I attended a tea ceremony class held in Hachioji and was delighted by my first experience 🍵✨

We did a big school cleanup. The male students pulled weeds along the Chuo Line tracks and swept everything clean with brooms. The path looked very tidy and felt refreshing. The students often comment that Japanese streets are very clean. They also realized that someone usually cleans up for them and expressed a desire not to litter on the streets in their daily lives 😊

Experience to master Bushido At SAMURAI, we thoroughly train, exercise, and carry ourselves. You will experience them through the ways of life and death. ❶BUSHIDO⚔signs Become a SAMURAI by wearing a hakama, straw sandals, and a Japanese sword. ❷SAMURAI TEA/Samurai Tea Ceremony The sword is Yagyu, the illustration is Kano, and the tea is Sekishu. Samurai tea ceremony is a tea ceremony that spread among samurai during the Edo period as part of their training to develop their character and as their favorite tea.

The first time I went to 🎶 the Mobara Tanabata Festival It was the first time in 4 years that it was held, and it was exciting! Everyone seemed to be having fun Awa Odori seeing it for the first time. I wanted ✨ to dance too. The people who finished dancing were bowing. It was very impressive. I want to see the real Awa Odori!

[English/Japanese] In this issue, I would like to introduce you to some of the things that you should not do in Japan. There are things that you may have done without knowing it, but that even foreigners are not allowed to do. How many of Japan's unique cultures do you know? Gift Giving Etiquette There are two numbers that are frowned upon in Japan: 4 and 9. 4 is pronounced "shi" and 9 is pronounced "ku" in Japanese. "Shi" means "death" and "9" means "suffering", so anything with "ku" and "shi" in it is frowned upon in many situations. For example, "comb" is not allowed to be sent as a gift because it has a bad meaning. In addition to this, there are a few other gifts that should not be sent. For example, a plant in a pot should not be sent to a person in the hospital. A plant in a pot has roots. This is because it can be taken to mean that the plant will have roots in the hospital, meaning that the illness will last longer. If you want to give flowers to someone who is in the hospital, use cut flowers instead of potted plants. However, even cut flowers such as chrysanthemums, which are used for funerals, are considered rude, so be careful. Also, do not send a handkerchief as a wedding gift. Why is this? Because handkerchiefs are associated with tears. Other items that can be broken, such as china and mirrors, are also considered bad luck. Similarly, for housewarming gifts, lighters and ashtrays should not be sent because they remind people of fire. These are just a few examples. If you are going to give a gift to a Japanese person, you need to find out beforehand if it would be a rude gift. Dining Manners Your country also has various manners for eating. I have heard manners such as never using your left hand when eating curry from Nepalese students at our school. So, what kind of manners do we have in Japan for eating? In Japan, we use chopsticks when we eat. Chopsticks are difficult to use, but their manners are also complicated. For example, the worst thing you can do is to use two chopsticks to hold your food. The reason why this is not allowed is because it is the same act as placing the bones of a deceased person in an urn at a Buddhist funeral. *Not talking about chopsticks, but putting the right collar of the kimono on top of the left collar is the same as wearing the kimono of the deceased, so you have to be careful. ） There are many other manners of chopsticks that should not be practiced, such as "stabbing chopsticks" and "yose-chopsticks". In addition to chopsticks, it is also bad manners to eat rice without holding the bowl, or to put your elbows on the table. However, if you think about it too much, it will be difficult to eat a good meal. I recommend that you learn at least the minimum manners for eating, and then gradually get used to them. Superstitions How many superstitions do you know about in Japan? The first one is the "north pillow". The first one is "north pillow", which means that you should not sleep with your pillow in the north, because it is related to Buddhism and there is a theory that putting your pillow in the north means death. Second, don't cut your nails at night. There is a superstition that if you cut your nails at night, you will die before your parents do. One reason is that nails are the place where a person's "soul" is located, so they must be taken care of. Another reason is that in the days when there was little light, cutting nails at night would cause injury. The third is "don't whistle at night." In Japan, there is a saying that whistling attracts spiritual things. This spirituality includes not only good things, but also bad things, so there is a theory that it is dangerous to whistle at night, when spirituality is more active. The three I've mentioned so far are all things you shouldn't do, but I'll end with a superstition that has a good meaning. The last superstition that has a good meaning is "If a pillar of tea stands, good luck will come. A pillar of tea means that the stems of the tea in the teacup stand up like a pillar when the tea is made. For Japanese people, a "pillar" has a powerful impression as something that supports a house. A recent popular manga often features a "pillar [Hahira]” For this reason, the tea pillar is known as a good omen. Incidentally, I have heard from Mongolian students that there is a superstition that if a pillar of tea stands, relatives will come to your house. In different countries, superstitions have completely different meanings, don't they? I hope you now have a better understanding of manners. In the next article, I will introduce manners at leisure facilities. This time, I will introduce "what not to do in Japan". Even if you don't know it, there are things that you can't forgive because you're a foreigner. How many unique cultures do you know of Japan? Gift etiquette There are figures that are hated in Japan. 4 and 9. 4 is pronounced as Japanese, "shi" and 9 as "ku". Since "shi" means "death" and "9" means "suffering", things with "ku" and "shi" in the words are disliked in various situations. For example, "comb" is a gift that has a bad meaning, so it is not allowed to be sent. There are a few other gifts you shouldn't send. For example, plants in pots should not be sent to people who are in the hospital. The plant in the pot has roots. This is because it is taken as the meaning of being rooted in a hospital, that is, the meaning of prolonged illness. If you want to give flowers to someone who is in the hospital, cut flowers instead of potted plants. However, be careful not to use cut flowers such as "chrysanthemums" used for funerals, as they will be rude. Also, if it is a wedding gift, do not send a handkerchief. Why? Because handkerchiefs are associated with tears. In addition, crackable objects such as pottery and mirrors are also considered unlucky. In the case of housewarming, lighters and ashtrays should not be sent because they are reminiscent of fire. These are just a few. If you are going to give something to Japan someone, you need to research it in advance to see if it will be a rude gift. Dining etiquette Your country also has various dining etiquette. I have heard from Nepalese students at our school that they never use their left hand when eating curry. So, what kind of dining etiquette is there in Japan? In Japan, chopsticks are used when eating. Chopsticks are difficult to use, but their manners are also complicated. For example, the last thing you should do is hold one food with chopsticks for two people. The reason why this should not be done is because it is the same act as placing the bones of a deceased person in an urn at a Buddhist funeral. * I'm not talking about chopsticks, but you have to be careful if the collar of the kimono is in front of the right, because it will be the same as the kimono worn by the deceased. In addition to this, there are many other acts that should not be done, such as "embroidery chopsticks" to embroider food and "chopsticks" to pull plates together. It is also bad manners to eat rice without holding a bowl in addition to chopsticks, or to elbow yourself on the table. However, if you think about it too much, it will be difficult to eat delicious rice. We recommend that you learn the minimum manners of your meals and gradually get used to them. superstition How many superstitions do you know about Japan? Here are some of them. The first is the "North Pillow". There is a theory that you should not sleep with a pillow in the north, which is related to Buddhism, and that placing a pillow in the north means "death". The second is "do not cut your nails at night." There is a superstition that if you cut your nails at night, you will die faster than your parents. There is a theory about this, but there is a teaching that nails must be cherished because they are the place where the person's "soul" is, and there are reasons that in an era when there was little light, cutting nails at night would injure you. The third is "Do not whistle at night." There is a Japan tradition that whistling attracts spiritual things. There is a theory that this spiritual thing contains not only good things, but also bad things, so whistling is dangerous at night when spiritual things are active. The three things I've introduced so far are all things you shouldn't do, but here are some good and meaningful superstitions at the end. It is "good luck comes when the tea pillar stands". A tea pillar is a tea stalk that stands like a pillar in a teacup when tea is brewed. For Japan people, "pillars" have a powerful impression as they support the house. Recently, popular manga often have "pillars." Therefore, tea pillars are known as auspicious. By the way, I have heard from Mongolian students that there is a superstition that "relatives come to the house when the tea pillar is erected." Different countries have completely different meanings of superstition. Do you understand manners? Next time, we will introduce manners at leisure facilities.

[English/Japanese] Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce the rules of Japanese companies. 1 Is everyone wearing the same clothes? Job hunting When international students are looking for a job, the first thing they do is to buy a recruiting suit. This is because the suits that foreign students bring from their home countries are all shiny and cannot be used for job hunting. When looking for a job in Japan, a black suit with a white shirt is the standard. In addition to this, students who dye their hair should make it the same color as their natural hair, and students with beards should shave their beards. Accessories should be removed and shoes should be low heeled. Women should wear light makeup and wear their hair in a bun. If you do all of these things, all job hunters will look like the same person. Job hunters use the same appearance to show off their individuality. Some students from foreign countries think that their appearance is also their personality and refuse to shave their beards. Depending on the type of business, you may not have to wear a recruiting suit, but most companies will first look at your appearance to see if you can follow Japanese rules. You should polish your Japanese language skills so that you can appeal your personality in your speech. 2 Japanese companies are still old-fashioned. For a long time, Japanese people have had a negative image of working too much, working too much overtime, increasing salary with age, male dominated society, and difficulty in taking vacations. In modern times, this is gradually improving, but there are still many companies that have this tendency. For example, let's say you have plans to go on a trip on your day off. You tell the people at work about it. Do you know what you should do the next time you go to the office? Usually, Japanese people buy as many souvenirs as the number of employees in the company the number of employees in the department. Also, when you give out souvenirs, you give them out to the people with the highest positions first. Furthermore, if the trip was not on a holiday, but on a paid holiday, you would say to the other employees, "I apologize for the inconvenience." It is very difficult to understand the unique culture within a company from the beginning. First of all, you should look at the Japanese people around you and observe what they are doing. Also, many Japanese companies have a system where senior employees teach newcomers their jobs when they join the company. As a newcomer, you may want to ask your senior employees a lot of questions. 3 On and off I once heard this story from an international student. "I was invited to a drinking party at my part-time job. I don't drink alcohol, so I refused, but they kept inviting me, so I went. I was able to have a good time at the party. Some of us became good friends. The next day at my part-time job, I was talked to in a fun way as I had been at the drinking party, but I was given a cold attitude. Did I do something wrong?" Why do you think this happened to her? Japanese people don't chat much during work, but after work, they sometimes communicate over drinks. This is called "Nominication". It is a word coined from the Japanese words "nomu drink" and "communication. At drinking parties, people drink happily regardless of age or position. However, this is only for drinking parties. Also, when we meet at work, we switch to work mode. It is considered bad to go to the office in the same atmosphere of a drinking party. Try to think of it as a clear distinction between on and off, not a sudden coldness. This is only a small part of what I have covered in this blog. The unique culture of the company is something that even Japanese people have to get used to. Let's learn them little by little. Don't forget to keep a "memo" in your pocket when you learn. This is also a part of Japanese culture. Continuing from last week, I will introduce the rules of Japan company. 1 Are we all wearing the same clothes? Job hunting When international students are looking for a job, they start by buying a recruit suit. This is because all the suits brought by international students from their countries are shiny and cannot be used for job hunting. When you get a job in Japan, you basically wear a white shirt and a black suit. In addition to this, students who dye their hair should have the same color as their natural hair, and students with beards will shave their beards. Remove accessories and wear shoes with low heels. Women also lighten their makeup and tie their hair together. If you put all of this in place, job hunting students will all look the same person. Job hunting students show off their individuality with similar appearances. Some international students refuse to shave because they think that their appearance is their personality. Depending on the industry, you may not be required to wear a recruiting suit, but most companies will first determine whether you can follow the rules of Japan based on your appearance. Hone your Japanese skills so that you can show off your personality in your speeches. 2 A company with a Japan that is still old Traditionally Japan people have had negative images such as "working too much," "working a lot of overtime," "salary increases with age," "male society," and "difficulty taking vacations." In modern times, improvements are being made little by little, but there are still many companies that have this trend. For example, let's say you plan to go on a holiday trip. I told the people at the company about it. Do you know what to do the next time you go to work? Usually, Japan people buy as many souvenirs as there are employees in the company the number of employees in the department. Also, when handing out souvenirs, they are distributed in order of position. In addition, if you went on a trip not on a holiday and used paid leave, we will hand out souvenirs with the words "We apologize for the inconvenience." It is very difficult to understand the unique culture of a company from the beginning. First of all, look at the Japan people around you and observe what they are doing. In addition, Japan companies often have a system in which senior employees teach newcomers about work when they join the company. If you are a newcomer, you may want to ask various questions from senior employees. 3 On and Off I have heard this story from international students. "I was invited to a drinking party at my part-time job, and I refused because I couldn't drink, but I was invited many times, so I went. We had a good time at the drinking party. Some people have become good friends. The next day, when I was happily talked to like I had at a drinking party at my part-time job, I was treated coldly. Did I do something wrong?" Why do you think this happened? Japan people don't chat much at work, but they sometimes communicate over drinks after work. This is called "nomination." It is a coined word that combines the words "drink" and "communication" in Japanese. At drinking parties, people enjoy drinking regardless of age or position. However, this is only for drinking parties. Also, when you meet at work, it switches to work mode. It is considered bad to go to the office in the atmosphere of a drinking party. It's not that you've suddenly become cold, but rather that there is a clear separation between on and off. This is just a small part of what I have put on my blog. The unique culture of a company is full of things that you can't understand unless you are a Japan person. Let's remember it little by little. Don't forget to keep a note in your pocket when memorizing. This is also a culture of Japan.

