Hello! We are the Kaichi International Japanese Language School in Tokyo. Here, we tell you about our classes and the attractions of Hachioji, where our school is located. Please feel free to follow us!
Hello! We are Kaichi International Japanese School in Tokyo. Here, we will tell you about the state of the classes and the charm of Hachioji, where our school is located. Please feel free to follow us!
Hello! We are Kaichi International Japanese School in Tokyo. Here, we will tell you about the state of the classes and the charm of Hachioji, where our school is located. Please feel free to follow us!
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![[Image1][English/Japanese]There are many foreign tourists who come to Japan and take the train from the airp](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/2cee3733dca9a2bc1ab586e7f5b4a2c99a6699bb.jpg)
![[Image2][English/Japanese]There are many foreign tourists who come to Japan and take the train from the airp](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/d3005cffedad521d87afe8fdb440f89702e877ec.jpg)
[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.
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![[Image1][English／日本語]The Tokyo Olympics is over and the Paralympics will soon begin. At the closing ceremony](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/345e59ef49467395d53f682b665e18348b57f44b.jpg)
![[Image2][English／日本語]The Tokyo Olympics is over and the Paralympics will soon begin. At the closing ceremony](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/37c52dc9ec595f77bcfdf49adbfb1666530aede4.jpg)
[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.
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![[Image1][English／日本語]August has arrived and the weather has been hot, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees C](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/0ad9997f94382215501281d82293b346799cf51d.jpg)
![[Image2][English／日本語]August has arrived and the weather has been hot, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees C](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/775faa8a5e8005ddb42baced6cb2c3770d1acb16.jpg)
![[Image3][English／日本語]August has arrived and the weather has been hot, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees C](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/54125d338a17f64288b5ec48a3930d19016d16ca.jpg)
![[Image4][English／日本語]August has arrived and the weather has been hot, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees C](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/27121f3717ee99946f9c71eab11bb643b48de488.jpg)
[English／日本語]
August has arrived and the weather has been hot, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius every day. In this article, I would like to introduce the climate and natural phenomena of Japan.
Are you surprised only at first? Earthquakes
Japan is famous for its earthquakes, and the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale, caused tremendous damage. Although the Great East Japan Earthquake was a large-scale quake, smaller earthquakes occur about 15 times a year in Tokyo. Therefore, some international students panic when they feel an earthquake for the first time after coming to Japan, but after experiencing it a few times they get used to it and stop worrying. Is that a good thing? You never know when a big earthquake will strike. Don’t think this will just be a small quake; be ready to evacuate at any time.
Students with abdominal pain in June Beware of the rainy season!
Summer in Japan is not only hot but also very humid and uncomfortable. June is especially the rainy season. During this time humidity rises and food spoils more easily. I have heard many stories of international students getting food poisoning after eating ingredients they stored in their rooms as they did back home. Keep food refrigerated whenever possible and observe expiration dates.
Many people get hooked on kotatsu, a winter specialty.
Winters in Japan are cold. In snowy regions houses are built for winter and stay warm, but Tokyo is not like that. That’s where the kotatsu comes in. Have you heard of a kotatsu? It’s a table with a heater. Many international students become hooked on the kotatsu. It’s warm and covered with a futon, so it’s common to hear stories of people falling asleep doing homework under it. If you come to Japan, try it at least once. You may never want to leave the kotatsu.
Onset from the second year! Hay fever
Many people suddenly develop hay fever in their second year studying in Japan. Around mid-January cedar pollen begins to spread across the country. Many suffer from hay fever because of this pollen, and once you develop it you won’t get rid of it without special treatment. It’s said that one in four Japanese people suffer from hay fever. The main symptoms are sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you develop hay fever in Japan, visit a clinic and get medication.
Did you all understand the climate and natural phenomena of Japan? Our school holds a disaster drill once a year. During this drill we receive guidance from the local fire department so we can evacuate calmly in case of a major earthquake. Our school supports students so they can live in the dormitory with peace of mind. We look forward to your enrollment.
August has arrived, and hot days above 30 degrees Celsius continue every day. This time I will introduce Japan’s climate and natural phenomena.
Surprised only at first? Earthquakes
Japan is famous for frequent earthquakes. The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, with a magnitude of 9.0, brought tremendous damage. While that quake was very large, smaller quakes happen about 15 times a year in Tokyo. For that reason, some international students panic the first time they feel an earthquake after arriving in Japan, but after experiencing several they get used to it and stop worrying. Is that a good thing? You never know when a major quake will occur. Rather than thinking, “Oh, it’s just a small quake,” prepare so you can escape at any time.
Students who get stomachaches in June Beware the rainy season!
Japan’s summer is not only hot but also very humid and hard to endure. June in particular is the rainy season. The higher humidity during the rainy season makes food spoil more easily. I often hear stories of international students who keep ingredients in their rooms as they did back home and then get food poisoning from eating them. Observe best-before and use-by dates, and store food in the refrigerator whenever possible.
Many people get hooked Winter specialty “kotatsu”
Winters in Japan are cold. In snowy regions houses are prepared for winter so you can stay warm, but Tokyo is not like that. That’s why the kotatsu is popular. Do you know a kotatsu? It’s a table with a heater. Many international students become addicted to it. It’s warm and covered with a futon, so you often hear stories of students falling asleep doing homework at the kotatsu. When you come to Japan, please try it at least once. You’ll find it hard to leave the kotatsu.
