10月, 2020 | MUSUBI by BORDERLINK

At a Glance: Falling In Japan

No, this isn’t about the experience of losing your footing and crashing to the ground in Japan, although we’ve all been there at some point. It’s about that other most wonderful time of the year: autumn!

Japan, being in the northern hemisphere, experiences the autumn season between September 22nd and December 21st, with mid-late October and November being the peak autumnal time period. While this time of the year sees the days getting increasingly shorter and colder, it also sees an explosion of color in natural world and a variety of new tastes in the human one.

Many travelers agree that fall/autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan, with the weather less extreme than in summer or winter and generally less of a crowd than in the spring. What sort of things can you expect to see (and eat)? Here’s MUSUBI’s short primer on the joys of aki (秋).

Photo by Lyndon Li on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/zrT1tjnxJKQ

The leaves changing to autumn colors (紅葉, kōyō) is to autumn what the sakura blooming are to spring. Viewing this event has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries, and nowadays draws spectators from all over gather in key locations at specific times during the last quarter of the year. The exact timing varies due to temperature, elevation, and latitude, with companies such as Japan Railways making forecasts in advance each year to accommodate the changing dates.

The “kōyō front” generally starts in late September in Hokkaido, and slowly moves down towards the southern Japanese islands until the end of November and into December. In cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, the best viewing times range from mid-October through early December, as many trees will maintain their colorful look before the leaves start to fall.

The best places to see kōyō in action include Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido, Mount Nasu (Fukushima) Ueno Park (Tokyo) and Eikando Temple (Kyoto), but there are of course many more.

Traditionally a harvest season, autumn is also a great time to enjoy many seasonal foods in Japan. Autumn is even known as the “season of good appetite” (食欲の秋, shokuyoko no aki) and the best time of eating before the colder winter months.

Signature foods of the season include Matsutake（松茸), highly-prized mushrooms that can be prepared a variety of ways such as tempura seen above. Pacific saury（秋刀魚, sanma) is often served salted and grilled. The kanji in its name literally translates as “autumn knife fish”. Pumpkin （かぼちゃ, kabocha) is another; the gourd-like squash is a little different than the orange vegetable associated with the word in the west, but no less delicious. Japanese persimmon (柿, kaki) and sweet potato (さつま芋, satsuimo) are others. There’s never a shortage of interesting foods to eat in the fall!

Photo by IT-STUDIO on Pixabay

And that’s just the basics. There are also annual festivals and events, seasonal fashions, and much more. We’ll cover this and other seasonal specialties in Japan in the future here on MUSUBI. Until then, enjoy this wonderful season if you’re already here, or look forward to it the next time you’re in Japan!

For more information on how you can experience the wonders of autumn in Japan, read about the job of an ALT and how you can experience Japan for yourself!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

1 – Lyndon Li on Unsplash

2 – IT-STUDIO on Pixabay

Previously-used photo: Jisaku Kaiseki Ryori by Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license (cc by-SA 3.0). No changes or alterations were made.

Top Photo: takedahrs on Pixabay

Osaka is commonly referred to as “the kitchen of Japan” due to its diverse selection of tasty and unique food. The city’s streets are often jam-packed with both large-chain restaurants and smaller individual businesses that deliver flavors sure to satisfy the widest spectrum of palates. Whether it be ramen and udon shops, curry houses, Izakaya (similar to a pub), foreign restaurants, chic cafes, sweet shops, yakiniku cookeries or even the universally-beloved conbini, Osaka has so much to offer.

If you are struggling to decide on what to try next, I’d like to suggest some popular but outstanding foods that are uniquely Japanese and in some ways, uniquely Osakan. They’re all well worth trying, and especially worth trying in Osaka’s neon-laden Dotonbori district near Namba Station. That place is a story in itself for another time, but for right now, here’s my Top 3 delicious dishes to snack on in Japan’s big city in the west.

