7月, 2021 | MUSUBI by BORDERLINK

Quick Tips: Hydration Nation

Photo by Ji Seongkwang on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/lvu7gpzIT8k

To those from abroad, one of the most curiously fascinating aspects of Japanese culture is the country’s prevalence of vending machines (自動販売機, jidōhanbaiki). There are estimated to be over 5 million vending machines in Japan; 1 per every 23 people. That’s the highest density of vending machines worldwide.

Furthermore, the range of products sold from vending machines makes the soda, candy and snacks many are used to look basic by comparison. Ice cream, noodles, cigarettes… the list goes on. Despite the many interesting and/or unusual options though, the number one product sold through vending machines is still beverages, both hot and cold.

Photo by Valentin BEAUVAIS on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/G_D9f4dvH_I

And believe it or not, this makes vending machines an essential part of daily life during the hotter months of the year. With temperatures at times surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, staying hydrated isn’t just important; it is necessary to survive. And due to their prevalence, you can finding vending machines everywhere from city streets subway stations and even to mountain trails.

While cool drinks can be found in restaurants, cafes, convenience stores and supermarkets, the fastest way to obtain one is usually from the nearest vending machine (or the other 3-4 that are equally near).

Almost every vending machine will offer some variety of water, the best way to rehydrate, though be aware that it can sometimes be sparkling (carbonated) or lightly flavored. The latter isn’t a bad thing (believe it or not, the yogurt-flavored water is *incredible* when you are super thirsty) but it’s good to be aware of what you’re getting.

Photo by Fabrizio Chiagano on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/7sf1RGqn2DA

Other drinks such a green teas, sodas, fruit juices and coffee can be good to quench thirst, though be wary of using them when your body desperately needs plain ‘ol water. While many vending machines sell drinks in cans or PET bottles, some actually distribute lidded or lidless plastic cubs, and may have the option to add ice. This is one way to get a little extra H20 with your drink.

Sports drinks are also prevalent and while they should not be relied upon solely (again, water is king), they are great to drink when regular water isn’t available. Japan’s two most famous varieties are Aquarius and Pocari Sweat, both tailor-made for those blisteringly hot days in July and August. Despite the name, the latter is quite delicious, especially when you are at peak thirstiness.

Photo by Darren Halstead on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/vuL_H4N4fW0

Vending machines aren’t just convenient, they’re also quite cheap, with many serving drinks at 100 yen (which, despite their “off brand” appearance, are perfectly consumable). It’s rare to find any with beverages over 300 yen, and those tend to be either alcohol or large-size bottles (seeing a vending machine distribute a 2-liter bottle of water is a sight to behold). Many vending machines nowadays even accept payment by IC cards such as Suica or Icoca.

So remember, as the days seem to keep getting hotter and the sweat starts to flow, there’s always a fast and cheap way to rehydrate. And it’s often just around the corner.

Ready to experience all the new and exciting aspects of Japanese culture yourself? Become an Assistant Language Teacher! You can get the ball rolling today and become an ALT for spring 2022!

Photo Credits

Top photo: Daniel Tseng on Unsplash

Additional photos:

1 – Ji Seongkwang on Unsplash

2 – Valentin BEAUVAIS on Unsplash

3 – Fabrizio Chiagano on Unsplash

4 – Darren Halstead on Unsplash

Top photo: Akira Deng on Unsplash

When we think of Japan, we have the perception of delicious food, technological advancements, cleanliness, convenience, polite people, efficient transport systems, and some truly stunning views of nature. And when I say ‘nature’, I meant nature in all its stunning glory. There are thick forests and vast fields. Snow-capped mountains and deep caverns. Steamy jungles and giant sand dunes that feel like deserts.

One of the most exceptional spots in Japan isn’t too far from Tokyo, if you don’t mind a little travel. It’s a place where you can enjoy sipping your favorite coffee while marveling at views that almost make you feel like you’re in Switzerland. Okay, I haven’t visited Switzerland yet, but it’s in my top countries to visit because of the amazing views. Until then, Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is the next best thing.

