What to Bring › Newcomer's Guide

What to Bring


 


 

Clothes

Bring clothes from home. There are a few good, and reasonable outlets around, but for the most part clothing is ludicrously overpriced. Don't plan on buying too many high fashion items here, as the sizes will be small and the price will be prohibitive. We repeat, the sizes will be small! But... the fashion in Japan is "cutting edge," and you might just find that you have to have a few kitchy items. Your experience is your own, but we offer these guidelines.

For Work

You are appointed to a professional government postition. You will need busiess style atire, and you should be conscious of looking marginally professional during working hours. That being said, don't stress too much about your wardrobe. For the most part, casual style work clothes are acceptable in schools and around the office. Comfort casual trousers (for everyone), skirts or dresses (for women only), and shirts or blouses with a collar or buttons are acceptable. Make sure that you can adequately cover yourself from the shoulders to mid-calf. Your suit and tie will probably be reserved for a few special times throughout the year, like your first day or at graduation ceremonies. If you plan on joining or coaching a sporting club bring appropriate clothes as well. (Basketball/volleyball shoes should never have been worn outside.) Different schools have different dress "styles," but you will be OK as long as you use your head. This is a cultural exchange, so your own style is valuable to you and the program. Don't feel too constrained and keep comfortable. You will be riding your bike to school as well, so most things should be cycling compatable.

For Leisure

You are appointed to a professional government position, and you are under the microscope. Overtly shocking fashions are best left for the tickle trunk, desu ne?

In the summer you will be hot. Bring along clothes from the beginning that you can feel comfortable and cool in. For both males and females, as long as there is some semblance of an attemp to cover-up your chest and below the waist, you should be OK in public. Nude is your best bet around the apartment, though. (*wink)

We advise shipping your winter clothes as you won't need them until the end of October. Bring along warm socks, gloves, long-sleeve and thermal wear, and pajamas. A good, warm winter jacket is also a must for everyone. Having to ride your bike to schools that might just be 1/2 hour away makes everything seem colder. Also, as mentioned in the living section, there is no constant, effective climate control, so wearing easy-to-peal layers is a must.

Seasons in Japan are distinct and varied. Plan for a complete array of weather conditions and plan on being out in them.

Shoes

In case you didn't know, you don't wear shoes in homes or schools in Japan. Most people will wear some sort of slippers at work, and you should take your own to school as the ones provided are laughable. You can buy them here, but as sizes do run small it is a good idea to bring a pair or two along. Bring a pair that covers your toes for the winter. As for getting to and from school you need shoes that are good for riding a bike. Also, bring along a pair of dress shoes that matches your more formal wear.

Toiletries

Deoderant and good shaving cream - These are difficult to find. Definitely, bring some with you and ship a year's supply with your winter clothes. Everything else can be found here in abundance. Japan has a huge and overt market of beauty and personal care products, but be warned, as with everything, you might not be able to find your specific brand of anything. If you are personally attached to a certain type of product, bring or ship a years supply.

Contraceptives - Women's contraceptive pills are still unavailable as a means of birth control, and a prescription is very difficult to get. If you actually get one, it will cause quite a stir in the office (and probably in the community). Bring your own and don't forget to bring your doctor's written prescription! **Legally you can only bring or send over a month's supply at a time, but many people chance it and bring a full year.** Just in case, arrange with friends or family to send some over if everything else falls through. Men can buy condoms at your local convienence store. And... if you must, bring your own, as MAGNUM size has a small market here. (Male compilers of this page agree, they all brought their own.) Incidentally, if for some inconceivable reason you don't find yourself in the market for condoms, smutt is available in manga form for all to see at the same convenience outlet. (Male compilers of this page agree, they all have never bought manga smutt from a convenience store.)

Take It or Leave It

Bring:
  • Interesting cultural/national information
  • Cotton sports clothes
  • Flat, comfortable, slip on shoes
  • Lots of underwear
  • Men - more short sleaved collared shirts for work
  • Women - less tight skirts and more nice trousers or comfortable sundresses
  • A thorough array of winter wear (ship it)
  • Books, music, and videos
  • A sense of adventure and wonder
Leave:
  • Too many preconceived notions
  • Computer paper, disks, etc.
  • An umbrella (buy one here)
  • Silk anything
  • Cookbooks requiring a large oven (most JETs don't have one)
  • Winter boots (not much snow)
  • Stationary or pens
  • Appliances