Job Discussion Forums

[ethandh]

I'm sure there are lists of this somewhere on the board, but I would be really interested if I could get some advice from people that have lived in Japan.

I'm interested in knowing some of the things that wish you would have packed when you went, things that you wish you would have known, or any other information that you think might be helpful to someone new heading over there.

Thanks much.

[Glenski]

[ethandh]

No contacts.

Some mild allergies, but usually nothing terrible.

No meds.

Male

American, but love most Japanese food I've tried.

6'3", 220, size 12. I have most of the clothes that I need, I think.

I'm more concerned with odd things that I wouldn't even think about bringng. I just recently found out, for example, that all plugs in Japan are 2 prong, so I would need an adapter for my laptop.

[Glenski]

Go to this FAQ sticky and check out item 6. Plenty of links to help you.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=3788

[LITTLE PEACHES]

I'm a girl, so it might be a little different, but here are some odds and ends that I was happy I brought and or wish I brought.

Deodorant (japanese use very different kinds, bring what you are used to and several of them. If you are going to be here during summer and not going home in between, it gets HOT!)

Toothpaste (they have some, but it's not the same)

Tylenol, or whatever over the counter pain killer you use. Their dosages are a lot lower then ours. (cough syrup is illegal, don't bring it)

Power converter (i brought one for my laptop to go from the 3 prong to the 2 prong, but if you don't bring one it's ok. You can buy them at the 100 yen store)

Movies (i had some downloaded andbrought some, but when you buy them here depending on your computer they may not work. It has to be from the same area setting or something. Its a computer thing and i'm not tech savvy, but movies from here will not work unless you have a universal dvd player.)

Costco Membership card (if you have a membership you can use it here also, just go to customer service and have them change your address, its great!)

Perfume (i brought mine, but japanese do not wear much, so be light with it. I now smell some americans, and gasp at how much they put on bc i'm used to not smelling it, but they do use it still)

Rain Shoes (it rains here, ALOT, if you have shoes that are good with rain, bring them, you'll need it)

Man purse (men here all carry purses or bags. People are always on the go and carrying lots of stuff, it's not uncommon to see a person with a carry on suitcase on the train or duffle bag. If you have a bag that is comfy that you can carry everywhere bring it! i bring my pack back everywhere! Even if you are going out at night there is a place to put it.)

Brita! (They sell water filter systems here, but i brought mine and I was sooo grateful for it! I save so much money by using my water from my filter)

Waterbottle (instead of always using the oh so convenient vending machines, fill up your waterbottle everymorning with water and your set!)

Snacks (if there are foods you absolutely can not live without, bring them. I brought some of my comfort food snacks and eat them when I start to get homesick. I'm stretching them out to last.)



Hope this is helpful, feel free to ask me if you have any questions. Oh and you sound like a big guy, make sure you bring clothes and shoes! I'm a small american and at times can have a struggle to find things that i LIKE and that fit. They don't make close to fit our body structures or sizes.

Good luck!

[aynnej]

If you're staying in a big city (Tokyo, Osaka, etc.), a decent bilingual map of your city can be helpful.

Little Peaches' list is pretty good. Not to be a broken record, but definitely bring plenty of deodorant. The deodorant here is just not very effective for westerners.

Do bring all the clothes you think you'll need. I'm a size 14 bottom, size 12 top (women's). I can find clothes that fit me, but it's a struggle and they're usually expensive. It might be easier for men, but I wouldn't count on it.

Don't bring an electric alarm clock. Although the two-pronged plugs are the same as in the U.S., the voltage is slightly different. A U.S. electric alarm clock won't keep the correct time here.

[Glenski]

[seklarwia]

[Apsara]

[ShioriEigoKyoushi]

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[seklarwia]

[Glenski]

[seklarwia]

[ShioriEigoKyoushi]

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[seklarwia]