Autumn 2018 Update!
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Everyday Life In Japan
I found this on a few different webpages so I am not sure who originally wrote it but I think it has a lot of useful information about living in Japan especially for Foreigners coming to Japan for the first time. Enjoy!
Living in Japan
Life in Japan 日本の生活
Japan is a land of history and mystery. It has a very strong cultural heritage with distinct traditions and practices. Here are some suggestions on dealing with common situations you will experience while living in Japan.
Manners
Japan is a very polite society and knowing proper manners is important in interacting with Japanese people. People are generally very courteous and helpful. Proper manners can help maintain good relationships with Japanese people and avoid embarrassing situations. The following are some typical Japanese mannerisms.
Japan is a very polite society and knowing proper manners is important in interacting with Japanese people. People are generally very courteous and helpful. Proper manners can help maintain good relationships with Japanese people and avoid embarrassing situations. The following are some typical Japanese mannerisms.
Speaking and greeting
Greeting is mostly done by bowing. The more formal the situation, the deeper the bow and the longer the bow is held. Shaking of hands is rarely ever used as a greeting except occasionally in business situations. Close friends may just wave or nod to each other.
Speaking is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things of which to be aware: First, talking with your hands on your hips, in your pockets, or your arms folded in front of you can come across as rude. As you are talking, Japanese usually say little words like “Hai”, or “Un”. While these words roughly translate to “yes”, this does not necessarily mean they agree with your opinion or what you’re saying. It just means they are paying attention and following the conversation. If asked a (deep) question, Japanese may look around and remain silent for a while. This usually just means they are processing the conversation and thinking a lot, not that they are bored or trying to avoid the question.
Greeting is mostly done by bowing. The more formal the situation, the deeper the bow and the longer the bow is held. Shaking of hands is rarely ever used as a greeting except occasionally in business situations. Close friends may just wave or nod to each other.
Speaking is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things of which to be aware: First, talking with your hands on your hips, in your pockets, or your arms folded in front of you can come across as rude. As you are talking, Japanese usually say little words like “Hai”, or “Un”. While these words roughly translate to “yes”, this does not necessarily mean they agree with your opinion or what you’re saying. It just means they are paying attention and following the conversation. If asked a (deep) question, Japanese may look around and remain silent for a while. This usually just means they are processing the conversation and thinking a lot, not that they are bored or trying to avoid the question.
Finally, Japanese are not a very direct people. They rarely answer “No” directly to a question. For example, if you invite your Japanese friend somewhere or ask their opinion on something, you may hear such responses as “Muzukashii” (“It would be difficult…”), “Chotto…” (“Well…”), or “Tabun” (“Maybe”). These are almost always indirect refusals.
Relationships
As opposed to Western culture, there is little physical touch involved between people. Whereas you might hug your family or friends in Western culture, this is not done in Japanese culture. Young Japanese women don’t even greet their friends this way (although they might jump up and down and maybe grab hands).
As opposed to Western culture, there is little physical touch involved between people. Whereas you might hug your family or friends in Western culture, this is not done in Japanese culture. Young Japanese women don’t even greet their friends this way (although they might jump up and down and maybe grab hands).
Even married couples do not usually kiss, hug, or even hold hands when outside of the home. Men of Western culture who may hug close female friends in their own country must also be careful not to hug or touch female Japanese friends. This, or even excessive attention will most likely convey the sense of romantic interest on the man’s part. Even if it’s not true, it’s best avoided.
At A Home
You probably won’t have many chances to go to a Japanese home, but if you do there are a few things to be expected. First of all, when Japanese enter a guest’s home, they say “O-jama shimasu” (“Sorry to bother you”). They usually also take some type of dessert and/or drink as a complimentary gift for being invited.
You probably won’t have many chances to go to a Japanese home, but if you do there are a few things to be expected. First of all, when Japanese enter a guest’s home, they say “O-jama shimasu” (“Sorry to bother you”). They usually also take some type of dessert and/or drink as a complimentary gift for being invited.
