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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 3, 2017 11:39:39 GMT 9
CaptainSeery , nikinee , GloriariaI haven't started learning anything yet, and from the looks of it, I think it'll definitely take me a couple of months to even go through the lessons of both theory and practical >< Much less the tests. Which means... it is really too late for me to be starting anything I feel... uuuughh. I'll survive with a small (standing) electric scooter..
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Post by Caic on Apr 3, 2017 11:41:41 GMT 9
i just posted off for international permit, was very quick and easy and no need to go to office
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Gloriaria
Tried natto; not a fan
Posts: 67 
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Ibaraki
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Post by Gloriaria on Apr 3, 2017 11:43:38 GMT 9
CaptainSeery , nikinee , Gloriaria I haven't started learning anything yet, and from the looks of it, I think it'll definitely take me a couple of months to even go through the lessons of both theory and practical >< Much less the tests. Which means... it is really too late for me to be starting anything I feel... uuuughh. I'll survive with a small (standing) electric scooter.. Well there's always the option of getting your license in Japan if you have enough free time and is determined. I think Singapore also drives on the left side of the road? So if you do get it while you're in Japan you could still use it well after you go back home. Although I have a license I'm super nervous to mistake which side I drive on. XDDD worst nightmare to imagine |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 3, 2017 11:53:12 GMT 9
Does Japan have more manual or auto cars by the way? Gloriaria Yeah, it's on the same side!  I don't want to do Japanese theory test T_T |
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Post by no yark shark on Apr 3, 2017 11:57:09 GMT 9
I drive an auto and I think all the city's cars (at least the ones I usually drive) are also auto. And like 9/10 people that were taking the driving test with me were doing auto.
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 3, 2017 13:01:30 GMT 9
nikinee okay, I asked around, it seems like I will manage to scrape through getting a license on time if I went with private instructors instead of schools. I'll go for it!
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Post by CaptainSeery on Apr 3, 2017 13:42:58 GMT 9
Most cars are automatic, yeah. In fact, once you get a Japanese license, you can only drive automatic cars unless you get a specific manual license, and take the test on a manual car. (I don't know how this works with countries like Canada where you can transfer a license without taking the test...) Good luck hohoEMIsen! |
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Post by Caic on Apr 3, 2017 13:44:24 GMT 9
my license is manual at home so it transferred to a manual one here.
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Mumblesnore
Dead Stargod 
’Tis the season (for Eggnog)
Posts: 16,154 
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Tokyo
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Post by Mumblesnore on Apr 3, 2017 13:46:37 GMT 9
Oh man I borrowed an electric bicycle from my city hall last year and was planning on buying my own once summer came around. I.....had no idea they were so expensive  |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 3, 2017 21:42:38 GMT 9
nikinee ! The General Guidebook says "To obtain a Japanese driver's licence, you will need a valid overseas licence. Please note that applicants must be able to prove that they were in the country where the licence was issued for at least three months after obtaining the licence." I can't make it in time D= nooooo Edit: I realise that I can change my pass into an International Driving License, but it's only valid for one year unless I leave the country again for 3 months... which is impossible as a CIR. So I still can't make it in time...
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Post by Dee on Apr 3, 2017 23:28:15 GMT 9
Are there any family CIRs on here that could answer questions about what to bring or not bring for my 2 year old? My husband is also accompanying me. I feel like there's so much to do in the 4 months between now and when we head to Japan!