When I went to the deep mountains of Nikko, the biggest “wow” always comes from the fabulous green trees and the seemingly-endless calm Lake Chūzenji. Even though I’ve been to this place several times and always know what to expect, I am still fascinated by the unique landscape. You can feel the power of nature come alive with a view that looks like a painting, being transformed before our eyes from one color to another.

Nikko is a small city in Tochigi, around 2 hours and 15 minutes from Tokyo by car. Public transport within the city can take time, so having your own set of wheels is advised. Whether you own a car or just rent one for a weekend trip, it’s a great way to get around the area and see much of what it has to offer. If you do want to try to navigate it using public transportations, I recommended checking out Japan-guide.com for more information.

However you choose to get around, the Nikko experience would not be complete without an overnight stay to fully enjoy the full splendor of the area. Live as the ancient nobility once did and enjoy all that Nikko has to offer by staying at a local ryokan (traditional inn) or hotel. As well as the views, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, sight-seeing throughout the nearby National park, and many wonderful hot springs.

So if you are looking for your next travel destination, consider Nikko! It’s a great part of Tochigi and Japan, and a must-visit for every curious traveler. If you want to experience something different (and aren’t ready to travel all the way over to Switzerland yet!) take the journey and see it for yourself.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Akira Deng on Unsplash

Additional photos provided by Jeselyn Rosema, used with permission

Top Photo: Xtra, Inc. on Unsplash

The world of sake can be daunting. When you first arrive in Japan you may be overwhelmed with sake choices. Each beautifully designed bottle has a different story to tell. But how do you decide which is best for you?

Read our top tips to start your sake journey on the right track.

What is sake?

First, it is important to understand the word ‘sake’ (酒) actually means any type of alcoholic beverage in Japan. Outside of Japan, we use the word ‘sake’ to mean ‘nihonshu’ (日本酒). Nihonshu is a type of fermented wine made from rice.

What are the different types of sake?

Premium sake is classified by three criteria:

Rice-polishing level – Rice polished down to 70% is ‘Junmai’, down to 60% is ‘Tokubetsu Junmai’, 50% is ‘Ginjo’ and less than 50% is ‘Dai Ginjo’. The more the rice is polished, the more refined the flavour (and higher the price!).

Extra ingredients – Some sake include a little additional alcohol to speed up the brewing process. This is called ‘Honjozo’ sake.

Brewing style – Changes to the brewing process can have a big impact on the style of sake. For example, sake bottled before fermentation forms bubbly sake, or ‘sparkling sake’. ‘Namazake’ is fresh, raw sake that hasn’t been pasteurized.

Top sake brands

Ok, now you know what sake (or nihonshu) is. Where do you start sampling Japan’s national drink? Here some of the most famous sake brands you will find in Japan:

Image courtesy of Kanpai Drinks

Gekkeikan

Gekkeikan was first established way back in 1637, making it one the world’s oldest companies. It has grown internationally, and now owns 25% of the sake market in America.

Gekkeikan specialise in delicious ‘cup sakes’. These are conveniently small bottles of sake, perfect for an after-work treat!

Dassai

Dassai sake is made in the Asahi Shuzō brewery in Yamaguchi. It is a renowned brand in Japan, famous for its premium taste and style. It is often featured in J-dramas and anime. Notably, Evangelion’s Mitsato Katsuragi is a big fan.

Dassai have split sake critics due to their departure from ‘traditional’ sake brewery methods. Instead, they have introduced innovative production technology to enable year-round sake brewing. Although this may feel less ‘authentic’, it has allowed them to expand their business and meet growing international demand.

Hakkaisan

Hakkaisan brewery is located in the Niigata prefecture. The brand has grown in popularity due to the freshness of the flavour. Hakkaisan sources the purest mineral water from mount Hakkaisan itself. This delicious sake is now the second most popular sake in Japan today.

Can you pair sake with food?