Okonomiyaki

Photo Credit: Daniel Hooper on Unsplash

Okonomiyaki, sometimes called “Japanese pizza,” is one of the most famous dishes from Osaka. This Osakan soul food is essentially a savory pancake that is cooked from a batter of flour, egg, shredded cabbage and various meats and seafood of your choice. The major component of this dish that stands out is the toppings.

The mixture of Japanese mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce (similar in taste to Worcestershire sauce), seaweed and bonito flakes delivers a satisfying punch to the savory pancake. Some variations of okonomiyaki include: monjayaki, modan-yaki, negiyaki and of course, Hiroshima-yaki (the Hiroshima style of okonomiyaki). Feel free to try these variants too!

Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a classic snack food from Osaka made from wheat-based batter with a small piece of octopus serving as the filling inside. This “octopus ball” snack contains toppings similar to the okonomiyaki, and therefore tastes quite similar. The difference is that the inside of the takoyaki; in contract to the crispy exterior, the center delivers the chewy texture of grilled octopus mixed with the gooey, softer batter taste.

While you can buy it at conbini or make your own at home, nothing beats fresh-made takoyaki from a street vendor stall prepared right in front of you. You should be able to find takoyaki vendors down most streets of Osaka, and the delightful smell of cooking dough will surely help you!

Taiyaki

Technically speaking, Taiyaki is said to have originated in Tokyo, but like a lot of things in the culinary world, Osaka perfected it! Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake with different types of filling inside—usually azuki (red bean past), sweet potato paste, custard or chocolate. It really resembles an ice cream sandwich, except for the fact that both the filling and the cake is typically hot.

These “cakes” are excellent when eaten alongside a cup (or PET bottle) of hot tea. There’s just something satisfying about the crunchy texture of the cake that is somewhat reminiscent of biting into a well-done hot waffle. A staple of festival foods year-round (much like takoyaki), the classic sweetened azuki bean taiyaki is highly recommended.

These three foods only begin to scratch the surface of what Osaka has to offer. The beauty of eating in Osaka is being able to experience different interpretations of many foods from various restaurants and stores. This is especially true for smaller businesses; many of them like to add their own flair and ingredients to enhance and add personality to these classic foods. I hope you get the chance to enjoy the tastes of Osaka real soon!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: takedahrs on Pixabay

1 – Daniel Hooper on Unsplash

Top Photo: Louie Martinez on Unsplash

If you are coming to Japan to be a teacher, prepare to be a student along with your students.

Before becoming a teacher, it is normal to be under the impression that teaching is a one-way corridor. We think back to teachers we’ve had in the past, and recall all or little of the knowledge they passed down. Once you’re standing at the front of the classroom yourself, it very soon becomes evident that that isn’t the case. We might never have had a chance to talk to our teachers ‘outside of the classroom’ and heard their side of the story. Therefore, we would not have had time to hear that they had learnt as much from their students as their students did from them.

In fact, the younger the school age students are, the more you’ll learn. Age, much like experience, gives adults an upper hand to understanding a language. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easier for them. It means that they have more knowledge to draw from, and or, tools such as electronic devices at their disposal. Children lack in both those departments. Even though an argument could be made about middle elementary age students beginning to learn their way through a paper dictionary in their native tongue, the thought of using one in a foreign language seems inconceivable.

Photo by Jacob Plumb on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/XbX66OZeLaU

Having said that, there are many ways where children have an upper advance over adults.

Children have less of an awareness of what they are doing and saying, and how it’s perceived. Therefore, repeating a word multiple times won’t cause the flush of embarrassment or silliness it would do with an adult. Let’s not forget they are still being corrected in their native language by the adults around them, so one more, their English teacher, is like water off a duck’s back. Although, as I mentioned in the introduction, it’s not all one-way.

“If you want someone to listen to you, you must listen to them.”

I feel this phrase is invaluable when it comes to teaching people of all ages, and works doubly for children. If you want them repeating or following you in class, then you need to listen to them when they have something to say. This can even be in the middle of the lesson. When somebody has something to say, they want to be heard then, not hours later when the time has passed.