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Gloriaria
Tried natto; not a fan
Posts: 67
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Ibaraki
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Post by Gloriaria on Apr 4, 2017 0:11:21 GMT 9
Are there any family CIRs on here that could answer questions about what to bring or not bring for my 2 year old? My husband is also accompanying me. I feel like there's so much to do in the 4 months between now and when we head to Japan! That is so sweet! I also have a hulemdo who went last year with a new-born, her baby was very healthy and she's heard all the good stuff about Japanese baby products, she also had a plenty of savings so the only things she brought were a few of the toys and two big bottles of baby lotions from Aveeno cause the doctor suggest this brand being the best for her baby's skin. Later in Japan she found the same brand being sold pretty commonly and just sticked to the brand so she wouldn't be risking trying new unknown products. Japanese baby products are very well known for the quality that might or might not cause allergies, I can't recall any specific names at the moment but my cousin who lives in China have been importing Japanese baby products for the two of her children. There's also a Facebook group for JETs with children! It's called "JET programme couples and families", it's a very active group you need to request to join. People on there are super helpful according to my fiend. Good luck!! |
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Post by Dee on Apr 4, 2017 0:30:53 GMT 9
Are there any family CIRs on here that could answer questions about what to bring or not bring for my 2 year old? My husband is also accompanying me. I feel like there's so much to do in the 4 months between now and when we head to Japan! That is so sweet! I also have a hulemdo who went last year with a new-born, her baby was very healthy and she's heard all the good stuff about Japanese baby products, she also had a plenty of savings so the only things she brought were a few of the toys and two big bottles of baby lotions from Aveeno cause the doctor suggest this brand being the best for her baby's skin. Later in Japan she found the same brand being sold pretty commonly and just sticked to the brand so she wouldn't be risking trying new unknown products. Japanese baby products are very well known for the quality that might or might not cause allergies, I can't recall any specific names at the moment but my cousin who lives in China have been importing Japanese baby products for the two of her children. There's also a Facebook group for JETs with children! It's called "JET programme couples and families", it's a very active group you need to request to join. People on there are super helpful according to my fiend. Good luck!! Thanks Gloriaria! I'm already connected with the JET Couples/Families FB page  I plan on asking around there too when it comes to packing up the family. I think I'm more concerned with the bigger stuff, like I plan to bring the car seat on the plane but do we really need the pack n' play or whatnot? |
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sven
Founding Father of the CIRHP 
Posts: 472
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Niigata
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Post by sven on Apr 4, 2017 6:01:10 GMT 9
Are there any family CIRs on here that could answer questions about what to bring or not bring for my 2 year old? My husband is also accompanying me. I feel like there's so much to do in the 4 months between now and when we head to Japan! has at least one baby, maybe more. So he's probably the best advisor. |
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Post by CaptainSeery on Apr 4, 2017 8:35:37 GMT 9
All of those things will be available in Japan. I think for large things like that you should make a pro/con list between buying a new one here, or dealing with the cost of shipping it and/or the inconvenience of bringing it on the plane with you. But yeah Shimanchu 2024 is gonna be your best bet. |
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Mumblesnore
Dead Stargod
’Tis the season (for Eggnog)
Posts: 16,154
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Tokyo
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Post by Mumblesnore on Apr 4, 2017 8:38:23 GMT 9
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sven
Founding Father of the CIRHP
Posts: 472
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Niigata
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Post by sven on Apr 4, 2017 8:43:53 GMT 9
i heard Shimanchu 2024 is %50 percent CIR, %50 percent great dad, and %100 reason to remember the name |
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Post by nikinee on Apr 4, 2017 8:44:02 GMT 9
nikinee ! The General Guidebook says "To obtain a Japanese driver's licence, you will need a valid overseas licence. Please note that applicants must be able to prove that they were in the country where the licence was issued for at least three months after obtaining the licence." I can't make it in time D= nooooo Edit: I realise that I can change my pass into an International Driving License, but it's only valid for one year unless I leave the country again for 3 months... which is impossible as a CIR. So I still can't make it in time... Oh that sucks  Theoretically they shouldn't place you somewhere where you can't get by without a car, so I wouldn't worry all that much! Like I said before, not having a car doesn't effect me too much in my day to day life because I have everything I need in a fairly close distance to my apartment, so hopefully you should end up in a similar position. My case is somewhat unique in that I need to actually travel around the prefecture for work, so it would be nice to have it, y'know? Strictly speaking, I don't need it because I can use taxis etc, but yeah... life would be easier if I could drive, hue. I've been thinking of getting my license here, but it's really expensive/time-consuming so I haven't really gotten around to it... |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 4, 2017 9:28:47 GMT 9
nikinee ! The General Guidebook says "To obtain a Japanese driver's licence, you will need a valid overseas licence. Please note that applicants must be able to prove that they were in the country where the licence was issued for at least three months after obtaining the licence." I can't make it in time D= nooooo Edit: I realise that I can change my pass into an International Driving License, but it's only valid for one year unless I leave the country again for 3 months... which is impossible as a CIR. So I still can't make it in time... Oh that sucks Theoretically they shouldn't place you somewhere where you can't get by without a car, so I wouldn't worry all that much! Like I said before, not having a car doesn't effect me too much in my day to day life because I have everything I need in a fairly close distance to my apartment, so hopefully you should end up in a similar position. My case is somewhat unique in that I need to actually travel around the prefecture for work, so it would be nice to have it, y'know? Strictly speaking, I don't need it because I can use taxis etc, but yeah... life would be easier if I could drive, hue. I've been thinking of getting my license here, but it's really expensive/time-consuming so I haven't really gotten around to it... T_T yeah. Praying for a good location. (；人；) Edit: It's very expensive in Singapore as well, just less time-consuming than those driving schools in Japan. |
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Shimanchu 2024
Well you can tell by the way I use my star I'm a woman's star, no time to star. Music loud and starring stars I been starred around, since I was star.