Yes, yes you can! Because the taste of sake is a little unusual to the western palate, it may seem difficult to find the right food pairing.

However, most sakes can pair easily with delicate Japanese dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Also, many light sakes pair perfectly with seafood pasta dishes. If you are feeling more adventurous, try pairing a dry ginjo sake with pizza. You won’t be disappointed.

We hope this article helps you understand a little more about Japanese sake. If you would like to learn more, please check out our other Japanese food articles on MUSUBI from Borderlink.

Photo Credit: Zaji Kanamajina on Unsplash

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: Xtra, Inc. on Unsplash

Bottom Photo: Zaji Kanamajina on Unsplash

Top photo: Antonio Diaz, used with permission

Sitting in the eastern part of Osaka city accessible from Momodani and Tsuruhashi stations is an area that provides a unique shopping experience not found in the main hubs of the city. With a history dating back to the beginning of the 20th century and approximately 120 shops in the vicinity, one could spend a good amount of time browsing the various goods, and taking in the atmosphere that is Korea town.

When you arrive at Tsuruhashi, you will be instantly hit with an overwhelming scent of Korean BBQ. Within immediate walking distance from the station gates is a narrow street lined with restaurants offering all-you-can-eat course meals of BBQ, samgyeopsal, pot dishes, and various Korean cuisine.

If you don’t feel like sitting down, there are various street stalls that sit along the shopping street and continue on towards Miyuki-dori (the newer shopping street), which is about a 15-minute walk from the station. At the stalls you can find quick eats like norimaki (similar to Japanese makizushi) but made using seaweed imported from Korea. There are also stands selling buchimgae, or in Japanese known as chijimi, similar to okonomiyaki.

Between Tsuruhashi and the actual area labeled ‘Korea Town’ are some open market-style shops selling homemade kimchi with various types ranging from the standard kind you might find at your local supermarket to original recipes made by each shop. Shops such as Toyoda Shoten, which has been around since 1965 and televised on Japanese broadcast television, has you covered on all things kimchi. If you are feeling adventurous, they have shops that sell pig’s feet, and even the head, snout, and ears if you feel up to the challenge. Located in the same vicinity are mini markets that sell Korean cup noodles, beverages, spices, and snacks that you can’t really find at most supermarkets.

When you get to Miyuki-dori shopping street (Korea Town proper), you will find another lineup of food stalls/shops with more current trendy menu items such as cheese dogs (batter dipped fried cheese on a stick), tornado fries, various flavors of fried chicken, and a handful of desserts. If you have saved any room in your stomach, this street will not disappoint.

Besides dining, you can find clothing stores that have traditional Korean garb that are sometimes rented out for weddings, and stores with more current fashion options. I would voice caution on some of the stores as they do have items that appear to be name brands, but have a flea market vibe to them.

If you are into K-POP, then you can get your fix there as well. There is a shop called K-Station with K-POP memorabilia such as CD’s, posters, keychains, and basically anything you can think of to slap a picture of an artist on. They also sell Korean dramas and movies, beauty products, and miscellaneous goods.

If you are looking for a different experience in Osaka that isn’t chain shop after chain shop, head over and check out Korea Town. With its variety of Korean foods fit for sitting down and enjoying all-you-can-eat (and drink) on the cheap, to its stores of goods giving you a glimpse of Korean culture, it’s a good way to spend a day in the city. It can be accessed from either Momodani or Tsuruhashi on the JR loop line, or from the Sennichimae subway line and Kintetsu Osaka line. With over 1 million visitors per year, it’s definitely worth a visit and worth your time.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Antonio Diaz, used with permission

All additional photos provided by Antonio Diaz, used with permission

Top Image: Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Burgers. You can get one anywhere right? Well, I haven’t eaten anything from McDonald’s or similar fast food restaurants for 16 years. That being said, I’m on an ongoing quest to eat the best burgers Tokyo has to offer. If you’re like me and you can appreciate a quality burger, you’ll definitely have to stop for lunch at each of these fine burger establishments. Here are the best burgers I’ve had in Tokyo… so far.

