Living in Japan: The Good and Bad

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So I made a giant list of things that I wanted to talk about that are good, bad, and in-between with the JET Programme, schools, and life in Japan.
I ended up having to make these into separate videos because it was getting too long.
This one is about the good and the bad for Living in Japan.
LIVING IN JAPAN
BAD:
- Loneliness
- Homesickness and Culture Shock.
- Language Barrier
- Seasonal Allergies
- Bugs
- Super hot/cold weather.
- It can be expensive with dependants.
- Your days off are the same as everyone else, it'll be busy.
- Cell phone set-up is a long process.
- Possibility of natural disaster.
- Dealing with issues back home.
- You have to pay for a visit with the doctor.
- Japan is extremely convenient and thus easy to spend money!!
GOOD:
- Learn to be independent.
- Healthy lifestyle.
- Incredibly fresh food.
- Excellent and convenient public transportation.
- Hanging out with other ALTs
- Learning about Japan
- You get to experience things that tourists can't.
- You might be able to get your friends to visit your schools.
- Japan is a beautiful and clean place to live.
- Convenience stores.
- 100 yen shops (dollar stores) are actually really great.
- You learn good mannerisms and patience.
- Japanese festivals!
IN-BETWEEN:
- Other tourists: Good and bad ones.
- Pizza is expensive.
- The sun sets really early.
- Apartments aren't furnished. (JET programme thing)
- SHOPPING!!! OMG SHOPPING!!!!
- Seasonal Flavours and fruits.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave a message! I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Опубликовано:

25 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 151

@captainscott4891 6 лет назад

Great video, insightful, cheers! Also, quite funny too haha!

@adamdama039 6 лет назад

And if you can talk japanese you won t be lonely?

@gregorybreen7705 4 года назад

adam Dama03 learning Japanese has helped but barely. SOME people will talk to me but as far as friends, I have very very few friends that are Japanese AND haven’t lived abroad. Japanese tend to see none Japanese as outsiders and expect you to leave so they keep you at a distance waiting for you to leave. I’m not native level in Japanese but definitely comfortably conversational. I don’t actually know any foreign people who have a very different experience. The language isnt actually as hard as people think but getting people to talk to you and NOT talk down to you in broke English is a trick I have yet to figure out. Many people will say “sorry no English” and avoid me even though I’m talking to them in Japanese. Loneliness in Japan in would oversimplify as “you’ll never be Japanese “ and they’ll treat you like that, this can be bad and good.

@mPDC-gh8jy 8 лет назад

If we Japanese were able to resolve "the language barrier", it means JET/ALT system doesn't need any more. And I hope the day will come.

@leannajeb 8 лет назад

about the language barrier - when you're in stores etc. - if you download google translate, you can take a picture of kanji or hiragana (say on an item in a grocery store), you highlight the characters you want translated with your finger, and it translates! (I know this sounds like bad advice, google translate doesn't exactly have a good rep, but..... I recently saw a video from sharla in japan and it seems quite helpful.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

+Leanna B I actually have that app and it is amazing!!! It really does help when I need to translate a package or poster!! :) Google translate isn't perfect but it sure does help! haha.

@austinb7566 5 лет назад

Leanna B that’s how I personally got by for 6 months in Japan. It worked fine

@royalrumble5232 8 лет назад

Has anybody ever told you that you look like Maggie from The Walking Dead?

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

This makes me so happy! Haha Thank you!!

@Natzawa 8 лет назад

I can totally see that lol.

@crankysalt 8 лет назад

i was totally thinking the same thing haha

@KarlNiblock 5 лет назад

Thank you!! I couldn't figure this out.

@ibusukionsen-nj9hi 8 лет назад

when i was city of waterloo in canada, i felt also lonliness because i can't speak english very well. if i am more young, i will become your friend in tokyo. ganbatte kudasai！

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Awww thank you very much for your comment! That's very sweet of you. I'm sad that you were lonely in Canada. Living abroad is sad and exciting at the same time.

@P4r4k 6 лет назад

great video! loved your personality, you could really grow this channel if you wanted to!

@zwordsman 8 лет назад

Good vid! Thakns! This was far more useful than most peoples similiar video actuallly... I'll be a jet in a few months (assuming background check goes through. damn 14 week waiting), probably up north though.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Thank you for your comment! Hey that's great to hear!! Congratulations!! You'll love it!!