Japanese don’t wear outside shoes in the house, so they take them off in the entry-way. Make sure to have nice, clean socks on for when your shoes come off. They may have house slippers to wear inside. The bathroom may have its own pair of slippers for when you go in there. You will most likely sit on floor cushions (za-buton) because the host probably won’t have a table or couch to gather around. Make sure not to put your feet up on tables or desks, and never use them for pointing.
Be sure to thank your hosts for their hospitality (you can say “O-sewa ni narimashita”) and don’t overstay your welcome.
Bathing
Bathing in Japan is a very popular way to relax. Whether in the home, (resort) hotel, or public bath houses (Sento), there are rules and etiquette to be followed. As opposed to Western culture, the bathroom is just that: the bath room. The toilet and wash/sink are always separate. In public, they bathe together (although men [男] and women [女] are separate). Be sure to wash yourself thoroughly before getting into the bath and not in it. You do this “sitting” style at the faucets off to the side. The bathtubs are strictly for soaking.
Bathing in Japan is a very popular way to relax. Whether in the home, (resort) hotel, or public bath houses (Sento), there are rules and etiquette to be followed. As opposed to Western culture, the bathroom is just that: the bath room. The toilet and wash/sink are always separate. In public, they bathe together (although men [男] and women [女] are separate). Be sure to wash yourself thoroughly before getting into the bath and not in it. You do this “sitting” style at the faucets off to the side. The bathtubs are strictly for soaking.
In Public
There are many unspoken rules when out in public in Japan. Here are some suggestions of which to be aware of in certain scenarios.
There are many unspoken rules when out in public in Japan. Here are some suggestions of which to be aware of in certain scenarios.
Eating & Drinking
In general, Japanese people don’t eat or drink in public (contrary to how logical it would be for such a fast-paced society). People definitely do not eat or drink on public transportation. It’s also uncommon, but not so impolite, to eat/drink while walking or riding a bike. If you do, just be sure to do it somewhat discreetly. Chewing gum can also be seen as rude, especially if you chomp it. Lastly, public drunkenness is more widely accepted than in the West, so don’t be surprised to see drunken businessmen stumbling down the street or onto the train after a long day of work.
In general, Japanese people don’t eat or drink in public (contrary to how logical it would be for such a fast-paced society). People definitely do not eat or drink on public transportation. It’s also uncommon, but not so impolite, to eat/drink while walking or riding a bike. If you do, just be sure to do it somewhat discreetly. Chewing gum can also be seen as rude, especially if you chomp it. Lastly, public drunkenness is more widely accepted than in the West, so don’t be surprised to see drunken businessmen stumbling down the street or onto the train after a long day of work.
Japanese eat mostly with chopsticks, so raising a bowl close to your mouth to eat is OK to do. “Shoveling” food into your mouth is also all right. Make sure not to stick your chopsticks vertically into any food (especially rice) to rest them. This is considered bad luck ￢ even if you don’t believe the superstition, it will still make you look rude and inconsiderate. The Japanese also eat a lot of noodles and soups, but it is common and not rude to slurp either of them. It is not polite, however, to belch after meals is.
Hygiene
Personal hygiene in Japan should be kept personal! Many people have handkerchiefs, but they are not used to blow your nose. They are used for wiping sweat or wiping your hands after washing them. Always use tissue to blow your nose. Japanese don’t usually blow their nose in front of others. If you need to do so, turn away and do it as discreetly as possible. Some people will even leave the room. Also, as much as possible, do not put a used tissue in your pocket or bag; doing so is considered dirty. Throw it away as soon as you are able (although there are not many public trash cans). There is no Japanese response to a sneeze, so just learn to let them go.
Personal hygiene in Japan should be kept personal! Many people have handkerchiefs, but they are not used to blow your nose. They are used for wiping sweat or wiping your hands after washing them. Always use tissue to blow your nose. Japanese don’t usually blow their nose in front of others. If you need to do so, turn away and do it as discreetly as possible. Some people will even leave the room. Also, as much as possible, do not put a used tissue in your pocket or bag; doing so is considered dirty. Throw it away as soon as you are able (although there are not many public trash cans). There is no Japanese response to a sneeze, so just learn to let them go.
