Job Discussion Forums

locagrl814 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 58

Hey guys, I was offered a position with Nova. I'm already planning ahead. What things should I bring with me to Japan? Thanks!

tjpnz2000 · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 118 Location: Japan

The only non-obivous (cloths, shoes, etc) thing I would suggest is a book of photos from you home area.

By the way did you see that this question has been asked and answered at length on the Newbie Forum?

locagrl814 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 58

no, i didnt even know that there's a newbie forum.

tjpnz2000 · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 118 Location: Japan

Yeah... It was set up partly because older teachers sometimes take the knife to people who they think are posting `stupid` questions.

`What to bring?` was the first post on the Newbie Forum.

Anyway, I don't think any question is stupid so I will do my best to answer.

Dress causual cloths for work, casual cloths for you off times. Remember that Japan gets really cold (snow sometimes) in winter and really hot (over 30 degrees C) in summer. Shoes; work, casual. sport, sandles. Remember you are taking those shoes off all the time so slip-ons are good. You can buy cloths in Japan, GAP is great, but many people especially women say it is difficult to find the right size.

You favourite deoderant, LOTS of it.

Heaps of tacky, the tackier the better, souvaneries to give away to your hard working and under paid Japanese Nova office staff who will be very helpful if you treat them right.

I would say, don't bring;
Low end consumer electronics, hair-driers etc. It is easier and probably cheaper to buy here.

Thats about it.

T

PS: Oh, yeah... bring a sense of humour Laughing

locagrl814 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 58

thanks for the advice. I was wondering about whether or not I should bring my hair straightening iron. It's made by a french company. I don't know if I'd find something like that there. Sorry if it's such a girly question. Wink

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Hi Locagrl814...

Don't worry about bringing a hair straightening iron ... I was just in Sakuraya (a discount electronics store) yesterday and happened to notice that they had quite a few hair straightening irons for sale... I can't remeber the price exactly ... but maybe around 5000 yen ... Besides, your French one probably wouldn't work here.

A.S.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

I think someone already mentioned deodorant.Bring lots.Also any over the counter drug remedies for colds or allergies.Drugs in Japan seem to be rather weak compared to North American brands.
For the classroom bring a map of your home country,your currency from your home country,home photos,menus,flags,newspapers,magazines and post cards.
Try to pack as light as you can now and have non-essentials shipped over by surface later.
Cheers. Cool

rickman · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 28

Aqua78 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003 Posts: 19 Location: St. Paul, MN

I asked the same thing a while ago. Here's the thread:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=2236

(If the link doesn't work, it's "What to Pack," on page 2 now.)

Good luck! Very Happy

locagrl814 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 58

thanks for the help guys! i really like my hair straightening iron I think I'm gonna bring it. I don't think it'll work without a transformer though. It's made by a French company but the voltage is 110.

Rickman, I'll be in Osaka at the Multimedia center. Where did they put you?

rickman · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 28

They haven't told me yet!

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Girlfriend... This is the land of straightening irons ... I think a transformer will probably cost you more than a new J-straightening iron. And lugging a straightening iron here, then buying a transformer ... CHO MENDOKUSAI!

A.S.

locagrl814 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 58

thanks A.S. Do you know how much straightening irons usually cost? How about hair dryers? Man, I have this thing with my hair... i dont know if i should call it an obssession. hehe. What are the best hair gadget brands in Japan?

G Cthulhu · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2003 4:00 am Post subject:

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

National, Sharp, Toshiba ... Price is around 4000 - 5000 . Tomorrow night on my way to the gym, I'll pop into Sakuraya and tell you exactly. Gotta dash off to work!

A.S.