photo by YoshikazuTAKADA
While foreigners in Japan on holiday experience a culture shock, living in the country can be even more shocking. Aspects of life here can seem very strange. This post is aimed at people moving to Japan expanding on those ‘I wish I’d known that’ comments from foreign residents in the country.
1, The small houses of a small country
“Great, I am moving to Japan! Right then, well, buying new furnishings is a waste of money. I’ll just take all the stuff I own!” Now this might sound a good idea, but be especially careful if moving to Japan from Europe or the US. Almost all Japanese apartments, in fact, almost all houses in Japan are very small in comparison to other countries. For example, the average size of a bedroom is 8-13m2 and the living room is 19m2. Some rooms are even smaller. Getting a queen-sized bed, or a large couch or bookcase into these small rooms can be difficult. In the end you might find it cheaper to buy all your furnishings in Japan.
2, In rental agreements, what do reikin and shikikin mean?
When renting in Japan, tenants have to pay reikin (key money) and shikikin (deposit). The shikikin (deposit) is common in other countries. It covers any unpaid rent or damage to the property. However reikin (key money) is a unique system to Japan. It is a ‘thank you’ payment to the landlord for letting out the room to you. The key money and deposit usually cost between 1 to 2 months rent. Adding this figure to the upfront rental payment which you pay for when the contract is signed means you may have to pay out the equivalent of 6 months worth of rent in one go.
Also, as most landlords cannot speak foreign languages, we recommend you either bring a translator or an agent who can communicate with the landlord for you.
3, The train is the main transport in the city
Trains in Japan are famous for running on time. There are so many train lines in cities you do not need a car. Having a car would not be cheap either with the cost of parking, petrol and twice-a-year vehicle safety checks added to the fact that the expressways are not free. The train is not just useful for taking you to work or to school, it is also a great way of going on holiday.
Please note that so many people use trains in the city, properties near the train station are much more expensive.
4, Fines or imprisonment for drink-driving
The drink-driving laws in Japan are some of the strictest in the world; it is not tolerated in any form. Severe fines or prison sentences are in place for driving under the influence of alcohol. Also, the same punishment is handed out to the person who provided the vehicle to the driver, as well as to passengers in the vehicle.
Also, don’t forget about the cycling law. Bicycles are considered light vehicles. On your way home after a few drinks, don’t let yourself think “well, I can’t drive so I’ll cycle”.
5, Check you are allowed to bring your medicine into Japan
When staying for a long time in a foreign country, you will naturally wish to bring with you the medicine you use back home. Please be aware though, different countries have different Pharmaceutical Laws. The medicine you can buy over the counter in your own country might well be banned in Japan!
Japan enforces a limit on the amount of medicine you are allowed to carry for personal use. Exceeding that limit requires getting a medical certificate beforehand. Also, depending on the medicine, submitting a prescription or medical certificate from the doctor may also be necessary; check the medicines you use before you depart for Japan.
6, Rush Hour
‘Squashed like a can of sardines’ is an oft-used expression describe rush hour in Tokyo. While not quite as bad as the capital, buses and trains in other cities also get very busy. Rush hour lasts from around 7am to 9am and then again from 5pm-7pm, although the evening rush hour is normally not as hectic as the morning.
7, Summer heat and deodorant
Summers in Japan are hot and humid. While not as severe as south-east Asia, the high temperatures and high humidity can make life unpleasant. Sweating profusely becomes normal. Worrying about body odour in this situation is natural. ‘Finding deodorant in Japan is difficult’ according to some people overseas, but in fact even Japanese pharmacies stock deodorant and stocks dramatically increase in summer. Spray-on deodorants are standard; strong-smelling deodorants and roll-on deodorants don’t sell very well.
8, Is Japan really that safe?
Tokyo and Osaka were both ranked in the top 5 Safest Cities in the World in the British news magazine the Economist. The fact that elementary-aged children can walk to school unaccompanied by adults shows how safe it is. Even in Japan however, there are murders, robberies and kidnapping. Assaults are not unknown and there are many violent crimes. However safe Japan maybe, walking the backstreets at night or trusting strangers too much is still dangerous.
9, Are tattoos outlawed?
Many Japanese people have tattoos for fashion reasons. Unfortunately public places like swimming pools and hot springs refuse entry to people with tattoos. Most places display a sign saying ‘No entry to people with tattoos’. There are various reasons for this restriction, some historical. Generally speaking tattoos are not tolerated in Japanese society.
10, Do Japanese people like presents?
Living in Japan you may notice that Japanese people often give gifts on special occasions. These occasions might include being invited to someone’s home, after receiving a favour from someone, or even just to mark the season by for example, giving a gift called o-seibo at the end of the year, and o-chugen in summer.
This present is usually a consumable like alcohol, sweets or fruit. The custom can be considered a way of rewarding friends for their kindness. At least now you know why there are extravagantly-wrapped presents piled-up at the food counter in department stores.
Summary
This post has introduced aspects of Japanese life not obvious to people on an ordinary holiday. Some of the more unusual elements may take time to adjust to but they soon become familiar. With time and an understanding of the joys of living on these islands, you may never want to go home.
Related Article:
10 things foreign travellers wished they had known before visiting Japan