@chaangsomba117 5 лет назад

Did anyone notice the kimono doll in the back moved?

@joo6353 7 лет назад

The way you talk is like Dory from finding nemo/dory! really positive and fun! 🤗

@jmrohcreations 7 лет назад

choco this made me smile! Thank you!! :D

@Rjl41 8 лет назад

Hi Jessica, Have a nice stay in Japan I know very much, went to Kyoto and Tokyo in 1991,92 and 93! See U!

@mauroalmeida6604 8 лет назад

Hi Jessica! Great video! I´m brazilian and I live in small town in Shimane-ken and it seems that NOBODY here speaks English and the few who does is very difficult to understand! Identified myself with a lot of things you´ve mentioned as language barrier, good products in 100 yen stores, polen alergies, the organization, the cleaning and educated people. Kombinis are everywhere it´s awesome! And your air conditioning control on the wall is just like mine!!

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Oh that's so awesome! Thank you for your comment! I'm so happy to hear that you're able to feel the same things I felt living in Japan. You're not alone! Hahaha. Are you still living in Japan? If so, enjoy!!

@edurevelfood 6 лет назад

Language barrier is something you English native speakers don’t usually see but for everybody else in the world is absolutely normal

@svipull5816 8 лет назад

Btw. that friend with the Kidney stones, was it Daniel Zacarias ? Because i´ve watched alot of his videos lately and he also had Problems with Kidney stones.

@jmrohcreations 7 лет назад

Sanel R. Hey! No it wasn't that poor fellow, but I heard kidney stones are a common problem in Japan. But I can kind of see why, they don't drink much water. There are tons of sugary drinks available in vending machines, and even their tea is quite strong. :O

@LaraChristine 5 лет назад

One thing I LOVE about Calgary is the no bug thing. I really appreciate that because I’m from the Middle East where we have a lot of bugs

@RelaxingMusic-vq4zl 7 лет назад

thank u so much for such an informative video

@dealstogo2649 5 лет назад

Great video. Thank you!

@airigunn 8 лет назад

Loneliness was definitely a top one when I first moved here! Things like meet Up, coworkers and tinder helped!

@stv55op 8 лет назад

Nice video.. Personally, I have to disagree with the your statement about being independent when living in Japan. In my personal experience, I have been completely dependent for the first time in 20 years. I have to rely on my wife in order to understand the menu in the restaurant and order my food. She has to come with me to take the train so I dont end up on the other side of the country.... I know its just a matter of time before I can master the language and regain my social independence but seriously... When you just arrive in Japan you definitely need somebody to hold your hand for everything. Just my thought

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Thank you very much for your comment. And I'm sorry for my super late reply! I'm glad you're able to share this with us. It can definitely be challenging at times.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Thank you very much for your comment. And I'm sorry for my super late reply! I'm glad you're able to share this with us. It can definitely be challenging at times.

@sechellemarie 5 лет назад

Very cool video. Thanks! :)

@EveryPS2Game 8 лет назад

I don't think the phone alert thing is super common in most countries. I never got them in New England but now I'm in Florida and it's pretty common to get a warning for a potential hurricane.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

That's interesting! Canada is such a safe place that we never really get natural disasters too often.

@rebelmaderighteous 6 лет назад

JET is done now right? Where in Canada are you from? Our Canadian dollar sucks, trips to Japan are really expensive.

@devinlouden9672 5 лет назад

I am considering teaching English in Japan with my boyfriend, and I have heard mixed things about LGBT rights/acceptance. I'm curious what your experience has been like with your partner. I come from a major city in the U.S., so I'm accustomed to a certain openness, and am unsure how I would feel about having to keep our relationship under wraps.

@claireglory 7 лет назад

the best way is to have friends in facebook who also lives near you in japan. that's what i would do.

