Job Discussion Forums

Sherri · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 12:14 am Post subject:

I used to live on a quiet, narrow street in Tokyo, but the walls of the house were so thin, that we could hear every little noise out on the street. We also lived across the street from a park and every morning (and I mean EVERY morning) at 6:00am, the speakers in the park would blare out the weather report and then music and instructions for exercises. It attracted about 50 people from around the area to the park for their morning exercises. They chatted noisely down the street as early as 5:30am as they arrived--no sleep after that.
Sherri

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

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

I don't know, Gordon. I can only talk about my own experience. In Japan, I've lived in a 40-year-old building, a 2-year-old one, and a brand new one. So far, the oldest building was the quietest. Good old concrete walls.

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

In addition to what Jim said, it's important to remember that there are no free lunches in this world. If any agency is offering special services for foreigners, then for sure, one way or another, you're going to end up paying for it.

I read the article about Fontana and certainly their tactics do sound a bit heavy handed. Regarding the 5000 yen a day late fee, unfortunately it penalizes the decent and reliable people like us who always pay the rent on time. But speaking as a landlord myself, I can totally understand why real estate agents do that kind of thing. I've had people not pay the rent aswell... It's really infuriating and there is very little that you can do. The law really favours the tenant. In the past, I've had to threaten legal action, evict people, call the police... Then the tenant gets pissed off and I look like the bad guy. But I remind them, neither I now most landlords want to do any of that... All they want is the rent on time every month. Somehow, people forget that.

Regarding wall thickness, I really lucked out with this apartment. The walls are really thick but I only actually share one wall with a neighbour and there are no apartments directly opposite. I've never heard any sound from the neighbours and I regularly have my stereo turned up to Mardi Gras level and have had no complaints... EVER! (Maybe they're all just suffering in silence!)