Not being able to understand Japanese isn’t an issue. Ultimately, we all want to be understood, that is human nature. However, even if you understand a little, or maybe a lot, when it’s all boiled down we just all want to be listened to, and second grade elementary children are the same.

Listening is an invaluable gift you can give someone. But it’s also a gift that reciprocates. The more you learn about who your students are, where they come from on a local scale, the more you can give. Location has a deep level of culture. And by listening, you will hear what culture means to Japanese people.

You will have many opportunities to learn about things that go under the umbrella of culture, such as local delicacies, festivals, national customs, and gain a first-hand understanding of what those things mean to people who celebrate them. These are things elementary children are still learning about through displays throughout the school, which gives you an extra opportunity of learning beside them. The more you show you want to learn about these things, in addition to the students, the class, and the school, the more you will be taught.

On top of culture, and the language, there is one more thing you will learn. Something you might have forgotten. You’ll be reminded of the beauty in the simplest things. Young students will remind you of the joy and excitement of scoring a line in a Bingo game. You’ll also be shown the pride of answering a simple question in a new language.

To those from abroad, Japan has long been thought of as a country with many old wise people, and it is well documented that, if you really want to learn a skill from someone, then it’s wise to learn from the best. And some of the most inquisitive minds are the young, the ones who aren’t afraid to ask all the questions that are unanswerable.

Children don’t think about the things older people worry about, so they have time to examine the way an insect moves, or where to catch one. Or that the only way to do your one passion, ‘soccer’, is to make it the most important thing in your life. Do it before, during, and after school. Only stopping for the must do’s like study, homework, and food. Learn as much as you can, and don’t forget, the weather doesn’t matter when you have a Lionel Messi jersey to wear.

For more information on how you can follow this path and experience being a teacher in Japan, read about the job of an ALT and how you can experience Japan for yourself!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Louie Martinez on Unsplash

1 – Jacob Plumb on Unsplash

Top Image: Borderlink Staff Member, used with permission

Among the many things Japan is famous for, its convenience stores (コンビ二) might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Those unfamiliar with Japan may think these konbini are little more than your run-of-the-mill corner store. Convenience stores in North America for example are generally most associated with gas stations.

However, those that live in Japan know all too well just how places like Family Mart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson really do put the “convenience” in “convenience store”. What is it that makes convenience stores so commonplace and so popular? Here are a few of the things that make Japan’s konbini (or “conbini” as they are known among English speakers) even better than you think!

You can pay all of your bills, and more!

Utilities, phone, rent, even ordering from Amazon: in Japan nearly everything comes with an option to pay at the convenience store and the process couldn’t be simpler. Either using an electronic code from email or a barcode from a bill mailed to you, head down to the nearest conbini. It will be scanned by the cashier and can be paid on the spot in cash.

A wide variety of tickets are sold through convenience stores, sometimes exclusively. Every store brand has their own type of smart kiosk which is fairly easy to navigate, and allows one to purchase tickets for concerts, special events or even attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland and the Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka, Tokyo.

All convenience stores also have an ATM inside, and some even offer minimal banking services! Japan is still a mostly cash-based society, so it’s nice to always have an easy place to just stop in and grab a bit of extra money before hitting the ramen shop or karaoke bar. Just be aware that there will almost always be a transaction fee similar to using a bank ATM afterhours.

That being said, conbini are one of the places you can see the slow move towards a cashless society in action. It’s becoming more common these days to see self check-out registers that take only electronic payment.

They sell everything!

A typical convenience store Obento (boxed meal)　Photo Credit: manseok_Kim on Pixabay

Conbini really do sell everything! Snacks, hot foods, drinks, alcohol, toiletries, homewares, tobacco, manga, electronics, and even some clothes. If you can think of it, chances are the local Family Mart or Daily Yamazaki has it in stock.

Although the prices will be just a small bit higher there (though not nearly as much of a mark-up as you might expect), convenience stores sell just about everything you could need in a pinch.

To share some personal experience, just this morning from 7-Eleven I bought: apple pastries, fresh coffee, candles, sunscreen, insect repellent, a calligraphy pen, an ink pad, soap, razors, cigarettes, and a 32GB micro SD card. I’m completely serious! And to tie this back to my first point, I paid my electricity bill at the same time.

