Electronic devices in Japan and other related questions?
Hi :) I'm going to Japan on Wednesday and I wanted to know what was the voltage for electronic devices, such as the charger for the cellphone and cd players which are 220 ~ 240 v. in my case. Am I gonna be able to use them of should I buy adapters? In that case, of what voltage? Another thing that I wanted to know was how expensive are cellphones (I don't want the newst stuff, just a regular cell) in Japan, are there many cyber cafes, how much is a laptop (again, not the newest thing, I'm not going to make much money in a obento factory...) and internet for the laptop? Thanks in advance, sorry if I asked too many questions!
Japan - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
voltages in japan is 100-110.yes you will be needing an adapt or for your cell and CD player. cellphones in japan have different prices depending on the style you can check the docomo,soft bank,Au stores for what type of cellphone do you like.the cell phone in japan are lined.they are prepaid phones but the rates are more expensive than the lined one. laptop is ranged to 100,000 above depends on the maker. you can check the electronics store for more details. they are lots of cyber cafe in japan it is usually called "mangga kissita" or "mangga cafe" Internet? fastest and the cheapest i know is Thru land line phones.you can check NTT. in that case you should get a land line phone first. they will give you a device that you will connect to the USB and to the land lined phone. by the way to get all of this you should show them your alien registration and certificate of residence or "juminghiyo"
2 :
I know nothing about cellphone / cyber cafes / laptop costs, but we had to buy a converter for my son's PS2 (UK version) while he was here in Japan with us. It still has the price ticket on it - Â¥7320!! It might pay you to look around before you come to Japan, it isn't a simple adaptor though - don't ever think it is - you need something that can raise the voltage from 100v to the required 220~240. Do you know what a Japanese plug looks like? http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2225.html You might need a normal 'adaptor plug' so that you can plug in your converter! You need a converter with an input that covers 100v, and an output including 220~240v. Ours is made by a company called Swallow, if you buy one when you're here, and it's called the Trans pal AG-120. We bought it from Yodobashi camera (ヨドãƒã‚·ã‚«ãƒ¡ãƒ©.) This was the cheapest one we could find - about 2 years ago - and you can't plug a UK 3 pin plug directly into it, you need an adaptor to make a 3 pin UK plug work in a 2 round pin socket - type C on this page; http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm#plugs Now you see why I recommend that you investigate BEFORE you leave home!! Not only is it ridiculously complicated, but the instructions are all written in Japanese too...!! ; ) (Not surprising, but not helpful!! They're designed for Japanese people who buy electrical goods in other countries and bring them back to Japan.) The insulting thing IS, that the converter that you pay so much for is going to increase the voltage to the UK / Europe voltage - just so that the charger's built in adaptor can convert it to a lower voltage and charge the CD player!! That's what USUALLY happens anyway! If the adaptor is built into the charger - you'll know this because it will either have an unnecessarily large plug or it will have a box somewhere along the flex - maybe you should add details of your product, make and model number, and someone might be able to check and see if you can buy a Japanese charger for it here. It's a bit of a long shot though. BTW, cellphones from other countries only work here if they're quad band - or something like that. Anything else will just say there's no signal. Tri band will work ONLY if it doesn't have the 2 different US frequencies. Make sure before you come, because your provider is only out to take your money, and frankly they don't know what they're talking about half the time - which is why our recent house-guest was told by O2 that his phone WOULD work in Japan, even though it obviously DIDN'T!
3 :
You can easily get a free cell phone from any of the major providers. Just make sure to get your Alien registration card and Work Visa straight before you try to sign up for a plan. Cell phone rentals are almost always terrible deals.
4 :
As for cell phone, you won't be able to find second hand market in Japan (it is small market). Pre-paid phone is cheap. If you wanna buy one, you better buy at the airport. I think tourist can purchase with your passport. Vodafone shop is on 1st floor in the Terminal 1 or B1(basement 1st) floor in Terminal 2 of Narita Airport. Once you entered the city, you need ID with domestic adress (usually ppl show alien registration card) to buy. Maybe this is for security reason (criminals tend to use cells). In some Asian countries, tourist can purchase prepaid card at only airport. As for voltage, Japan is just 100V, not 100-110V. It is said Taiwan and US products work, cos they use 110V. However, ppl say the products go to the dogs (die) easily.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Why do Americans come to Japan to "teach" English?
