Job Discussion Forums

[papergirl]

Hello there! I was just recently offered a job in Osaka and I was wondering what the apartments for ECC employees are generally like? I requested a private apartment, but I'm open to hearing about shared ones as well, since they can't guarantee me a private one.

I understand it might be different for everyone, but in general... How big are they? Are kitchens separate or is it all one tiny room? I lived for two years in a shoebox-sized apartment in Chicago, small enough I could cook dinner and take a bath at the same time, so I can handle it. Hit me with the truth, as I'm sure you will!

Also, any household items you regret not bringing with you? Anything you did bring that you couldn't have lived without? (I'm not thinking toiletries or clothes, but rather kitchen/house stuff.)

I used the search function to try to find this topic in the forums, and I couldn't seem to find anything. So I apologize in advance if this has been brought up multiple times and I'm wasting your time! It's not my intention.

[Birdog3344]

Hi,

I used to work for ECC and lived in the accommodations they arranged for us. I lived with my girlfriend and we had an kitchen, living room and bedroom. It was very small but comfortable.
If you're living by yourself, you'll probably have a one room apartment. I didn't see any of these apartment but my co-workers said they were small! Sometimes the kitchen isn't in a separate room. One guy didn't have a bath/shower and had to use the public bath down the street. This isn't common though.
The shared apartments are bigger. Many are just two bedroom apartment with a kitchen and living room but there's also a "house" for 10 people.
I don't recommend bringing any kitchen/household stuff. You can get almost everything you need at the 100 yen store or from departing co-workers. My kitchen was almost fully equipped when I arrived except for a few utensils or pots and pans.
If you don't like your apartment you are only obligated to stay for 3 months. Many people move because the rent tends to be a bit high.

If you have any more questions you can PM me.

[papergirl]

Thank you Birdog! That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I can handle a cramped living space, but crossing the street to take a shower?! That would be pushing it. I'll cross my fingers that my situation doesn't come to that.

[Ryu Hayabusa]

Congrats, papergirl! I, too, have been accepted by ECC and will be there this Sept/Oct. I requested Fukuoka or Osaka in my interview. I hope they can find me a suitable placement. You may have already come accross this site, but I'll post it just in case.

http://www.apolloproperties-osaka.com/

Check them out. I think Apollo is the company that ECC uses in Osaka.

Also check out http://www.gaijinpot.com/apartments/

That should give you some idea of what's out there.

[papergirl]

Congrats to you too, Ryu Hayabusa! I'll be headed over there in the beginning of June. Those Apollo apartments don't look bad at all! Even the one-room apartment seems okay.

Thanks for passing on those links!

[Mahik]

Apollo properties is the primary agency ECC uses for Osaka. If you're in Osaka proper then you'll probably work with Apollo.

A single apartment would be a 1K type which is one long room and will have a bed, tv, sink, bathroom, shower, balcony, and kitchenette (a stove). They are very small.

I would recommend a shared type since you're charged the same regardless of if there's another person living with you.

Apollo is a good company and they'll do their best to accommodate you and help you out. I requested a desk for my room and Bruce was able to get me one from their storage. If there's something in your room you don't want they'll take it away for you as well. However, while they are generally a good company you will probably be overcharged for the accommodation you're given regardless of where it is. This is made up for by being fully furnished, a guaranteed set price, and requiring no key money. Very convenient for those new to Japan, but if you plan to stay for longer than a year, then I'd recommend finding other housing.

[tasteslikerainforest]

I spoke to a few different people about private vs. shared.
At first I was really adamant on living in a private place. Now, from what I could gather it seems like a good idea to go shared at first. It can be lonely in the beginning, and roomates will be able to show you around and get you familiar with things. It would also be fun to experience things for the first time with others. I know someone who worked with ECC and shared a place with 7 (yes 7) others, and loved every moment. I know it's hit and miss with who you get for roomates, but I'd like to think that most of us are there for similar reasons, and therefore will have similar interests, right? But I'm sure there are others who could argue!

[papergirl]

tasteslikerainforest, I think you're probably right. A new city, new country, new life...can probably get pretty lonely, especially not knowing the language.

As much as I hate cleaning up after messy roommates, it might be worth it just to have a few familiar faces around.

Thanks for your input everyone! You've all been very helpful.

[Mapleblondie]

I took a alook at the website too, and it looks pretty good. I hope I get placed in a single apartment though, as I've lived in Japan before and I think that as much as having people around to talk to is nice, I wouldn't want to have to worry about all the issues that often go along with having roommates. In university I had to deal with some pretty bad roommates, and the worst part is that if they are crazy partiers you have put up with it, OR if they waste a ton of water and electricity, you still have to split the bill with them (even though it would likely have been a fair deal smaller of a bill had you been simply paying for your own usage). I don't mean to put a negative spin on it, but I much prefer seeing friends on my own terms. and going out to hang out or have them over for putlucks, etc. when I feel like it...rather than every waking minute I am at home. Anyways, these apartments look much better than the ones people who I know have worked for ECC and were placed in housing via Interchange (?) mentioned.

[papergirl]

I went with the advice of those who said to live in a shared apartment, and I'm so happy I did. I'm staying in a huge house, I had my choice of bedroom (which is 10 tatami mats!), and my roommates are great. We went out to dinner my second night here, and it really helped ease some of my anxiety about moving to an unfamiliar place.

[Mahik]

You living in the 'Gooch?