Job Discussion Forums

[Gamushara84]

Hey everyone! Newbie here (if you couldn't tell by the post count).

I have questions for the folks who have been in Japan for a while.

Have you found it easy to join sports clubs? (I'm a swimmer, and am willing to play soccer--badly, of course). Are fitness gyms very expensive, and have you met people there, as well?

Have any of you found any good local film festivals? What about the art scene where you live? I'm into live music, and I know you can probably find that anywhere, but I've still got to ask...

Do you find that a lot of the night life revolves around clubbing or drinking? Make no mistake--I can throw them back like the average 20-something can, but after a while, it gets a bit boring. (Not to mention expensive, right?)

And perhaps the most important question: If you've had time outside of teaching, have you been able to become involved in the community, say, at a community center? I have an idea of having an English movie night on Sundays (of course, this will probably change) or organizing some cultural events, and I'm curious to see if anyone has created a program in the community or at a community center.

Thanks everyone for your help!

[JimDunlop2]

Since I'm sure you realize that ALL the answers to your questions are very specific to the region/city where you will be living, I will assume that your intention is to get a smorgasbord sampling of answers from various people.

1. Sports clubs, gyms and even soccer teams are plentiful and easy to join -- but you will have to do some legwork to find out what there is near you. I pay roughly 8,000 yen for a full, monthly gym membership. The gym includes a swimming pool, aerobics classes, a few free weights, and machines. I've met a few people but I tend to be quite introverted -- my wife has made a number of friends, however.

2. Nope. I know they exist, but the key word here is "local." As in: all the films are likely to be shown in Japanese (unless they come from abroad). The problem with FOREIGN films in Japan, is that unless they come from an English-speaking country, they will remain in their original language, plus Japanese subtitles. So forget seeing a German film unless you can read Japanese or speak German well enough to make sense of it.

3. Live music? Tons. You gotta know what you like and where to look. But whether it's local bands or big names on tour, you'll find it here.

4. Yes. Unless you join a group or club, it's very popular for the ex-pat community to meet at the local and drink some beers. How much and how often depends on you -- but it can definitely be a drain on the pocketbook if you're not careful.

5. There are usually many community activities and volunteer opportunities -- but the key word here is Japanese-speaking ability. Most of the time, you won't get very far unless you (or a spouse or close friend) can help you overcome the language barrier. On the other hand, in the city where I live we have a fairly active international community.... But some of the people who are really "into" that scene are very annoying and I don't like to be around them. Whenever I attend one of these stupid "festivals" or "events" I tend to feel like I'm a dancing bear put on display for Japanese people just to see my "international-ness" to be entertained by... They even wanted me to come, trying to lure me with the promise "... But you should come... You'll get to be on TV.... The camera crews will all eb there." UGGGHHHH.... NO! That's exactly the reason why I will NOT go! THat's the LAST thing I want.

Sorry, I got better things to do with my Sundays -- like golf and playing World of Warcraft. LoL.

/edited for typos

[konyoku]

Yes to all your questions.

Helpfully,
K

[Gamushara84]

K: TFYH.

Appreciatively,

Gamu

As for the rest (and thank you for your time, Jim), Japanese won't be a problem. And, I'm sorry you've felt that way about the cultural activities. I've been to some crazy ones, myself. (We actually had a treasure hunt in the woods that lasted for 3 hours. What that had to do with intercultural understanding, I have no idea. Maybe because we didn't kill each other, during).

Hopefully my ideas won't be too creepy or weird or time consuming. Just a place for people to go on a lazy Sunday to meet up with others when they might not otherwise have the time or inclination.

[cornishmuppet]

Clubs? Huh, none in my town, just a bunch of empty bars and the usual girlie places which I and my very thin wallet avoid.

Film festivals, no idea, I'm afraid.

Arts and stuff, yeah I think so, but all the ticket shops are in Japanese so most of it just goes over my head.

Gym - I go to a nice one, all the same as Jim said, pool, weights, machines, aerobics, and a nice bath/sauna to relax in after. The only downside is the old people who insist on using swimming lane to walk in from time to time. I pay 9200 a month, plus a 20000 joining fee. Thats all the time, but there is a cheaper weekday deal available. I don't really talk to people, but I have the odd conversation and don't shun it if someone wants to speak to me, but I never really talked to anyone in the gym back in England either.

Community centres - there are dozens of small ones and a big international centre in the town, which is always trying to rope you in for something. The JETs love it, dressing up in kimonos all the time and doing talks on their countries, but I'm not so interested. Everything seems to involve giving free English classes to rich old people, and thats not my scene. Have-money-should-pay is the way I see it. I used to spend a lot of time there, but I've been here a while now and just pop in from time to time.

I hope some of this is useful, good luck!

[Quibby84]

I went to the community center today to ask about pottery classes. They didnt understand english much and I didnt understand japanese much but they were SO nice, they guy even got someone on the phone that could talk to me and then talk to him. After he was running everywhere to make sure that I had the right pamplets and such. I am meeting with the english speaking lady on sunday and she is going to see if one of the "pottery circles" will let a very young american join their circle even though my japanese is really bad. She said that they are mostly older women...which makes me happy, I like old people, they are always nice and have interesting stories...
so, for me, right now, the community center seems awesome.

[Gamushara84]

That sounds nice! I hope where I am, the people are friendly enough to help me out.

[wabisabi365]

If you're in the Nagoya area, there are a few groups you could get involved in;

"Nagoya Writes" meet once a month at a local pub, "Misfits", to share stories/poems/screenplays. There are usually 10 to 15 people at any given meeting, so it's quite intimate and you can get feedback on your stuff.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nagoyawrites/

Nagoya Players put on two shows per year and are always looking for newcomers. (for acting and behind the scenes stuff)

http://www.nagoyaplayers.info/past.html

There's a yearly show in Nagoya at the International Centre called "The Foreign Artists Exhibit". If you live in Aichi and are into painting, photography, silk-screening, ceramics... you can contact them and arrange to have your creations displayed during the weeklong exhibit.

http://www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/english/events/FAE.htm

For more artist info check out this site:

http://www.marafiki.org/

I hope you find lots to do while your here -
ws365

[Gamushara84]

I lived in the Nagoya area for a year, and I feel like a big dummy that I didn't know about this before!!

Thanks for all the links!

[gaijinalways]

Joined the one closest to my station, pretty good facilities, but expensive, about 9000 yen a month for a day time membership (12,000 for full). Planning to finish this month and start exercising at home and using my new bike more.

The Tokyo International film festival is not 'local', but it is very good, but it is also difficult to get tickets. We see some pretty good art exhibits that come to our area, and there is live music, though the better music tends to be overpriced compared to London or New York.

I don't club, so I can't really answer that one.

I know a few people who joined an outdoor club for biking and hiking. There are also some ultimate frisbee groups, rugby, etc.. Just depends on how flexible your schedule is and how far you wish to travel. Joining a martial arts dojo is another option.

As to the community center, no. I have looked into taking lessons there, but it has never worked out.