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ShioriEigoKyoushi · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 364 Location: Japan

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ethandh · Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Oregon

thanks for all of the information and help. I'm thinking clothes and bathroom stuff is the way to go. Maybe I'll be able to cram a book or two in there if things aren't too heavy.

Thanks again for the help, you've all given me a lot to consider.

LITTLE PEACHES · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:57 am Post subject:

there are also BOOK-OFF's everywhere, at least around me in Tokyo. They are second hand book stores and you can buy a book for like 140 yen (~$1.50) I love it!! They don't always have the book I want, but theres always a book that I take interest in!

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

In English? There are a bunch of Book Offs in Nagano but they only sell Japanese books. International centers are a good place for books. Ours is overflowing to a point where they keep threatening to throw them away.

LITTLE PEACHES · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:32 am Post subject:

ohhh I've never though of an international center for books! Yes ours have an English section, it's small, but it's there!

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Most of the Book offs near me have very, very tiny English language (and other foreign language) book sections. I would recommend ordering through Blue Parrot online or visiting their store (if in Tokyo) in Takadanobaba. Good day books is also very good in Ebisu, also in Tokyo.

timothypfox · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 492

Just to correct a few "myth-conceptions" I've been reading here:

DELL Computers or a lap top Mac all come with 2 prong plugs in North America and a power cable with a box that blocks power surges. The cords are in fact designed for a range of power inputs, and should withstand higher Japanese voltages. In any event, the cord and not the computer would be fried - but I think they are durable enough fore Japanese power levels. Especially new ones should accommodate the rang eof power inputs to work the same as in your home country.

A large drug store does carry a fairly sizeable selection of the most common brands of toothpaste, dentasl floss, deorderant found in North America. There will be a slight price mark up being imports, but they can be regularly founsd once you know where to look.

Men's shoes are still apparently difficult to find in large enough sizes at a standard department store. Know a brand you like to get and order online, or hold off for your biyearly jaunt to Osaka or Tokyo... Certainly did not find my size when last in Kagoshima.

Bring with you knowledge of the local area you will live in. Locate the resources - j language schools, tourist spots you want to see, international centers, knowledge of what language schools are operating. See about developing some online friends in a city you will be teaching - japanese or otherwise - through facebook or another.

Try to learn as much Japanese as you can despite how little companies insist on how little you need to know. It is annoying and depressing to have to rely on everyone when Western cultures instill in people notions of independance and self-reliance.

Bring a good self-study book on Japanese language, a good guide book on where you will live....

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

You can get Axe (Lynx in the UK) in 7Eleven now. That's good enough as a deodorant for me. It's damn pricey though.

seklarwia · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:59 am Post subject:

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN