Living in Japan: Month One

It’s been one month since I came to Japan, and while I’m behind schedule for getting my life in order, I feel like things are finally starting to come together. I have an apartment with some furniture and applicances (still working on it, but enough to live), a bank account, a working cell phone, all my documents are in order, and I’m just working out some of the small details. I’ve been wanting to post more updates, but I don’t have an internet connection yet (installation is this Wednesday), so I’ve been a bit conservative with my mobile data and tethering. However soon, that will all be taken care of, and I can move on to other, more fun things.

Moving into my apartment (which, incidentally, is in Suminoe-ku) was interesting. Since I paid in advance, all I had to do was show up at the management office and pick up my room key, and that was about it. I rushed out to buy a futon for the first night, so I would at least have somewhere to sleep. The rental company was delivering things 2 days later, so until then, I didn’t have a fridge, washing machine, air conditioner, stove, or any furniture.

The next day, with the help of Issei and Hiromi, I was able to file some paperwork and pick up some more stuff. There is some paperwork required for when you make a move in Japan, which involves going to the city/ward office and registering your move (after you got a form saying that you are moving from your previous city/ward office), and processing that paperwork, as well as talking to people about the national insurance, etc. You also need to let the post office know as well. After this was done, we went to the mall to pick up some medium-sized items.

When I’ve been thinking about what I need to purchase, I’ve split things into 3 categories: Small, Medium, and Large. Small items (e.g. plates, utencils, hangers, anything that fits in a grocery bag) are things I can easily take care of myself. Large items are things that I’m going to need to order (I’m going to need a proper desk, chair, dining set). However I was able to get some help with some in-between items, which will fit in a car, like trash cans (pictured), and laundry racks, and a zaisu (floor-chair), which helped immensely.

Once I get my internet set up, I’ll have to place a lot of orders to finish getting set up, but for the time being, I’m in a good place. I even put some laundry outside to dry for the first time in my life, fun! I really like this place and I can’t wait until it’s at 100%. I am very happy to not be living out of a suitcase anymore (Even if I still dont have a dresser).

I’ll have lots more to post in the next little bit, including a guide to getting set up in Japan. A lot of the information I read about moving to Japan was contradictory, out of date, or doesn’t apply unless you have a job in Japan. I’m thinking about writing a guide to help others get set up; There is a lot I would do differently if I had some knowledge in advance.

Anyways: that is my one month update! Stay tuned for more.