Hyogo Summers

From HyogoAJET

[edit] Your Home And School In The Summer

Summers are hot and humid. If you don't have air-conditioning, make sure that at least have a functioning fan, preferably one with a timer & remote control. If you don't have air-conditioning, the best way to spend the summer is to open all of the windows and place a fan so that it blows air through your apartment (i.e. place it in the middle of the room between two windows.) If you do have air-conditioning, electric bills can be ridiculously expensive, so use it sparingly. Try using a fan instead as much as possible. Some air-conditioners have a remote control with a timer - set it to turn on before you come home from work and to turn off a while after you go to bed. This is a convenient way to stay comfortable and save money. It may be possible to get a timer if you don't have one, so ask your supervisor/go-between.

At school, the classrooms probably won't have air-conditioning, but perhaps the staff room will. Each school has a different dress code, so observe your fellow teachers to gain a general idea of what is acceptable. There will usually be a set day when the students (and by extension the teachers) will change from summer-wear to winter-wear. It is probably best to abide by this lest you be asked a million times, Samukunai? (Aren't you cold?)

Even in the summer, tank-tops, shorts, short skirts, and open toed sandals are typically a major no-no. However, like everything, this differs according to each school, so again, observe the dress code or ask.

[edit] Tips For Rainy Season

• Consider getting an electric dehumidifier. They can be expensive new, but they can be more affordable at the recycle shop. This is a must especially if you live near water. They also make good but slow clothes dryers for drying clothes inside.
• Desiccant tubs and packets. These can all be obtained at the 100 yen shop or at Jusco/Besia/whatever. Put the tubs in closets in corner and under the sink. Put packets in your drawers. They also make hanger versions you can put on the rack in your closets.
• Get vacuum bags and seal up all unused futons, sheets and winter sweaters. Stick in a desiccant pack and vacuum seal them.
• Go to the coin laundry to dry your clothes if possible.
• Stock up on 100 yen umbrellas as you will have at least 3 stolen from you every season.
• Make sure to maintenance your bikes and the like regularly--this is a prime time for corrosion to set in.

[edit] Tips For Dealing With The Heat

• Avoid salty foods and sugary soft drinks--these just make you drier and more thirsty
• Make sure you are stocked up on your favorite brand of deodorant from home as the stuff they sell here does not work on gaijin-sized sweat glands
• Carry a bottle of water with you everywhere--get one that hooks onto your bag
• Consider investing in an air conditioner--they are expensive and consume a lot of electricity but they keep your comfortable.

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