Even saké can be found in your average convenience store. Photo Credit: Nolan Arena

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, it was even common for larger convenience stores to have seating for those who wanted to “eat-in” with their microwave meals or instant noodles. This aspect has understandably been put on hold in recent months.

Another change to conbini across Japan is that from July 2020, they’ve started charging a small fee for bags to encourage cutting back on plastic waste. While use of an “eco-bag” is encouraged, the fee is small (usually 3-5 yen at most) and most people seem content to keep buying and recycling plastic bags as usual.

Conbini are everywhere!

Whether you are in the center of Tokyo, or live in a rice field in the countryside (like me), there is always a conbini nearby. There are estimated to be over 50,000 convenience stores across Japan, and it’s almost impossible to travel through a reasonably-populated area without coming across at least one.

Different areas will oftentimes have one or two conbini chains that seem to dominate the region. For example, the area of Tokyo I stayed in when I first came to Japan was almost all Family Mart territory, whereas my current town is 7-Eleven turf.

It may seem strange to think of that as a positive, but it works as an excellent ice breaker when meeting people or testing out your Japanese skills. From my experience, most people living in Japan eventually grow to have a favorite conbini and this can result in a friendly conversation or even a lively debate.

In conclusion, amid the temples and shrines, skyscrapers and fashion boutiques, mountains and forests, the one constant of Japan is the 24/7/365 fluorescent lit convenience store; always there for you whenever you need a quick energy drink or a deck of UNO cards.

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Borderlink Staff Member, used with permission

Additional photos provided by manseok_Kim on Pixabay and Nolan Arena

Top Photo: takedahrs on Pixabay

Previously used photo: “Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki” by Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license (cc-by-2.0). No changes or alterations were made. Wikimedia Commons Link

“Itadakimasu” (いただきます) is often translated into English as “I humbly receive”. When used in a mealtime setting, it has been likened to saying “Bon appétit”, “thank you for this food”, or simply “let’s eat”. Some have even likened it to saying grace. Whatever the case, it’s definitely a word you want to add to your Japanese vocabulary.

Now that you know how to start off a meal, let’s talk about some foods in Japan.
I really love Japanese food! That’s why I want to share it with all of you.
I’ve been living in Japan for many years, and trying different foods is one of my favorite things, especially when I visit other prefectures.

There are many regional specialties and signature dishes across Japan, and some cities or areas have their own spin on one particular dish. There are also foods adapted from other countries and given a uniquely Japanese twist. The choices seem almost limitless at times, and just deciding what to eat next can keep any foodie busy for hours.

Here’s just a small sampling of the many dishes you can find across Japan. Some are full-fledged lunches or dinners, while others are smaller foods to snack on alongside a cold drink, or desserts to top off another meal. These are ten of my favorites, but there are of course many more!

Proper Meals

Japanese Curry (カレーライス)

“Kare-raisu” is how to pronounce Japanese curry. White rice is served along with a curry sauce containing ingredients such as onions, carrots, and potatoes.

Beef, pork, and chicken are popular choices if the curry contains meat. The levels of spiciness vary. While one can find traditionally zesty curry too, milder, sweeter tastes like Kanazawa curry are also popular throughout the country.

In addition to the curry sauce itself, toppings such a pork or chick katsu (fried cutlet), fried oysters and grilled vegetables are popular. You can also find curry-flavored udon (カレーうどん), curry ramen (カレーラーメン), and curry bread (カレーパン).

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)

Okonomiyaki is a popular pan-fried dish. It’s essentially a pancake that consists of batter and cabbage. From there, the other ingredients are up to you! The meaning of okonomi literally means “to one’s liking.” Veggies, pork, squid, etc. are often popular choices to pile on. Or in, as I’ll explain.

The dish is said to have originated in Osaka, but is also a trademark of the Hiroshima area. The style of making okonomiyaki in the two cities has diverged somewhat over time.

