Job Discussion Forums

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

I remember seeing a thread about this, but I can't find it now�

Are there any items that I need to make sure I have a supply of with me when I come over that are difficult to find in Japan. I will be in Osaka, so I'm sure that there are ample places to shop, but I'm more concerned about things like tights/hose, panties, bras etc. What are the sizes available and the similarity to what you would find in the US/UK?

Also, I will be working for NOVA at the MM Center. Are they as strict on the dress code (particularly the hose rule in the summer- I can't imagine!!) as the schools where you are actually interacting with clients who can see you head to toe?

Thanks! Smile

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I recommend stocking up on feminine hygiene products. You can find tampons here, although there is a very limited selection and they only seem to be sold in boxes of 4. (Before I get corrected--I know, I know! They actually come in boxes of 8--I'm just doing a bit of dramatic under-embellishment.)

And (this one's not only for ladies!) deodorant. It's possible to find it here, but again, in a very limited selection.

I'm small by US/Western standards, but still, I haven't yet gone underwear shopping here. I went on a bit of a spree over Xmas, when I was back in California and knew what size to get without having to do any weird mathematical equations. One thing I have noticed here: the bras seem to be ridiculously padded.

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melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

Thanks! I'm a bit chesty, so I'll make sure to come with plenty of bras. Maybe that was a little too much info.... Embarassed

I'm from the US, so the threads I did look at were referring to shoe sizes in centimeters?!? I wear about a 6.5 in US, but again, I will probably bring shoes that will make it through at least my first 6 months, but I do love to shoe shop! Any hope of finding a good selection in my size?

I'm worried that clothes won't fit me too good because I'm a little on the curvy side, so I will stock up on those too.

My biggest concern is the tights/hose situation. Those things snag so easily and I hate to bring 30 pairs with me if they are readily available there. What has your experience been with tights/hose?

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Melissa

sounds like you got the job with NOVA then?

well done!!

I am in Osaka/Kyoto area too so look me up when you get here.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Shoes will be no problem. I wear a size six (23 here) and have seen several things in my size.

I don't know about the pantyhose. I stocked up before I came here, and I often find myself having to stitch up little holes as they develop because I dont' want to run out. (no puns intended!)

d

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

I work at the MM Center in Osaka.

They are strict about the dress code here (supposedly), although I've never known them to dock your pay for violating it. This is not to say you should test their limits--just dress smart. A nice blouse and slacks will probably be fine. Fishnet stockings are a no-no, however.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Not a lady... But married to one...

Tights/hose come in 2 general sizes here: M-L and L-LL. To wear either one you have to be a pygmy, or perhaps anorexically thin. Nevertheless, certain brands fit better than others. Eg. "Sabrina" brand L-LL will barely fit over a normal person's hips, whereas "Miracarat" brand L-LL can be worn fairly well... My wife is fairly "normal" in her dimensions -- i.e. not too thin, and not overweight either -- although I'm not about to start posting up her measurements here... Smile

Having a somewhat above average chest size proved to be a slight challenge, but at a specialty lingerie shop, she had no problem (other than price and a bit of selection) and the cup size system in Japan is completely out of whack -- sure they have A,B,C...etc... But an American 'C' is a Japanese 'F' or something equally ridiculous. That stuff is out there, but hard to find unless you live in a larger city or close to an "outlet mall"....

My wife is constantly drooling over the reeeeeaally fancy tights/stockings the women wear around here, but inevitably, they are made for Japanese legs, which is a shame.

On that note, shoes in a N. American women's size 8 and up are IMPOSSIBLE to find in ANY store. Sneakers or hiking boots --O.K. just move up to a men's size, but forget about those fancy pumps in the window.... Men in a size 10 are usually O.K. but again, not in every store and selection is somewhat limited. I was surprised, however, that I found myself a nice pair of ( Japanese size 28 ) tabi socks which I use for tea ceremony.

Kind of weird talking about this and not being a woman... Smile

Oh well, I hope that helps a little anyway.

P.S. We've had some good luck via. mail order from the U.S. but shipping prices are a bear!

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

Thanks for all the help- ladies and gentleman!

I'm sort of a pygmy, but I'm concerned those tights won't fit either because I've never seen a Japanese girl with a figure similar to mine, so I'll stock up on those too before I come. Anyone want me to bring them a few pairs? Wink

I'm looking forward to the shopping and I'm hoping that I can find some cool clothes that will actually fit. If not guess I'll just have to save my money....