Onset in the second year! Hay fever
Many people suddenly develop hay fever in their second year of studying abroad. Around mid-January cedar pollen begins to spread nationwide in Japan. Large numbers of people suffer from hay fever due to that pollen. Once it starts, it won’t go away without special treatment. It’s said that one in four Japanese people develop hay fever (in Tokyo it’s one in two). The main symptoms are sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you develop hay fever after coming to Japan, go to a hospital and get medicine.
Did everyone understand about Japan’s climate and natural phenomena? Our school conducts a disaster drill once a year. In this drill we receive instruction from the local fire department so we can evacuate calmly in the event of a major earthquake. Our school supports students so they can live in dormitories with peace of mind. We look forward to your enrollment.
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![[Image1][English/Japanese]The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter tha](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/8d74ed55189cd4fd9ed8e1b78cc033454b7e52c2.jpg)
![[Image2][English/Japanese]The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter tha](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/5804dd13b6d59ad03dccbcedb4adce321a00b921.jpg)
![[Image3][English/Japanese]The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter tha](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/b54cda43639919dbf8b7ad4933520b97160fd405.jpg)
![[Image4][English/Japanese]The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter tha](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/dcc9adafb06126b77e53e6c49f28418cb3628337.jpg)
![[Image5][English/Japanese]The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter tha](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/c05cb30381c0913aab4c1404f7e9c2ac4f357eca.jpg)
[English/Japanese]
The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic, people across Japan are excited by the day-after-day intense competition. In this article, I will introduce Japan’s distinctive event culture.
Usually reserved people transform! Traditional Festivals
In summer, festivals take place across Japan. These events are popular with foreign tourists, who often say that festival scenes look completely different from the everyday Japan they expect. At many Japanese festivals, groups of people carry a small shrine called a mikoshi through the streets. Those carrying the mikoshi shout loudly and sometimes collide with other mikoshi, creating an appearance of roughness. Men who normally wear suits may take part wearing only underwear, appearing nearly naked. Perhaps because people feel freer on festival days, manners sometimes loosen and fights can break out. A similar phenomenon occurs with Halloween. Over the last decade more people in Japan have enjoyed Halloween events, but bad manners make the news every year. Japanese people often endure a lot of stress, and festivals may serve as an outlet. Be careful if you join in!
Valentine’s Day: The Chocolate Wars
Who do you give Valentine’s Day gifts to in your country, and what do you give? When we ask our students, many answer, “I give a bouquet to a woman on Valentine’s Day.” Japan is different. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is a day when women give chocolate to men. That is why department stores begin selling high-end chocolates from late January. Men feel anxious and restless on the morning of February 14. Do men who receive many chocolates feel happy? Not always. Moreover, March 14 is called White Day, when people are expected to return the gifts they received on Valentine’s Day. It is tacitly understood that on White Day you should give a gift worth three times the price of the chocolate you received on Valentine’s Day. Do you still want to receive chocolates?
Who do you spend Christmas with?
In your country, who do you spend Christmas with? In Japan, Christmas is commonly celebrated as a day for couples. Also, people in Japan tend to eat fried chicken rather than turkey at Christmas. Most who celebrate Christmas in Japan are Buddhists, so the holiday can seem strange to foreigners. Then, on December 26, the city’s Christmas atmosphere disappears and the mood instantly shifts to New Year preparations.
Obon: Welcoming the Spirits of the Dead
In mid‑August there is Obon, a time to welcome the dead. During Obon, families clean graves and invite the spirits of ancestors back into their homes. Mysterious figures are made for the occasion: a horse figure created by piercing a cucumber with chopsticks, and a cow figure made by piercing an eggplant with chopsticks. The dead are said to ride the “horse” home and the “cow” back to the land of the dead. In some regions, lanterns called toro are floated down rivers to mourn the deceased. The sight is sad but beautiful. What do you do during Obon in your country?
Have you learned anything new about events in Japan? At our school we hold seasonal activities and ceremonies. Learning about Japanese events is also a way to learn about the Japanese spirit. Please try to take part.
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![[Image1]Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 2This time, I would like to in](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/a2a00d3263018a0e0e77760015dbea1c16f01a10.jpg)
![[Image2]Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 2This time, I would like to in](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/342b31e0a016b6462f3fd0e9d8c1f37472564d66.jpg)
![[Image3]Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 2This time, I would like to in](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/468d0354c7d9e5b3dce2dd266171b8198f2d369b.jpg)
![[Image4]Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 2This time, I would like to in](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/7562f0692241b27737da7f0d0672da559082b034.jpg)
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!
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![[Image1][English／日本語]Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 1For two co](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/4fc353522af175fd4ad3f7ccb886e3b04b86dc95.jpg)
![[Image2][English／日本語]Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 1For two co](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/a13a5b8fa104f25a35cec0bc0707b0751ea1eafd.jpg)
![[Image3][English／日本語]Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 1For two co](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/9428571c5d8e040ea1703bdaa147cbaec40f9320.jpg)
![[Image4][English／日本語]Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Shops 1For two co](https://img.cooljapan-videos.com/files/member_posts/image/1a97ab63ca9cd97e3807c1a30b62f66e4b3bc1a0.jpg)
[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。
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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.
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[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！
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[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.
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[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.
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