Job Discussion Forums

[vash3000]

Hi everyone!

Well, I`ve been here for a few months and I have to say:

It sucks.

This is most disheartening. Rice villages are nothing new to me, I spent a year or two in a small one outside of Nagoya and had a wonderful time.

I`m not sure if it`s me or Gunma, but I can only say that there appears to be no social life...and all attempts are met with a chilly response.

Even in Nagoya and Osaka I was well received, but here the people I talk to outside of work seem to have a morbid fear of English. Even at work attendence is poor. I talked to the previous teacher about this, but apparently this is the norm.

It`s a bit of a shock for old Vash, `cause previously I had to literally push my students out the door. "Leave me alone!" I would scream in mock horror.

Now, I kinda feel like that guy in university who winds up dead in his room, not to be discovered for three weeks by his roomates and only because there`s a bad smell.

Me: student
Roomates: population of Gunma

Y`know where sometimes you got the feeling the only reason you were invited out was so someone could practice their English? Well, that doesn`t happen here. From what I can tell, no one is interested. As one girl told me, after a stilted conversation:

"Learn Japanese!"

OK, but it might take a few weeks.



I`ve always been of the attitude that a place is what you make of it, but I`m struggling here.

I mean, gosh, it`s been almost three months and I haven`t even been invited to one karaoke night.

All thoughts appreciated.

Best,
V.

(ps I live near Maebashi)

[Brooks]

well that is why I prefer cities.

You may well decide to leave.
On the other hand, your Japanese will improve.
But it is nice to speak English sometimes too.

The skiing and onsens must be good up there.

[Glenski]

[einsenundnullen]

[bshabu]

I have lived there for 3 years. I have no complaints. So it's not your cup of tea, but I don't think its fair to say "Gunma and gaijins a bad mix". However, everybody has a right to their opinion.

So, your a city guy. By the way, where in Gunma do you live? Northern Gunma is very country, but places like Maebashi and Takasaki aren't that bad. If you are looking for night life, this is Japan. Japanese night life is very different. Good bars and clubs are rarer than western countries(mostly from in the bigger cities).

I am now in a small town in Gifu. And there isn't even a hostess bar. I thought there was at least three in every town.

[Lynn]

I don't think he's a city guy if he says he lived in a rice village outside Nagoya for a few years.

And honeymoon period? I think honeymoon period is when it's been good, then suddenly after 3 months it sucks. The OP says it's been bad for 3 months.

To Vash: I feel for you. I spent a year in Hokkaido, and then a year in Ehime(Shikoku). In both places I had extremely different experiences but enjoyed both very much and have many precious memories. Then I moved to Tochigi, and I felt like I was in a different world. It sucked from the begining. I'm not saying Tochigi itself is a horrible place, but I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I eventually left after 5 months and it was the smartest thing I ever did. I went to another small town outside of Nagoya and ended up staying for 2 years.

[shmooj]

Where were these "small towns out of Nagoya" vash and Lynn, I'm in one too - but not for long.

vash3000 - get totally stuck into the culture, language, etc of the place you are in. Volunteer at something, find out how to get involved in some sport, join a Japanese class, join another one. Throw parties at your house for students but don't feel you have to speak English to them there. Walk the streets and talk to people in shops, on the street, waiting for buses. Just say simple stuff and ask a few general questions. Shop at the same stores at the same times each week and you will get to know people. Exchange meishi with everyone you can and actually call them/email them.

Do this for a year and then come back and tell us it still sucks. If it does you can at least say you tried. 90 days is hardly long enough to make a decision about any place in the world.

[guest of Japan]

Lynn
Where did you live in Tochigi?

[BenJ]

[denise]

[Glenski]

[shmooj]

Okay it's not Japlish Glenski but if you have to cite the Osmonds things have really hit rock bottom

[BenJ]

interesting, because it sounds like international student English to me...

perhaps more common in North America then?

[Glenski]

shmooj,

Smacked myself HARD on the forehead the moment I pressed SEND.

[shmooj]

You wouldn't be willing to lend out any of your Osmond stuff would you now