@JohnSmith-ve8pd 8 лет назад

Not sure if I could survive in Japan. Everything seems so claustrophobic in that country.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Yes it's a very squishy kind of place. But eventually you do get used to it. :)

@MissHayleyKendal 6 лет назад

Where is the best place to buy cheap furniture for an unfurnished apartment? Where is the best and cheapest place to go grocery shopping? Which company did you go with for your cell phone and what contract did you get? Im hoping to be living in Japan for at least a year so which do you recommend? Did you open a bank account in Japan and if so which one did you go with? Sorry for all the questions!! Your videos are very insightful and a great help to calm my nerves before i fly in august, thank you! :D xx

@HotPepperLala 7 лет назад

You seem surprised by a lot of things in Japan that you get in Canada...I mean lining up at Tim Hortons is pretty much standard right? Do ppl in Japan hold doors? I don't think so

@diedu89 8 лет назад

I couldn't sleep knowing that there is a doll like that in my house

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Hahahaha. Dolls are scary, eh!

@peanutbutterpikachu 7 лет назад

What's an ALT?

@MDMONIRULALOM 4 года назад

I have same question.

@mark-fd8ol 8 лет назад

hello I'm flying to Kyoto japan this sept from Vancouver B.C to work for 3 to 5 yrs for there government. I will be living in a area of Karasuma Oike Station. Do you know of this area? is it safe. Also they are given me 500k yen per month for housing. As I hear rent is super high in Japan. Is this good to find a place to rent? Thank you for your video. As this is a first time,That I'm leaving Canada. I'm trying to get as much information as I can.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Hello! I'm very sorry for my late reply!! First of all, living in Japan is GREAT!! You'll love it! Karasuma is a very safe place. It's nestled right in the middle of Kyoto so it'll be very easy to get around. You'll be in the north, meaning you're far away from the rough neighbourhoods (down south where I live!) Haha. Also 500K yen per month is PERFECT. You'll be fine. Rent in Kyoto is high because it's one of the major cities in Japan. Your rent may be around $600-$1000/month. Maybe? Food is cheap, and clothing can be cheap. If you know where to go you'll have a very comfortable life here. :) I hope this helped!!

@K1Assassin2012 4 года назад

I came to your 1st video for the ALT info, I stayed for hours cus I love Canadians

@zephricus2089 5 лет назад

So language barrier aside. I've heard japanese people don't like to talk to strangers. So how can you make friends?

@davidaustin4587 8 лет назад

Hi Jessica, highly informative thanks! I am going to be in Kyoto from 2 May, and staying for 2 months. I am a songwriter and play guitar at 'Open Mics' in London do you know if they have any 'Open Mics' in Kyoto for me to play my songs? (thanks!)

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

+David Austin Hello David! Thanks for your comment. I have a few friends here who LOVE open mic things. I'll have to ask them to see what places are here in Kyoto for you! I know I recall seeing a few pubs that had signs about it…I'll have to get back to you! :D but you'll love it here, and you'll have a good time doing open mic!!

@davidaustin4587 8 лет назад

+Jessica Roh Hi Rebecca thanks for replying. You can check out my music on www.soundcloud.com/ungrateful-dave I have 78 songs on it! I should get a TV! lol!

@Nitesraven 8 лет назад

I agree with you on the dollars store as well. The ones here in Canada do suck badly.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

+Nitesraven Haha it's so true!! Like, dollar stores here are so legit!! I'm planning on buying a bunch of things and shipping them back home before I leave Japan. XD

@justcallmeassinine 8 лет назад

Hi Jessica ! You mention your wife. What kind of reactions do you get from having a same sex dependent in Japan ? Is your marriage legally recognized in Japan ? In parts of Tokyo ,maybe Kabuki-cho and some of Shinjuku SSM is now officially recognized.But Kyoto ? Lastly, is there an open LGBT community in KYOTO ? I really need help with health insurance benefits and also succession ( inheritance) for my partner. Any problems at all for you two ?

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Hello!! I'm very sorry for the late reply!! I wanted to message you sooner but I got super busy! Now my JET Staff here in Kyoto know about my wife being transgender but for legal documents we still use her male identity. I'm not entirely sure how Japan would take to us being here, but I know there ARE other ALTs who are gay or lesbian or trans who got accepted into the program and are living fairly good lives here in Japan. When we came, Tera (my wife) applied as my dependant husband. She was just starting her transition so it was really easy to do this. So to Japan, Tera is my husband and NOT my wife. Legally. So I can't really say for sure how our process would have changed if we applied as wife and wife. I honestly haven't really heard of the LGBTQ community here in Kyoto. I know there are people here who are a part of that community, but it's very hush hush still. I find people don't really talk about their relationships openly. It's a 'don't ask - don't tell' kind of mind set. I wish I could help you out more!! Thank you again for your comment!! :)

@tillydancer101 8 лет назад

I'm a bit confused about the paying for Doctor's visits thing. As I understand it, the ALT's are supposed to be paying a very basic insurance plan, so that tells me that at the very least you pay a copayment(not the full cost of the doctor's visit since insurance usually covers like 60-70% of it), like in the US. So was the price you were paying the full deal or was it just copayment?

