tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:16:51 +0000Japan PreparationJapan ArrivalCultureSingaporeInspiration thru FrustrationDrama (Japanese)Food Culture (Japanese)Music (Japanese)http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)Blogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-1509140932317769902Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:48:00 +00002012-03-29T17:48:48.436+08:00CultureSO it was Wednesday and as mentioned in a post a few days ago, movie tickets here are exorbitant. I planned to watch Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, as it arrived Japan shores about 2 weeks ago. What's special about every Wednesday is Toho Cinemas has a special deal for ladies. Tickets for female are cheaper on Wednesday, from the regular ¥1, 800 to ¥1, 000 (during the day) and ¥1, 200 ( for http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/03/trip-to-cinema.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)1Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan34.7337339 135.406375734.6813084 135.36058920000002 34.786159399999995 135.4521622tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-1527260410132984780Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:38:00 +00002012-03-30T01:17:57.137+08:00Japan ArrivalFollowing these posts that I've put up prior to my departure to Japan, of Banks & Mobile Phone ContractsLandline & Mobile Phone ServicesFINALLY! a bank with NO service charge for cash withdrawal 24/7 I've now subscribed to Softbank mobile and opened an account with Shinsei Bank. There were several stuff that I've experienced that I could not find anywhere during my research. The http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/03/of-banks-mobile-phone-contracts-follow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)2Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan34.7337339 135.406375734.6813084 135.36058920000002 34.786159399999995 135.4521622tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-4284744335682909133Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:57:00 +00002012-03-29T17:53:48.519+08:00Japan ArrivalONCE you've prepared the necessary documents (refer to Alien??あたし？！) head down to the City Hall, submit these documents and you'll be told to fill up some forms. They then process a document which will be stapled in your passport next to your Japan Visa that looks something like this. It is a slip that states the period of collecting your Alien Registration Card (ARC). However, this does NOT http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/03/alien-registration-card-national-health.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan34.7337339 135.406375734.6813084 135.36058920000002 34.786159399999995 135.4521622tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-7022827872071069577Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:38:00 +00002012-04-02T23:52:00.504+08:00Japan ArrivalGREETINGS from Osaka!... More accurately, greetings from my humble room in Amagasaki-shi! Howz everyone doing? I realised my last post was in February when I was still in Singapore. Since that post, I was just busy packing, finalising accommodation via emails, finalising flight details, managed to sell my drum set 2 days before I flew off, and to meet-up with friends every day until the day I http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-post.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)4Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan34.7337339 135.406375734.6813084 135.36058920000002 34.786159399999995 135.4521622tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-9126425681208621100Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +00002012-02-25T04:19:07.552+08:00SingaporeMY best mates scheduled last weekend to spend time with me before I leave, and I have the pleasure of staying at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) for the 2nd time since 2010. Back in 2010, both the Arts & Science Museum and Louis Vuitton's "island" were still in construction. There were no signs to indicate which room level we were on, the pool at the SkyPark was almost empty during the day, the http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/mbs-paiza.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-4292770468084670377Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:13:00 +00002012-02-23T16:13:34.614+08:00Japan ArrivalI FOUND it extremely amusing when I read one of the documents from the organisation on modes of bill payments. I thought the method to pay bills and fines is similar almost everywhere in this world. You either send by cheque, pay at the ATMs, banks, online payment, post offices or convenience stores... and in some countries, the AXS machine. But the information I received went a few steps furtherhttp://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-pay-bills.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-7089128045507536172Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:59:00 +00002012-02-23T15:15:43.514+08:00Japan ArrivalJapan PreparationHOW do you know which travel smart card works for you? 1) Check your routes 2) Check with a native I'm fortunate that my  先生 is an Osakan and has provided me with much invaluable help and information. Turns out I'll be staying close to her hometown too. There are 2 kinds of train cards available: ICOCA - for JR West trains. It is more expensive but you're able to re-charge / top up http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/getting-around-kansai.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-5846989028776163983Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:29:00 +00002012-02-23T01:34:26.914+08:00Japan ArrivalDEPENDING on which type of housing you choose, internet connection may already be included in your housing package. Please check with your landlord/housing agent.  