tokyoorientations » coming

What is Japanese language like?

tokyoorientations — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:40:58 +0000

The Japanese language is often thought of as a vague language, but this is mainly due to an effort to be polite and the fact that the Japanese people do not like to express denial or say things too forthrightly.

“sodesune” would be a typical vague Japanese expression. It means “I think so”, but it can be used in situations where you both agree or disagree.

Another reason the Japanese language is vague is that there are no plurals. Some words have plurals like “hitobito” (people), but most words do not have plurals. For example, Japanese people often say “tomodachi” (friend), but you don’t really know if it is a friend or friends.

Also, there are a number of words with the same pronunciation that have several different meanings. One is normally able to understand the meaning through the context. For example, “hashi” can be “a bridge” or “chopsticks” or “an edge”. “Sumimasen” could be used for “I am sorry”, “thank you” or “excuse me”.

What can you tell me about how to ease my transition to life in Japan?

tokyoorientations — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:40:33 +0000

The more you can prepare yourself for it, the less traumatic the transition will be. Learn as much as possible about the Japanese culture and current events before arriving in Japan. Language lessons, of course, can be particularly helpful. For some useful resources, check our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/tokyoorientations/

or Twitter: @tkorientations

A positive frame of mind also helps a great deal when confronting things new and different. Keeping an open mind and a flexible, adventurous attitude will make your adjustment to Japan a lot easier and more enjoyable.

What should I do about electrical appliances?

tokyoorientations — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:39:49 +0000

Electricity in Tokyo runs on 50 cycles/100 volts (60 cycles/100 volts in Osaka). Small U.S. appliances will work in Japan but will be slightly less efficient. For items such as small kitchen appliances, lamps, vacuum cleaners, etc., this difference in efficiency will not be problematic. For larger appliances where 100% efficiency is required, transformers can be purchased for 8,000 to 10,000 yen.

Appliances from Europe will not work in Japan, so you would require a transformer or they should be purchased or leased upon arrival. There are 2-pin plugs used in Japan but not 3-pin plugs in Japan, and, similar to those used in the United States, are used instead.

What do I need to know about bringing my pet to Japan?

tokyoorientations — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:39:25 +0000

If you are bringing your pet into Japan, it is best to start preparing as early as possible. If you are coming from regions that are not considered rabies free, it takes at least 6-7 months to import a pet to Japan. Your dog or cat would be required to have a microchip inserted, vaccinated against rabies at least twice and pass the blood test provided by an authorized organization.
You must submit an advance notification form to the Animal Quarantine Service which has jurisdiction over the intended air/sea port of arrival at least 40 days prior to arrival in Japan. For both dogs and cats, it is required to get a health certificate signed by your veterinarian no more than two days prior to arrival in Japan.
For details, refer to the below link;
http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/im_index.html

Where can my children go to school?

tokyoorientations — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:38:39 +0000

There are many international schools for various nationalities in Tokyo, and most expats send their children to international schools. Types of school, space availability and location should be investigated prior to housing decisions being finalized.

How’s the schooling in Japan?

tokyoorientations — Thu, 17 Feb 2000 04:44:07 +0000

Japan has a large selection of International Schools, not only in the large cities like Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya, but also in smaller centers like Yokohama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sapporo, etc, Most of these schools provide a high caliber educational experience from kinder garden through high school, though particular academic curricula or instruction in languages other than English may not be available.

Tokyo, in particular has a wide selection of schools for the international student. The attached list gives a good idea of the number and variety. There are large and small international schools, old established schools and young upstarts, centrally located or suburban, expensive ones and those less so, schools with IB programs, with supplementary ESL programs for non-English speaking international students, and instruction in other languages – for example French and German schools – are also available.

Many international schools have their own buses to pick up their students particularly from the central areas of the city where many expatriates tend to live. For others it will be necessary to plan in advance where to live so that the children can access public transportation more easily for them to get to school, or to be within walking or bicycling distance.

Some of the better known schools can be full in certain grade levels so it is always wise to plan ahead, and also to be flexible. Also some schools have high standards in both academic and linguistic skills (and do not offer ESL programs) and may not accept all applicants.

Public schools can also be an option in Tokyo, not only for the expatriate parent who doesn’t mind having their child in an all Japanese environment, but some wards in Tokyo also have special programs in certain schools in English for the international student. While public schools are available to anyone there are certain residence requirements that may have to be met. Each regular school has specific requirements of where one must live in order to attend that school. The public international programs are also only available in some wards, and they may not accept students from outside the ward. Of course, public schools are largely free, except for lunch and such sundry expenses.

Regardless of the type of school it is probably worth pointing out that Japan has arguably one of the highest literacy rates in the world and can provide an excellent educational experience.