |
O
2.)What are japanese gyms like and how much do they cost. I'm not looking for a fancy gym with sauna etc, just want a basic gym if that exists.
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Membership and sign fees vary, and depend on the service you want, what days you want to go etc. Normally you will pay an entry fee a monthly charge and then door fees when you go to the gym. It can get pricey but usually the equipment is as good as you will get anywhere.
| rich_n23 wrote: |
3.)Also how easily accessible are sports facilities e.g tennis courts, squash etc
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I have never seen free tennnis courts here and normally you have to become a paid-up member of a club. Most clubs will admit foreigners but do not really cater to non-Japanese speaking members (depends on the club of course) and you would be best to bring a Japanese speaker with you to walk through the application process.
There are usually local community gymnasiums where you can play basketball, badminton etc for a small fee. They are called "taiiku-kan" in Japanese. |
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Shiggy
Joined: 27 Jan 2004
Posts: 86
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| Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 6:50 am Post subject: |
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| I've been curious about this myself. I currently coach football, wrestling, and basketball over here in the States and I was concerned I wouldn't be able to continue to coach if I moved to Japan. I also like to play those sports, and being denied access or having a low probability of being able to play would greatly effect my decision about moving. But I'm sure I could find something if I looked hard enough. |
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Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 6:53 am Post subject: |
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| Martial arts is also popular here. Many people are into judo or karate. This is a good way to leqarn Japanese and get in shape at the same time. You'll have a new appreciation of physical discipline. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 6:58 am Post subject: |
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| Shiggy wrote: |
| I've been curious about this myself. I currently coach football, wrestling, and basketball over here in the States and I was concerned I wouldn't be able to continue to coach if I moved to Japan. I also like to play those sports, and being denied access or having a low probability of being able to play would greatly effect my decision about moving. But I'm sure I could find something if I looked hard enough. |
The only foreigners in Japan I have seen are those that play for clubs in the professional leagues (Do you mean American football or soccer?) and if they dont speak Japanese they will be provided with an interpreter/handler. No way you are going to get a Japanese sports coach coaching you in English. If you plan to coach you would need a visa sponsor, the right visa anyway and couldnt do anything else on that visa. Maybe if you volunteered at local high schools you may have some luck.
Have you considered the SEAs in the JET program? These are Sports advisors hired on the government JET program to teach sports but the next intake will accept applications in November.
Many foreigners make up their own teams and I do know of an expat cricket team, and an Australian Rules football team that trains in Osaka.
PS K-1 kick boxing is quite popular here too with several foreigners including former sumo wrestlers taking up the sport. |
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Shiggy
Joined: 27 Jan 2004
Posts: 86
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| Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 7:37 am Post subject: |
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| Yes, I've considered SEA. However, I've been told it's difficult to be accepted. I've already been denied by JET once and I don't take rejection well. I would most likely volunteer as a coach, which is what I'm doing now. I'd probably become involved in martial arts, as well. I was referring to "football" not "futebol." However, I can play and coach both sports; I've played soccer for about 10 years. Now the next step is finding an actual job. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 7:50 am Post subject: |
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| Shiggy wrote: |
| Yes, I've considered SEA. However, I've been told it's difficult to be accepted. I've already been denied by JET once and I don't take rejection well. I would most likely volunteer as a coach, which is what I'm doing now. I'd probably become involved in martial arts, as well. I was referring to "football" not "futebol." However, I can play and coach both sports; I've played soccer for about 10 years. Now the next step is finding an actual job. |
Japanese American Football Association (American football is called Ame-Futo in Japanese and is mainly played here by amateur university teams). I think my university has an American football team, complete with cheerleaders and uniforms.
http://www.americanfootball.jp/e/outline.html
Best bet would be to apply to coach/volunteer with university football teams. Strictly amateur but they would welcome the assistance if you ask. Many Kansai universities have Ame-futo teams.
PS I have Ame-futo players in my English classes, they dont speak much English but they could do with the practice if they had a foreign coach. |
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Shiggy
Joined: 27 Jan 2004
Posts: 86
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| Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:08 am Post subject: |
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| It's actually called the "Rice Bowl?" I find that ironic. At any rate, it looks and sounds good. Have fun. |
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Big John Stud
Joined: 07 Oct 2004
Posts: 513
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| Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 4:19 am Post subject: Re: Sport/life style questions on Japan |
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[1.) What is japan like for team sports, is it unfeasible for a westerner who can't speak much japanese to hope to find a football(soccer) team? i don't know where i will be based yet, but wondered how easy(or not) it is to join sports teams.
Good luck to you! Most of the time they don't want to play with a guijin. But then again some times they do want to play with a guijin to play.