Sunny Diner

Sunny Diner is a small and cozy restaurant. Its décor is very much inspired by 1950’s diners in America. You’ll be thinking it’s the kind of place you’ve seen in the movies. I had a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings. It came with all the vegetables on the side. Some of you might really like that (it keeps them particularly cool and fresh); I piled them right onto my burger. The burger was big & juicy, and had a nice soft bun. When I went there I saw a long line of women waiting for the place to open. In fact, most of the burger shops I went to seem to have far more women eating there than men. One thing I should warn you about: the drinks are absolutely enormous. Well, it may not be a ‘warning’ if you’re visiting in the summertime!

Sunny Diner, 3-45 Senju, Adachi City, Tokyo 〒1120-0034

Burger Mania

Burger Mania also has an ‘old American’ style to it. The dining room was very big and just full of patrons chowing down on huge hamburgers. When you see the classic and cozy atmosphere, you’ll know they put real effort into the design. While you’re eating here, you’ll get the feeling that you are far away from Tokyo.

The staff asked if we wanted to sit in the front of the shop, near the open windows or the back of the shop. I chose the back, because I was worried about the street noise. It was a mistake though because of how loud the music was blaring back there. It was so loud it was difficult to have any conversation. The staff were very kind and attentive from start to finish though. Maybe I should have asked if they could turn down the music. That being said, I did enjoy the tunes they were playing.

At Burger Mania I had a bacon cheese burger with a side of French fries. It had the softest, freshest-tasting bun ever, slathered with delicious sauce. They say everything is handmade as much as possible there; I’m prepared to believe they really do make those amazing hamburger buns in house. They also have many unusual menu items and monthly specials, so you have plenty of good reasons to come back here again and again.

Burger Mania, 4 Chome-9-5 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo 〒150-0013

Cafe NEWOLD

Cafe NEWOLD’s dining room is very cozy. It’s rustic, wooden & minimal. It could use a bit of a sweep, dusting and light tidying up, but I was very comfortable there. What I really liked was they had a video projector that was playing classic Tom & Jerry cartoons on a cement wall. They had it on both times I visited. You can see right into the kitchen, so it’s clear to see the cooks are not just heating up fast food. The grill can make the place a little smoky, but it adds to the charm and it didn’t bother me at all.

Cafe NEWOLD serves what is quite possibly the best hamburger you can eat in Tokyo. I had a cheeseburger lunch set that came with Fench fries, coleslaw and tea. The burger was just cooked to perfection and the coleslaw was really good too. There is no way you will be disappointed with this place, unless you try to eat there on a Monday: that being, it’s closed on Mondays (so as to stay open on weekends, many smaller Japanese shops may pick a random weekday to be closed).

Cafe NEWOLD, 3 Chome-9-11 Tsurumaki, Setagaya City, Tokyo 〒154-0016

The Burger Craft

At The Burger Craft I had a cheeseburger with a side of thick potato wedge French fries. It had a lot of delicious sauce. It was a ¼ pound 100% beef patty. The meat was juicy and it had a tasty and very chewy bun that absorbed the meat juices and it became even yummier. At this place, cheeseburgers are their standard. Basically everything on the menu has cheese on it.

They use ½ Japanese beef and ½ Australian beef. There is only 1 chef who cooks the burgers, so if it’s really busy, it can take a little time. Also, their sauce is handmade.

The shop is very small. It’s minimal & clean, with a lot of wood textures. Definitely the smallest dining room of them all. A little bit more expensive, but I think you’ll forget all about that when you have a mouth full of their delicious burgers. This shop requires a drink order if you are dining in. If it’s a nice day out the next time I stop by, I’ll probably take it to go and eat it in a nearby park.

The Burger Craft, 3 Chome−17−3 1F, Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 〒111-0032

If you have a little more time & money, can appreciate an interesting and relaxing atmosphere and have an appetite for a unique take on something familiar, you should definitely make your way to each of these burger shops. And keep an eye out for new ones- you just may find one to add to the list!

