Preparing for a Year Studying Abroad in Japan, any Advice?

[Misericordias]

Hello, I am currently a third year at my university who recently got accepted to spend my last year studying at Josai International University in Chiba. It's slowly beginning to dawn on me that I will be leaving my home country for the first time in fourteen years and I am beginning to worry about living in Japan away from the comforts and familiarity of my home country. I have taken Japanese course all throughout high school and college, so I am decent in Japanese, but I still worry about cultural nuances that exists in Japan. These cultural nuances and mannerisms are what worries me the most in living in Japan. What should I be aware of when I interact with other Japanese students? Are there also any other things that I should be careful of in Japan?

There is also the matter of safety. My friends who are exchange students from Japan says that Japan is a safe city, so there's really nothing I should worry about. However, my mom says that although Japan is a safe city, there are still news of kidnappings that occur in Japan, especially among foreigners who are unwary of their surroundings. Being a 6'2" male, I doubt this particular problem would be relevant to me, but I still wonder.

I am also quite worried about my physical appearance. All the exchange students I have met were some of the nicest people I have met, but I am still worried about whether or not I will be ostracized in Japan due to my height, since a couple of my friends told me Japanese people tend to be shorter than the people in my country. Also, should I worry about me being Korean? I understand Japan is a fairly homogeneous society and there are a number of Koreans living in Japan, but since the bad blood between the two nationalities have boiled over, I don't really have to worry about people ridiculing me (openly or not) based on my nationality, right?

I think food will also pose as a problem for me. Where are the best places that I can get cheap foodstuffs, such as fresh produce and meats?

Would it also be best to invest in a bike in Japan too?


I do have some more questions, but I feel like I am already imposing too much for my first post, so these will have to suffice for now!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post!

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by Misericordias

What should I be aware of when I interact with other Japanese students? Are there also any other things that I should be careful of in Japan?

I think that you really have little to worry about - the students will most definitely, without a doubt, be entirely aware that you are not Japanese and will not expect you to know any of those cultural nuances and mannerisms. Just be polite to everyone and you should have no problems. If you become close enough to anyone to treat them like a friend, then they will surely be happy to help you should you make any social gaffes.

However, my mom says that although Japan is a safe city, there are still news of kidnappings that occur in Japan, especially among foreigners who are unwary of their surroundings. Being a 6'2" male, I doubt this particular problem would be relevant to me, but I still wonder.

Kidnapping of foreigners? I don`t recall any... There have been two murders of white women in the past 15 or so years that I can recall - one an English teacher, the other a model or hostess or the like - but those were sexually motivated, not really "kidnapping a foreigner". I can`t really think of any cases that would be considered "kidnapping". Perhaps your mother is mistaking Japan for another country? There have been issues with women from other countries being brought to Japan to work in the sex industry (a form of kidnapping), so that could be something she is thinking of.

I am also quite worried about my physical appearance. All the exchange students I have met were some of the nicest people I have met, but I am still worried about whether or not I will be ostracized in Japan due to my height, since a couple of my friends told me Japanese people tend to be shorter than the people in my country.

It`s tendency, really. There aren`t that many really tall people - but at the same time, they aren`t so rare as to shocking. There is a guy working at the local grocery store who is 7' something - he gets some surprise, it seems, but I doubt 6'2" will cause problems.

Also, should I worry about me being Korean? I understand Japan is a fairly homogeneous society and there are a number of Koreans living in Japan, but since the bad blood between the two nationalities have boiled over, I don't really have to worry about people ridiculing me (openly or not) based on my nationality, right?

Openly ridiculing you? Nope. But you may find the rare old guy who hates Korea, or the rare long term resident Korean who thinks you are a traitor for being friendly to Japan, etc etc. It`s a very small minority, but as is usually the case - the most vocal. I think the general attitude is that people believe Japan is hated very much by Korea and Koreans, so people sort of take offense at that and are on the defensive. But you aren`t a generic "Korean" - you`re a person, and people will talk to and treat you like a person.

I think food will also pose as a problem for me. Where are the best places that I can get cheap foodstuffs, such as fresh produce and meats?

You should be able to find plenty of grocery stores. Japan has a pretty strong culture of cooking for the family, not relying too much on preprepared things or fast food, so you can usually find ingredients with ease. Cheap packaged food is harder.

Would it also be best to invest in a bike in Japan too?

Most likely, yes. I would wait and see exactly where you are living first - but there are very few cases where having one wouldn`t make life much easier. Even if you`re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing in cycling distance, you will still probably want one to get to the train station.

[Ronin4hire]

Youre male so your height wont be an issue.

Im 184 (I think thats around 6 foot) and I have no problems. In fact there are lots of big guys in Japan. Not as many as there are in say the US (assuming that is where you are from) but it is not uncommon to see guys my height or taller that are at least by appearance, Japanese.