中年危機イン沖
Posts: 6,892
CIR Experience: ULTIMATE UNICORN (6th year)
Location: Okinawa
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Post by Shimanchu 2024 on Apr 5, 2017 11:45:38 GMT 9
That is so sweet! I also have a hulemdo who went last year with a new-born, her baby was very healthy and she's heard all the good stuff about Japanese baby products, she also had a plenty of savings so the only things she brought were a few of the toys and two big bottles of baby lotions from Aveeno cause the doctor suggest this brand being the best for her baby's skin. Later in Japan she found the same brand being sold pretty commonly and just sticked to the brand so she wouldn't be risking trying new unknown products. Japanese baby products are very well known for the quality that might or might not cause allergies, I can't recall any specific names at the moment but my cousin who lives in China have been importing Japanese baby products for the two of her children. There's also a Facebook group for JETs with children! It's called "JET programme couples and families", it's a very active group you need to request to join. People on there are super helpful according to my fiend. Good luck!! Thanks Gloriaria! I'm already connected with the JET Couples/Families FB page I plan on asking around there too when it comes to packing up the family. I think I'm more concerned with the bigger stuff, like I plan to bring the car seat on the plane but do we really need the pack n' play or whatnot?
Hi!
hue, I got like 653678976984 tags up in here.
By car seat on the plane, do you mean for a car which you plan to drive in your 赴任地, or one of those seat harness things you can use on airplanes? My wife used one of those when she came and it seemed to work just fine.
But yeah, pretty much anything baby related you could possibly need can be found here in Japan.
If you're worried about car seats, be aware that Japanese car seat standards ARE in fact different than american, so you may wanna do a little research on that.
If you're in the couples and families fb page, my wife posts in there answering questions sometimes (usually in regards to hospitals, pregnancy, and childbirth). It's a pretty useful group, so go ahead and ENLYO NAK post any ?s you may have in there.
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Post by Dee on Apr 5, 2017 21:11:07 GMT 9
Thanks Gloriaria! I'm already connected with the JET Couples/Families FB page I plan on asking around there too when it comes to packing up the family. I think I'm more concerned with the bigger stuff, like I plan to bring the car seat on the plane but do we really need the pack n' play or whatnot?
Hi!
hue, I got like 653678976984 tags up in here.
By car seat on the plane, do you mean for a car which you plan to drive in your 赴任地, or one of those seat harness things you can use on airplanes? My wife used one of those when she came and it seemed to work just fine.
But yeah, pretty much anything baby related you could possibly need can be found here in Japan.
If you're worried about car seats, be aware that Japanese car seat standards ARE in fact different than american, so you may wanna do a little research on that.
If you're in the couples and families fb page, my wife posts in there answering questions sometimes (usually in regards to hospitals, pregnancy, and childbirth). It's a pretty useful group, so go ahead and ENLYO NAK post any ?s you may have in there.