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Additional photos were provided by Raymond Doan, used with permission.

Top photo: Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

Imagine taking a job in Japan. The whole process of relocating, flying over, and stepping off a plane into an unusually hot summer (like stepping into an oven if you are from the north of England). Everything looks different, you can’t read the street signs and suddenly realize that all your friends and family are now on the other side of the world.

This could be just a little bit daunting for some, and even as surroundings become familiar, one discovers that certain home comforts are not so readily available in Japan. In my case, no UK-style bacon, and worse….no HP sauce. If any of this applies to you and this happens to be one of the first articles you are reading about life in Japan, then please continue! And hopefully, get some reassurance as advice on how to approach daily life in the land of the rising sun will soon follow.

The primary fear to many incoming foreigners is the language. Having seen a picture of a city at night, containing kanji characters, one will wonder ‘how do I find what I am looking for?, I can’t speak proficiently and I can’t read at all, that will take years to master’ First of all, there are reassuring western places that can be used a safe haven when finding your feet. Mcdonald’s tastes just the same and 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are everywhere. You may not be able to read it all, but items can be scanned and you will understand the numbers on the till. Mission one accomplished- it is pretty easy to get something to eat.

This leads into our next issue, where to go out. There are many branches of the western TGI Friday’s and a British-themed pub called ‘The Hub’ that can easily be searched for online. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed than fast food or convenience store food (and in the latter’s case, looking to possibly meet people) these aren’t bad starting points.

Another way to find people with the same interests, for example ‘skateboarding’, download the app ‘MeetMe’ on your smartphone and you can find events to meet many likeminded people, whatever your hobby or unusual interest may be. For single people, all the western dating apps and sites are active in Japan as well. There is also a famous speed dating event in Roppongi for those feeling particularly eager.

Also, in terms of going out, the aforementioned places can be a little expensive at the beginning. However, there are plenty of ramen shops, gyoza shops and other such local places where, if tired, you can get a quick meal for comfortably under 2,000 Yen. My personal recommendation is Hidakya, the set of 6 gyoza with a glass of beer is currently 520 Yen.

Another thing some people have issue with is using the train. They don’t like travelling alone or get easily confused in new places, particularly when they can’t speak the language. Asking for directions and then of course buying tickets become a nightmare. Of all the issues in the article, this is the easiest to overcome. Ticket machines have English settings and it is easy to buy a Pasemo or Suica card, to which credit can be added at your convenience. These cards can also be used in convenience stores and used when you are in a hurry or have not completely woken up.

As regards planning your journey, there is Google Maps, but I would recommend a site called www.hyperdia.com. This site is in English, Japanese or Chinese and very user friendly. Just input your local station and your destination and it will provide all routes and prices. There is a voice app, but this does not pick up your audio very well; I would just stick to the website.

So, once familiar with day-to-day life, the normal, human struggles become more apparent and manageable. The cost of living is generally more expensive here; it is easy to spend 10,000 yen (100 USD/72GBP) in a couple of shopping trips. Real estate companies have all kinds of admin charges and even charge people to renew rental contracts after two years (they even call it ‘thank you money’).

So, in addition to the advice for new arrivals, I also have some survival tips too. When looking for somewhere to live, check the ‘foreign friendly’ websites like gaijinpot.com and Tokyo Craigslist. It is possible to find property pre-owned by other foreigners and avoid some of the admin charges. I would also recommend looking up people that provide a service to new people in Japan. Kototokyo.com for example can help with registering at city hall, searching for a new apartment and even negotiating with the real estate company. Keep in mind, if you’re coming over with a job lined up (such as ALT work with a company like Borderlink) they will assist with a lot of the heavy lifting of guiding you in registering at city hall, talking with a real estate agency, etc.

With regards to shopping bills, some supermarkets are cheaper than others. Avoid station department store supermarkets like the Tokyu store and search for the cheapest supermarkets. Places like Sanwa, Seiyu and Ito Yokaddo are quite cheap. Seiyu is also the cheapest place to buy business suits. If you want to shop in bulk, Costco warehouses are in Japan too, but you will probably have to drive to find one and get membership.