Safety- Well there is nowhere that is 100% safe but in general your friend is right. Just use common sense and you wont have a problem. (Dont walk down dark alleys, go out with friends, keep your belongings well secured etc... the same sorts of things you would do anywhere)

Food- They have these things called "supermarkets" in Japan lol Just kidding. Fresh food is easy to find. This is the country which popularised sashimi remember!

Korean- Cant really say as Im not Korean. Im at a foreign language campus so the Japanese people here are quite liberal-minded. If the university your going to is any good then theyll have good support systems and an environment which is welcoming. Outside campus I cant imagine youd have much problem either. After all there is no way to tell a Korean from a Japanese purely via physical appearance so noone is really going to know that youre Korean untill you tell them. Then I guess its up to the person. I also have Korean Ryuugakusei friends and they havent spoken of any issues.

Getting a bike is a good idea. Ride on the sidewalk though as Japanese road ettiquette is perhaps a bit different from your own country. Most people ride on the sidewalk anyway.

Peace

EDIT- Looks like Nyororin beat me to it...

[Misericordias]

Thank you both for your quick replies.

I've been mulling over the food problem for a bit because my friend would often say that the prices of food in Japan is substantially higher than in the US compared to the quantity of food you're purchasing. On top of that, he said that meat isn't generally consumed in the same amount as the US, so the quantity and price for meat (especially red meat) will be higher than in the US.

I have another question/problem if you will entertain me a bit longer. I have a fairly elaborate desktop that I would like to ship over to Japan, but I have not figured out a solution to do it safely. There's also the problem where I am afraid of becoming a shut-in and not going out to experience my new environment if I do ship my desktop, but I feel like this computer is a part of me and without it, I won't be able to properly function. So what would be the best choice to make in this occasion? If there is a safe way to ship my desktop to Japan, should I do it or should I forgo the desktop so I don't risk the chance of not experiencing Japan?

Also, I heard Japan is not really a card-based society and does most of its transactions in cash. Is that true? How much would be a reasonable amount to carry at all times?

I personally like to run as one of my main forms of exercise, but I cannot stand running in a track or treadmill. Would it be considered rude to run on a sidewalk with pedestrians on it?

Also, what would be an approximate ratio between a traditional Japanese-style toilet, and a western toilet?

Thank you again for answering my questions, they will all be taken to heart!

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by Misericordias

I've been mulling over the food problem for a bit because my friend would often say that the prices of food in Japan is substantially higher than in the US compared to the quantity of food you're purchasing. On top of that, he said that meat isn't generally consumed in the same amount as the US, so the quantity and price for meat (especially red meat) will be higher than in the US.

This is true, but the prices for fish and vegetables sort of balances it out. Red meat doesn`t have to be a huge part of someone`s diet, so I`m sure you can get by with a minimal amount. Chicken and pork is relatively cheap so you can still have a fair amount of meat. Each month I usually pick up a 2kg package of frozen chicken for 700yen, a few packs of cheap pork at 200yen or so a pack, and maybe one roast style chunk of pork for around 400yen and it lasts close to a month with a 3 person household. Red meat, however, is something that I don`t really buy because of the cost.

Eating out will probably be more expensive than you`re used to, as will preprepared and packaged foods. You won`t find any "tv dinners" at all, let alone cheap ones. But you will be able to find inexpensive vegetables, fish, chicken, and pork.

So what would be the best choice to make in this occasion? If there is a safe way to ship my desktop to Japan, should I do it or should I forgo the desktop so I don't risk the chance of not experiencing Japan?

My suggestion is to gather your important data on to an external HDD and bring that only. Bringing the whole deal for just a year is going to be very hard and a big mess. Bring just the vital data, and if you DO feel you absolutely cannot live without - buy a cheap desktop or laptop in Japan.
It may be a very large and important part of your life right now - but your life will be changing very significantly when you come to Japan. It would be hard to give up on it now, where it would leave a clear hole - but you`ll be pretty much starting anew from zero. I think you`ll be surprised on just how much easier it is to rearrange your life when ALL of it is starting fresh.

Also, I heard Japan is not really a card-based society and does most of its transactions in cash. Is that true? How much would be a reasonable amount to carry at all times?

I think the cash based society thing is a bit out of date, as you can get by fairly well without any cash at all. Most larger stores accept credit, and lots of smaller shops do to. You just have to be observant.
As for how much cash you should carry - that`s down to how much you regularly spend. I usually feel uncomfortable with less than 10000 or so in my wallet. But you could really get by with just enough for whatever you plan to buy in the day. You`ll be a student, not an elite businessman with the risk of being called to entertain 10 business associates with your pocket cash.

I personally like to run as one of my main forms of exercise, but I cannot stand running in a track or treadmill. Would it be considered rude to run on a sidewalk with pedestrians on it?