[English/Japanese] Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan - Part-time Jobs About 80% of international students have part-time jobs in Japan. In this article, we will introduce some of the culture shocks that international students face when they start working part-time. How much part-time work is possible for international students? To begin with, the "College Student" status of residence does not allow for part-time work. Therefore, most international students apply for a "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" at the airport on the day they arrive in Japan. Even if you are granted permission, there are various rules regarding part-time work for international students. International students are only allowed to work 28 hours a week. However, during long vacations such as summer vacation, you can work 40 hours a week with a certificate from your school. There are also some jobs that you are not allowed to work, such as nightclubs and pachinko. If you violate these rules, you will not be able to live as a foreign student, so if you work overtime, please make sure that you have not exceeded the number of hours. Also, some students take part-time jobs with high hourly wages late at night and fall asleep in class. Study is the most important thing for international students. Don't get an unreasonable part-time job! Most international students work in restaurants, factories, or convenience stores. Recently, sorting packages for online shopping at a warehouse is a popular job. If you want to find a job in Japan, experience in the hospitality industry can be a career. When choosing a part-time job, be sure to think about and consider many things. What kind of people are in demand? Japanese companies are looking for people who are cooperative and polite. Compared to other countries, Japan has a national character that values teamwork, and it is the same for part-time jobs. Listen to your boss's instructions and work together with your colleagues to get the job done. There are cases where international students are scolded for working alone without consulting anyone. Do you know that there is a word used at work called "ho-ren-sou spinach"? "Ho" means "report," "ren" means "contact," and "so" means "consultation. Let's always keep these three words in mind when we work. Also, In Japan, there is a saying, "The customer is God," which means that you should treat your customers as if they are God and be polite and courteous to them. If you can master customer service, you will have a big advantage when you find a job in Japan. You don't need to be good at Japanese to convey your feelings. Unique greetings at part-time jobs I was once asked by an international student, "Do Japanese people say 'Ohayo gozaimasu' even at night? I was once asked by an international student. In restaurants, "Ohayo gozaimasu" is often used as a greeting to start work. The greeting is the same even if the workday starts at 6:00 p.m., for example. This unique culture makes even Japanese people feel uncomfortable when they first start working part-time. There is no clear reason as to why people greet each other in such a way. Be careful, this is a greeting only between store workers and not used for customer Be strict with time! The most common problems that foreign students have at their part-time jobs are related to tardiness and absenteeism. If you are going to be late, be sure to call before the designated time. The same goes for taking time off from your part-time job. Also, if you are at work and it is prayer time, you are not allowed to give priority to prayer. If you have to pray, please try not to work during that time. Also, if you are going to quit your part-time job, please consult with your manager one month in advance. It is not a good idea to quit suddenly. If you quit your part-time job abruptly, people from the same country or the same school as you may not be able to work there anymore. Please be careful. There are students who suddenly become fluent in Japanese when they start working part-time. I have also received reports that they have made Japanese friends and are enjoying their study abroad experience. Of course, the most important thing for international students is to study, but part-time jobs allow you to learn things that you cannot learn at school. Please manage your part-time job carefully and enjoy your life as an international student. At our school, we can help you find a part-time job. What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~Part-time job~ About 80% of privately financed international students work part-time in Japan. In this article, we will introduce the culture shock that international students face when they start working part-time. How long can international students work part-time? In the first place, the status of residence of "College Student" does not allow part-time work. Therefore, most international students apply for "permission to engage in activities outside the status of qualification" at the airport on the day they enter the country. Even if you get permission, there are various rules for part-time work for international students. International students should only work 28 hours a week. However, in the case of long vacations, such as summer vacation, you can get a certificate from the school and work 40 hours a week. There are also jobs that you should not work in, such as nightclubs and pachinko. If you violate these requirements, you will not be able to live your study abroad life, so if you work overtime, make sure that you do not exceed the number of hours. In addition, there are people who work part-time jobs late at night with high hourly wages and end up dozing off during class. Studying is the most important thing for international students. Don't work part-time! Most international students work in restaurants, factories, convenience stores, etc. Recently, the job of sorting packages for online shopping at a warehouse is popular. If you want to get a job in Japan, experience in the hospitality industry can be a career. When you work part-time, be careful about various things when you make a choice. What kind of human resources are in demand? Companies in Japan need collaborative and courteous people. Japan has a national character that values teamwork compared to other countries, and the same is true for part-time jobs. Listen to your boss's instructions and work together with your colleagues. Some international students work alone without consulting anyone and are scolded. Did you know that one of the words used at work is "spinach"? "Ho" is "report", "goodwill" is "contact", and "so" is "consultation". Always keep these three words in mind when working. Also, in Japan, there is a saying, "The customer is God." It means that you must think of your customers as gods and serve them politely and politely. If you master customer service, you will have a great advantage when you get a job in Japan. Even if you're not good at Japanese, you can still get the feeling. Serve customers with sincerity. Unique greetings of part-time workers An international student once asked me, "Do Japan people say 'good morning' even at night?" In restaurants, etc., "good morning" is often used as a greeting at the start of work. For example, if work starts at 6 p.m., the greeting is the same. This culture feels strange when even Japan people start working part-time. There is no clear reason why we say such a greeting. Please note that this is a conversation between clerks and is not used for customers. Be strict with time! The troubles that international students often cause at part-time jobs are often related to "tardiness" and "absenteeism". If you're going to be late, be sure to contact us before the scheduled time. This is the same when you take a break from your part-time job. Also, if it is time to pray while you are at work, you are not allowed to prioritize prayer. If you have prayers, please do not include part-time work at that time. Also, if you want to quit your part-time job, consult with the store manager one month in advance. It's not good to quit suddenly. People from the same country or school as you may not be able to work part-time there. Be careful. There are students who suddenly become better at Japanese when they start working part-time. I have also received reports that I have made friends with Japan and that my study abroad life has become more enjoyable. Of course, the most important thing for international students is studying, but part-time work allows you to learn what you can't learn at school. Let's manage it carefully by yourself and enjoy your study abroad life. * At our school, you can consult when looking for a part-time job.

