Making Japan Your Home

Japan is one of the most beautiful place that I’ve lived in but it had to be one of the most expensive too.  A friend who is currently in Japan asked if it was feasible to invest in a house since he just got married to a Japanese girl.   He wanted to know if he needed a  credit report to buy a house - so I wrote back to let him know that it’s a tricky thing when it comes to investing in a house.

First, it’s expensive if you don’t know by now to live in Japan - and it is not the house that is expensive - it is the land!  Unlike here in Canada or the States where land is aplenty - it’s a rare commodity in Japan. Getting a loan is not impossible - I think a certain bank does good on the loan for permanent resident. Houses however depreciate over time. The key some believe is to buy land and house which is a little older – perhaps one which has a zero yen value on it but also one which is in very good condition – you must afterall live in it.  The myth about needing to get the wife to own the house is not true - so don’t let the outlaws make you believe that.  Good luck!

Tsunami Warning In Japan

The tsunami warning issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center includes parts of Central and South America, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii and a number of Pacific islands.  When my friend from Japan wrote about it on her facebook - i cannot helped but put away my reading of spring plungers and went online to check about the upcoming disaster and tragedy.

“Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated which could cause widespread damage,” reads a bulletin issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. “Authorities should take appropriate action in response to this threat.”

The Center issued specific warnings for the entire state of Hawaii, saying the first wave of a tsunami could hit at 11:19 a.m. local time.

In Japan, broadcaster NHK quoted experts who predicted a tsunami could hit Japan in less than 24 hours, and could be tens of centimetres high. In 2001, a tsunami that hit Japan after an 8.4-magnitude earthquake near Chile measured 28 centimetres.

Earthquake Hits Japan Again!

I was pretty worried about some friends who are living in Japan permanently when i read about the Earthquake that hit japan on today.  For those who are not aware of this.. Japan is a country very prone to Earthquake - some 10 years ago,  an earthquake in Kobe killed thousands.  Even if everyone in Japan had a car with gps i doubt they can get out to safety quick enough.  I love Japan .. but mother nature is not at all kind to this country.   This time I heard a Tsunami warning was issued but was lifted shortly after an hour later.   My friends are safe..  for now .. but what about the next time.

Schools In Japan

Many of my friends in Canada had asked me about the school uniforms in Japan and if it was true that schools are aplenty in Japan.  What was the education system like in Japan as well.  Well, first off - there are lots of IT Jobs in Japan being the leader of electronics and anything IT.  So you would think that there are lots of schools teaching about IT right..?? but nope not so - in Japan i hear that there isn’t many universities.  I think there are only like 3 if i am not wrong - don’t quote me now.  Every year - we read about how some Japanese student committing suicide because they can’t get into University.  Yes.. pretty dramatic eh..??  and yes Japanese student wears uniform like the above.

Way To Go Japan!

I’m sure you all know by now about the Haiti earthquake right?  Yes! what a disaster ! with more than 100,000 death so far and counting.  I know so because we have 8 volunteers who were there when the earthquake happened.   And the Japanese Red Cross is now on their way to an island in Haiti to help as much as possible.   We over here in Canada are collecting anything we can to help the people in Haiti, any kind of   diet supplements will be of help.

Visa To Japan

So you wanna visit Japan for a holiday.. ?? or some of you are thinking of going to Japan to be an English teacher.  Many years ago, visiting Japan and getting a visa.. is like going to visit the Nazis.. hahahha!! i kid you not..  :)  when i was there.. in 1999 .. i had to wait for a visa for so long.. and go thru’ an interview and all.. it was really like visiting a 3rd world country.

But since 2008, Japan listed like 62 countries.. that doesn’t need Visa when entering Japan, so make sure you check if you need the paperwork.  Since I have a Singapore Passport and am a Permanent Resident in Canada.. that would include me as well.   Ok.. so you are waived of the visa.. but be sure to know .. how long you can stay in Japan .. and even if you are waived.. you can still be turned back at the airport and custom.. if you are considered a risk .. or have intend.. to overstay in Japan.  Alot of tourists do that..  and I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Electric Bikes For Government Official In Japan

Yes.. !! i heard that from one of Japan’s blog and if they do have electric bikes in the near feature.. who would need roadside assistance eh..??  But $6000 for a bike.. i rather take the car.. afterall, doesn’t Japan manufacture their own cars .. ?? and in massive amounts..?

Sanyo is offering an upscale $6,000+ USD upgrade to their Eneloop line. This electric hybrid bicycle, the “CY-SPK227 eneloop” is a sports-type featuring a super-lightweight carbon composite bicycle frame that absorbs vibration Sanyo will start selling it (only in Japan) in October for 627,900 yen ($6,600 USD).

Rock On Mt Fuji Kills Man

The boulder, about a meter in diameter, reportedly hit the campervan shortly after 10 p.m. on Monday, crashing through the vehicle’s roof.

The accident occurred at the highest parking lot on the Shizuoka side of Mount Fuji, located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters. The trails between the ninth station and the mountain’s summit were closed due to remaining snow, but were reopened at midnight on Tuesday.

Cops In Japan

As much as I love Japan as a tourist.. it is a different story when it comes to living there.  Generally, I find it ok.. but the fines are tough. .and there are no excuses .. even when it comes to driving a bit faster than usual.  They ticket you.. and make you pay for the fine .. irregardless.. and the fines are like a few hundred dollars.. it was just crazy.

The standard of living in Japan is way more than a lot of things in the West.  A girlfriend still shops at best buy and then carry it with her.. when she leaves for Japan for the next teaching assignment.  So while i would go back for a vacation.. i doubt i would go back and stay in Japan anymore.

No Imported Cars

Of course there is .. !! i was in Japan for 6 months.. and they are everywhere.  So whoever say that there is no imported cars in Japan must be joking.. hahahha!!   But having said that.. imported cars are expensive to bring into Japan.