Thanks @shimanchu2017 The car seat we currently have is FAA approved, so I just figured that would be more comfy for my little one while on the plane, and would come in handy if we do get a car while in Japan. I don't have my placement yet, so I'm not sure if that's necessary or not yet. Thanks for the tip on car seat standards, I'll do some research on that |
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Post by shanshan310 on Apr 6, 2017 14:09:43 GMT 9
If at all possible I’d really recommend trying to get your international license before coming here. Paying for lessons and having to take the test (most people I know took it multiple times) can add up into the hundred thousands in yen. Plus all that lost nenkyu. You can often get by without a car (I am because I can’t really afford it if I want to save any money. Got my license though), but it definitely feels like an inconvenience. For example, I went to go skiing on the weekend to a place 15 minutes by car from my house, but I missed the bus, which only comes every 2 1/2 hours because it’s hella inaka, and so then didn’t get to spend much time there because the last bus leaves very early. And I felt lucky because most places around town don’t even have a bus stop. For work stuff it’s totally fine because I can walk, and it’s nice to save money… It just depends on how much exploring you want to do, and how good the public transport is in your area  I am particularly inaka though so don’t freak out. Biking is also probably an option if you don’t live in the middle of snow country like I do >< |
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Gloriaria
Tried natto; not a fan
Posts: 67
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Ibaraki
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Post by Gloriaria on Apr 9, 2017 0:55:17 GMT 9
My hulemdo who went as an ALT said she was placed in a middle school in Akita and the town was surrounded by wild forest, very typical horror story location. The town was cut off from urban and adults made up rumours about danger in the forest to keep children away. There was one bus that goes out to the nearest city every morning at 7 and returns from the city 7pm. Internet was possible but nah... and no Conbini so she cooked 90% of the time with groceries bought from local farmer market.
O______O <- my face as I sat and listened to her story before applying to JET....
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Post by Dee on Apr 12, 2017 3:07:08 GMT 9
Anyone planning to start a blog/vlog or know of any CIRs that already have one? I've really enjoyed reading through a few ALT blogs about their experiences but it's harder to find a CIR blog.
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Post by CaptainSeery on Apr 12, 2017 9:04:32 GMT 9
I'd say that there's probably many fewer CIR blogs for two simple reasons: 1) there are 9 ALTs to every 1 CIR, and 2) on average CIRs are much much much busier than ALTs. That said, I'm sure they do exist, so keep trying? And some CIRs keep blogs or something similar for work, too, so try searching in Japanese. For example nikinee's job seems to mostly be making videos of her going to different places in her prefecture. |
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Post by nikinee on Apr 12, 2017 9:20:06 GMT 9
I was originally planning to blog privately because I hadn't seen many CIR blogs either, but I haven't really had the time to update it as consistently as I would have hoped. That, and I don't really do all that much outside of work to really make for anything all that interesting most of the time anyway, hue.
As mentioned, I make videos for work, but I also have Facebook and Instagram pages which I update about three times a week. Having said that, it's more of a promotional thing about the prefecture rather than my own experiences as a CIR （*´∀｀*）
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Post by no yark shark on Apr 12, 2017 9:25:23 GMT 9
I have a personal blog that I managed to keep updated for maybe...3 months? But I have no idea what the URL was and now I can't find it, hue.
Working full time (even though the JET schedule is a bit less than other jobs) while also doing taiko that meets twice a week, on top of trying to maintain a social life, cook for myself, AND keep my house clean eats up A LOT of time.
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Post by Sheepy on Apr 12, 2017 9:42:25 GMT 9
I have thought about doing a personal blog too about this job, but YAPPALI as everyone else has said, this job gets so busy and draining, more so than ALTs, that I personally just have no energy at the end of the day.
It's amazing how one seemingly-simple HONYAK or half a day of TSUYAK can just drain your brain.
I can barely even reply to people's LINE messages, so I figure a blog wouldn't be reasonable for me to try to do. hahahaha
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 12, 2017 11:57:06 GMT 9
I am planning to start a blog, and am going to post anonymously. I hope that I can keep it going I will try to keep my blog posts short so that I can last longer xD Edit: Can everyone please give me some inspiration and ideas as to what my blog name should be called? |
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Gloriaria
Tried natto; not a fan
Posts: 67
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Ibaraki
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Post by Gloriaria on Apr 12, 2017 11:59:43 GMT 9
I figured that CIR work is quite stressing and requires a lot of free time to conduct extra works, which is something I look forward to! On the other hand I am also planning to do a vlog on travel or MATURIs, maybe even just with a GO-PRO to record some hiking XD
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I don't want to do Japanese theory test T_T
I am particularly inaka though so don’t freak out. Biking is also probably an option if you don’t live in the middle of snow country like I do >< 