Why do Americans come to Japan to "teach" English?
Despite the fact that most of them have no discipline in teaching. Despite the fact that most of them cannot speak Japanese. Despite the fact that most of them are not respected by the Japanese public. It is totally wrong if you think you can make easy money in Japan. Hey annsiha, 1) Don't send wrong information to others. The sentence you have shamelessly quoted must have come from your student. 2) Why do you react so hysterically to a criticism about Americans? Behave yourself and be more humble. 3) I lived in the U.S. for 4 years and I love America. I am not a racist. I just want you to face the reality if you are really serious about what you are talking about.
Japan - 10 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
this way americans can get closer to japan and become close in all aspects you can it is an american tactic
2 :
The Ministry of Education used to send Japanese teachers abroad to develop their English skills, but the majority of those teachers liked living abroad so much that they never came back to Japan. Next, they tried hiring foreigners who were certified teachers to come to Japan and teach, but those foreigners were so dismayed by the sorry state of education in Japan that they bolted or put up a big fuss and couldn't get along with the Japanese teachers and bureaucracy. They tried looking for foreigners who can speak Japanese, but most of them are otaku who were more interested in speaking Japanese and practicing Japanese culture than they were in teaching English or about Western culture. Really, their only choice was to offer high salaries to uncertified foreigners to come to Japan. Japanese people are too racist to take English lessons from other Asians. If the Japanese public disrespects English-teaching foreigners so much, why are they handing over their cash in droves to take lessons from them? Perhaps you dislike the situation, but you cannot argue factually that "It is totally wrong if you think you can make easy money in Japan" because many foreigners are doing EXACTLY that and having a good time too. Did an English teacher sleep with your girlfriend or something?
3 :
i agree with you..but many people want to live here and learn the language and learn more about the culture and the only chance they have is to teach English.as for me,I met My wife in London and she had to come back to Japan.so i had to come here..and with the fact that i am not fluent in all aspects of Japanese then that only leaves me with teaching English(which i`d rather not do.)
4 :
Hey Area52 why do you single out "Americans". There are many British, Australian, Canadians etc that do the EXACT same thing. In fact, its easier for them because they can get "Working Holiday Visas" whists Americans cannot get working holiday visas. So maybe you should do some "fact" checking yourself. To get a Working Holiday Visa you don't need a Bachelors Degree. Whists Americans who can't get Working Holiday Visas, have to get real full "Work Visas" which require's a University Degree. -"Teaching" English requires no skills in actual teaching. Have you ever taught at any of these companies? If not, then you know jack what you're talking about. Some of the big companies put teachers through their training course. I know someone with a degree in Journalism and he works as an Electrical Engineer, as long as you're trained to do something it doesn't matter. English "teaching" doesn't require a discipline in teaching, it just requires you to follow the company handbook. If they wanted teaching qualifications they can easily make it a requirement, but they don't. So it has nothing to do with the person but the people hiring. -You don't need to speak Japanese to teach English. -I don't know where you get your facts that they don't get respected by the Japanese public. If the Japanese disrespected them why pay good money for them. If they didn't want them around these schools wouldn't exist. Hell, many English teachers get paid more then the Japanese clerical staff at the office. Sometimes they are paid even more then real deal Japanese teachers at schools. But again, Canadians, Australians, British, hell even German, French etc come to teach language. So again I don't know why you single out Americans when there are people of many nationalities who with the same exact points you mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I see a bunch of "teachers" of all nationalities who are dummies. But if thats what they want to do, I can't change their minds.
5 :
I actually find it quite amusing that Americans are teaching English in other countries and they can barely speak it themselves and can certainly not spell...... So actually feel sorry for the Japanese students they are suppose to be teaching.... If you want to learn English, learn from an English speaking person....if you want to learn American...learn from and American
6 :
It is really ridiculous, isn't it! How can someone teach who doesn't even speak one foreign language? No ideas about languages, origins of words etc. Yeah, and then coming here, making no effort to learn Japanese, no effort understanding the culture, and behaving like barbarians. They shouldn't give out visas so easily anymore! And because of all this, Japanese students are wasting money to learn nothing! Besides the salaries aren't even great here for a teacher! So, it is just a waste of their time and our time!