[English/Japanese] Continuing from the previous article, I would like to introduce the public transportation system in Japan. Are trains and buses quiet in Japan? I often hear from international students that they are surprised at how quiet buses are in Japan. In Japan, it is against etiquette to talk loudly or make phone calls on the train or bus. Therefore, when you see people on the train, most of them are operating their phones or reading books. Also, you may see women dozing off because it is not only quiet but also safe. However, there is one sight that surprises foreigners, even among Japanese people who are said to have good manners. That is, there are women who wear makeup on the train. I've heard many people say that they stared at the dexterity of these women as they applied their makeup on the train. It would be interesting to look around and see what they are doing when you get on the train or bus. The hellish commuter rush Compared to people in other countries, the Japanese are a nation of people who keep their distance from each other. However, on the train during commuting, you will see scenes that make this hard to believe. In Tokyo, from about 7:30 to 9:00 in the morning, the train occupancy rate is about 180%. The boarding rate is the ratio of the number of people actually on board to the capacity. When the ratio is 100%, all the seats are occupied. When it is 180%, the train is so crowded that people standing in the train have a hard time just keeping both feet on the ground. In this crowded train, fights often break out. Everyone is irritated and it is a dangerous train. I have heard that some foreign tourists ride the train on purpose to experience this commuter rush. This is not something that I would ever recommend doing, so please do not do this. Do you ride the bus from the front? Do you ride from the back? Did you know that the way to get on a train is the same for all trains, but the way to get on a bus is different depending on the bus? Basically, buses have a front door and a back door. Some ride from the front, while others ride from the back. Also, some buses have a flat rate and you pay at the beginning, while others have different rates based on the number of bus stops you pass. The system differs from bus to bus, so when you get on a bus, ask the bus driver how to get on, or watch other people before you get on the bus. By the way, when you want to get off, listen to the announcement saying the name of the bus stop and press the button. This is the same for all buses, so don't worry. Forgotten items will be returned. What should you do if you have forgotten your luggage on the train? If you notice that you forget something right away, tell the station staff right away the train you were on and where you were sitting. If you are lucky, you may be able to get it from a station staff member at another station. If you notice it after a while, go to the Lost and Found Center. Lost-and-found centers are located at major stations, as well as the last and first stations. Tell the station staff what you lost and when you lost it there. Lost and found items taken to the Lost and Found Center may be given to the police station after a certain period of time. If you have forgotten something on the train, you can almost always find it if you take care of it as soon as possible. I hope you were able to learn about trains and buses in Japan. Our school has a dormitory on the upper floor of the building. Since you don't have to take the commuter train and you don't have to pay for the train, you can concentrate on your studies from morning. Please come and visit the dormitory. This time, as in the previous article, I introduce Japan's public transportation system. Are trains and buses quiet in Japan? I often hear from international students that they were very surprised by how quiet buses are in Japan. In Japan, speaking loudly or making phone calls on trains and buses is considered bad manners. For that reason, when you look at people on the train, most are using their smartphones or reading books. Because it is not only quiet but also safe, you may also see women dozing off. However, even among Japanese people, who are said to have good manners, there is a sight that surprises foreigners: women putting on makeup on the train. I often hear people say they found themselves staring at how skillfully these women applied makeup on the swaying train. If you ride a train or bus, try looking around to see what people are doing; it might be interesting. The hellish commuter rush Japanese people tend to keep their distance from others compared to people in other countries. Yet on commuting trains you can see scenes that make that hard to believe. In Tokyo, trains from about 7:30 to 9:00 in the morning reach an occupancy rate of around 180%. Occupancy rate shows the ratio of actual passengers to capacity. When the rate is 100%, all seats are filled. At 180%, standing passengers find it hard just to keep both feet on the floor because of the crowd. In such crowded trains, fights sometimes break out. Everyone is irritated, and the train can be dangerous. I have heard some foreign tourists deliberately ride the train to experience this commuter crush. This is something I absolutely cannot recommend, so do not do it. Do you board the bus from the front or the back? While boarding procedures are the same for all trains, they vary by bus. Buses generally have front and rear doors. Some allow boarding from the front, others from the rear. Some use a flat fare you pay when boarding, while others charge based on how many stops you pass. Because systems differ, when you board a bus ask the driver how to get on or watch how others do it. By the way, when you want to get off, listen for the announcement of the stop name and press the button. This is the same on all buses, so you can relax. Lost items are returned What should you do if you leave luggage on a train? If you notice immediately, tell station staff which train you were on and where you sat. With luck, staff at another station may recover it. If you notice later, go to the Lost and Found Center. Lost-and-found centers are at major stations and at terminal or originating stations. Tell staff what you lost and when you lost it. Items sent to the Lost and Found Center may be handed over to the police after a certain period. If you act quickly after leaving something on a train, you will almost always be able to find it. Did you learn about trains and buses in Japan? Our school has a dormitory on the upper floors of the building. You won't need to take commuter trains or pay train fares, so you can focus on studying from the morning. Please come visit the dormitory.

[English/Japanese] There are many foreign tourists who come to Japan and take the train from the airport. However, Japanese trains have unique rules and systems that can be very complicated for those who are not used to them. In this article, I would like to introduce you to the Japanese train system. Complicated and difficult to understand! Subway route map Have you ever seen a train route map in Tokyo? See the picture. It looks like a maze and has a very complicated shape. I've heard that foreign tourists panic when they see this map. Especially the subway is more complicated. However, if you learn the colors of the subway symbols, it may seem a little easier. The Tokyo subway system is color-coded. If you get lost in a station, you can easily reach your destination by walking towards the colored markings. Please be aware of this and take a look. Being late is strictly prohibited One of the most common surprises I hear from international students when they get on the train is that the train arrives on time. If you are even one minute late, you may see a "delay" notice on the electronic bulletin board. Also, when you board a delayed train, you will hear the conductor announce, "We apologize for the delay in the train." When a student heard this announcement, she once asked me why I was apologizing when the train was only delayed for one minute. If there is a delay, you will be notified immediately on the Internet. It might be a good idea to check before you get on the train. Don't make the mistake of riding in the women-only car During the morning commute, the rear car of the train is sometimes reserved for women. The term "women-only car" does not mean that only women can ride in it. Boys of elementary school age or younger, disabled people and their caregivers are also allowed to ride. I have heard of a man who made a last-minute rush to get on a train just as it was about to depart, and was embarrassed when he mistakenly got on the women-only car. When you get on a train, make sure you have enough time to spare. Different melodies at each station When you get on or off the train, you will hear music. Did you know that the music is different for each station? For example, Ueno Station, which is famous for its cherry blossoms, plays the melody of the song "Sakura," while Takadanobaba Station plays the theme song from the anime "Astro Boy" by the famous cartoonist Osamu Tezuka. Incidentally, Hachioji Station, where our school is located, plays a children's song called "Yuuyake Koyake." Please listen to it when you get on the train. There are many other things that international students are surprised to hear on the train. I will continue to introduce them in the next article. When you come to Japan, many people take the train from the airport. However, Japanese trains have unique rules and systems that can be very confusing if you are not used to them. This time, I will introduce the Japanese train system. Complicated and puzzling! The subway route map Have you ever looked at a Tokyo train route map? (See the photo.) It looks like a maze and has a very complex layout. I've heard that foreign tourists often panic when they first see this map. The subway is especially more complicated. However, if you remember the colors of the subway symbols, it may feel a little easier. Tokyo's subway lines are color-coded. If you get lost in a station, walking toward the color markers will help you reach your destination more easily. Be sure to pay attention to them. Being late is unacceptable One of the most common stories I hear from international students surprised by trains is that trains arrive on time. If you are even one minute late, a "delay" notice may appear on the electronic display. Also, when you board a delayed train, the conductor will announce, "We apologize for the delay in the train." A student once asked me why the conductor apologized when the train was only one minute late. Delay information is updated online in real time. It might be a good idea to check before taking the train. Don't accidentally board the women-only car During the morning commute, the rear cars of some trains are designated women-only. "Women-only car" does not mean only women may ride; boys in elementary school or younger, people with disabilities and their caregivers may also board. I've heard of a man who rushed to catch a departing train and ended up embarrassed after mistakenly entering a women-only car. Allow yourself enough time when boarding trains. Each station has a different melody Music plays when you board or get off the train. Did you know each station has its own melody? For example, Ueno Station, famous for cherry blossoms, plays the melody of the song "Sakura," while Takadanobaba Station plays the theme from the anime "Astro Boy" by the famous manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Incidentally, Hachioji, where our school is located, plays the children's song "Yuuyake Koyake." Try listening for it when you ride the train. There are many other things that surprise international students on trains. I will introduce more in the next article.