I`d say to avoid the main streets where there is crowding... That`s really the only place you`ll find "sidewalks" - and stick to side and back roads. Jogging is fairly common, so you should be able to spot plenty of other people running in the early morning and early evening, so just kind of watch them.

Also, what would be an approximate ratio between a traditional Japanese-style toilet, and a western toilet?

Public toilets (such as in stations and government buildings) tend to favor Japanese style. Older stores usually do to. They`re the cheapest to put in and maintain, so if the place is crappy the toilet is likely to be Japanese style. But in residences and nicer buildings, Japanese style is getting pretty rare.

[samokan]

Nyororin and Ronin already answered most of your question, and just to add about food, you mentioned that you are korean, I don't know if there are any korean town in Chiba but if you missed Korean food and korean ambiance go to the Korean District of Tokyo -> Okubo .

[steven]

"Quote:
Also, I heard Japan is not really a card-based society and does most of its transactions in cash. Is that true? How much would be a reasonable amount to carry at all times?

I think the cash based society thing is a bit out of date, as you can get by fairly well without any cash at all. Most larger stores accept credit, and lots of smaller shops do to. You just have to be observant.
As for how much cash you should carry - that`s down to how much you regularly spend. I usually feel uncomfortable with less than 10000 or so in my wallet. But you could really get by with just enough for whatever you plan to buy in the day. You`ll be a student, not an elite businessman with the risk of being called to entertain 10 business associates with your pocket cash. "

The credit card thing is true, but as a foreigner you won't be able to get one, so for foreigners it IS a cash sociey. You can sometimes use your cash card from your bank, but that is usually not the case and is not something I can recommend counting on.

Nyororin is right about carrying about 10 000 with you (you'll probably call it "a man, which would rhyme with lawn" when you get here. It's good to have that with you, but you might want to have a few 1000 yen bills with you in case you have to get something small, split a bill, or get something out of a vending machine. You may find yourself going out wih some rich business man and that will usually end in you having a great time and him paying for the evening. That may happen many times to you. There may come a day when that rich business man (who may be a different person by then) doesn't pay for you... with that said, always bring money when you go out at night no matter what (despite how danerous that sounds from an american perspective).

As far as food gose, it's a matter of changing your diet or paying out the rear for stuff you're used to. The choices are there. If you're not careful, cooking at home can be expensive, too (but will never be as expensive as eating out), so it might be a good chance to try out some new cooking with Japanese ingredients (I would definately find out about recipes before you come as it will save you money in the long run).

Also, if you're going to be here for only a year, don't bother bringing anything substantial in size or weight. Like other people have said, you're life will change and you don't know if you'll even use it when you get here, so it could be a waste. I'd also like to ad that while a computer is nice, it is also a nice excuse to stay inside all day (or night) and may take away from experiences you may or may not have had.

Also watch out for shipping clothes and stuff. You might want to do some shopping in Japan. Most of it is really expensive and it may be hard for you to find your size, but if you find a used shop you can do really well (especially if you buy a jacket for the winter at the end of summer or beginning of fall). So if you can, I'd do a bit of research to find out if there are places like that around where you're going. I know the "Book-off/Hard-off" chain has some used clothing stores now (I think they're called B-style or something). In my area we have a lot of stores called "2nd Street",which is absolutely amazing by the way. Just watch out because you'd be suprised at how much used clothes go for in Japan sometimes! If you're careful you can get stuff for dirt cheap though.

The biggest problem with you being Korean is that most people will probably mistake you for being Japanese, and when what they're saying to you doesn't seem to translate, they might look at you really funny. They might be able to tell you apart by your clothes or mannerisms, but most of the time, probably not. Once the people you hang out with find out you're Korean they might ask you very indepth questions about Korea, whether you've lived there or not... that might catch you off guard, too.

You may get the same set of questions every time you meet a new person and it may tire on you after a while, but just remember that Japanese people do it to themselves a lot of the time, too. At least around here, they can usually tell when someone is from another prefecture so they do a round of questions somewhat similar to what foreigners get. I think you can get two very different experiences out of Japan-- by hanging out with foreigners or with Japanese people.

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by steven

The credit card thing is true, but as a foreigner you won't be able to get one, so for foreigners it IS a cash sociey. You can sometimes use your cash card from your bank, but that is usually not the case and is not something I can recommend counting on.

I am a foreigner and I have two cards - one has a guarantor, but the other is just me on the paperwork. :P
Either way, I wouldn`t be so fast to say that for a foreigner it is a cash based society - international cards work here. Tons of people bring their cards registered at home to Japan and use them while here. This is particularly true when there is a limited income situation (student) with money sitting in a foreign bank account.

with that said, always bring money when you go out at night no matter what (despite how danerous that sounds from an american perspective).