‘Don Quijote’ is bigger than a supermarket and much smaller than Costco, but also very cheap and you do not have to become a member, and they have just about everything. This is the cheapest place to buy that bottle of wine or pack of beer for your day off. They also sell clothes, electrical and travel goods, and should be the first place to go when you need something new like a large suitcase.

Finally, in terms of reducing that weekly grocery bill, search for a ‘Gyomu Super’ (業務スーパー). These places sell frozen meat and vegetables that will keep for a long time and they are much cheaper than fresh products in the regular supermarket. If you are from the UK, it is like ‘Iceland’. For those into physical fitness, it is the best place to get a lot of chicken breasts in a big, cheap pack. I have just purchased some ‘steak cubes’ for 555 Yen, enough for 3 meals, but a, singular, fresh steak would be three times as much in a supermarket.

All in all, the process of moving to Japan and settling down is one that will take time, patience and effort, as it will moving to any other country. But it’s a process worth going through; the short-term pain leads to long-term gain. It’s a wonderful place full of things to explore and experience. Invest the time; after all, life is a journey, not a race.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

Information used in this article sourced from: 1 2

Previous photo used: ” 1 Chome Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan ” by James Willamor licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. (CC BY-SA 3.0) No changes or modifications made. Wikimedia Commons Link

Top photo: Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

The summer here in Japan is hot and humid. For men especially, that means a lot of sweating, oily skin and greasy hair. When the weather is hot, dust and dirt can worsen our problems and sometimes may cause breakouts in our skin. But if we have the right products, we can fix these problems before they spiral out of control.

And with the following, you can also hopefully do it without breaking the bank! Here are my picks for the top Japanese skincare products for men, but don’t worry- we’ll get around to an equivalent list for women sooner or later!

UNO Whip Wash Black, ¥ 398

After a long day of work, the best thing to do is wash your face with a quality facial wash. This product can remove the dirt and oil that accumulated the whole day without clogging the pores and will also leave you a cool sensation that is perfect after a refreshing bath.

UNO Perfect Cream, ¥ 1,080

After washing your face, you need to moisturize. This is very important even in summer. This product has all the things you need in a great moisturizer. This product is light-weight feeling when you apply it, it’s mild to your skin and it doesn’t make your skin feel oily while keeping your skin moisturized. This product is also a good after-shave cream.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50 PA+, ¥ 880

Now after washing and moisturizing your skin, the best thing to do is to protect it from the sun to prevent skin aging and sunburn. I have been personally using this product for quite a while now and I am amaze how good it is. Its not heavy when you apply it to your face, it’s waterproof when you are sweating but easily washable, and it won’t dry out your skin.

Utena Everish Aloe Scrub Wash, ¥ 320-400

Exfoliating your skin at least once a week is very important too. This product gently exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking smooth, soft and moisturized. Exfoliating before shaving could also help you remove facial hair easily and avoid ingrown hairs.

Schick Hydro Shaving Gel Form, ¥ 500-700

When shaving your facial hair, I highly recommend this product. Not only will it help you to shave easily and prevent shaving cuts but t will also protect and moisturize your skin after shaving. You don’t want to go outside with red spots on your face caused by bad shaving. And last but not the least…

UNO Double Paste Super Hard, ¥ 711

This product can be bought in any 7-Eleven or most other convenience stores. Whether you are rocking a short hairstyle or mid-length pompadour, this product is perfect for summer. This hair product is a combination of gel and wax so it holds your hair without feeling sticky and it has a nice citrus spice fragrance. This product is also easily washable and will give your hair a natural look.

Conclusion

Each one of us has our own preferences when choosing grooming products. These products are all just my personal choices. You can always try out different products and experiment because what’s good for me might not work for you. Just always remember that the most important thing is that in any season, we must take care of ourselves, live and eat healthy, and try to look the best we can!

