Job Discussion Forums

HappyPizza · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 40

Hey, is anyone currently teaching in rural Japan? If so, what is it like? How are the people?

There is a possibility that I may have a position with a school named Sundogs, in Fukushima Prefecture. The city is Sukagawa, which I've heard is pretty tiny........60,000 folks.

I assume it is similar to living in rural Korea, so those types of challenges would be nothing new.

But, if anyone is in the area, knows the school, or has anything constructive to add, let me know.

happypizza

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

60,000 and "small" is a relative term. Napa, California has 70,000 residents, and is much more spread out because of the grape vines for wine.

If you like peace and quiet (like I do) then you'll love smaller Japanese towns. As far as people go, there are good and bad apples. Some older folks may be the kindest people in the world to you, some may still be harboring decades-old malice. You'll be stared at often, but that's par for the course.

I lived in Fukushima, but I was in the city (300,000 people). It was a great experience. I have a sister-in-law who lives there with her family (including my two nephews) so my wife and I are heading back for two weeks next month. We both absolutely love the place. There are others who hated it. Same city, different preferences.

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

Some relevant past threads on this topic:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=31028

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=5890

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=43668

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=43665

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=42584

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=17616

HappyPizza · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 40

I see.

Well, I've done some looking into Fukushima and it seems like a nice place to be. However, the city I would potentialy be in is what worries me. I'm not going to Japan for superficial reasons, however..........I heard there are only two other foreign teachers in the city. I like my alone time, but I also like hanging out with people who speak my language........and.....for holiday gatherings and such.

Mmmm.......I don't know. New territory for me.

Thanks anyway.

happypizza

Eva Pilot · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:37 am Post subject:

I'm the only foreign teacher from my company in my city, and I never spend any time with any of the NOVA employees or others in town (maybe 10 in total).

I get by just fine, it's not that difficult unless you are a kind of person who is really into hanging out often with your friends.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:41 pm Post subject:

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

flyingkiwi · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:54 am Post subject:

I agree too. I live in a town of 40,000 people (I move to Tokyo in August, going to be a shock!).

I would suggest if you do go to rural Japan is to join a club, like piano, judo, kendo, archery, whatever, so that you have a regular group to meet every week or so. Out of that group, you can make friends, and go out with them at other times. Learning basic Japanese at least is very important if you wish to accomplish this.

JonnyB61 · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 216 Location: Japan

[quote="HappyPizza"] The city is Sukagawa, which I've heard is pretty tiny........60,000 folks./quote]

60,000,?

What wouldn't I give to live in a sprawling metropolis of 60,000?

Down here in rural Kyushu I live in a village about the same size as a crease on the map. Of course, I got thoroughly stared at when I first arrived but folks have got used to seeing me around now and most of them are pleasant and sunny to me. The little man who owns the shochu shop is especially friendly to me as is one extremely mad and decrepit bird who swears she knows me. She must be over 90 and she has a hunched back, no hair and only one tooth. Apparantly she told all the neighbours that I'm a nice feller for a foreigner and she has known me for years, even though I only arrived here last September. Stark, staring mad!

At this time of year the fireflies make a magnificent display down by the river after dark. As far as entertainment goes, that's it for round here. Whenever I really feel that I need to stick my elbows on a bar, drink beer and have a good old chat without slowing down or speaking in simple sentences, I take a one hour bus ride into Kumamoto and visit the gaijin bars there. I do that once or twice a month.

The only reason I stay here is because of my family and my wife's family who comprise about 20% of the village. If it weren't for them I don't think I could stick it here and I'd relocate to a sizeable city.

The choice, as always, is yours.