If you’re intending or decided to stay for more than a year, getting a Japanese driver’s license is mandatory after 12 months. You cannot renew your international driver’s permit (IDP) and is only valid for a year from the date it was issued. It is illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license and the […]
Rainy Season starts around June in Hyogo. With it comes (spoiler) heavy rain – sometimes Typhoons which can lead to flooding and landslides. Here are some important applications or websites to have on you in case of emergencies! The Hyogo Disaster Prevention ApplicationThe Hyogo Disaster Prevention Organisation (ひょうご防災ネット) has released an app that will inform […]
So you’ve just received your placement and your vegetarian belly has called out to you “But what am I gonna eat there?” Don’t worry! This guide will show you typical Japanese dishes you can order, useful vocabulary, and a few restaurant recommendations. Helpful Vocabulary 肉 にく(niku) This is the kanji for meat and all kinds […]
For those who are interested in volunteering whilst on the JET Program, here are some opportunities for you! The organisations or initiatives currently listed are friendly for English Speaking people, so don’t be afraid to participate! If you would like to feature a particular volunteer initiative in Hyogo/Kansai – please comment or contact us! Charity […]
How to Cancel Flet’s Internet Service Q. How do I cancel Flet’s? A. To cancel your Flet’s service, you must call both* NTT and your ISP at the numbers below. It is recommended that you start the process no later than the 15th of the month (and earlier is better). *Note: These instructions are written […]
There are a number of proficiency tests for Japanese. The most well-known is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験 nihongo noryoku shiken), called the JLPT for short. There is also the Business Japanese Proficiency Test. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) The JLPT is held twice a year, in summer and winter. You can take […]
New Year’s Day (Shogatsu) January 1st Most companies and banks close from 29 December to 3 January. Vast numbers of Japanese travel home or go on vacation at this time, and most schools, companies, etc. hold End of the Year parties (bonenkai) and New Year Parties (shinnenkai). Children are given money (otoshidama). On New Year’s […]
Workplace Etiquette Arriving & Leaving Work: When entering the teacher’s room in the morning, say “Ohayo gozaimasu” (Good Morning). You should also be punctual. Punctuality is viewed as part of being an adult member of society in Japan, so take the extra five minutes. When leaving at the end of the day, say “Osaki ni […]
Foreign Buyers’ Club (FBC) You can buy almost anything from this store: salsa, olives, blueberry pie filling, lentil soup, cheese, contact lens supplies, condoms, cold medicines, vegemite…and so on. They have-mail order catalogues, and a good on-line site from which you can order, or you can journey out and visit their store on Rokko Island […]
Kobe Airport (神戸空港) Kobe Airport was completed February 2006. With an estimated cost of over 1 trillion yen ($8.7 billion US), this project has been extremely controversial, considering that Kobe is already one of the most indebted regions of the country due to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The airport was built as an extension off […]