h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi, there, fellow carbon-based lifeforms. I'll be graduating with a bachelors degree next spring, and have decided that I want to go to Japan when all is said and done. Having never been there, I don't really know what I'm getting myself into, but I must say that I am looking forward to the culture shock. Apart from having a working knowledge of the language, is there anything I should know or do before going? Also, does anyone know of any programs that help people find housing or work? I'm familiar with the JET program and a couple others, and, worse comes to worse, I figure I'll just hop a boat and figure stuff out when I arrive. I appreciate any helpful insights, especially from anyone who lives or has spent time there.
Thank you!

You can read 'When you are engulfed in flames' by David Sedaris. The last story (which gave its name to the book) describes how Sedaris quit smoking by going to Japan for a few months. It is very entertaining.

http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Are-Engulfed-Flames/dp/0316143472

My son went out to Japan after graduating and four years later is well & truly settled there, having just got married.

I've found japan-guide.com a useful information site prior to visiting. Definitely some basic language skills are useful & talk to the locals when you are there. Being a foreigner, you won't be expected to know how to behave. Be as polite & discreet as possible, observe what others do & imitate.

Terrific country - it's clean, everything works, trains are on time, food is plentiful & good.

You've come to the right place. One of the researchers here lives in Japan. I hope he'll come along soon to give his

If not, maybe we'll nudge him here.

Aah - it looks as though he's Elvised.

Nevertheless, try the entries on Japan, starting with

A18557300

Thank you all for your input. I have a little while before I plan on going, but anything I can learn now is great. Additional info is always welcome!

Try Hospitality Club:

http://status.hospitalityclub.org/

or Google Couchsurfers.; they are both ones i host for, but i'm in Ireland & HC site seems down at the moment.

My partners sisters son (i think!) lives in Norway with a Japanese guy, they could be useful contacts, my partner is German, do you squeak German? He squeaks fluent Anglais if not!

(Ja, european Union here!)

zdt

Ah, sadly, the only German words I know and use with any regularity are schweine and schnecken, along with a few odds and ends. I speak fairly decent Spanish, though, and I know a wee bit of Japanese.

I've heard of CouchSurfers, and I'll take a look at HC when it's back up and running.

Danke!

Couchsurfing in Japan is . My son was there recently and managed to get loads out of the few days he had thanks to Japanese hosts and meeting with fellow travellers.