If you ever need to use a toothpick after a meal, be sure to do this discreetly as well. Cover the toothpick and your mouth as much as possible.
Be warned that paper products are not very plentiful in Japan. Some (few) public restrooms may not have toilet paper, so be sure to take some tissues with you just in case. Also, bathrooms do not have paper towels to dry your hands. They will either have an air dryer, or nothing at all, so have a rag or handkerchief ready. Restaurants do not usually nave napkins either, but using chopsticks reduces the need for them. It’s still a good idea to bring some tissues with you to a restaurant to use in place of napkins.
Transportation
Be warned that paper products are not very plentiful in Japan. Some (few) public restrooms may not have toilet paper, so be sure to take some tissues with you just in case. Also, bathrooms do not have paper towels to dry your hands. They will either have an air dryer, or nothing at all, so have a rag or handkerchief ready. Restaurants do not usually nave napkins either, but using chopsticks reduces the need for them. It’s still a good idea to bring some tissues with you to a restaurant to use in place of napkins.
Be warned that paper products are not very plentiful in Japan. Some (few) public restrooms may not have toilet paper, so be sure to take some tissues with you just in case. Also, bathrooms do not have paper towels to dry your hands. They will either have an air dryer, or nothing at all, so have a rag or handkerchief ready. Restaurants do not usually nave napkins either, but using chopsticks reduces the need for them. It’s still a good idea to bring some tissues with you to a restaurant to use in place of napkins.
Taxis are also common, but are really high class compared to Western taxis. Most of them have cloth-covered seats and are kept very clean. The main thing to remember about taxis is that most of them have automatic doors, so if you hail one, don’t open the door yourself; the driver will do it for you. Likewise, when exiting at your destination, it will again be opened for you.
Punctuality
Japan is a very punctual society. It has some of the (if not the) best public transportation systems in the world. The buses and trains are on down-to-the-minute schedules. The people are also very punctual. If you plan on meeting someone, it’s a good idea to show up a few minutes early. Especially if you are going to some type of meeting, or getting together with associates, make sure to be 5-10 minutes early. Making people wait is seen as inconsiderate. Even clerks at stores will apologize for “making you wait in line” when you check out. Timetables are pretty by-the-book, so make sure you are ahead of time to present yourself as eager and polite.
Japan is a very punctual society. It has some of the (if not the) best public transportation systems in the world. The buses and trains are on down-to-the-minute schedules. The people are also very punctual. If you plan on meeting someone, it’s a good idea to show up a few minutes early. Especially if you are going to some type of meeting, or getting together with associates, make sure to be 5-10 minutes early. Making people wait is seen as inconsiderate. Even clerks at stores will apologize for “making you wait in line” when you check out. Timetables are pretty by-the-book, so make sure you are ahead of time to present yourself as eager and polite.
Dress
Most Japanese people dress fairly conservatively. Men usually wear business attire, and young guys wear modest casual clothes. Women typically wear blouses and semi-formal slacks, and young women wear trendy blouses and/or t-shirts, and jeans or full-skirts. Japanese people rarely wear shorts, even in the hot, humid summers; it’s not taboo, it’s just not usual. Even when playing sports, they more often than not take sport clothes to change into. Foreigners are more able to get away with wearing shorts in public. As long as the clothing is not too extreme, it’s probably suitable to wear out in public.
Most Japanese people dress fairly conservatively. Men usually wear business attire, and young guys wear modest casual clothes. Women typically wear blouses and semi-formal slacks, and young women wear trendy blouses and/or t-shirts, and jeans or full-skirts. Japanese people rarely wear shorts, even in the hot, humid summers; it’s not taboo, it’s just not usual. Even when playing sports, they more often than not take sport clothes to change into. Foreigners are more able to get away with wearing shorts in public. As long as the clothing is not too extreme, it’s probably suitable to wear out in public.
Safety
Japan is a very safe country in which to live. There is very little crime and it is illegal for anyone other than law enforcement to have guns. Even in the biggest cities, there is very little crime. There are police boxes, or koban (交番) on “every” corner to assist you if you need help. It is very safe to even walk downtown or ride subways late at night with no worry. The people are very kind and polite, and quick to help, so even the most intimidating looking person is probably very kind.
