I'm sure a lot of the users on the site are either friends of English teachers or English teachers themselves. Those of you who are Englsih teachers have probably come to realize, too late in most cases, my own in particular, that life in a Japanese corporate entity is a little different than anticipated. I thought I had done a significant amount of research before my arrival here. Surprise, surprise, the reality of the situation is a little different. When I originally attended the recruitment drive on my college campus I was awash with altruistic intentions. The recruiters regaled the packed auditorium with tales of educators furthering the goals of Japanese students overseas. I was sold. I graduated and six months, as well as a fifteen hour flight, later I ... Read More

I assume you are quite familiar with the movie starring Zhang Zi Yi, “Memoirs of a Geisha”. Then this article is for you.

I am a fan of those girls walking gracefully in the streets with overly white face, very red lips and Japanese classy looking hair do’s. What I don’t know is the secret behind that grace and beauty.

I chanced by asking a friend who had experiences knowing and chatting with Geisha’s in Kyoto and I tell you, their lives are never easy.

Geishas are not whores per se they sell their talents and hide their beauty and real identities in those colorful kimonos (Japanese National Costume). In short they are high class entertainers in Japan.

In preserved places like Kyoto, the competition of the finest Geisha’s is so tight t... Read More

Japan is one of the 1st world countries engaging in high-technology. However, the population with formal education capable of working as technology operators (e.g. IT and engineers) is not enough to cover up the high demands. That is why Japan hires thousands of gaijin (foreigner) engineers and IT professionals to be stationed and work in Japan. Most of these employees are from Philippines, Europe, US and India. The Japanese companies pays the minimum salary of ?250,000 and they sponsor visas and gave some privileges like free housing (usually studio type), free bus and train tickets, and free hokensho (insurance). But for the unlucky ones who were hired through agency, they are paid less. It’s a fact that they pay gaijin professionals lower than ... Read More

It is customary to attend some afterwork parties. Japanese people love to hold parties for every conceivable occasion. Drinking is the focus of most parties. Most of the Japanese I know would eat little but drink more during parties. This drinking spree is fondly called as “nominication”. This term is a combination of “nomi” which means drinking or drinks and “communication”. This means socializing or establishing better communication through drinking parties. I jokingly mentioned the term “nominication” to my boss when he was about to leave to attend a party. He was quite impressed of my knowledge about the term.

I received a tip from my fellow gaijin employee about what to observe during company dining parties. The rule: do not fill your own... Read More

I married into a family of artists and have met many interesting associates of theirs also involved in traditional Japanese art including my other relatives. Some of the rare artists I have met include a man that hand makes “Yoroi” which is Samurai Armour and another who is a Yuzen painter with his own line of clothing that is all hand painted.

My Father in-law Ken creates and repairs “Makie” which is Japanese lacquerware made with gold, silver and mother of pearl inlay. Makie can be extremely expensive as I have found some of the prices shocking, but then when I consider the time spent to produce some of the amazing art he creates.

Having the Japanese Royal family buy his products and those of his Father and Grandfather in the past, speaks for ... Read More

So you’ve arrived in Japan thinking that you can get a job in an office no sweat because of your great skills, yet are disappointed to find that unless you can speak Japanese really well or can master a Japanese keyboard your luck has just been cut in half. Well that’s my story in any case!

So then you try your hand at teaching English, which is what a majority of people do and for good reason, if you join a site such as findateacher.net, you can make a profile for free and list the times when you are free to teach, where you would like to teach (family restaurants or cafes are the safe and ideal option) and even set your own minimum fee. This works out well, it is not a full time job, yet if managed well can help pay some bills, although it will not pay the rent! I’ve als... Read More

Like many people I believe that some how living overseas has helped me develop as a person. It has allowed me to become bilingual, and have a broader understanding of the world. And in that sense I guess it has. But I have not come close to the goals that I had once set for myself during my high school days. I have chosen the long path and believe there is no easy way to happiness. In my home country with a little hard work I have accomplished the same things that people my age have a new car, small condo and a credit rating.

Things that make an easy start for any newly weds like my wife and I.

And yet I came back to Japan with my wife and decided to start with the couple thousand in savings. Am I crazy? With all the pressure that this country puts on a perso... Read More