Hiroshima-style uses far more cabbage, and the ingredients are layered during the cooking stage. It also often includes a layer of yakisoba (fried noodles) and is sometimes topped with an egg. This style requires more skill in preparing (so as to not make a big mess) and it’s more common to have it prepared and then served to you.

Osaka-style on the other hand uses more batter and mixes the ingredients together before cooking. This results in a cleaner pancake style, and Osaka-style okonomiyaki restaurants let patrons cook it themselves on tabletop grills with large metal spatulas that can be used to cut and serve it pizza-style. Both versions are are well worth trying!

Ramen (ラーメン)

I think everyone is familiar with Japan’s take on Chinese wheat noodles. But far from the instant kind popular around the world, freshly-made restaurant ramen has a great deal more going on with it.

The primary broth flavors are shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), tonkotsu (pork bone), and miso ramen, but even these have been combined over the years in experimental new ways.

My personal favorite is tonkotsu ramen, a speciality of Hakata. Once you have the broth, you have different types of noodles (ranging in softness) and then you add many different toppings like boiled eggs, spring onions, menma (Japanese Lacto-fermented bamboo shoots), and braised pork. There are an endless array of varieties and local styles, some of which we have covered in the past here on MUSUBI!

A common food in wintertime as well as a popular post-drinking party meal, ramen served piping hot in a big bowl at a restaurant is a must-try!

Small Bites and Snacks

Takoyaki (たこ焼き)

Takoyaki, or “octopus balls”, is one of Japan’s best-known street foods from Osaka. These ball-shaped dumplings are also fun and easy to make with your friends and family at home! If you have a takoyaki grill, they make the perfect food for a house party.

If you’ve never tried octopus before, don’t be deterred- it is delicious, especially when served with such flavors as takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce) and sweet Japanese-style mayonnaise. If you’re just not up to it, it’s also possible to make takoyaki with other ingredients (everything from Nutella to strawberries) but the traditional octopus style is highly recommended to truly put the tako in takoyaki.

Amusement Park Food (遊園地のフード)

Here’s one you may not have expected. Japan is well-known for its “kawaii culture” of cute things. This extends all the way to foods found at amusement and theme parks, which you can get in addition to more conventional fare.

Left: Foods from Universal Studio Japan, the Minion Burger Set and Minion Fried Chicken and Sautéed Veggie Platter Set.

Right: from Tokyo Disney Land, it’s the Little Green Men Mochi with chocolate, strawberry, and custard filling.

And that’s just a small sampling of what you can find. Any theme park or zoo worth its salt will have stalls, restaurants or a food court, and there are many delicious treasures to be found within. There are even food-themed attractions and museums, such as the Takoyaki Museum in Osaka!

Kushikatsu/Kushiage (串カツ・串揚げ)

Kushikatsu, also known as kushiage, are deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. Kushi (串) means “skewer” and age (揚げ) means “fry”. Katsu as we’ve establish is a fried, breaded cutlet similar to a pork chop.

Kushikatsu generally uses chicken, pork, seafood, seasonal vegetables, and even quail eggs. It’s a popular in staple in many izakaya (similar to a pub).

Wagyu Beef Sushi (和牛牛寿司)

Sushi is healthy Japanese specialty that has taken the world by storm in recent years. While most outside Japan associate sushi with strictly seafood or vegetables, there are actually many kinds of things that can be used as sushi toppings. Corn, katsu slices, grilled or raw pork and wagyu (Japanese beef)… the list goes on!

Wagyu Beef Sushi is expensive due to the high quality of the meat, but well worth trying at least once in your life if you like beef.

Sweets & Desserts

Dango (団子)

Dango is a Japanese sweet rice ball dumpling made from mochiko (sticky rice flower). It is made using a similar method as mochi (rice cake). It is often served with matcha or green tea.

Dango are eaten year-round, but the different varieties are traditionally eaten in specific seasons. Three to four dango are often served on a skewer. Dango shops are often found near shrines and temples.

Kakigōri (かき氷)

Kakigōri is also known as Japanese shaved ice. A summertime favorite, it can be given a wide range of flavors due to different kinds of of syrup.

