Job Discussion Forums

senorwaq · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 24

I heard that Hokkaido and Okinawa and very popular places for Nova teachers. Is that also true for Shikoku? I like the sound of it but I don't want to ask for somewhere I'm definitely not going to get and end up in Tokyo.

On that note, can I say "not tokyo" at my interview do you think?

senorwaq · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 24

Before I get attacked for putting down Tokyo, I just wanted to add that I've been there twice and liked it, but I'm from a small city, living in a big city, and it's a provincial life for me thankyou very much.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I don't know about popular, but there are Novas on Shikoku. If you like small town or small city Japan, than Shikoku is the place for you. I'd choose one of the bigger cities here: Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Tokushima. The last two are in the north part of the island and aren't that far from the Kansai region.

senorwaq · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 24

Thanks Gordon, I've heard really good things about Matsuyama, but everything I've read is mostly tourist based and I haven't really seen anything concrete about living there. Do you know what the life is like there?

I'm really interested in a smaller city now having read the info elsewhere on the forum. I'm after something where I've got the option of a fair few restaurants bars etc., but I'm also after being able to walk round a corner and suddenly be on an empty street or in semi countryside. I just came back from Kunming in China and it had this really good peaceful/vibrant balance. I had an inkling somewhere like Shikoku might have this sort of feeling too.

Cheers

grace · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 38 Location: Canada

Hi senorwaq. I've been living in Matsuyama for about five months now. If you have any questions please e-mail me, and I'll give you all the information you need to know about this city. Thanks.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

senorwaq · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 24

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

grace · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 38 Location: Canada

So far, I've been enjoying Matsuyama much more than Kochi. It's just the right size. It's neither too big, nor too small. It's got lots of shops, parks, restaurants, cafes, hot springs etc. I love my job, and my employers are treating me much more respectfully than my previous one. People here in general are friendly, and don't stare as much as they used to in rural Kochi. It's also much closer to the main island, hence more convenient for travelling. The weather is also comfortable and it's a clean and safe city.
Grace Smile