Japan is a very safe country in which to live. There is very little crime and it is illegal for anyone other than law enforcement to have guns. Even in the biggest cities, there is very little crime. There are police boxes, or koban (交番) on “every” corner to assist you if you need help. It is very safe to even walk downtown or ride subways late at night with no worry. The people are very kind and polite, and quick to help, so even the most intimidating looking person is probably very kind.
Of course, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Women shouldn’t walk alone at night, and should always secure their purse whether walking or riding a bicycle. An easy, rising crime is for a scooter-riding thief to snatch a purse and ride off. If you use the basket at the front of the bicycle be sure to secure them as to avoid theft.
Honor to one’s family (name) is a very big deal to Japanese people, so getting in trouble with the law is dishonoring to the family. Most Japanese, therefore, will not want to start trouble. Even if they get angered, they will not easily show it.
Useful Japanese Words & Expressions
Vowel Pronunciation:
a as in father
i as in taxi
u as in tune
e as in bed
o as is joke
Meeting people
Hajimemashite (Nice to meet you)
Watashi wa <your name> desu. (My name is _______)
Dozo yoroshiku (onegai-shimasu) (Lit. “Please treat me favourably”)
O-namae wa? (What is your name?)
Greetings
Ohayo Gozaimasu. (Good morning)
Konnichi wa. (Good day/afternoon)
Komban wa. (Good evening)
O-yasumi nasai. (Good night)
O-tsukare sama desu. (When leaving work “Thanks for working hard”)
Say?nara. (Good bye)
Mata aimash? / ne. (See you later)
O-genki desu ka? (How are you, lit. “Are you well?”)
Itte kimasu. (I’m leaving [and coming back])
Itte rasshai. (Go and come back said in response to previous)
Tadaima. (I’m back)
O-kaeri nasai. (Welcome back said in response to previous)
Ki o tsukete. (Be careful/Take care)
Conversation
[Eigo ga] Wakarimasu ka? (Do you understand [English]?)
Wakarimasu / Wakarimasen. (I understand / I don’t understand)
Hai / Iie (Yes / No)
Sumimasen. (Excuse me / Pardon / I’m sorry)
[D?mo] Arigat? Gozaimasu. (Thank you very much)
D? Itashimashite. (You’re welcome)
Gomen nasai. (I’m sorry)
M? ichi-do itte kudasai. (Please say that once more).
Motto yukkuri itte kudasai. (Please say that more slowly
Omedet? Gozaimasu. (Congratulations)
Chotto Matte. (Wait a moment)
a as in father
i as in taxi
u as in tune
e as in bed
o as is joke
Meeting people
Hajimemashite (Nice to meet you)
Watashi wa <your name> desu. (My name is _______)
Dozo yoroshiku (onegai-shimasu) (Lit. “Please treat me favourably”)
O-namae wa? (What is your name?)
Greetings
Ohayo Gozaimasu. (Good morning)
Konnichi wa. (Good day/afternoon)
Komban wa. (Good evening)
O-yasumi nasai. (Good night)
O-tsukare sama desu. (When leaving work “Thanks for working hard”)
Say?nara. (Good bye)
Mata aimash? / ne. (See you later)
O-genki desu ka? (How are you, lit. “Are you well?”)
Itte kimasu. (I’m leaving [and coming back])
Itte rasshai. (Go and come back said in response to previous)
Tadaima. (I’m back)
O-kaeri nasai. (Welcome back said in response to previous)
Ki o tsukete. (Be careful/Take care)
Conversation
[Eigo ga] Wakarimasu ka? (Do you understand [English]?)
Wakarimasu / Wakarimasen. (I understand / I don’t understand)
Hai / Iie (Yes / No)
Sumimasen. (Excuse me / Pardon / I’m sorry)
[D?mo] Arigat? Gozaimasu. (Thank you very much)
D? Itashimashite. (You’re welcome)
Gomen nasai. (I’m sorry)
M? ichi-do itte kudasai. (Please say that once more).