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Sorry for the confusion! I had to pay $50 for a simple flu test. It was a hard hit for me because of my low income with a dependant. For more serious illnesses there is a great insurance plan that we had where the insurance company would pay for 70% of the price, or all we had to pay was $60. I can't remember exactly. But I know it's really good coverage. :)

@tillydancer101 8 лет назад

ahhh okay, so the insurance just didn't help cover like urgent cold/flu stuff?

@episodesofmerry7582 5 лет назад

You've been living on your own for ten years? You look so young! I thought you were fresh out of college at most. XD

@saralenak2487 8 лет назад

All your videos are so helpful as I'm wanting to apply for JET in the following years, thank you !! Also we might secretly be twins or something because I honestly look a lot like you, and my wife looks quite bit like your wife, plus I live in Western Canada as well (and I also own balljoint dolls). The same person from different dimensions perhaps? lol

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Thank you for your comment! That's so exciting! You'll have a life changing experience, in a great way! I am so happy to hear that I've got such a cool twin somewhere! Hahaha. I love it!! :3

@phillippaulbauer5830 8 лет назад

So even though they provide health insurance you still have to come out of pocket for doctors? (Also, thank you for all of these great videos. I'm applying in a couple of months and this really helps me feel prepared for anything I might encounter.)

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Thank you for your message! I'm a spoiled Canadian so having to pay for a check up is so weird for me haha. But the insurance company covers a large chunk of the costs, but you still have to pay out of pocket for them. I mean, to some people it's not much, but $50 is a lot to me. :) I'm glad my videos are helping you out! I tried to make them as informative as possible. :)

@BrianLopez-vw7jc 7 лет назад

do u know what are the best places to visit in japan

@Mickelz1 7 лет назад

Are apartments equipped with fridges and stoves by any change? I'm on the shortlist and should leave by July.

@jmrohcreations 7 лет назад

Michelle Krüger Great question! Each place is different but our apartments came with a stove, fridge, washer for clothes, and vacuum. Kyoto city had a system where people can go out and help the new ALTs buy essentials. We were lucky in that we had toilet paper, dishes, and new-house-items when we arrived :) I know some ALTs who had everything from previous ALTs. But we started fresh!

@Mickelz1 7 лет назад

Jessica Roh that's fantastic to know. I also applied to Kyoto, Hiroshima or Tokyo. Not sure where I'll end up yet I don't. Mind living as a minimalist but I need my Fridge!

@Ab-cj6gl 5 лет назад

I'll sign up for the next scholarship this year wish me luck

@kakacech 7 лет назад

Did she say my wife??

@rafski-travels-1984 7 лет назад

You like the word cool, that's cool.

@theoctoboy-_-3643 6 лет назад

Every japanese person who works at the hospital should know English

@thedudemeisteragain 8 лет назад

The only thing with convenience stores is that there are too many!

@zwordsman 8 лет назад

+Dennis Bauer There is... I think I like 711 the most..

@RyzawaVT 5 лет назад

Omg allergies are gonna ruin me. They already do but it's gonna suck teaching with em.

@TimMahrt 8 лет назад

I'm from the US but am working in France. I also had a problem with my bank but they had a toll free number that I was able to call for free from my skype account.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Yeah that's what we ended up doing :) We finally got it figure out after months of trying to reach the right person haha.

@marcuskul3059 8 лет назад

How is it with stomac problem stuff like that when you starting eat so much new kinda food

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Good question! I adjusted quite well, and other ALTs may need a few weeks to adjust fully to the new diet. Medicine stores had a good selection of stomach medicines. :)

@marcuskul3059 8 лет назад

Thanks alot for the answer

@mehapl2318 7 лет назад

new here. Hopping your videos are interesting. I like to watch videos about jp, how jp looks like.