[English／日本語] The Tokyo Olympics is over and the Paralympics will soon begin. At the closing ceremony of the Olympics, it was impressive to see athletes from different countries communicating with each other. In this article, I would like to introduce the unique way Japanese people communicate. Japanese people who don't "hug" but suddenly touch their bodies: a tap on the shoulder I often hear from international students that they were surprised by a sudden tap on the shoulder from a Japanese person. Japanese people do not hug and generally keep more distance from others than people in some other countries. However, we often tap someone on the shoulder when we speak to them. We also pat small children on the head to show that they are "cute" or "good." Lovers may do this as well. In some countries, it is absolutely forbidden to pat a child's head. For Japanese people, patting a head is a sign of affection. If it makes you uncomfortable, be sure to tell the person. Aizuchi At Japanese language schools, we often guide students who do not give many aizuchi during class. Do you know what aizuchi is? Aizuchi is a way of communicating by nodding your head to show you are listening closely to what someone is saying. That is why Japanese people use a lot of aizuchi in conversation. In some countries, people tilt their heads to the side to mean "yes" when making an aizuchi. However, that gesture means "I don't understand" to Japanese people. Learning Japanese grammar and kanji is very important, but if you do not learn communication habits like aizuchi as well, misunderstandings can arise, so be careful. What is the meaning of tongue clicking? Tongue-clicking is a problem that occurs in the classroom about as often as aizuchi. In Japan, people click their tongues to express sarcasm or dissatisfaction toward others. Tongue clicks that others can hear are considered bad manners and can cause trouble even among Japanese people. Depending on a foreign student's country, tongue-clicking may have no particular meaning or may be done only toward oneself. Teachers at Japanese language schools are used to this kind of situation, so they lightly warn students, but if you click your tongue at a part-time job, you could be fired. When you come to Japan, be careful not to click your tongue. While studying abroad, your small gestures can often lead to misunderstandings. If you are misunderstood, polish your Japanese so you can explain yourself properly. At our school, we teach not only the Japanese language but also manners in class. We support you so you can live as an international student with peace of mind, so please consider enrolling in our school. The Tokyo Olympics is over and the Paralympics will soon begin. The closing ceremony of the Olympics left an impression with athletes communicating across national borders. This time, I will introduce the distinctive ways Japanese people communicate. Japanese people who do not hug but suddenly touch others: the act of tapping the shoulder I often hear from international students that they were surprised when a Japanese person suddenly tapped their shoulder. Japanese people do not hug, and compared with other countries they tend to keep a greater distance from strangers. Still, they often tap someone on the shoulder when speaking to them. They also stroke a small child's head to convey feelings of “cute” or “good child.” This action is sometimes done to lovers as well. In some students’ home countries, stroking a child’s head is absolutely forbidden. For Japanese people, stroking the head is one form of expressing affection. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, be sure to tell the other person. Aizuchi At Japanese language schools, teachers often instruct students who do not give aizuchi during class. Do you know what aizuchi are? Aizuchi are the small responses you give while listening, such as nodding your head vertically to show “I am listening carefully to what you are saying.” That is why Japanese people insert many aizuchi in conversation. In some countries, people tilt their heads sideways to mean “yes” when giving an aizuchi. However, that gesture comes across to Japanese people as “I don’t understand.” Studying Japanese grammar and kanji is very important, but if you do not learn communication behaviors like aizuchi at the same time, misunderstandings can occur, so be careful. What does tongue-clicking mean? Tongue-clicking is a problem that happens in the classroom almost as often as issues with aizuchi. In Japan, people click their tongues to show sarcasm or dissatisfaction toward someone. Tongue clicks that others can hear are regarded as bad manners and can cause trouble even among Japanese people. In some countries, tongue-clicking may be meaningless or may be directed only at oneself. Teachers at Japanese language schools are accustomed to this and give students gentle warnings, but if you click your tongue at your part-time job, you might lose your position. When you come to Japan, take care not to click your tongue. While studying abroad, your small gestures often cause misunderstandings. If you are misunderstood, improve your Japanese so you can explain yourself properly. At our school, we teach manners as well as the language during lessons. We support you so you can enjoy your study-abroad life with peace of mind, so please consider applying to our school.

Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 2 This time, I would like to introduce you to some of the "stores" in the city. Bookstores are full of manga, content even adults can enjoy What kind of books are available in bookstores in your country? When a foreigner enters a Japanese bookstore, they are often surprised by how many manga there are. Manga is one of Japan’s most famous subcultures worldwide, and many people are surprised to learn that adults read manga too. Famous works like Doraemon and Dragon Ball are aimed at children, but plenty of titles target adults. For example, some stories follow salarymen succeeding at work, while others feature lawyers thriving in court. Some children study by reading historical or science-themed manga. Even students at the University of Tokyo, known for its high academic standards, use manga to study. It may be a little difficult for those who have just started learning Japanese, but try picking up a manga. Your world might expand. Shocking ticket prices! Movie theaters I often hear stories of international students who wanted to see a movie, went to the cinema, and then gave up. Why? Because ticket prices are too high. In many students’ home countries, a movie costs less than 1,000 yen. In Japan, however, an adult ticket can cost as much as 1,800 yen. That’s why some people give up. Prices vary by theater, but if you pick a women’s discount day or a service day, you can sometimes see a movie for about 1,000 yen. Check cheap days before you go. Seven Wonders of the Restaurant Salt piled like Mt. Fuji at a restaurant entrance...flying forks and fake food in display cases...small towels served when you sit down...dishes that arrive though you didn’t order them... To foreigners, many things about Japanese restaurants seem strange. ・The salt piled like Mt. Fuji at the entrance is a prayer for business prosperity. ・The flying forks and fake food in the display case are called food samples. These are models of dishes made of wax or synthetic resin. They are very popular with foreign tourists, and many people buy small keychains and similar items as souvenirs. ・The small towel is called an oshibori. It is used to wipe your hands before eating. ・A dish you didn’t order but that is already prepared... This is called otoshi, and at places that serve alcohol, such as izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), it is brought to your table when you enter even if you didn’t order it. The price is about 300 to 500 yen. Have you learned a little about Japanese restaurants? Our school library not only offers a wide variety of books for extensive reading but also has many manga available for loan. Use manga to understand Japanese culture and go explore the town!

