Job Discussion Forums

gav71 · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 36

Hi all:)

My wife and I are moving to Japan in September and were wondering what to bring and what to leave behind. We have worked in Asia for over 10 years, so have a pretty good idea about general relocating matters, but were wondering specifically what might be important in regards to Japan.

So far we have worked out that our GSM phones would be paperweights and a bicycle helmet won't be necessary. In some countries we have worked, cotton sheets are very difficult and expensive to buy. Strangely enough, we've found that cutlery in some places can also be ridiculously expensive. We will also leave our 240v electrical devices safely at home.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

All the best

gav:)

seklarwia · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:48 am Post subject:

Basic cutlery can be picked up really cheap in any decent sized 100 Yen shop, so unless you are looking for fine silver knives and forks this shouldn't be an issue.

When I was living in China or when I travelled to HK etc, I could just pick up a sim and stick it in any of the quad band phones I had brought from the UK. But here, you're right; I hope you make good use of your new paperweights.

Most things can be found here relatively easily. Cotton sheets... I picked up up a complete set with futon cover, duvet cover and pillow case for less than �10 from Cainz Home (They can be found in most places and they stock everything you could need at home; everything from shampoo and wall sockets to kitchen appliances and seating. And its all at decent prices ranging in quality from regular to luxury).

Anti-persperant is a must. It took me a while to find anything even close to what is avaliable at home. I have a brand now... its works okay, I guess, but its ridiculously expensive at like �6 per can.

If your wife uses make-up but isn't really fair skinned she might want to bring that.

When you say Asia, does that include Eastern Asia? If it does, then you might be used to the clothe size issues already. If your wife, especially has any curves at all, then she might want to bring some extra clothing to get her started - and a whole supply of bras if she has any bust! - I have yet to find anything that even comes close to fitting me Evil or Very Mad

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

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

You might want to bring toothpaste, unless you fancy your chances of avoiding the salt flavoured varieties. It's something of an... acquired taste, although I did come to rather like it eventually.

I wouldn't plan on buying a computer in Japan - while it is an amazing place to find hardware, it's rather difficult to find an English OS outside the major urban centres, and many shops will have to order one for you especially. That was my experience anyway.

seklarwia · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 5:29 am Post subject:

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

Do a search. This gets asked a lot.

Read the FAQ stickies. Your question is #6 on the list.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=3788

Taste of toothpaste is individual. You can get Colgate or Aquafresh here, if you don't like Japanese toothpaste. Personally, I like almost anything. Look for the フッ　or AFP on the label (Lion brand has lots of these) for fluoride.

Listerine comes in regular (mediciney taste, gold color) and mint flavors (blue or green colors). There are plenty of other mouthwashes and dental rinses here to choose.

Cotton sheets? Cutlery? Japan is a modern country.

Bring as little as possible. Mail books in advance. Bring 2 seasons' worth of clothes, and have someone mail the other 2 later. Clothes sizes will depend on you.

For women, I'd recommend reading the site http://www.being-a-broad.com/

gav71 · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 36

Thanks for all the replies - much appreciated.

gav

gonzarelli · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 3:10 am Post subject:

Leave behind expectations. That's important.