Just bring money with you all the time. It really seems that the perspective for carrying money here is very different than the US. Carrying 50,000yen around is nothing - I have 40,000yen in my wallet right now, and have carried more. I don`t really feel uncomfortable with the amount unless it goes over, say, 100,000. But if I were to switch any of that over to dollars I would choke and NEVER do it in the US. $100 in the wallet is iffy, let alone $400.
But the feel is more than 10,000 bills are $20s. They buy a lot more, but do NOT behave like $100 bills in any other way. You`ll never find a store that doesn`t take them.

Also watch out for shipping clothes and stuff. You might want to do some shopping in Japan. Most of it is really expensive and it may be hard for you to find your size, but if you find a used shop you can do really well (especially if you buy a jacket for the winter at the end of summer or beginning of fall). So if you can, I'd do a bit of research to find out if there are places like that around where you're going. I know the "Book-off/Hard-off" chain has some used clothing stores now (I think they're called B-style or something). In my area we have a lot of stores called "2nd Street",which is absolutely amazing by the way. Just watch out because you'd be suprised at how much used clothes go for in Japan sometimes! If you're careful you can get stuff for dirt cheap though.

I still think that clothing outside Japan is significantly cheaper. Particularly if you are tall or wear any type of specialty size. (Specialty being anything other than the most typical shape. Hips a little wide for a guy? Arms a little longer than average? Good luck!) This goes for native Japanese as well, so being Asian may not help at all. Shoes are also a nightmare as finding anything over the standard top size (24.5 for women, 26 for men) is close to impossible. It doesn`t just cut down your choices - it pretty much removes your choices. I wear 25.5 and my husband (Japanese) wears 27.5 - we pretty much have two options. Pay incredible amounts for specialty size shoes... Or... Not buy any. I have yet to encounter a pair of shoes in a shoe store that fit, and my husband is usually so desperate that if it is within budget he`ll jump to buy any pair that does.

The biggest problem with you being Korean is that most people will probably mistake you for being Japanese, and when what they're saying to you doesn't seem to translate, they might look at you really funny. They might be able to tell you apart by your clothes or mannerisms, but most of the time, probably not.

I would actually guess that they will be able to tell quite a lot of the time. I know a few Japanese born outside of Japan, who were raised within some level of Japanese culture, but who still stood out for quite some time after coming to Japan. Even when they started with near fluency. Japan is pretty homogeneous, so small things that wouldn`t be noticed as foreign in some other country do stand out.

[steven]

"I am a foreigner and I have two cards - one has a guarantor, but the other is just me on the paperwork. :P
Either way, I wouldn`t be so fast to say that for a foreigner it is a cash based society - international cards work here. Tons of people bring their cards registered at home to Japan and use them while here. This is particularly true when there is a limited income situation (student) with money sitting in a foreign bank account."

Completely overlooked on my part. I forgot about using cards from other countries. However, I'm certain you couldn't get a grocery store credit card unless you've been here for a long time. I couldn't get one after a year, so.

About looking at 10,000 like $20's, I think that's an accurate description. I've only run into one situation where I felt a little trouble with that. They still took it, but my neighborhood dry cleaner seemed a little bit dissapointed in receiving one of those for like a 5 dollar service at 7AM. I get the impression that you could forget your wallet somewhere and have it be safe-- but then again I've been somewhere where people had their belongings stolen from them, so don't take the extra safety for granted.

Clothing outside of Japan is definately cheaper, but when it comes to shipping it, the price of buying cheap stuff in Japan can sometimes be cheaper. I've had no problem with finding shoes up to like 28 around here. That is like the borderline size, though. Around 10.5-11 is the end. Once you go past that you will have trouble. Is this a regional thing maybe? I have never had trouble finding my size (27.5 ish) and my girlfriend is a 24, which is about average, but on the small side of that average. It must be the water and rice after all haha. I was surprised when I got here though... people just seem to be bigger here than in other areas for whatever reason. (I'm about 5'11" and there have been people that tower over me in my office before). People over 6' here are not extremely unusual.

Also, there is a phillipine-american guy around here and he always gets mistaken for a japanese. I've seen that quite often around here-- there are a lot of chinese people who live here who blend in quite well. There are certain people that don't blend though. I have a Japanese friend who is very americanized and his face almost looks european... so it's harder for him to blend in than the phillipino guy I was talking about. Again though, this could be a regional thing for this area (Toyama).

[Misericordias]

Thank you for responding in such detail to my questions! It alleviated much of the concerns I had about going to Japan, so thank you! I do have one question though.

I really enjoy fishing and since the place where I will be staying at is fairly close to the beach, it would be possible for me to go fishing at least on a weekly basis. However, I heard that it's not really safe to eat the fishes caught off of the coast (especially in Chiba) where industrial and agricultural sewage is released into the ocean. Is that true or is there nothing I should really worry about?