Want to look the best you can as an Assistant Language Teacher? You can get the ball rolling today and become an ALT!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

Top photo: Olia Nayda on Unsplash

You’ve just arrived in Japan. It can be very overwhelming stepping out of the immigration section of an international airport. How to exchange your currency for yen and figuring out how to even leave the airport and get to your destination are already hard enough. Thankfully with the trusty free wifi the airport has to offer, you can keep a bit of your sanity while maneuvering around. But what happens when you get out of the airport? How will you function without the internet?!

Renting a pocket wifi device for a short period of time is great for a tourist exploring Japan, but not feasible for a new resident. For those coming here to work, many of us will be one-year visa holders, so we don’t qualify for those 2-year contracts with the opportunity to be placed on a monthly installment plan for the newest Apple gadgets. However, there’s hope for a budget-conscious ALT who is not in a position to pay for an overly expensive phone plan.

Here are just a few inexpensive SIM-only phone plans for long-term residents! All you need is an unlocked phone (be sure to work that part out BEFORE coming to Japan)

Sakura Mobile

Don’t let the few misspelled words on the English website fool you, they are not a scam. Sakura Mobile (which is on the Docomo network) offers Voice and Data Plans ranging from ￥2980/monthly 3GB Mini plan to the ￥6680/monthly 20GB Big plan. Their activation price is currently￥5000. There is also no cancellation fee. You can pick up your SIM card at the airport, their offices or have it delivered to your residence. Besides the Sakura Mobile English website, they also offer English support. See more at: https://www.ntt.com/personal/services/mobile/one.html

Mobal

Mobal is another phone service that offers English customer support and an English website. Mobal is on the Softbank network and provides a Japanese number with no contract. Mobal offers a long term plan with “unlimited” data with free incoming calls and text. Mobal has only two plans for their long term residents: Data/Talk/Text for ￥4500/ a month with a ￥3000 activation fee and Talk/Text for ￥1000 with a ￥3000 activation fee. You can order your SIM online and have it delivered to your international or domestic residence or pick it up at one of their service counters situated at the major international airports in Japan. See more at: https://www.mobal.com/

OCN Mobile ONE

OCN Mobile ONE is not a foreigner-focused phone service. You can find OCN Mobile ONE and many other SIM phone service plans at your nearest electronic stores (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Kojima, Sofmap). OCN offers a variety of plans from a 1GB/ monthly plan for￥1180 to a 30GB/ monthly plan for ￥5980. The initial activation fee is ￥3300. At some major stores, there is English-Speaking staff who can assist you. OCN does not have an English website, but they do have an English-support hotline. See more at: https://www.sakuramobile.jp/

Now that you know that you have the opportunity to stay connected while you travel on a bus or train, you can focus on an even more important matter: What you’re going to be eating next. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Olia Nayda on Unsplash

Top photo: Claudio Guglieri on Unsplash

Can you communicate in Japanese? Yes, communicate! Believe it or not, speaking the language is one thing. Communicating is another matter entirely.

The first year I arrived in Japan, I went from knowing basically nothing to being able to have small daily conversations. That was a huge step for me as I didn’t really study much. I “learned on the go”, as they say.

But, quickly I ended up with a problem. People were telling me: “Are you trying to start a fight? I thought you’d be nicer.” It was a shock! I thought my grammar or the words I used were wrong, and the message wasn’t getting through.

Was my Japanese terrible? It wasn’t. My communication skills were. Here are three valuable things I learned as I went from someone who could speak Japanese to someone who can communicate in it.

There’s “No” and then there’s “No”, You Know?

You may have heard it before: the Japanese don’t say “No”. Is that true? Well, yes and no.

“No” absolutely exists in Japanese- but いいえ (iie) is just one way of saying it (and one of the most direct). If you go to a shop and have a request they can’t meet, the answer will be a polite “we are sorry we can’t fulfill your request”. You ask a friend out, the answer will be: ちょっと… (chotto, which means “a little bit…”) you can add the rest by yourself: it means no.