Major Internet providers in Japan: Yahoo BB (Yahoo Broadband), NTT Flets East, NTT Flets West and KDDI. It is recommended that you visit the major electronics department stores as mentioned in the previous post and speak to a http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/internet-service-set-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-2044353901174310527Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:51:00 +00002012-03-29T16:42:59.341+08:00Japan ArrivalTHERE are 3 main mobile carriers in Japan: NTT Docomo , Softbank, and AU by KDDI. All offer some phones with some degree of English ability. Charges vary depending on the package and vary from about ¥3,000(~SGD51) to ¥10,000(~SGD170) per month. Each company has different requirements in order to sign up for a plan but one requirement that is constant for all telcos is you'll need your Alien http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/landline-mobile-phone-services.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-2635251261900984881Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:53:00 +00002012-03-29T14:05:33.457+08:00Japan ArrivalWE all know by now that non-natives are referred to as Aliens upon entering the country. As a form of identification while residing in Japan, all foreign residents are required to register their residence in addition to an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at their local municipal office aka ward / city office (区役所 / 市役所 / 町村役場). It is in your best interest to get this first step settled within thehttp://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/alien.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-3818900012999403339Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:41:00 +00002012-02-22T22:44:12.233+08:00Japan ArrivalAFTER all the hard work in getting the Visa and then to further set in stone the validity of your Visa by obtaining a Landing Permit when you arrive Japan, you're thinking that you might wanna head home for the holidays. This is the time you'll have to remember to get a Re-entry Permit (再入国許可 / Sainyukoku Kyoka). The importance of this is, if you leave Japan without a re-entry permit, you will http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/going-home-for-holidays.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-252353376564253269Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:21:00 +00002012-03-29T16:40:44.538+08:00Japan PreparationONE thing about established organisations that have a substantial pool of non-Japanese contractors on visa sponsorship but do not assist you in anything else, is to provide a list of information to help you along to integrate into the society after subjecting you to rounds of tests / interviews and meeting deadlines. I received a zip-file of documents and follow-up instructions on Monday for whenhttp://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/finally-bank-with-no-service-charge-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-7145632847968691594Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:46:00 +00002012-02-16T00:49:28.139+08:00Music (Japanese)EARLY last week Tokyohive reported several amusing news. First it was the spotting of Johnny's Akanishi Jin supposed date with rising popular actress, Kuroki Meisa, which was briefly followed by news that they got married and a baby is on the way. Then it was the announcement of Tokyo Jihen's (Tokyo Incidents) final performance that will be broadcast live in the theatres of several countries in http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/tokyo-jihen-tokyo-incidents.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)2Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-4242262630028779381Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:03:00 +00002012-02-11T15:06:07.703+08:00Japan Preparation"Size matters not. Look at me, judge me by my size do you, hmm? And well you should not, for my ally is the Force and a powerful ally it is." - Yoda, Star Wars AS mentioned previously that I'm taller and bigger-built than most Asian females, finding shoes will be quite a problem for me in Japan. My shoe sizes vary between 38 to 40 or 7 1/2 to 8 depending on the shoe design and whether I purchasehttp://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/bane-of-sizes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-233502928447961522Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:08:00 +00002012-02-12T17:02:38.545+08:00CultureInspiration thru Frustration"Why Not?" THIS has been my regular response when people asked me random questions in an overtly appalled manner. Lately, that has been the number 1 question when they met me and it felt as though I was sitting through a job interview again. When I answered "Why not?", all the initial replies are the same, "Because of radiation... earthquakes..." *YAAAAAAAAAAAWN*... *takes a sip of water* There http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-japan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)1Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-2976981983140630498Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:56:00 +00002012-02-11T15:16:08.762+08:00Inspiration thru FrustrationTHE past few weeks had been a mash of going for the Japanese language class from Monday - Thursday, followed by either completing the Visa Application in Singapore, or shopping for appropriate shoes and winter clothing to bring over, and meeting up with various people who had contacted me to meet up prior my leave. With these schedules, I had neglected my Japanese homework big time as well. Whathttp://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/trying-to-keep-it-together.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-127916460241449736Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:38:00 +00002012-02-22T22:44:57.292+08:00Japan Preparation*TADAAA!!* So I've finally completed the Visa Application process. However, this Entry Permit does not constitute the right of entry into the country. Dis-consonant as it sounds, but upon arrival at Japan's Immigration in the airport, you'll need a Landing Permit. I'm lazy to scan how a landing permit looks like from my last visit to Japan in 2005, so I've filched from a random search in Google http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/02/completing-visa-application-recap.