[English／日本語] Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 1 For two consecutive weeks, I have been describing life in the city, and this time I would like to introduce the "shops" within it. Shops across Japan are known for their polite customer service, and customers themselves are famous for forming neat lines at the register. Here I will share, based on stories from our students, the kinds of troubles international students encounter when they come to Japan and do their shopping for the first time. Convenience stores are a bit expensive but convenient. Is this juice? Or is it alcohol? There are about 7,800 convenience stores in Tokyo. In other words, the city is full of convenience stores. Most are open 24 hours a day, so international students often say, "They’re convenient because they’re open even when I come home late from my part-time job," and "I don’t feel scared walking alone at night because the stores are well lit." When international students enter a convenience store for the first time, they are often surprised by the sheer number of products. Many tell us they’re impressed by the variety of drinks. However, there are many stories of people who bought what looked like a nicely packaged juice only to find it was alcohol. Because of such troubles, the kanji for "alcohol" is usually not taught at the beginner level, but at our school we teach it right after students arrive in the country. Please be careful. Do you buy too much? 100-yen stores Did you know there are stores where every item sells for 100 yen plus tax? Not as common as convenience stores, there are nearly 800 of these 100-yen shops in Tokyo. These stores, commonly called "100-yen shops," sell daily necessities like dishes and cleaning supplies, and even food. So when students begin living in Japan and need household items, they go to these 100-yen shops to buy them. Not only are the items cheap, but they also come in many designs, and once people visit a 100-yen shop they often end up returning again and again to buy things they don’t really need. I often hear stories of newly arrived students who have spent a lot of money at 100-yen shops. You need money until your part-time job starts, so shop carefully. A room full of stuffed animals! Be careful not to get too carried away at the game center. Like 100-yen shops, game arcades are places where people tend to spend a lot of money. Some study-abroad students get hooked on crane games and spend a lot on them. Before they know it, their rooms are covered in stuffed animals won from crane games. Because of this, students often end up throwing away the stuffed animals as trash when they move, crying because they have too much luggage. Life abroad is often lonely, and many students find comfort in stuffed animals. Enjoy them, but try not to collect too many. Have you learned about Japanese shops? We will continue introducing shops in the next article. By the way, our school has a convenience store and a 100-yen shop just a few meters from the student dormitory. Even if you’ve just arrived in Japan, you can quickly get everything you need. At first you can learn how to shop with a teacher, so you can start your new life with peace of mind. 留学生が日本に来て驚いたこと ～お店編①～ 2週連続で街の様子についてお伝えしてきましたが、今回はその街の中にある「お店」についてご紹介します。日本のお店はどこも接客が丁寧で、お客さん自身もレジで並ぶときにきれいな行列を作ることで有名です。ここでは留学生が初めて日本に来て買い物をするときにどんなトラブルを起こしてしまうか、本校の学生の話を元にみなさんにお伝えします。 少し高いけれど便利なコンビニ これはジュース？お酒？ 東京にはコンビニが7800件ほどあります。つまり街の中はコンビニだらけ。ほとんどのコンビニが24時間営業なため、留学生からは、「深夜にアルバイトから帰ってきても開いているので、便利です。」や「夜一人で歩いていても明るいので怖くないです。」という話をよく聞きます。また、留学生が初めてコンビニに入ったときに商品の多さにとても驚くそうです。その中でも飲み物の多さに感動したという話をよく聞きます。しかし、きれいなパッケージのジュースだと思い買って帰ったら、お酒だったという話はとても多いです。このようなトラブルが多いため、普通「酒」という漢字は初級では学びませんが、本校では入国してすぐ教えるようにしています。みなさんも気をつけてくださいね。 ついつい買いすぎてしまう？ 100円均一のお店 すべての商品が100円（＋消費税）で買えるお店があるのをご存知ですか。コンビニほどではありませんが、この100円均一のお店も東京に800件近くあります。この100円均一のお店、通称「100円ショップ」は生活に必要なもの（食器や掃除用具など）や食品もあります。そのため、日本に住み始めて生活用品が必要になったとき、学生たちはこの100円ショップに買いに行きます。安いだけではなく、デザインも様々で一度100円ショップに行ってしまうと、何度も通って必要のないものまで買ってしまう人も多くいます。特に入国したての学生が100円ショップでお金を散財してしまった話をよく聞きます。アルバイトが始まるまではお金が必要なときです。買い物は慎重にしましょうね。 気がついたらぬいぐるみだらけの部屋に！ゲームセンターはまりすぎに注意。 100円ショップと同じように、ついついお金を使ってしまう「ゲームセンター」。その中でも「クレーンゲーム」にはまりすぎて、お金をたくさん使ってしまう留学生がいます。さらに、気がつくと部屋中がクレーンゲームのぬいぐるみだらけに。そのせいで学生たちは引っ越しの時に、荷物が多すぎて泣く泣くゴミとしてぬいぐるみを捨てることがよくあります。留学生活は孤独を感じることが多く、ぬいぐるみに癒されている学生も少なくありません。ぬいぐるみは増やしすぎないように楽しみましょうね。 日本のお店について知ることができましたか？次回も引き続きお店について紹介していく予定です。ちなみに、本校は学校（学生寮）から数メートルのところにコンビニと100円ショップがあります。入国したばかりでもすぐ必要なものが揃えることができます。買い物の仕方は最初は先生とすることができるので安心して新生活がスタートできますよ。

What international students were surprised to learn when they first came to Japan. The City 2 Continuing from the previous article, I would like to introduce the "city" this time as well. Free pocket tissues? In Japan, pocket tissues are handed out in front of train stations every day. Many foreigners are said to be surprised to see this scene. The reason for their surprise is that these pocket tissues are all free. If you look closely at the pocket tissues you receive, you will see company advertisements on them. Thanks to those ads, you can get them for free. Sometimes small snacks or cosmetic samples are handed out too. Pocket tissues are handy to keep in your bag, so be brave and take them. Feeling like a king? Many foreign tourists are impressed when taxi doors open automatically as they get in. Japanese taxi drivers are also famous for their excellent customer service. However, taxis are more expensive than in other countries, so check your wallet before using one. Do you ride your bicycle on the sidewalk? On the roadway? Roads in Japan are known for being narrow. Kei cars, which are easy to drive on such narrow roads, look like toy cars to foreigners. In addition, bicycles are sometimes ridden on both the roadway and the sidewalk, so the rules for bicycles can be hard to understand. International students are often stopped by the police and fined because they do not understand the bicycle rules. As a general rule, bicycles should be ridden on the road. There are some exceptions where riding on the sidewalk is allowed. Be sure to check the traffic rules carefully before you ride. Have you learned about Japanese cities? At our school, we hold a traffic rules seminar every six months. To live safely in Japan, let’s make sure to learn the traffic rules.

[English／日本語] Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: The City 1 I wrote in my previous blog that there is no trash on the streets in Japan, but there are many other things that are unique to Japan. This time, I would like to introduce some of them. A city full of vending machines Japan is famous for its large number of vending machines. Not only in number, but also in variety. For example, there are vending machines at train stations that sell books, bananas, and other items. I have also heard many stories of people being surprised when a vending machine says "Hello" to them as they walk by. These days, some vending machines have digital images to help you choose a drink, and some even allow you to sign up for a subscription. It is a little more expensive than buying at a store, but it is very convenient, so try to use it. How to ride an escalator Of course, you have escalators in your country, but in Japan, there is an unspoken rule about escalators. In Tokyo, ride on the left side of the escalator, and in Osaka, ride on the right side. This is not an official rule or manner, but for some reason it is the way it is. Of course, there are manners. For example, you may see people walking up the escalator, but this is very bad manners and dangerous, so don't do it! WiFi spots are scarce! Compared to a few years ago, the number of free WiFi spots has been increasing, but compared to other developed countries, there are still very few WiFi spots in Japan. Of course you can use it in convenience stores and fast food restaurants, but be aware that it is often not available in small stores. It is recommended that you check out WiFi spots ahead of time when sightseeing. You too can become a collector. Manholes are art. In many parts of Japan, there are manholes that are designed in the image of the local area. Manhole designs have become so popular that some towns have made them into "manhole cards" and handed them out. Recently, manholes with various anime characters, including Pokemon, have appeared, and some places have become famous as tourist spots. When you are sightseeing in Japan, you are likely to look at the stores and scenery, but please take a look down there as well. （The photo is a manhole in Hachioji. Please come and see it.） What do you think? I plan to tell you more about the city in my next article. Look forward to it! 留学生が日本に来て驚いたこと ～街の様子編①～ 日本の街にゴミが落ちていないのは前回のブログで書きましたが、他にも日本ならでは様子が街の中には多くあります。今回はそのうちのいくつかを紹介します。 自動販売機だらけの街 日本は自動販売機がとても多いことで有名です。多いのは数だけではなく、種類も。例えば、本やバナナなどを売っている自動販売機が駅に設置されていたりします。また、歩いていると「こんにちは」と自動販売機に話しかけられてびっくりしたという話もよく聞きます。最近ではデジタル映像で飲み物を選ぶものや、サブスクの契約ができるものもあります。お店で買うよりも少し高くはありますが、とても便利なので利用してみてくださいね。 エスカレーター 暗黙のルール みなさんの国にはもちろんエスカレーターがあると思いますが、日本にはエスカレーターの暗黙のルールがあります。それは、東京では乗るときに左側に、大阪で乗るときに右側にのることです。これは正式なルールやマナーではありませんが、なぜかこのようになっています。もちろんマナーはあります。例えば、みんながたっていないほうを歩いてのぼっていく人達を見ることがあると思いますが、これはとてもマナーが悪く危険なのでやめましょうね。 WiFiスポットが少ない！ 数年前と比べると無料のWiFiスポットは増えてきていますが、他の先進国と比べると日本のWiFiスポットはまだまだ少ないという問題があります。コンビニやファストフード店ではもちろん使えますが、小さな店などは使えないことが多いので気を付けましょう。観光をするときには先にWiFiスポットを調べておくことをおすすめします。 あなたもコレクターになる マンホールはアートだ 日本各地ではその土地をイメージしたデザインになっているマンホールがあります。マンホールのデザインはとても人気があり、街ではそれを「マンホールカード」というカードにして配っていることもあります。最近ではポケモンをはじめとする、いろいろなアニメのキャラクターが描かれているマンホールも登場し、観光スポットとしても有名になっている場所もあります。日本での観光中、お店や景色を見ることが多いと思いますが、ぜひ下も見てみてくださいね。（※写真は八王子のマンホールです。ぜひ見に来てくださいね！） いかがでしたか？次回も街の様子についてお伝えする予定です。お楽しみに！