@igrewuponsupernintendo 8 лет назад

Japanese people are respectable citizens.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Yes they are. :)

@A.J_inJapan 5 лет назад

That doll behind you seems like a japanese (cute)version of annabelle. LOL. But good vlog though.

@MrBerserkinTime 6 лет назад

I'm hoping to become an English teacher, but I need college first.

@LaraChristine 5 лет назад

I live in Calgary too!

@buppy7282 6 лет назад

With my *wife* -.- I don't know why but that made me smile. I do know why... I love the gays lmao..

@ashenmist6090 7 лет назад

i want that doll!!!!

@ThePayola123 7 лет назад

How can Japan be convenient if it's so difficult to get an Internet service or a cell phone or if very few folks speak English...??? I'm glad they have a decent public transportation system, but if you get lost and don't speak any Japanese. Are you SOL? What about the availability of public toilets?

@Onlytruthforever 5 лет назад

Is she said with my wife 2:14 what did she mean?

@Nexus-7.0 6 лет назад

Jessica, Oh shit.. you mentioned about those Japanese hornets. They are huuge. I've seen videos of them here on youtube., freaking scary. A few stings or maybe even one sting & you are dead!? Did you stumble into them, since you mentioned about them?

@satheeshakulal2935 7 лет назад

nice your vedio

@yasunajp5298 8 лет назад

Pizza in Japan is ridiculously expensive. It's like a Ramen in Europe.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Haha it's so true!

@replyasmuchasyouwantindian3854 8 лет назад

excuse me can you tell me where the air is more clean between Japan and Canada.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Hello! I can honestly say that the air is very clean here in Japan. But I find the sky is a bit hazy so the blue sky isn't nearly as blue as it is in Canada.

@StudySavvyy 7 лет назад

You seem lonely.. May be you should get out from that place.. :)

@traianivanescu24 8 лет назад

Hi, Jessica! I watched one video of yours and this is the second one. I don't get why would you become female from male to get married to another woman. Maybe you could help me and tell me your partner's idea. Thank you!

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Thank you for your interest in my videos. People can love each other even though they are the same gender. Love has no boundaries. My partner knew that she was a girl long before she ever met me. Transgender information is very accessible now making it more easier for transgender people to learn about why they feel the way they do. I hope this answers your question.

@inactiveaccount460 7 лет назад

Aww your so adorable!

@heidiyousuf2789 5 лет назад

It's probably a good idea to go to Japan with a friend or learn to make friends with Japanese people lol

@sunillohani6580 8 лет назад

Somewhere in your video that you are living in Japan with your wife??? Looks like you are the women isn't that??

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Yes I am living here with my transgender wife. She's the one who stays home, cleans, cooks, and takes great care of me. I work and bring home the money. It's an exciting life!

@zlegend9443 7 лет назад

Girl u more than beautiful and cool

@worldhello1234 8 лет назад

@4:46 Hornets in general a supersize.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

RIGHT?! It's terrifying haha!!

@svipull5816 8 лет назад

Not to sound like a creep or something, but you are so beautiful holy shit...

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Sanel R. Awe thank you for your kind comment! :)

@cubancucumber 6 лет назад

Whats it like being lgbt in japan?

@samthesnowman666 5 лет назад

lol

@koreanpeninsula2116 6 лет назад

You look like Tim curry.

@alexanderanderson4361 7 лет назад

She said *with my wife* ? О_о 2:14

@owainphillips3793 7 лет назад

John Anderssen She's bisexual or lesbian.

@kevenpana2765 3 года назад

You’re beautiful.

@2yearsago452 6 лет назад

The doll behind you is creepy

@akhilananda7512 8 лет назад

Did you say your wife?

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

Yes, my wife is transgender: male to female.

@akhilananda7512 8 лет назад

I see. Thanks.

@zatorith 8 лет назад

+Jessica Roh wtf thats some nasty shit

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

+zatorith It's not nasty. It's love.

@jmrohcreations 8 лет назад

+Владимир Владимирович Путин I really suggest you seek some professional help. Telling another human being to die is practically murder. No one would do that unless they were really hurt. So I hope you can step out of the darkness and find true happiness. You're in my heart.