[Image1][English/Japanese]Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They First Arrived in Japan - ToiletsH
[Image2][English/Japanese]Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They First Arrived in Japan - ToiletsH
[Image3][English/Japanese]Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They First Arrived in Japan - ToiletsH

[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? It is said that many people are confused 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. There are so many buttons on a high-function toilet, and they don't know which button to press, so they get stuck in the toilet. It's especially hard to find the most important button, the water flush button. Some toilets have easy-to-understand buttons that say "flowing FLASH" in English, while others have only the Chinese characters for "large" and "small" written on them. The "large" button is for flushing more water, and the "small" button is for flushing less. There is also a button for people who are sick to call the clerk. In women's restrooms, there is even a button to mute the sound in the toilet. Before locking the door, make sure you know where the "flush" button is, and if you are not sure, ask a Japanese person nearby.

Where do you throw away toilet paper? Let's keep good manners.

The most common problem at Japanese language schools is how to dispose of used toilet paper. Many students do not know that it is okay to flush toilet paper down the toilet in Japan. In some countries, you can throw it in a trash can inside or outside the toilet. If you do this in Japan, it will be a breach of etiquette. Please be careful. Also, the use of toilets differs depending on the religion. In our school, we once had a quarrel between a student who used water and a student who used paper in the bathroom because they became roommates. If you are planning to live with students of other religions, please talk to them carefully.

Where do you wipe your hands? Japanese with a handkerchief

In your country, what do you use to wipe your hands after washing them in the bathroom? In Japan, there are many stores that do not have towels or paper to wipe your hands. This is because Japanese people usually carry a handkerchief with them. In Japan, from the time you are a small child, it is a rule to bring a tissue and a handkerchief to school. For this reason, department stores sell handkerchiefs of various designs, and even 100 yen stores sell them, so why not carry them with you?

Have you changed your common sense about toilets? Most toilets in Japan are free of charge, so please feel free to use them. Incidentally, our school has created posters in various languages with students on how to use the restroom. In addition, you can consult with us about roommates before and after you move into the dormitory. Hopefully we'll have more restrooms that are easy to use for people from all countries!

What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~Toilet~
Have you ever heard that the first thing that surprises foreigners when they arrive at the airport in Japan is the toilet? It seems that many people are confused when they encounter the toilet lid that opens automatically and the warm toilet seat for the first time. This time, I will introduce a story about toilets.

Which button should I press? How to use a high-performance toilet.

The most common question we receive from international students is about how to use high-performance toilets. High-performance toilets have a lot of buttons, and they don't know which button to press, so they get in trouble in the toilet. It's especially hard not to find the button that flushes the most important water. Depending on the toilet, there are easy-to-understand buttons that are written in English as "flush FLASH", and there are also places where only the kanji characters "large" and "small" are written. By the way, "large" is when you want to flow more water, and "small" is when you want to flow less. Sometimes I see toilets with a button for people who get sick to call the clerk. There is also a button in the women's restroom to turn off the sound of using the toilet. Before locking the key, check the "Flush" button first, and if you don't know, ask a nearby Japan.

Where to throw away toilet paper? Keep good manners.

Japanese the biggest problem at school is how to throw away used toilet paper. Many students do not know that it is okay to flush toilet paper in the toilet of the Japan. In some countries, you may throw it in the trash can inside or outside the toilet. If you do this in Japan, it will be a violation of manners. Please be careful. In addition, the use of the toilet depends on the religion. In the past, a student who used water in the toilet and a student who used paper became roommates and got into a fight. If you plan to live with students of other religions, talk to them often.

Where to wipe your hands? Japan man with a handkerchief

In your country, what do you wipe your hands on after washing them in the bathroom? In Japan, there are many shops that do not have towels or paper to wipe hands. That's because Japan people usually carry handkerchiefs with them. In Japan, it is customary to bring tissues and handkerchiefs as school items from the time you are a small child. Therefore, department stores sell handkerchiefs of various designs. They are also sold at stores for 100 yen, so please take them with you.

Has your toilet common sense changed? Most of the toilets in Japan are free, so please feel free to use them. By the way, at our school, we have created posters in various languages with students about how to use the toilet and put them up. You can also consult with them about your roommate before and after moving into the dormitory. It would be great if there were more toilets that are easy for people from any country to use!