[English / Japanese] Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Trash Japanese cities are famous around the world for their cleanliness and the lack of litter on the streets. Why is that? Japan has many rules about garbage. These rules often cause problems between foreign students and local residents. In this article, I will introduce the rules about garbage. No trash cans! Japanese people who take their trash home One thing that frustrates foreign tourists in Japan is the lack of trash cans. Where do you throw away the tissue you used to blow your nose, or the candy wrapper after a snack? Japanese people put small trash in a pocket in their bag and dispose of it at home. Many people with young children also carry plastic bags for trash in their bags. Some shopping malls and convenience stores have public trash cans anyone can use. When sightseeing, it might be a good idea to note where you can throw away trash. How many types of trash should I separate? How to separate garbage When you first start living in Japan, one of the first confusions is how to separate garbage. Let’s look at the separation rules in Hachioji, Tokyo. Combustible trash, non-combustible trash, hazardous waste, plastic containers and packaging, magazines, paper packs, newspapers, cardboard, empty bottles, empty cans, PET bottles, used cloth, oversized waste… New international students are surprised by how many categories there are. Each category also has rules. For example, you cannot throw away PET bottles as they are. The cap and label must be disposed of as plastic waste, while the bottle must be washed and crushed and put in the PET bottle collection. Also, you should not throw away garbage every day but on designated days at designated locations. In some areas you must also follow a set time for disposal. The rules vary by municipality. For example, in Hachioji you must buy designated garbage bags at supermarkets. What do you think? There are so many rules for garbage disposal, aren’t there? In fact, separation rules are so complicated that even Japanese people make mistakes. Many foreign students who do not understand the rules and dispose of trash carelessly end up in disputes with other residents and sometimes have to move. To avoid this, first get a garbage calendar from the city office and follow it. If you are unsure, ask a Japanese person. They are usually willing to kindly teach international students who are making an effort to sort their trash. Did you learn about the garbage rules? By the way, our school requires students to live in the school dormitory for six months. During that time, the school teaches about garbage. If you do not know how to dispose of or separate garbage, you can email the teacher in charge. By learning about garbage for six months, you can avoid trouble even after graduating. If you can separate garbage naturally, your life as an international student will go more smoothly. What surprised international students when they came to Japan — Garbage edition — Japanese cities are famous worldwide for being clean and for streets without litter. Why is that? Japan has many rules regarding garbage. These rules often cause international students to have frequent disputes with residents. This time, I will introduce the rules about garbage. There are no trash cans! Japanese people take their trash home A problem for foreign tourists coming to Japan is that there are few trash cans. Where do you throw away a tissue you used to blow your nose or a candy wrapper you put in your mouth when you were a little hungry? Japanese people put small pieces of trash into a pocket in their bag and take them home to throw away. Also, people with small children often carry a plastic bag for trash in their bag. Some shopping malls and convenience stores provide trash cans anyone can use. When sightseeing, it might be good to check in advance where trash can be thrown away. How many categories should you separate into? Garbage sorting methods One of the first things that confuses people when they start living in Japan is garbage sorting. Let’s look at Hachioji City, Tokyo’s sorting categories. Combustible garbage, non-combustible garbage, hazardous garbage, container and packaging plastics, magazines, paper packs, newspapers, cardboard, empty bottles, empty cans, PET bottles, old cloth, bulky waste… Students who have just arrived in Japan are surprised by the many types of sorting. Each category has rules. For example, you must not throw away PET bottles as they are. Caps and labels are plastic waste; bottles must be washed, crushed, and placed in PET bottle collection. Furthermore, you should not throw away garbage every day; you must bring it to the designated place on the designated day. Depending on where you live, the time for disposal may also be set. And the rules change depending on the municipality. For example, Hachioji requires you to buy designated garbage bags at supermarkets. How is it? There are too many rules for garbage disposal, aren’t there? In fact, garbage sorting is so complex that even Japanese people make mistakes. Many international students who do not understand the sorting rules and throw away garbage arbitrarily end up in fights with other residents and have to move out. To prevent this, first get a garbage calendar at city hall and throw away garbage according to it. If you do not understand, you may ask a Japanese person. I think they will kindly teach international students who are trying to sort their garbage. Were you able to learn about the garbage rules? By the way, this school requires students to live in the school dormitory for six months. During that time, the school gives guidance about garbage. If you do not know how to throw away or sort garbage, you can email the teacher in charge to ask. By thoroughly learning about garbage for six months, you can avoid troubles even after graduating. If you can naturally sort garbage, your study abroad life will go well.