7 :
Well, you get payed good and you're teaching your native language so it's very easy to teach. If such job is open, I think anybody would go for it unless they can find better jobs.
8 :
Because there's a demand. Japanese official English education is not good to learn speaking English. And I guess they know the job doesn't make much money don't they ? If I hear there's a big demand of learning Japanese somewhere that seems fun,I would be interested even if I didn't know much of the language and culture. I think I would make an effort to respect their culture if I went there though. What motivates them does not matter so much as long as they finally try to fit themselves in the society and do the best in their jobs.
9 :
konnichiwa! I don't agree with you totally, but I have some thoughts to tell you regarding "Teaching English". At my working place, I speak with regular people around the world on the phone almost everyday, then I find that especially some Americans are appallingly ignorant. (e.g. what is WHO, CHANNEL, where does UN locate etc...) That's common knowledge isn't it!? People at my working place usually speak 3-4 languages, they have vast knowledge. They would be a good teacher, but then some American teachers without common knowledge? I never been to English schools in Japan. I think it doesn't bring you anywhere, it 's just wasting my time and money. Sayonara : )
10 :
I agree that many people do come to Japan to teach English without having discipline in teaching- something that is ridiculous. Some background really ought to be necessary. As for not speaking Japanese, well, I think it greatly reduces opportunities and will create difficulties, but assuming the person is teaching a high enough level, it is not necessary for them to know Japanese (just as it isn't necessary for ESL teachers in the U.S. to know the languages of the advanced students they teach). As for respect from the Japanese public, well, that doesn't seem to be a problem with the Americans so much as with the Japanese. From what I know (and I don't claim to know much), it is rather easy to make money in Japan; it's much harder to make long-term money, given how foreign teachers are often bounced away and not given long-term contracts. You might remember that the JET Program is also somewhat responsible for sending over non-Japanese-speaking, non-teachers to teach English; the Japanese government is involved in this.
Despite the fact that most of them have no discipline in teaching. Despite the fact that most of them cannot speak Japanese. Despite the fact that most of them are not respected by the Japanese public. It is totally wrong if you think you can make easy money in Japan. Hey annsiha, 1) Don't send wrong information to others. The sentence you have shamelessly quoted must have come from your student. 2) Why do you react so hysterically to a criticism about Americans? Behave yourself and be more humble. 3) I lived in the U.S. for 4 years and I love America. I am not a racist. I just want you to face the reality if you are really serious about what you are talking about.
Japan - 10 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
this way americans can get closer to japan and become close in all aspects you can it is an american tactic
2 :
The Ministry of Education used to send Japanese teachers abroad to develop their English skills, but the majority of those teachers liked living abroad so much that they never came back to Japan. Next, they tried hiring foreigners who were certified teachers to come to Japan and teach, but those foreigners were so dismayed by the sorry state of education in Japan that they bolted or put up a big fuss and couldn't get along with the Japanese teachers and bureaucracy. They tried looking for foreigners who can speak Japanese, but most of them are otaku who were more interested in speaking Japanese and practicing Japanese culture than they were in teaching English or about Western culture. Really, their only choice was to offer high salaries to uncertified foreigners to come to Japan. Japanese people are too racist to take English lessons from other Asians. If the Japanese public disrespects English-teaching foreigners so much, why are they handing over their cash in droves to take lessons from them? Perhaps you dislike the situation, but you cannot argue factually that "It is totally wrong if you think you can make easy money in Japan" because many foreigners are doing EXACTLY that and having a good time too. Did an English teacher sleep with your girlfriend or something?
3 :
i agree with you..but many people want to live here and learn the language and learn more about the culture and the only chance they have is to teach English.as for me,I met My wife in London and she had to come back to Japan.so i had to come here..and with the fact that i am not fluent in all aspects of Japanese then that only leaves me with teaching English(which i`d rather not do.)