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Jun. 15, 2021
[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. Even if you drop your wallet, you can often get it back,Of course, it depends on the location, but it is safe to walk alone at night. In addition, there is a unique culture born from this safety, which often causes problems for international students. In this article, I would like to introduce some of them. Handkerchiefs on the table Japanese people who secure their seats with luggage In Japan, when you go to a food court, you may find a handkerchief on the table, or sometimes a bag. And no one sits at the table. Even when the place is crowded, no one sits at the table. Why is this? Japanese people sometimes put down their belongings when they reserve a seat for themselves. I once heard a student say, "I was surprised to see people leave their bags with valuables in them.” Handkerchiefs, for example, may not be noticed that they are placed there, so if you sit down by mistake, you may get into trouble. Make sure you check before you sit down. Children walking alone to school: Be careful to talk to them A student wrote an essay about how she was surprised to see a small child walking alone with a big bag on his back. Many elementary school children in Japan walk to school alone. Some of them are as young as six years old and ride the train to school by themselves. Some of the international students like children and will ask a child who is walking alone, "Are you okay by yourself?" or "You are so cute!“ However, if you do this, you may be reported to the police, so if you see a child walking alone, just watch him or her gently. Can I have these vegetables?:Unattended Vegetable Sales In the fields of Japan, there are sometimes small huts where no one is around and vegetables are sold. When you want to pay, you put money in a box inside the hut. The international students who saw the hut for the first time were impressed by the fact that the money box was placed outside. Many students use the unmanned market because they can get fresh vegetables at a lower price than at the supermarket. In addition, some students mistakenly take vegetables that are thrown away in the fields or nuts from trees in the park, thinking that they are allowed to take them, and end up being caught by the police. All plants grown outside have their owners, so please do not take them. Twice in one day!:International Students and Police check Japanese police officer often stops and asks questions to people he or she thinks are suspicious on the street. Thanks to these questions, crimes can often be prevented. International students are often questioned , especially male students, sometimes twice a day. During the questioning, you will be asked if you are carrying your residence card, which school you go to, and so on. Even if you are going to the local convenience store, be sure to take your residence card with you when you go out. What did you think? Even in Japan, which is considered to be a safe country, there is of course the danger of being involved in crime. Please do not feel overly secure, and be careful while you are studying abroad. By the way, when you enter our school, we try to get to know you by going to the police station in your neighborhood, participating in local events and volunteering, etc. Building a good relationship with your neighbors is necessary for a smooth life as an international student. When you come to Japan, be sure to greet the people you see every day with a cheerful greeting. What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~Security~ Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world. Even if you drop your wallet, it often comes back, and of course it depends on the location, but it is safe to walk alone at night. In addition, there is a unique culture born from this safety, which can often cause problems for international students. Here are a few: Handkerchief on the table: Japan people securing a seat with luggage In Japan, when you go to the food court, there are handkerchiefs on the table and sometimes bags. And no one is sitting at that table. Even if there are many people, none of the customers will try to sit in the seat. Why is that? A Japan person may put down their luggage when securing their seat. I once heard from a student that he was surprised to see someone leave a bag containing valuables as it is. You may not notice that there are handkerchiefs etc., so you may get into trouble if you sit down by mistake. Check before you sit down. Children who go to school alone: Be careful not to talk to them! Once, a student wrote an essay in which he was surprised to see a small child walking alone with a large load on his back. Many elementary school students in Japan go to school alone. In some cases, children as young as 6 years old take the train alone to school. Some international students like children and will ask a child walking alone with good intentions, such as "Is it okay to be alone?" or "You're cute," but the police may be notified, so even if there is a child walking alone, just watch over them quietly. Can I get this vegetable? : Unmanned sale of vegetables In the fields of Japan sometimes there are small huts where vegetables are sold. When you pay, put money in a box located inside the shed. When the international students saw the hut for the first time, they were impressed by the money box outside. Many students use unmanned sales points because they are cheaper than buying them at the supermarket and you can get fresh vegetables. In addition, some students may mistakenly think that they can get vegetables discarded in the field or nuts from trees in the park, and the police may catch them. All the plants that are grown outside have their owners, so please don't take them. As much as twice a day! International Students and Job Questions A job question is when a police officer stops someone on the street who he thinks is suspicious and asks them a question. This job question often helps prevent crime before it happens. International students are often asked about their duties, especially male students, which can be taken twice a day. In the job question, you will be asked if you are carrying a residence card and where the school is. Even when you go to a convenience store in your neighborhood, be sure to bring your residence card with you. How was it? Even Japan are considered safe, of course there is a risk of getting involved in crime. Please be careful not to feel too safe while studying abroad. By the way, at our school, when you enter the school, you go to greet the neighborhood police box and participate in local events and volunteer activities so that the people of the city can remember your face. Building good relationships with your neighbors is necessary for a smooth study abroad life. When you come to Japan, greet the people you see every day cheerfully.
