Job Discussion Forums

Eva Pilot · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 12:46 am Post subject: Japan advice

I'm going to Japan shortly for a year and I am pretty nervous.

I really don't know what to expect, I'd be really really appreciative if anyone who has been, or is there, could give me some advice, even things like what to wear and basic things like that.

Hope to hear some replies.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hi, in order to get some useful answers you might want to be a bit more specific with your questions. What aspects of living/ working in Japan would you like to know more about? What to wear? You mean to work? Depends what your job is. Casually? Same as you would wear at home for the same season.

There are lots of FAQ sites about Japan around, have a look on this site and others such as lonely planet's Thorn Tree North-East Asia branch, gaijinpot.com etc. Have a look around and then get back to us if you want anything clarified or there's something that you can't find the answer to.

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

Have you looked at the sticky on teaching FAQ located above this post?

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=3788

There are a lot of helpful people on this forum but if you ask a general question all you will get is a general answer. Read the stickies above here as they will cover most situations that face newbies coming to Japan.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Eva Pilot · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 8:27 am Post subject:

I'm not yet sure where I will be placed, I have got a job with Peppy Kids, it's own by Chuoh Publishing.

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

You will be teaching little kids, so wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty in or have kids crawl on you. Bring little things from home to show kids and talk about. For living conditions, ask your employer what you will need and what they will provide.

Currawong · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 16

Bring heaps of gifts, even little things, from your home country, even touristy stuff like chocolates. Giving gifts is symbolic in Japan and the gift itself isn't really important.

Ditch any clothes that are tatty in the slightest, especially socks. Since people don't wear their shoes inside houses, if you have tatty socks, it'll show.

The Japanese are fanatical about attention to detail. They tend to dress (for work at least) as if the Pope was visiting every day. It's common for wives to clean the ears of their husbands (ear wax in Japanese tranlates as "Ear stink").

Ditch strong-smelling deodorants and aftershaves and switch to something barely noticable (hint: try the Body Shop). Ensure your breath doesn't smell. If you don't already, get into the habit of brushing your teeth after breakfast and carrying chewing gum for use after meals. If you use a hankerchief, it's now for drying your hands after going to the toilet, not blowing your nose. Learn to use paper tissues instead.

However, because you're a foreigner, you'll be excused if you screw up with the culture, so don't stress over the above.

I think i need to start a web page with this stuff Wink

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

Have a look at this site, especially the chapter on culture shock

http://www.thejapanfaq.com/