There is also the famous “良い” (ii) which means “good”! It also means “OK” “fine” or “no problem”. Can you see where this is going? You can ask “Can I wipe the table?” “It’s fine. I’ll do it myself.” But it’s the same word as “good”. Very confusing at the beginning! Then, there is けっこう (kekkou) which actually means “splendid” or “wonderful”. But as a response to a question? It’ a pretty strict “no thank you”, as it also means “sufficient” or “I’m fine”. There are other ways to refuse, and it’s quite easy to go through daily conversations without ever using a direct form of “no”.

There’s No Such Thing As TOO Polite, Right?

Again, it’s give and take. If you are a foreigner and an “obvious” one at that, you might receive what I called the foreigner advantage treatment. Many people in Japan don’t have the confidence to speak English and so even if they could, they might just freeze up when they see you. They will try everything to please you just because they want things to go smoothly and painlessly. That last point isn’t meant to be a negative though.

People often just panic at the thought of “if something goes wrong I will have to speak English and I can’t”. They don’t hate you, they just don’t have the confidence to interact with you. Chances are, you’ve at some point felt the same trying to speak Japanese, any other language, or heck, just trying something new (nobody ever jumps out of a plane the first time absolutely confident they’re going to land safely).

That being said, the “customer” is king in Japan, so you’ll always be treated with consequence. So where might this lead to miscommunication? It’s when you get involved with someone to the point of getting to know their real personality. Many people in Japan have a “front face” (for work and public appearances) and a “back face” (private life). Most people keep the same personality, but keep their work and private lives separate.

But, some will have a really strong front face and you thought you were closer friends, but it’s just to keep a “good work relationship”. What they said and what they really think is different. Why? Because privacy is really important for them and that protecting the harmony/peace is a very strong value in the Japanese culture. Eventually you will be able to differentiate the two and choose which relationships you want to invest in (because it’s absolutely worth it when you do). But know that it is hard at the beginning.

Don’t think in English – Feel in Japanese

You’ve been studying Japanese for a while, but do you have confidence in your grammar? Just translating what you think exactly as-is into perfect Japanese won’t do. It might get you by with shopping and small talk, but you eventually hit a wall. That’s what happened to me.

Remember what I was talking about earlier? My first year in Japan was ending and my Japanese level was good enough to have a conversation. But then, I took on a one-off modeling gig, and I noticed that other foreigners who were present had been here 5 to 10 years and couldn’t speak a word. They needed a translator for everything.

I was surprised and asked other Japanese staff why they weren’t able to speak the language since they have been here way longer than me. For me, it was a surprise that just by interacting with Japanese people I had caught so much of the language. So I asked innocently, why? But I think the Japanese staff must’ve found me rude, as I didn’t get an answer.

As I said earlier, I thought my Japanese was wrong and tried to correct it, but that just made things worse. Finally, a friendly foreigner of the team explained to us that some people have no interest in getting integrated since they are here temporarily. They don’t want to focus on learning a language they think will not use for long. But then they stay a little longer, and a little more longer, and suddenly they’ve been here for 5, 10 or 25 years.

I had my answer! I spoke again with the Japanese staff member, who understood now. They had thought I was making fun of the other foreigners and thought lesser of them, because the words I was using were too blunt, too much a 1-to-1 translation from my head. I was thinking in English but not feeling in Japanese- I wasn’t “reading the room” as we say. After that, they understood. That crisis was averted, and I learned a valuable lesson about communicating my thoughts.

There are a lot of those subtleties in the Japanese language. You need to not only master the grammar and vocabulary, but you need to learn how to think in Japanese. This takes time and an open mind. But you can do it. When in doubt, just soften what you say, go with the most formal textbook Japanese you can remember, and always be as agreeable as possible. And then be daring, go out to someplace new, and talk all night to people you’ve only just met. You might not realize it immediately, but it’s a great way to begin your transition from speaking Japanese to truly communicating in it.

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Top photo: Claudio Guglieri on Unsplash