Some modern styles of kakigōri are even served with your choices of topping, including whipped cream, ice cream, azuki (red beans), mochi, condensed milk, or sliced fruits.

Matcha Soft Cream (抹茶ソフトクリーム)

What comes to your mind when you think of ice cream flavors in Japan? Probably matcha or green tea! You can find matcha soft cream everywhere in Japan, but I recommend trying it in Kyoto, due to the area’s famed matcha.

Next time you take a trip to the ancient capital, be sure to snack on (finish off a meal with) this tasty treat!

There’s a lot more to Japanese food that what we’ve covered here. I’m sure you would love trying some or all of these! Whether you’re in Japan now or hoping to come here some day, it can’t hurt to make yourself a mental (or physical) checklist of the Japanese foods you’d like to try!

And remember, when finished with a meal in Japan, always say gochisōsama-deshita (ごちそうさまでした) or “thanks for the meal”! And thanks for reading!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: takedahrs on Pixabay

Additional photos provided by Sayaka Kondo

Top Image: Hadesさん on PhotoAC

Health Insurance in Japan can sometimes seem like a real pain in the neck, but it doesn’t have to be!

First and foremost, allow me to answer the big question that you might have. Yes, it is mandatory for all Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and anyone residing in Japan for three months or longer to be enrolled in a health insurance system here. No, there’s no escaping it. It’s essential for anyone working and living in Japan to be insured. However, it’s also highly beneficial, as Japan has one of the best health care systems in the world.

If you’re looking to move to Japan some day, you’ll want to make sure you understand how the health care system works and which kind of health insurance is best for you. That’s where we come in with this easy-to-follow beginner’s guide! Think of this as an introduction to Japan’s two main health insurance plans, a primer on what you definitely want to know before you join the millions of others insured by the same system.

Now, let’s discuss your options:

Social Insurance (shakai hoken)

Shakai hoken (社会保険), or Social Insurance, combines Health Insurance (kenkou hoken, 健康保険) and Pension Insurance (kosei nenkin, 厚生年金) into one system.

However, it’s important to note that this type of insurance cannot be applied for as an individual; it must be done for you by your employer. They will be the ones responsible for submitting all the paperwork necessary to sign you up for it.

The insurance fee varies depending on your salary and the monthly premium is split 50-50 with your employer, with your half being directly deducted from your paycheck. Social Insurance covers a wide range of medical and drug costs, including dental treatment. For many professions, such as Assistant Language Teachers looking to build a long-term life in Japan, it’s the ideal system.

National Insurance (kokumin kenkou hoken)

Kokumin kenkō hoken (国民健康保険) or National Health Insurance, is the more basic, standalone insurance system. It is intended for those who are self-employed, unemployed, or retired. If you are not enrolled in Social Insurance, you must enroll in National Insurance if you will be residing in Japan for longer than 90 days.

To get enrolled in this type of insurance, you must go to your local city hall and request to be signed up for it. The fee will also vary depending on your circumstances and monthly income. For instance, if you are a student or have any form of disability, you can expect to pay less for it than someone working a part-time job, for example.

Note that, for this type of insurance, you will also have to pay into the National Pension system (kokumin nenkin, 国民年金) separately. Enrolling in this system can also be done through your town or city hall.

The Right Insurance For You

Now that you know the difference between the two, let’s talk about how they work, and which one is best for you.

After you have finished your application (or your employer has processed the forms for you), you will receive an insurance card that you must carry with you at all times and present at the reception before you receive any treatment. Depending on your address and workplace, you might get stuck with a temporary card for a while before you receive the real thing, but they work the same. Along with your residence card, this card acts as an important form of ID, so it’s essential that you keep it safe and handy when necessary.

Insurance Card – https://www.yutorism.jp/entry/HealthInsurance

Both the shakai hoken and the kokumin kenkō hoken cover 70% of your medical bills. You will be expected to pay the remaining 30% before you leave any medical facility.

