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Ignore What I · Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 16

I just moved into a nice apartment in Osaka. My only complaint is that if I knew more Japanese I could have a casual conversation with my neighbour through the walls.
The one thing I love to do is play acoustic guitar. I don't break any strings hacking away and I don't play for more than 15 minutes a day. Perhaps the quality of my playing could be in question but I've been playing for a few years and it's nothing to make anyone's ears bleed. I always stop before 10PM since the walls are so thin or at least just plain terrible for keeping the noise out.
I was told through a translation that my landlord was asked by my neighbour not to play guitar at night. I know my neighbour is up after ten because I can hear loud and clear all her phone conversations and when she moves around. After work is the only time I have to myself and I want to get along with people and I don't want a noise war.
But if anyone knew anything about the law for noise levels around here I'd really appreciate learning about it. Or at least some advice to point me to the right direction.

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

The law has nothing to do with it. Even if it's on your side, it won't help in your situation. Just nod and smile, say you're 'sorry', and then continue playing the guitar before 10pm. If she continues to complain, then you should counter-complain about her loud phone conversations. But go through the landlord, not to her directly (unless it escalates).

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Here's my two bits -- which you can accept or reject as you see fit.

It seems to me that you are fairly new in this situation (as in -- recently moved in) to your apartment. The way I see it, you have a number of questions you must ask yourself.

1. Are you willing to comply with the landlord's wishes?

If yes, then I'd recommend doing what many Japanese people do around here -- go to the park or down to the river (or other open space far from houses) to practice your musical instrument. I've seen high school students practicing tubas and trombones in the park... It's common.

If no, it is difficult (almost impossible) for the landlord to evict you -- even if you fight him every step of the way. But consider this: if you alienate your neighbours and landlord, you still have to live with them and put up with them and look them in the eye to say "hello" when you see them in the morning. If you are not willing to comply, then you may want to consider my next suggestion. Otherwise, you WILL have a fight on your hands, and is it really worth your blood pressure to get irate over this?

2. Are you in a position to move? Often, landlords own more than one property.... You may consider asking your landlord if he/she owns any other units that are more soundproof... Perhaps they may also own a "mansion" with concrete walls... Or have a place with few (or no) neighbours... Often, if you move into another place owned by the same landlord, they will forego the standard deposit and key money fees and just allow you to change places.... If that's not possible, how about a new place altogether? (Realizing of course that this is pretty expensive -- hence the reason why I suggested asking the landlord first).

3. Compromise. Have you considered getting one of those "silent" accoustic guitars. It' similar in principle to an electric guitar, in that strumming the strings produces next to no sound.... You just pop in a battery, plug in some headphones, and you can plan Van Halen 1 to your heart's delight, till 4am if you want... As loud as you want too....

The product that I'm talking about is here: http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/guitar/sg/index.html

(page in Japanese -- sorry). But I've played with these guitars in the store and they are pretty cool! I'd definitely consider one if I lived in an apartment like yours.

Why do you think digital pianos are so popular here? You can just plug in your headphones and play Rachmaninoff at top volume if that's your thing...

Those are just some things I'd consider. You may also want to speak to your neighbour and/or landlord and ASK which hours are acceptable and appropriate for you to practice your guitar. As a musician (guitarist and pianist) I can totally relate... It sucks when you want to do your thing and they won't let you. But I'm sure you can find a creative solution....

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Hmm, I would goa long with Jim, but...this neighbor sounds like a whiner Surprised

. I mean 15 minutes on an acoustic around 10 p.m. when she is still making noise Razz

? I'd go along with the agree, but then just continue doing it. And take a wait and see atitude. But going to a park or somewhere is a good idea, people like me can go and listen to you, so make sure you practice as much as possible to make it worth our while Twisted Evil

!

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

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

That was a beautiful post Jim, your advice to the OP I mean. You are a very kind person and I truly regret that I wasn't able to go to that march a while back because I would have liked to have met you. You are always helpful and never mean. Perhaps, your goodness will rub off on some of the others here, Lord knows this board could use more people like yourself.

And I wish I could add something to this thread but you pretty much covered all the bases Jim and I echo your sentiments.

Many blessings,
s

angrysoba · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 446 Location: Kansai, Japan

Don't mean to be rude but I think most of Jim's post was written by Hunter S Thompson.

Still, if you're gonna plagiarize it might as well be from someone good.

Speed · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Shikoku Land

Canuck, can you keep posting? I never get tired of looking at your Sonin avatar.

It doesn`t matter what you write, just keep posting.

Speed · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Shikoku Land

Thanks for posting again.

buddhaboyjp · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 75 Location: Dai Po, Tai Wo

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Soba: wasn't trying to plagiarize.... But adding the reference would have deprived me from the curious pleasure of finding out who would be the first to comment on the source of that quote.

Indeed, it is the first paragraph of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson. Since the book was lent to me many years ago, that first paragraph still lingers in my mind.

Always with the bats..... Smile

angrysoba · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 446 Location: Kansai, Japan

Ignore What I · Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 16

Thanks for your help support and humour. I appreciate it.

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

May I ask what tunes you like to play on your guitar IWI? I too, started playing while on an extended sabatical in SE Asia six years ago. A friend taught me three chords and I picked up a guitar in Vientaine. Had always wanted to play, stuck with it and mostly enjoy Dylan, Van Morrison, C.C.R., Neil Young and Marley. Actually take lessons twice a month and sensei has taught me countless melodies that are excruciatingly difficult at first but I try hard and do learn them, many very nostalgic.

Enjoy,
s