Job Discussion Forums

J. · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 327

IKEA is supposed to be opening its first Japanese stores in the spring of this year, I think. They usually have reasonable prices, good designs, and may even ship the stuff within Japan, or at least I hope they take advantage of that option since shipping is so easy here. I love that store so I may be the first customer in line. :) If you aren't familiar with the store you can google " IKEA" and find online catalogues to look through.

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

maryknight · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 83

thanks for the info!
i actually am quite adaptive in almost every way. actually, i honestly am a little nervous regarding how adaptive i am. it's scary moving so far away, but i think it's what i want to do.
thanks to those of you who were so compassionate in your responses to me. i wrote this post on a very difficult night. things might or might not work out with my husband, but i'm feeling stronger.
i was a social worker 20 years and got burned out. am currently doing sales, which is taking my spirit away! although nervous, i do want to go overseas and teach english. any feedback on japan as opposed to other countries?
i took my first trip to a third world country---
i just got back from a trip to guatemala. i befriended three little girls and bought beaded necklaces from them---enough to support their families for a few days. i asked to see the "home" of one of the girls. it was a room with a bed and a tv. the mother was friendly and so nice----i'm glad my new friend has a good mother. all the possessions in the world don't compare to having a good mother, in my opinion.
i want a nice bed, but i am really very compassionate toward people who have nothing, whether that means no possessions or no family.
as for myself, i have a wonderful son----19 yr old college student--- who wants to come to visit me wherever i end up!

J. · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 327

As far as I can see, Mary, Japan is one of the best places to end up if you can get a decent job here. It is safer and pays better than many other places in Asia and as long as you are up for a challenge, you should not go wrong in coming here. Yes, It's scary to move so far from home to an unknown place and your life here will be much different from home; you will be stepping down in some ways in your standard of living, but you probably will be able to save enough to travel if you stay for a few years and it will be a great learning experience for you. I came here in my mid forties and have survived to tell the tale. :) In fact, I think I would say I have more than survived, I have learned and grown a lot. If you have the resources of adaptability and the strength to survive the initial period when you may feel a little lonely, then I would consider coming here. It also helps if you have some teaching skills.

About the duvet cost, Gordon, was that one made from Phoenix feathers, perhaps? I got mine last year in the yearly January sale and with the reduction it was about 12, 000 yen. I think the original price was about 16, 000 and it is nice toasty warm Siberian goose down. Pure bliss.

madeira · Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 182 Location: Oppama

As above, down duvets are cheap (ish) here. No idea why they don't carry pillows, too.

If you're really cheap, though... all of my duvets were free. There's a LeoPalace in Hiyoshi where company workers are transferred in and out a lot. Every time they move, they throw out the bedding. Most of it dry-cleaned!