@curioussam
English expat in Japan
Forum
26 posts
About me
English
Lives in Niimi
Speaks English and some Japanese
Registration: 27 January 2013
Activity
Paying bills in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in Japan? How can you pay your bills (e.g. online, at provider's store, at the post office)? Which is the most ...
I too pay some bills at the Post Office or convinience store. When we rented a house we had a bank standing order. Daily newspaper delivery representive comes to the house once a month and we pay cash. Slipped my mind, but I think my car insurance ... Read More
Japan's most expensive cities by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the most expensive cities to live in Japan? What are the costs of things such as rent, utilities, weekly groceries, dining out, etc.? What is the lifestyle like in these cities, for expats and locals? What are the ...
I lived in a rented house in a suburb of Kyoto city for quite a few years. Apart from the rent, I didn't find it too expensive. In fact, public transport was cheaper than in England and better and more efficient. Shopping in general was ... Read More
What to expect when moving to Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Is there anything you wish you had known before moving to Japan? For example, transportation, internet speeds, types of housing, aspects of the culture or social life. In your opinion, what's the most important thing to know ...
Generally, most of my experiences in Japan have been positive. I learnt a lot about Japan before coming here to live. The politeness; cleanliness and brilliant transportation may take a bit of getting used to, depending on which country you come ... Read More
Retiring in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Japan? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are there ...
I worked in Japan for a good number of years and I was retired five years ago and moved to my late monther-in-law's house in a rural town. Mainly for financial and practical reasons. The cost of returning to the England would have been pretty ... Read More
Loneliness when you're abroad by Julien
Do you often feel lonely when you're abroad? I personaly suffered on week ends while I was in the UK. Even if I had several friends, I often missed my family and friends (from home). So I walked, visited museum, went to concerts, worked more... ...
An Amazing, uplifting piece of musicc: Amazing Grace https://youtu.be/NG0vH4WYChQ Read More
Loneliness when you're abroad by Julien
Do you often feel lonely when you're abroad? I personaly suffered on week ends while I was in the UK. Even if I had several friends, I often missed my family and friends (from home). So I walked, visited museum, went to concerts, worked more... ...
An appropriate song, video for this topic: All The Lonely People: The Beatles https://youtu.be/h0gpPs4flw8 Read More
Loneliness when you're abroad by Julien
Do you often feel lonely when you're abroad? I personaly suffered on week ends while I was in the UK. Even if I had several friends, I often missed my family and friends (from home). So I walked, visited museum, went to concerts, worked more... ...
Maybe you can change daffodils to Roses to make your life a little brighter,Spanishpete :) Read More
Loneliness when you're abroad by Julien
Do you often feel lonely when you're abroad? I personaly suffered on week ends while I was in the UK. Even if I had several friends, I often missed my family and friends (from home). So I walked, visited museum, went to concerts, worked more... ...
This might help, ease your loneliness: I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the ... Read More
Recognition of foreign qualifications in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Were your professional qualifications recognised in Japan? What country did you complete your qualifications in? What profession are you in? Did you have to go through any formalities to get your qualifications recognised, such ...
I had basic qualifications. A university degree and work experience. Before coming to Japan I did an English teaching course. All of which enabled me to get a job at various language schools and institutions. Read More
How has your life changed in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Japan? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
There are quite a number of universities, private language schools which employ English speaking foreigneers, both in Osaka and Kyoto. I think if you have the right qualifications it shouldn't be too difficult to find a job. I lived and worked ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Japan? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
I didn't make any big mistakes, but I regret not having learned the language more than I have. It really is a problem sometimes, but I get by with basics. I worked in language schools and relied on speaking English mainly. I just wished I had ... Read More
How has your life changed in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Japan? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
I came to live in Japan a number of years ago from England with my Japanese wife. The first thing I noticed was the efficient, clean transportation system, especially the subway which I used to use every day to go to and from work, and the cost was ... Read More
Do you speak Japanese? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that mastering the Japanese language is essential for a successful integration in Japan. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Japanese? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Yes, of course, speakig Japanese does help you to integrated into Japanese society. Unfortunately, my Japanese is not so good. For example, if I visit the doctor or hospital I need my partner to oome with me and help me talk to the doctor. I get by ... Read More
The holiday season in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Japan? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Japan? How do Japanese celebrate this very special time of ...
We went shopping for our weekly groceries today at a fairly large store here in Japan. All the female assistants at the checkouts were dressed in Santa oufits, including hats. There were various posters advertising Christmas, even a tree in the ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Japan can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Japan? What are the most ...
Not sure, but I think a lot of people think Japanese eat raw fish every day. They do eat a lot of raw fish, but other food is also popular, common. Of course fast food restaurants like western countries are numerous, especially in the bigger cities. ... Read More