For those working at a company and planning to stay in Japan long-term (at least 3-5 years or more), Social Insurance is a great system to enroll in. It has a wide range of benefits, and managing health & pension as one package is particularly convenient for full-time salaried workers. Be advised though, you will be paying more per month and paying into both systems at once, so it is the more expensive of the two.

For students, lower-salaried temporary workers or those planning a shorter stay, the National Insurance system is perfectly reasonable. Private insurance in Japan does exist, but it is generally supplemental, to cover specific conditions. So if you are not being enrolled in Social Insurance, make sure you take some time to visit your city hall and sign up for National Insurance soon after moving in.

In Conclusion

And that’s it! You now know the basics of what the health insurance system is like in Japan. Hopefully this article has answered some of your questions. But again, this is just a basic overview, so we highly recommend doing more in-depth research for all who are about to enter (or re-enter) the Japanese health care system (including our other articles on this blog!) Good luck on your journey to Japan. I hope to see you soon!

Looking to begin your journey to Japan today? Apply now to be an ALT for the Spring 2022 school year! Learn all about being an Assistant Language Teacher with Borderlink!

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Hadesさん on PhotoAC

Additional photos provided by Irasutoya and Yutorism

Top photo: Kanenori on Pixabay

When most think of Japan, they tend to think of the food, technology, history, popular culture, and of course, the many scenic views and locales. You might think you need an extensive knowledge of the land to know where all the best spots are, but this isn’t necessarily the case. A lot of the time, you can find some spectacular scenery right around the corner from where you are staying or living. It’s just a matter of getting out, looking around, and (sometimes) meeting the right people.

Photo by Joshua Minor

If you are like me, you love nature and the many forms it takes. Japan seemingly has it all, from tropical forests to snowy mountains, expansive beaches and towering waterfalls. There’s even some ‘deserts’ here and there! As everyday life continues a slow, careful crawl towards a pre-Corona version of itself, and the Japanese government encourages residents to see the country with the “Go To Travel” campaign, it seems like an apt time to start planning a day to get out of the house and see the sights.

Of course, there are many well-known places you could visit: Mt. Fuji, the Abukuma-do caverns, Amanohashidate, and others. But what about some of the others, the less-famous yet equally stunning? And, for those still mindful of minimizing their time outdoors, what about those spots of beauty a bit closer to home?

The truth is, sometimes all you need to do is step outside your door. Even if you live in the middle of the urban sprawl that is Tokyo, it’s not hard to find some green around, be it Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. For those in Kansai, there’s a trip up a mountain like Mt. Rokko or down to a coastal treasure trove like Wayakama. And those are the more well-known ones. Sometimes, you need not even look so far or grand to find natural elegance and splendor in this country.

Photo by Joshua Minor

Last year, I lived in a little town called Ube in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The town was a very small and quiet place, with not much notoriety. The people were nice and easy to get along with. It was pleasant enough, but there didn’t seem like a whole lot to see and do in the area.

During my time there, I became friends with a local restaurant owner. Sometimes I would go fishing with him on the weekends, and I don’t just mean down to the local river. He knew hundreds of great fishing spots, and going on a trip with him was always a treat. Our travels would yield some truly breathtaking views for me. And yet, for him, those just came with the territory.

That’s the funny thing about it all: what’s considered unforgettable scenery for me is often normal for the locals. Seeing the Japan Sea, hills, and mountains on a nice day are memories that will stay with me forever. For the people that have lived here all their lives, they’re completely normal, if a subtly-acknowledged reminder of the wonders of nature.

I suppose that may be true wherever you go. Ultimately, if you are a lover of the outdoors, Japan will be a slice of heaven for you. It’s well worth taking some time to acknowledge the beauty of the world around you- you never know what you may find in your own proverbial backyard! And when you can experience it across all four seasons, you’re guaranteed to create memories that no one can take from you. Whether you’re living here now or planning to come some day, there’s beauty in everyday Japan just waiting to be found.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Kanenori on Pixabay

(Previous photo used: Kohji Asakawa on Unsplash)

Additional photos provided by Joshua Minor