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Jun. 3, 2021
[English/Japanese] Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Food For international students, the first problem they encounter when they arrive in Japan is food. In this article, we will introduce Japanese food. What is this? Food I saw for the first time in a Japanese supermarket (1) Mushrooms and seaweed I was once asked about mushrooms by a Mongolian student. The Mongolian diet is basically meat-based and they eat very few vegetables. Among other things, they do not have the custom of eating mushrooms and were surprised to see mushrooms for the first time in Japan. In addition to mushrooms, foreign students often ask me questions about seaweed. I taught her how to cook mushrooms and seaweed, and she lost 44 pounds in a year! Now she has confidence in herself and does selfie every day. I was attracted by the smell.... The story of gaining weight from eating too much delicious food. 1) Ramen The number one thing that male students get addicted to when they come to Japan is ramen. Seeing the lines at popular ramen restaurants, some students may say, "It's strange that Japanese people want to wait in line to eat ramen," but after six months in Japan, they are standing in line for it. There are also many students who stock a lot of cup ramen in their rooms because it is cheap and quick to eat. However, some ramen soups are made with pork or beef, so if you are not allowed to eat ramen due to religious beliefs, please ask the store owner. One of our students even called a cup ramen company to ask about it. Let's learn the kanji for "pig" and "cow" as soon as possible. 2) Bread The number one thing that female students get addicted to when they come to Japan is bread. Although Japan is famous for its rice diet, bread consumption is one of the highest in the world. In fact, there are many bakeries in the city, and many people are drawn to the smell of bread and buy it. Also, convenience stores sell a wide variety of breads, all reasonably priced in the 100 yen range! Sweet breads are especially popular among female students, and I often see them eating them for breakfast and lunch. The sweet breads are especially popular among female students, and I often see them eating them for breakfast and lunch. Too expensive to buy! Beware of vitamin deficiency 1) Fruits Students from all countries say, "Fruit is expensive! ". Because of this, students eat less fruit than they did in their home countries, and many of them catch colds or have skin problems due to vitamin deficiency. For this reason, many students ask their families in their home countries to send them vitamin supplements. Please consider supplements as part of your luggage list before you come to Japan. I hope this article will help you prepare for your arrival in Japan. By the way, our school has a supermarket within a minute's walk from the dormitory. Also, in Hachioji, where our school is located, there is the famous Hachioji Ramen and a bakery with a long line of customers. If you are ever in Hachioji, be sure to stop by! What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~Food~ For international students, the first problem they encounter when they come to Japan is food. Therefore, this time, I will introduce the food of Japan. What's this? The first food I saw at a supermarket in Japan (1) Mushrooms and seaweed A Mongolian student once asked me about mushrooms. Mongolia's diet is basically meat-based and rarely eats vegetables. In particular, he did not have the habit of eating mushrooms, and he was surprised by the mushrooms he saw for the first time in Japan. International students often ask questions about seaweed in addition to mushrooms. The Mongolian student was a girl who liked to try anything, and when I taught her how to cook mushrooms and seaweed, she lost 20 kg in one year! Now she has confidence in herself and takes selfies every day. Fascinated by the smell... The story of how delicious it was and made me fat. (1) Ramen The number one thing that male students get addicted to when they come to Japan is ramen. Even students who saw the line at a popular ramen restaurant and said, "It's strange that people Japan want to wait in line to eat," ended up standing in line six months after coming to Japan. In addition, many students stock a large amount of cup ramen in their room because it is cheap and easy to eat. However, ramen soup may use pork or beef, so if you can't eat it for religious reasons, ask the shopkeeper. Some students at our school called the cup ramen company and asked. Let's learn the kanji "pig" and "cow" as soon as possible. (2) Bread On the other hand, the number one thing that female students get addicted to when they come to Japan is bread. The Japan is famous for its rice food, but bread consumption is one of the highest in the world. In fact, there are many bakeries in the city, and many people buy them because of the smell. In addition, convenience stores sell a wide variety of bread, and the prices are all reasonable at 100 yen! Sweet bread is especially popular with female students, and they are often seen eating it in the morning and at noon. However, since it is high in calories, some people say that they have gained weight because of the bread. Too expensive to buy! Beware of vitamin deficiencies (1) Fruit Students from all countries all say in unison, "Fruits are expensive!" As a result, many students eat less often than when they were in the country, and many students catch colds and develop skin problems due to lack of vitamins. For this reason, many students send vitamin supplements to their families in the country. Please consider supplements as a list of luggage before coming to Japan. How was it? I hope this article will help you prepare and prepare before coming to Japan. By the way, our school has a supermarket 1 minute walk from the dormitory. In addition, in Hachioji, where our school is located, there is the famous "Hachioji Ramen" and a bakery where there is a line. Please stop by when you come to Hachioji!