Job Discussion Forums

[LadyK]

I've seen a lot of posts about what sucks about Japan, but I haven't seen one about the positive aspects in a while. So... What is your favorite thing about Japan? Or, just little nice observations?

[Glenski]

Individual preferences vary widely.

Deep bathtubs, sometimes with circulating heaters.
Laundry that doesn't shrink because it's done in cold water.
Food sold at the peak of freshness (also a down side).
Polite service almost everywhere.
A lot of allowance for not knowing much Japanese or for making mistakes, just because one is a foreigner. (not in all cases, though)
Good cell phone technology.
Good quality TVs.
Good public transportation (timely, clean).
Lots of English in the bigger cities.
Plenty of good hair care and cosmetics products.

[OneJoelFifty]

Inexpensive but nice sushi
Karaoke
Riding your bike on the pavements and roads as you wish (and from what I've seen so far, improved road safety to many other parts of the world)
Good customer service
Punctual public transport
Good phones
Vending machines! Beer!
Convenience stores being very convenient - paying bills, cash machines, buying tickets for stuff, getting things shipped nationwide, often being open all hours

As Glenski said, allowances are made for not being Japanese. I don't doubt that as a flipside of this other people may have experiences where they felt patronised, but it's great for when you first arrive and don't know much about anything.

Living in a smaller city I'm also enjoying being something of a novelty, and the freedom that gives to approach people and have conversations. In Tokyo it works the other way and I've found I'm more or less invisible to the natives.

[ssjup81]

Hm, haven't been here too long, but I'd have to go with...

Better access to health care services (but only compared to home where I couldn't afford health insurance)
Great customer service
Polite people
Convenience Stores having so many things for actual convenience
Probably depends on the area, but seems to be set up for those who bike and walk
Trains run very well (then again, the public transit in NY [trains anyway] seemed to work effectively as well)
Fresh Produce

[flyer]

yes, there is a lot of moaning on this forum, but I suppose it can't be helped in someways, the noisiest wheel get the most oil.
When things are going well few people write about it, but something goes wrong, look out. This human nature.

But, I love this country, I have lived here over 10 years and as much as I love my home country I am in no hurry to go back

I love the culture, food, feeling safe anywhere you go, great tech, amazing history, great shopping, stoung yen etc etc

[ssjup81]

Oh yes! Thanks for the reminder there flyer. I like the whole feeling safe thing if out late. One time I came home at close to 1 in the morning, and the walk I had was about a 30-minute one from the train. It's amazing how it does come across as so safe around here.

[TokyoLiz]

I'm in my 8th year in the Kanto region, and though the first few years were tough, I've learned a great deal and gradually discovered what makes living in suburban Kanto a pleasant experience.

Yes, the ELT job market, and the general job market, are really tough right now, and vultures hover waiting to take advantage of those who don't know better. Many of my Japanese friends are struggling with low wages, unstable job markets, and temporary jobs while the foreign folks I've met also face unscrupulous managers and unworkable situations.

But if you can hang in here, Japan reveals its gems in terms of people, places, traditions and innovations. It depends what you want to do, and what you're open to. You could start, continue or stop out of a career here, study a traditional cultural treasure or contribute to the cutting edge youth culture, learn about business or agriculture, meet lots of people or see your children in the sparkle of your lover's eyes.

My life is enriched by working in Tokyo and living on the outskirts. I blog about what I like in the Chiba 'burbs - www.chibaraki.wordpress.com

edited to add some afterthoughts

[OneJoelFifty]

YES - gotta say the low crimerates and general feeling of personal safety when walking around is awesome.

[PO1]

I'm glad to see this topic. Here's some things I really liked:

Awesome 24 hour stores (Lawson was the one where I spent most of my time)

Very polite people

Great food, even though I'll admit I wasn't adventurous about everything

Izakaya

Karaoke

Castles and temples

Quirkiness (particularly in Tokyo)

Monkeys!

[steki47]

Great train system
Compact country-easy to get around
Lots of weekend trip ideas
Lots of museums and festivals
Close to other interesting countries
Easy, fun job (so-so salary)

[Quichia]

Thank you for this LadyK! I anticipate going And a million thanks to you all for all your help thus far

[starteacher]

Menus where there are plenty of pics !

[Inflames]

Clean public toilets.

[steki47]

[seklarwia]