2.)What are japanese gyms like and how much do they cost. I'm not looking for a fancy gym with sauna etc, just want a basic gym if that exists.
The gyms are just indoor pools with a few weight machines. However, Tokyo does have a few decent gyms.
3.)Also how easily accesible are sposts facilities e.g tennis courts, squash etc
Tennis courts are expensive but all over the place. |
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spidey
Joined: 29 Jun 2004
Posts: 382
Location: Web-slinging over Japan...
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| Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:20 am Post subject: Re: Sport/life style questions on Japan |
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| rich_n23 wrote: |
1.) What is japan like for team sports, is it unfeasible for a westerner who can't speak much japanese to hope to find a football(soccer) team? i don't know where i will be based yet, but wondered how easy(or not) it is to join sports teams.
2.)What are japanese gyms like and how much do they cost. I'm not looking for a fancy gym with sauna etc, just want a basic gym if that exists.
3.)Also how easily accesible are sposts facilities e.g tennis courts, squash
etc
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Hello....
1.) IMHO the Japanese are very much into team sports. Everything from basketball to tag team sumo wresting.  They tend t be quite organized when scheduling their practice and game times. Simply ask your new co-workers about the sports that you are interested in. If your desire is stong enough, you will find what you are looking for.
2.) I am currently a member of a local gym. I pay about 8000yen a month for the "full deal" which includes; use of all facilities(weightroom, pool, saunas and indoor and outdoor hot tubs) as well as having full access from open to closing times, 7 days a week. You will find that gyms offer limited memberships which may include only morning or evening times available at a much lower monthly fee.(approx. 3000yen/mth) This seems to be the standard fare. Some places are a bit more expensive and some less depending on the size and equipment avaiable.
3.) About tennis...see answer #1.
P.S. Japanese tend to be easily impressed when seeing a foreign person exhibiting skill and talent and sports or games. In other words be prepared to here alot of "sugoi!", "umai!", "jouzu desu ne!"
Have fun.
S |
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stretch
Joined: 28 Jun 2004
Posts: 59
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| Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:55 am Post subject: gyms and stuff |
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1) Well, I can only comment on the basketball team thing. I found a club in the town over and ended up playing for that city while I was there. I was the giant gaijin on the team and it was awesome. We travelled to city and prefectural tournaments. I was amazed at the organization level compared to back here in Canada for Mens leagues. One of my best experiences in Japan.
2) The gym in my town was brand new. Great equipment (I'm a trainer by trade at home) just a little light on the free weights. Dumbells up to 40lbs was the limit. Had a nice pool and all the other stuff.
3) Courts, can't comment on that, sorry. |
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rich_n23
Joined: 17 Feb 2005
Posts: 14
Location: Bristol, Uk
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| Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Well that is pretty much what i expected to hear, still good to get some confirmation from people who know. think i'll just leave it till i get there and see what happens. But may have to take up a new sport if i can't find what i need. Thanks for your help Guys |
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Shiggy
Joined: 27 Jan 2004
Posts: 86
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| Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:43 am Post subject: |
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| Haha, giant "gaijin." What does that mean? Giant white boy? Also, what does this mean: "sugoi!", "umai!", "jouzu desu ne." |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:56 am Post subject: |
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| Shiggy wrote: |
| Haha, giant "gaijin." What does that mean? Giant white boy? Also, what does this mean: "sugoi!", "umai!", "jouzu desu ne." |
Gaijin is the Japanese word for "foreigner". the direct translation is "outside person" which leads to a feeling of exclusiveness, and to many foreigners here is like using the n-word for black people. There are other threads on here about the use and meaning (to foreigners living here) of the g-word when referring to foreigners.
P.S. The Japanese word for white person or caucasian is "haku-jin". This can be used derogatively, as I heard one ALT was called this by his high school students when they taunted him. A bit like saying "Hi, honky"
Sugoi means like "fantastic", like they say when they see you holding chopsticks or eating natto. (fermented soybeans). They think only Japanese know how to do these things. I get it alot when I write a difficult Kanji on the board or come out with a colloquialism or proverb they dont expect a foreigner to know.
"Umai" means skillful or practiced. Playing soccer like David Beckham. Play baseball like Ichiro. Slurp noodles like Japanese people. Can also mean delicious or tasty food.
Jouzu desu ne "You do ...... well, don't you?" is what Japanese say when you start out learning Japanese and are strugglling with the language. Real meaning is "you are butchering our language but we admire your efforts to get your tongue around Japanese, and your Japanese sucks". They stop praising your Japanese ability when you start getting good.
I might add John Stud is a troll so don't feed the trolls please. |
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