Motto yukkuri itte kudasai. (Please say that more slowly
Omedet? Gozaimasu. (Congratulations)
Chotto Matte. (Wait a moment)
Japanese World and Religious Views
1. All religions are the same:￢ different paths but the same destination. Religion is essentially a personal quest or journey that cannot and should not be clearly defined, therefore seeking after truth is not important.
1. All religions are the same:￢ different paths but the same destination. Religion is essentially a personal quest or journey that cannot and should not be clearly defined, therefore seeking after truth is not important.
2. Weak people need something to lean on so whatever religion meets that psychological need for you is right.
3. Moral values and principles are relative and dependent on the situation but going along with the group (harmony), perseverance and hard work are all required to be a “good” person.
4. The divine (god) is not a distinct creator of the universe; rather the divine exists within and is a part of the universe itself. Christ was a great religious leader, the same as Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, etc.
5. No one knows for sure, but many “gods” or spirits may exist and are in and/or behind things and phenomena. They can bless or curse; so it is best that they be worshipped and appeased. Which is done by performing ceremonies and rituals at the right time and place.
6. Since “holy” things are mysterious, religion should be complex and difficult to understand. But, the practice of religion in Japan generally consists of observing many very simple rituals that anyone can do.
7. Certain people, places and objects have special power to help, heal, purify, and bring safety. For example, mountains, rocks, trees, water, shrines and statues can all have special spiritual power; healers, mediums and other spiritual people of power are consulted.
8. Being a respectable, responsible family member or employee means participation in various Buddhist and Shinto rituals and ceremonies.
9. The natural world can be understood and controlled. Science and technology are generally good and can be depended upon to discover what is true. Evolution is accepted as a fact.
10. Christianity is viewed with a deep mixture of fear and respect. Generally, fear wins out.
11. Even though most Japanese regularly participate in many Shinto, Buddhist and occult activities most view themselves as being nonreligious.
Japanese View of Christianity
Japanese people are very polite. They are also very interested in foreign culture, especially Western culture. However, they are very proud of their own culture and even though they imitate the music, fashion, etc. of other cultures, they wish to remain independent, proud and uniquely Japanese. The Japanese see America as a Christian nation which although it started on these principles is hardly true in theory ￢and are shocked to learn that not every American is a Christian.
They are fairly accepting of Christianity, but not very receptive of it. As mentioned before, it might somehow make them less Japanese. They may feel it is a good thing for Americans or even others, but not for themselves. Also, the idea of one God is very strange to them, as they are brought up to believe in different gods/spirits related to different, everyday things like rivers, mountains, etc.
Even though many Japanese claim to follow either Buddhism or Shinto, what’s strange is that many of them do not know why they participate in or perform certain rituals. These things are simply done out of tradition. What’s even stranger is that some Japanese don’t even believe in the reasons for which they perform the rituals, but they do it anyway. Trying to introduce the logic of Christianity somehow just doesn’t click, even if they do illogical things themselves.
Another view of Christianity is slightly more negative. There are several cult groups in Japan, so Christianity can just be seen as another one. Some feel that Christianity will only brainwash them and completely control their life. Again, logic breaks down for some unexplainable reason.
Warnings About Spiritual Obstacles in Japan
Japan is both an easy and a hard country in which to do ministry. It is easy in the sense that the government does not forbid Christianity or evangelism, the people are very polite and open and they want to get to know you. It is difficult in the sense that there is very little immediate fruit. There are also many spiritual obstacles that hinder ministry in Japan. The following are just a few to be aware of.
Japan is both an easy and a hard country in which to do ministry. It is easy in the sense that the government does not forbid Christianity or evangelism, the people are very polite and open and they want to get to know you. It is difficult in the sense that there is very little immediate fruit. There are also many spiritual obstacles that hinder ministry in Japan. The following are just a few to be aware of.
Self-Reliance
Although most Japanese people will say that they are a “Buddhist” or follow Shinto ways, the real, main thought pattern is self-reliance. Japanese are always taught to try their hardest and not to fail. The language itself even has many phrases for “Do your best”, “Thanks for working so hard”, and other such sayings.
