I needed to talk with anyone who has ever lived there just to gather up more info on what to expect and things that I should do to be prepared. I have 2 school aged children so any info on the medical facilities, schools or actually any infomation concerning the move period would be greatly appreciated :)
My sister in law lived in Japan for a year with her toddler while her husband was there for work. I will try and call her up and see if I can get some advice.
I lived in Japan for 4 years, but that was a long time ago, lol, about 20 years ago. My dad was in the Navy stationed at Yokoska (sp). Life on the base is not quite the same as "life in Japan" - but we did go off base A LOT! I do remember that my Japanese friends went to school on Saturdays where I did not -- and they were A LOT smarter than my classmates and I, lol, b/c their schooling was tailored differently.
I do remember being 8-10 years old, leaving the military base by myself, walking 20 minutes to the train station, taking the train to a friends house, walking 15 or so minutes to their house --- and not being scared in the least! Even at night! It was very safe there. Everyone was always incredibly friendly to me. Even when I'd get on the wrong train or the wrong bus someone always helped show me where I needed to be!
I also remember living off-base and on the first trash day we had our neighbor carried our trash back up the hill b/c we didn't have it sorted right! There were specific days for specific items, they've been recycling a lot longer than we have, lol.
The restaraunts were great - yakitori is the best food I've ever had, lol. The people are friendly and amazing! When the Cherry Blossoms bloom it's the most beautiful thing on earth!
Good luck w/ your potential move!
I lived in Yokohama, Japan for a year with my two boys who were two and three at the time. It was a fantastic experience. My boys were in preschool and went to Yokohama Union Church preschool, but there were wonderful Montessori schools for older children (English). Email me if you want more ____@____.com
Here are a couple sites that I found that may be helpful to you:
http://www.escapeartist.com/japan/japan.htm
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/livingab...
Hey girl! Moving to Japan? Dang girl! Whats taking you way out there? Thought youd be moving back to Colorado. Anyways, I only visited Japan on my way to Korea so dont have much advice but be sure to keep in touch!
C.
L.,
I loved in Tokyo for two years when I was single and then went back a year with my husband who is in the military.
I suggest that you check out International Schools in the area that you are thinking if going to and go from there. I know that in Tokyo that were specific areas where expats lived and the businesses around them catered to that. Japan is very different and is a BIG culture shock (at least it was to me!). It was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't change it for the world. If you have any questions you can email me.
K.
I lived in Japan for 2 years. It's a wonderful place and I can probably answer your questions but I'd need to know where in Japan you plan on living and what your specific questions are. Feel free to email me directly and I'll respond as best I can. <____@____.com>
L.
My husband lived in Japan for 2 years while in the Navy. He was stationed in Sasebo. Do you know what area? I'll ask him what advice he can offer.
If you plan on working, I know a lot of community centers in the neighborhoods love love love Americans to teach English. I think it pays ok and is pretty easy. A friend of mine did it and all she really did was cook American meals for them and talk to them in English.
You might also want to check out the Fort Worth Japanese Society. They offer classes in Japanese language and culture. I took classes there after I visited Japan and fell in love with the place! I had a lot of fun in the class. They offer classes for children as well. All taught by Japanese women.
From what I remember, Japan is very safe for women. Guns are illegal so there is very little personal crime (ie; mugging, robbery, theft, etc). The Japanese people are very polite, almost to the point where Westerners may misconstrue this as being stand-offish or rude. They can be extremely helpful. If you stand around long enough, scratching your head and looking confused, someone who speaks a little English will try to help you. I did that many times in rural train stations and eventually someone tried to help me.
The food is amazing! I love Japanese cuisine. The restaurants are different in most of them specialize in one thing like sushi, noodles, steak, whatever.
Customs, such as removing shoes upon entering a home or a restaurant with tatami mats, can be a little frustrating and embarassing at times. I found, if I was apologetic enough and accepted help, most of the Japanese I came in contact with were sweet.
Good luck and have fun! I would love to live in Japan!