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-3833651321594487813Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:08:00 +00002012-01-29T15:40:09.625+08:00Drama (Japanese)MORE than Japanese music, I love the way the Japanese television industry filmed their dramas. Nothing overly dramatic and succinct in conveying the story (usually adapted from novels, mangas or animes) in between 8 to 12 episodes. If it's a majorly popular series with an average of at least 10%-16% rating per episode, it'll span 3 seasons at most. The exception where a drama series is more than http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/lucky-seven-spoiler-alert.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)1Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2174464999999999 103.58282600000001 1.4867195 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-2356754859122909980Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:48:00 +00002012-01-29T13:52:53.920+08:00CultureJapan PreparationI NEVER thought it will be a major boo boo if one writes relevant information on a business card such as, if your client / vendor verbally informed you of the change in contact number or email address shortly after presenting you with an outdated card as their new ones were not ready, until I came across a site on Business Card Etiquette in Japan. So that means, for over 7 years I worked in a http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/card-culture.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2174464999999999 103.58282600000001 1.4867195 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-2129751322244053302Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:11:00 +00002012-03-29T14:05:55.465+08:00Japan PreparationTHERE's no information, at least through researching and asking various people for the past month on Japan's National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 / Kokumin Kenkou Hoken), on the definite percentage that will be charged to you. However, it is possible to be charged between 10% to 30% of your income for this insurance. If you're posted to Japan, your organisation will most likely sign you up for an http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/national-health-insurance.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2174464999999999 103.58282600000001 1.4867195 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-1824039107046656738Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:39:00 +00002012-01-29T17:22:14.232+08:00CultureSingaporeTO all Chinese wherever you are in the world, a Happy Lunar New Year! This January has been an exceptionally busy month. Numerous birthday celebrations, meeting up with friends, cleaning the flat and decorating it, and had a head-start in packing my luggage while waiting for Visa approval from Japan Immigration. I didn't pack meticulously. Rather, I threw stuff into the luggage like, "Oh, I'llhttp://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/water-dragon-glides-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2174464999999999 103.58282600000001 1.4867195 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-9123536625952126975Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +00002012-02-23T15:30:36.520+08:00Japan PreparationFINANCE & Economics are my most hated subjects. So to try to wrap my head around the whole taxes issue imposed by the government on foreigners was no easy feat for me. This is especially so when Singapore is the smallest country in the world that there is no differentiation of States and Cities because there isn't any, hence jurisdiction remains the same nation-wide. Thus, I'll only be http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/lowdown-of-taxes-on-foreigners.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)2Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2174464999999999 103.58282600000001 1.4867195 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-3594460520435849395Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:59:00 +00002012-01-11T12:52:10.593+08:00Japan PreparationI FINALLY got round to working out my estimated monthly expenses when in Japan... and it is exactly what I thought - I'll need to hold dual jobs. As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm an Independent Contractor and thus will not be receiving regular pay nor any benefits of a regular employee. If I'm able to get regular clients, the amount that I'm supposed to earn is ￥240K (~SGD4K) per month. A http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/oh-no-how-to-survive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2174464999999999 103.58282600000001 1.4867195 104.05684600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-995305164282008092Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:22:00 +00002012-01-10T16:32:02.683+08:00Food Culture (Japanese)ONE of the things I told myself to try as many as my finances will allow me is Japan's well-known えき 弁当 (Eki Bentō) aka Train-station bentos. Named as such because of the long commute some have to take for domestic tourism or for work, it becomes the meal of choice during these train rides. When I watched a snippet of Japan Hour on Channel News Asia in late 2010, I remembered the entire http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/eki-bento.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896246620460611494.post-1857295840178475584Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:33:00 +00002012-02-22T22:45:47.952+08:00Japan PreparationWHILE searching through various websites for a room to rent, I checked out some links by real estate agents and found a really good link called Sumai Table by J&F Networks. It consolidates all the info you need such as Emergency Contacts (Police, Ambulance etc) and what to do before activating Gas, Water & Electrical supplies to your household. But what really caught my attention was the http://gaijinlivinginjapan.blogspot.com/2012/01/of-banks-mobile-phone-contracts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (the GaiJin - Wsquare)4Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2174464999999999 103.58282600000001 1.4867195 104.05684600000001