[English/Japanese] Things that Surprised International Students When They First Came to Japan: Public Safety Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world. You can often get your wallet back if you drop it, and although it depends on the area, it is usually safe to walk alone at night. This safety has given rise to some unique customs that sometimes trouble international students. In this article, I will introduce several of them. Handkerchiefs on the Table: Japanese People Reserving Seats with Their Belongings In Japan, you may find a handkerchief or even a bag left on a food-court table, and no one sits there. Even when the place is crowded, people avoid taking that seat. Why is this? Japanese people sometimes place their belongings to save a seat. One student said, “I was surprised to see people leave bags with valuables in them.” Small items like handkerchiefs can be easy to miss, so if you sit down by mistake you might cause trouble. Be sure to check before you sit. Children Walking to School Alone: Be Careful About Approaching Them One student wrote about being surprised to see a small child walking alone with a large bag. Many elementary-school children in Japan walk to school by themselves. Some are as young as six and ride the train alone. Some international students, fond of children, may ask a child walking alone, “Are you okay by yourself?” or say, “You’re so cute!” But doing this can lead to a report to the police, so if you see a child walking alone, just watch over them quietly. Can I Take These Vegetables?: Unattended Vegetable Stands In Japanese fields you sometimes find small unmanned huts selling vegetables. When you pay, you put money in a box inside the hut. International students seeing these huts for the first time are often impressed that the money box is left out in the open. Many students use these unmanned stands because they offer fresh vegetables cheaper than supermarkets. Some students mistakenly take vegetables discarded in fields or nuts from park trees, thinking they are free to take them, and end up detained by the police. Plants grown outdoors belong to someone, so do not take them. Twice in One Day!: International Students and Police Stops A police officer in Japan will often stop and question people on the street who seem suspicious. These checks help prevent crime. International students are frequently questioned, especially male students, sometimes twice in one day. During questioning, officers may ask if you carry your residence card and which school you attend. Even when you go to the nearby convenience store, be sure to carry your residence card. What did you think? Even in Japan, which is considered a safe country, there is still a risk of becoming involved in crime. Don’t be overly complacent; stay alert during your study abroad. By the way, when you enroll at our school, we get to know the neighborhood by visiting the local police box, taking part in community events, and volunteering. Building good relations with neighbors is important for a smooth life as an international student. When you come to Japan, greet the people you see every day with a cheerful hello. Things That Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan — Public Safety Edition Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world. You can often get your wallet back if you lose it, and although it depends on the area, it is usually safe to walk alone at night. This safety has produced unique customs that sometimes confuse international students. Here are a few examples. Handkerchiefs on the Table: Japanese People Reserving Seats with Their Belongings In Japan, you may find a handkerchief or a bag left on a food-court table, and no one will sit there. Even when it is crowded, customers will not take that seat. Why is that? Japanese people sometimes leave their belongings to reserve seats. I heard a student say, “I was surprised to see people leave bags containing valuables.” Small items like handkerchiefs may go unnoticed, so if you sit there by mistake it could cause trouble. Check before you sit. Children Walking to School Alone: Be Careful About Approaching Them Once a student wrote about being shocked to see a small child carrying a large bag walking alone. Many elementary-school students in Japan commute alone. Some six-year-olds even take the train by themselves. Some international students who like children may kindly ask a child walking alone, “Are you okay by yourself?” or say, “You’re so cute,” but this can lead to a police report, so it’s best to watch over the child quietly. Can I Take These Vegetables?: Unattended Vegetable Sales In Japan’s fields you sometimes find small unmanned stalls selling vegetables. When you pay, you put the money into a box inside the stall. International students seeing these stalls for the first time are often moved by the fact that the money box is left out in the open. Many students use these unmanned markets because they offer fresher, cheaper vegetables than supermarkets. Some students mistakenly take discarded vegetables from fields or nuts from park trees, thinking they are free to take, and end up being detained by police. Plants grown outdoors all have owners, so please do not take them. Stopped Twice in One Day!: International Students and Police Questioning A police stop is when an officer stops someone on the street they find suspicious and asks questions. These stops often help prevent crime. International students are frequently stopped; in particular, male students may be stopped twice in one day. During these stops, you’ll be asked if you carry your residence card and which school you attend. Even when going to the nearby convenience store, carry your residence card. How was it? Even in Japan, considered a safe country, there is a risk of being involved in crime. Don’t be too complacent and stay careful during your study abroad. At our school, upon enrollment we visit the local police box, participate in community events and volunteer so local people remember us. Building good relations with neighbors is essential for a smooth student life. When you come to Japan, greet the people you see every day with a cheerful hello.

[English/Japanese] Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They First Arrived in Japan - Toilets Have you ever heard the story that the first thing that surprises foreigners when they arrive at a Japanese airport is the toilet? Many people are said to be puzzled when they first encounter a toilet lid that opens automatically or a warm toilet seat. In this article, I would like to introduce some stories about toilets. Which button should I press? How to use a high-function toilet. The most common question I get from international students is how to use a high-function toilet. High-tech toilets simply have so many buttons that people do not know which one to press and end up stuck inside. It is especially problematic if they cannot find the most important button, the flush. Some toilets have an easy-to-understand English button labeled “流す FLASH,” while others show only the Chinese characters “大” and “小.” The “大” button flushes with more water, and the “小” button flushes with less. Some toilets even have a button to call staff if someone feels ill. In women’s restrooms, there is sometimes a button to mask bathroom sounds. Before locking the door, be sure you know where the flush button is, and if you are unsure, ask a Japanese person nearby. Where do you throw away toilet paper? Let’s keep good manners. The biggest trouble at Japanese language schools is how to dispose of used toilet paper. Many students do not know that it is acceptable to flush toilet paper down the toilet in Japan. In some countries, people throw it in a trash can inside or outside the toilet. Doing that in Japan is considered bad manners, so please be careful. Also, toilet use differs by religion. At our school, a conflict once arose when roommates disagreed—one used water and the other used paper. If you plan to live with students of other religions, talk with them carefully. Where do you dry your hands? Japanese people with handkerchiefs In your country, what do you use to dry your hands after washing them in the bathroom? In Japan, many shops do not provide towels or paper for drying hands. That is because Japanese people usually carry a handkerchief. From early childhood, students are expected to bring tissues and a handkerchief to school. As a result, department stores sell handkerchiefs in many designs, and even 100-yen shops stock them, so consider carrying one with you. Has your idea about toilets changed? Most toilets in Japan are free to use, so feel free to use them. Incidentally, our school has created posters in several languages with students that explain how to use the restroom. We also offer consultations about roommates before and after moving into dormitories. We hope more restrooms that are easy for people from all countries to use will appear! Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan — Toilets Have you ever heard the story that the first thing foreigners notice at a Japanese airport is the toilet? Many people are bewildered by an automatically opening toilet lid or a warm toilet seat when they first encounter them. Here I introduce some stories related to toilets. Which button should I press? How to use a high-tech toilet. The question I hear most often from international students is how to use a high-tech toilet. High-tech toilets have many buttons, and students often do not know which to press, so they end up struggling inside. It is especially difficult when they cannot find the flush button. Some toilets have a clear English label like “流す FLASH,” while others show only the kanji “大” and “小.” “大” is for a larger flush and “小” for a smaller one. You may sometimes see a button to call staff if someone feels unwell. There are even buttons in women’s restrooms to mask the sound of using the toilet. Before locking the door, check where the flush button is, and ask a nearby Japanese person if you are unsure. Where do you throw away toilet paper? Observe manners. The biggest source of trouble at Japanese language schools is how to dispose of used toilet paper. Many students do not know that it is fine to flush toilet paper in Japan. In some countries, people place used paper in a trash bin inside or outside the toilet. Doing that in Japan is considered bad manners, so please be careful. Also, toilet customs vary by religion. At our school, a dispute once occurred when roommates—one preferring water, the other paper—clashed. If you will live with students of other faiths, discuss this carefully in advance. Where do you dry your hands? Japanese people who carry handkerchiefs What do people in your country use to dry their hands after washing in the bathroom? In Japan, many shops do not provide towels or paper for drying hands because people usually carry a handkerchief. From a young age, students are expected to bring tissues and a handkerchief to school. That is why department stores sell handkerchiefs in various designs and 100-yen shops carry them too—so please try carrying one. Has your toilet common sense changed? Most toilets in Japan are free, so use them with peace of mind. By the way, our school has prepared multilingual posters with students explaining toilet use and posts them. We also provide consultations about roommates before and after moving into dorms. We hope more toilets that are easy for people from any country to use will increase!