Although most Japanese people will say that they are a “Buddhist” or follow Shinto ways, the real, main thought pattern is self-reliance. Japanese are always taught to try their hardest and not to fail. The language itself even has many phrases for “Do your best”, “Thanks for working so hard”, and other such sayings.
As mentioned, honor towards one’s family is of high importance. After this comes honor to your company, school, etc. Personal failure means bringing dishonor to any or all of these people. As a result, many Japanese people will commit suicide rather than failing. Suicide used to be an honorable death back in ancient Japan, and its effects can still be seen today. Japanese rarely want to admit they need help and turn to someone who would offer it. That is one reason why they have a hard time grasping Christianity.
Consumerism
Another big spiritual obstacle to be careful of is consumerism. Japan is a land of fashion, technology, and the world’s most cutting-edge electronics. You are constantly trying to be sold something. Japanese people always need to have the latest, newest, biggest, smallest, most expensive, most practical piece of equipment out there. Many Japanese people try to fill their lives with money or things of great value. Something new and better is always coming out, and they just have to have it. Monetary things that Japanese try to fill their lives with include: making money (gambling, pachinko), cars, nice clothes, the best sporting equipment for whatever they play, and any type of electronics you can think of (cell phones, cameras, TVs, computers, music players, etc.).
Another big spiritual obstacle to be careful of is consumerism. Japan is a land of fashion, technology, and the world’s most cutting-edge electronics. You are constantly trying to be sold something. Japanese people always need to have the latest, newest, biggest, smallest, most expensive, most practical piece of equipment out there. Many Japanese people try to fill their lives with money or things of great value. Something new and better is always coming out, and they just have to have it. Monetary things that Japanese try to fill their lives with include: making money (gambling, pachinko), cars, nice clothes, the best sporting equipment for whatever they play, and any type of electronics you can think of (cell phones, cameras, TVs, computers, music players, etc.).
Having things is not bad, but of course they are not fulfilling. Many Japanese people turn to them for a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. As many big-name electronics companies are Japanese, they are always pumping out the best stuff. While ministering in Japan, it can be easy to get caught up in all of it and start to “need” these things for yourself. Again, having things is not bad, but be careful where your heart is on the matter.
Sexuality in Public
Sexuality is a strange topic in Japan. Sex is not really discussed openly, but this does not mean that the people are not sexual. Sex is considered more of something to be done privately, but however you see fit. With that said, openly advertising sex is not uncommon. It is not condemned either; if one finds it repulsive or has no interest in it, they just ignore it.
Sexuality is a strange topic in Japan. Sex is not really discussed openly, but this does not mean that the people are not sexual. Sex is considered more of something to be done privately, but however you see fit. With that said, openly advertising sex is not uncommon. It is not condemned either; if one finds it repulsive or has no interest in it, they just ignore it.
There are many cabaret and strip clubs in busy parts of the city. Some may be hidden down back alleys, but some may also be more blatant. There is no censoring of signs or pictures, so there may be a sign for a strip club with nude photos right next to restaurants, bars, or even drug stores. This mostly occurs downtown, so be especially careful in those parts. Although not as common as in years past, advertisements for sexual stores or sex “hotlines” may be plastered around certain parts of town. Many phone booths used to have the hotline ads taped up inside the booth.
Other material also remains uncensored. Pornographic comics and nude magazines are sold everywhere, from newsstands in the subway to your corner convenience store. They are neither hidden nor wrapped, so people are free to go in and browse them at their leisure. It is not unheard of to see ads with nude pictures even in newspapers (but maybe less common). Be careful when trying to rent a movie as well. Many DVD/Video “stores” are just for adult videos, so be careful not to walk in to the wrong place. Even well-known chain video stores usually have an adult section, so be careful there too. Finally, even some late-night television is uncensored in Japan, and it’s not uncommon to see nudity on TV either.
Organic Fruit and Vegetable Boxes!
Boxes full of fresh organic fruits and vegetables delivered fresh to your door!
