Job Discussion Forums

[Apsara]

Tiger Beer, what do you mean when you say "you have to buy in long bulk hours" at internet cafes in Japan? Before I got my computer, I used to go to one near my station, and just paid for as long as I was there, whether that was half an hour or 4 hours.

There are also at least 7 or 8 internet cafes within a 3 minute walk of my medium-sized suburban station- do you read katakana? If not, you might be missing the internet cafes that only have Japanese signs (most of them in my area). There are internet cafes all over the place, in Tokyo at least, hence the growing number of people who actually live in them, because of the fully reclining seats, showers etc.

As for insulation, I have heard that the further north you go in Japan, the better insulated houses are. In Tokyo and anywhere south of here, most buildings aren't well insulated, for sure. In the really cold places though- Nagano, northern Tohoku and Hokkaido, I hear the insulation is much better, and that was my experience when I lived in Nagano as well.

A lot of the answers to these questions depend on where in Japan you live- in Tokyo you can get imported food from international supermarkets and buy English books from Kinokuniya, but if you are in a small town in Gifu or Fukushima for example it is going to be harder to find these things.

[Jaime1]

I want to thank everybody very much in helping me. I might travel there since it is expensive but maybe transfer in time - who knows? Thanks!

[Gypsy Rose Kim]

[Wintermute]

How much can you save a month realistically?

On 250,000 a month (standard entry wage) you can easily save 100,000yen.


Is Internet fast there? How fast do you download at?

Yes. I regularly get download speeds around 600kps on torrents tracked in America.


Is it easy to sign up for internet? What do you need? (ARC card, passport copy? Social Security card copy?) What are some good internet service providers?

Relatively. You need an ARC, that's it. Most cable TV providers now offer internet so it is easy enough to get both at the same time.


Are you happy with your job and your boss?

It's not bad, a little unstable though. I am my own boss, the best kind there is.


Can you do side jobs or do part time jobs on the weekends even if you don't speak Japanese?

Easily. Most Japanese school owners don't care if you speak Japanese (some prefer that you don't). The most important thing is that you are reliable and somewhat pleasant to the students.


Do people there discriminate against Americans (or Westerners)?

Only if they are behaving like a***holes.


Do employers typically secure an apartment for you? Do you like it? Does it come with washer, dryer and a stove and oven?

Some do, most don't. At the very least they might go guarantor for you.


How hard is it to find things in Japan that are available in the U.S. (Like spices, food, electronics, English books, etc.)

Depends on the city. A big one like Osaka or Tokyo? No problems. Kada City in Wakayama prefecture? The internet becomes your best friend.


What are some pros and cons to living in Japan?

Pros - Easy lifestyle. Work is consistent and relatively well paid. It's great travelling around. Lots of places to go shopping.

Cons - It can be extremely frustrating at times. Things are done according to the 'Japanese' way of thinking. Some overt xenophobia.


....too many questions. I ran out of puff.