This is a trial based to see how much demand there is for Spring 2013. We will do this for the months of May and June and then decide to continue in the future. We are a small family run farm that is trying to make a bit of extra money. We have a few different plots of land that we grow various fruits and vegetables on. At this time we can not offer vegetable and fruit selection but we might in the future but rest assured that each box will be packed full of a wide variety of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. We keep our prices low by doing all the work ourselves and using recycled 6 pack-2 litre bottle boxes but we might be offering different sizes in the future. Shipping is our biggest cost so if you know any way we can get cheaper shipping we would be glad to hear it and of course we will pass the savings on to you the consumer. We are not a business and we do not do this large scale. Please note for now we are limiting the number of boxes to 10 and trying this for a one month subscription basis but this might expand to a 6 month and 1 year subscription in the future.
Sent out every Tuesday.
10000 yen for one month worth of organic fruits and vegetables to the following areas.
兵庫県 富山県 石川県 福井県 静岡県 愛知県 三重県 岐阜県 滋賀県 京都府 大阪府 奈良県 和歌山県 鳥取県 岡山県 島根県 広島県 山口県 香川県 徳島県 愛媛県 高知県
Hyogo Prefecture Toyama Prefecture Ishikawa Prefecture Fukui Prefecture Shizuoka Prefecture Aichi Prefecture Mie Prefecture Gifu Prefecture Shiga Prefecture Kyoto, Prefecture Osaka Prefecture Nara Prefecture Wakayama Prefecture Tottori Prefecture Shimane Prefecture Okayama Prefecture Hiroshima Prefecture Yamaguchi Prefecture Kagawa Prefecture Tokushima Prefecture Ehime Prefecture Kochi Prefecture
12000 yen for one month worth of organic fruits and vegetables to the following areas.
茨城県 栃木県 群馬県 埼玉県 千葉県 東京都 神奈川県 山梨県 新潟県
長野県 福岡県 佐賀県 大分県 熊本県 長崎県 宮崎県 鹿児島県 青森県 岩手県 秋田県 山形県 宮城県 福島県
Ibaraki Prefecture Tochigi Prefecture Gunma Ｐｒｅｆｅｃｔｕｒｅ Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture Tokyo Prefecture Kanagawa Prefecture Yamanashi Prefecture Niigata Prefecture Nagano Prefecture Fukuoka Prefecture Saga Prefecture Oita Prefecture Kumamoto Prefecture Nagasaki Prefecture Miyazaki Prefecture Kagoshima Prefecture Aomori Prefecture Iwate Prefecture Akita Prefecture Yamagata Prefecture Miyagi Prefecture Fukushima Prefecture
14000 yen for one month worth of organic fruits and vegetables to the following areas.
北海道 沖縄県
Hokkaido Prefecture Okinawa Prefecture
Sent out each 1st and 15th of the month.
6000 yen for one month worth of organic fruits and vegetables to the following areas.
兵庫県 富山県 石川県 福井県 静岡県 愛知県 三重県 岐阜県 滋賀県 京都府 大阪府 奈良県 和歌山県 鳥取県 岡山県 島根県 広島県 山口県 香川県 徳島県 愛媛県 高知県
Hyogo Prefecture Toyama Prefecture Ishikawa Prefecture Fukui Prefecture Shizuoka Prefecture Aichi Prefecture Mie Prefecture Gifu Prefecture Shiga Prefecture Kyoto, Prefecture Osaka Prefecture Nara Prefecture Wakayama Prefecture Tottori Prefecture Shimane Prefecture Okayama Prefecture Hiroshima Prefecture Yamaguchi Prefecture Kagawa Prefecture Tokushima Prefecture Ehime Prefecture Kochi Prefecture
8000 yen for one month worth of organic fruits and vegetables to the following areas.
茨城県 栃木県 群馬県 埼玉県 千葉県 東京都 神奈川県 山梨県 新潟県
長野県 福岡県 佐賀県 大分県 熊本県 長崎県 宮崎県 鹿児島県 青森県 岩手県 秋田県 山形県 宮城県 福島県
Ibaraki Prefecture Tochigi Prefecture Gunma Ｐｒｅｆｅｃｔｕｒｅ Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture Tokyo Prefecture Kanagawa Prefecture Yamanashi Prefecture Niigata Prefecture Nagano Prefecture Fukuoka Prefecture Saga Prefecture Oita Prefecture Kumamoto Prefecture Nagasaki Prefecture Miyazaki Prefecture Kagoshima Prefecture Aomori Prefecture Iwate Prefecture Akita Prefecture Yamagata Prefecture Miyagi Prefecture Fukushima Prefecture
10000 yen for one month worth of organic fruits and vegetables to the following areas.
北海道 沖縄県
Hokkaido Prefecture Okinawa Prefecture
For photos of what we grow on the farm see this page:
Payment can be made by either Post Office or Bank Transfer or by mailing us Amazon gift cards.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Have a question not mentioned here or elsewhere on this site? Leave a comment below and it will be answered within 24 hours guaranteed!
What kind of position is it?
We are looking for a versatile person who can be a WWOOFer, personal assistant, cook, cleaner, and au pair all rolled up into one!
I currently have a full time personal assistant who will be leaving Japan in a few months so this position can lead to bigger and better opportunities for you.
Quoted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au_pair and
An au pair (plural: au pairs) is a domestic assistant from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs take on a share of the family's responsibility for childcare as well as housework.
There is no childcare though for this position.
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms or Willing Workers on Organic Farms, is a loose network of national organisations that facilitate placement of helpers on organic farms.
WWOOFing aims to provide people with first-hand experience in organic and ecologically sound growing methods, to help the organic movement, and to let people experience life in a rural setting or a different country. The host provides food, accommodation, and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities.
The duration of the visit can range from a few days to years. Workdays average five to six hours, and participants interact with WWOOFers from other countries.
This page should explain it all but if it does not then this is what this FAQ page is for.
http://japanaupair.blogspot.jp/2012/09/come-be-our-au-pair-in-japan.html
We live on an organic farm on Awaji Island near Kobe in Hyogo Japan. There is a direct bus from Tokyo and Kansai airports and most other places in Japan.
Where are you located?
We live on an organic farm on Awaji Island near Kobe in Hyogo Japan. There is a direct bus from Tokyo and Kansai airports and most other places in Japan.
How long is the position for?
Up to you! Come for 2 weeks or 2 years. Just tell us beforehand how long you would like to stay. We require a minimum of two weeks though.
Are there any animals on your farm?
No there are not. We only grow rice, fruits, and vegetables. We do live on the water with various marine life
How do I apply?
Just send your resume and references to us.
Do I have to be in Japan to apply?
No we can do an interview on skype.
When can I start?
Start anytime! We are looking for someone to start right away but since not all au pairs want or can stay long term we are looking for someone to come later on also.
Do I need to speak any Japanese?
No but it is helpful. Japanese and/or English language classes are provided if you want to study.
Do I have to cook Japanese food?
No not at all. We are happy to eat whatever you can make us! Just make whatever food you are good at making. We can offer you professional cooking classes also so that you can learn to cook Japanese food.
I am a vegetarian/vegan/raw foodist/Muslim/Hindu/Mormon/etc, do I have to cook X?
No of course not. Like I mentioned before we are quite happy with whatever food you can make for us and we are quite open minded and willing to try new dishes.
Do you pay for my flight/shinkansen/bus ticket?
Yes will be paid after 90 days.
Can you sponsor my visa?
Yes for those staying a year or more.
Typical Daily Schedule
I should start off by saying this schedule is fairly flexible. This is just a sample schedule of what a typical day would look like since people were wondering. In reality YOU the au pair would basically be making your own schedule most of the time.
Part time schedule
8:00 Prepare breakfast
Free time (Go to the beach, garden, hiking, cycling, play xbox, study, pursue a hobby, work a part time or full time job on the side, etc.)
14:00 Prepare lunch
Free time
20:00 Prepare dinner
Free time until breakfast the next day.
Just add two hours a day for chores and you would get your typical day.
Full time schedule
8:00 Prepare breakfast
8:45 Start company work
14:00 Prepare lunch
15:00 Return to company work.
20:00 Prepare dinner
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