4 :
Hey Area52 why do you single out "Americans". There are many British, Australian, Canadians etc that do the EXACT same thing. In fact, its easier for them because they can get "Working Holiday Visas" whists Americans cannot get working holiday visas. So maybe you should do some "fact" checking yourself. To get a Working Holiday Visa you don't need a Bachelors Degree. Whists Americans who can't get Working Holiday Visas, have to get real full "Work Visas" which require's a University Degree. -"Teaching" English requires no skills in actual teaching. Have you ever taught at any of these companies? If not, then you know jack what you're talking about. Some of the big companies put teachers through their training course. I know someone with a degree in Journalism and he works as an Electrical Engineer, as long as you're trained to do something it doesn't matter. English "teaching" doesn't require a discipline in teaching, it just requires you to follow the company handbook. If they wanted teaching qualifications they can easily make it a requirement, but they don't. So it has nothing to do with the person but the people hiring. -You don't need to speak Japanese to teach English. -I don't know where you get your facts that they don't get respected by the Japanese public. If the Japanese disrespected them why pay good money for them. If they didn't want them around these schools wouldn't exist. Hell, many English teachers get paid more then the Japanese clerical staff at the office. Sometimes they are paid even more then real deal Japanese teachers at schools. But again, Canadians, Australians, British, hell even German, French etc come to teach language. So again I don't know why you single out Americans when there are people of many nationalities who with the same exact points you mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I see a bunch of "teachers" of all nationalities who are dummies. But if thats what they want to do, I can't change their minds.
5 :
I actually find it quite amusing that Americans are teaching English in other countries and they can barely speak it themselves and can certainly not spell...... So actually feel sorry for the Japanese students they are suppose to be teaching.... If you want to learn English, learn from an English speaking person....if you want to learn American...learn from and American
6 :
It is really ridiculous, isn't it! How can someone teach who doesn't even speak one foreign language? No ideas about languages, origins of words etc. Yeah, and then coming here, making no effort to learn Japanese, no effort understanding the culture, and behaving like barbarians. They shouldn't give out visas so easily anymore! And because of all this, Japanese students are wasting money to learn nothing! Besides the salaries aren't even great here for a teacher! So, it is just a waste of their time and our time!
7 :
Well, you get payed good and you're teaching your native language so it's very easy to teach. If such job is open, I think anybody would go for it unless they can find better jobs.
8 :
Because there's a demand. Japanese official English education is not good to learn speaking English. And I guess they know the job doesn't make much money don't they ? If I hear there's a big demand of learning Japanese somewhere that seems fun,I would be interested even if I didn't know much of the language and culture. I think I would make an effort to respect their culture if I went there though. What motivates them does not matter so much as long as they finally try to fit themselves in the society and do the best in their jobs.
9 :
konnichiwa! I don't agree with you totally, but I have some thoughts to tell you regarding "Teaching English". At my working place, I speak with regular people around the world on the phone almost everyday, then I find that especially some Americans are appallingly ignorant. (e.g. what is WHO, CHANNEL, where does UN locate etc...) That's common knowledge isn't it!? People at my working place usually speak 3-4 languages, they have vast knowledge. They would be a good teacher, but then some American teachers without common knowledge? I never been to English schools in Japan. I think it doesn't bring you anywhere, it 's just wasting my time and money. Sayonara : )
10 :
I agree that many people do come to Japan to teach English without having discipline in teaching- something that is ridiculous. Some background really ought to be necessary. As for not speaking Japanese, well, I think it greatly reduces opportunities and will create difficulties, but assuming the person is teaching a high enough level, it is not necessary for them to know Japanese (just as it isn't necessary for ESL teachers in the U.S. to know the languages of the advanced students they teach). As for respect from the Japanese public, well, that doesn't seem to be a problem with the Americans so much as with the Japanese. From what I know (and I don't claim to know much), it is rather easy to make money in Japan; it's much harder to make long-term money, given how foreign teachers are often bounced away and not given long-term contracts. You might remember that the JET Program is also somewhat responsible for sending over non-Japanese-speaking, non-teachers to teach English; the Japanese government is involved in this.
Friday, February 7, 2014
What are some organizations/charities that promote peace or try and make peace like Amnesty International?
What are some organizations/charities that promote peace or try and make peace like Amnesty International?
I was recently thinking of donating money to Japan after their disaster. However, I realized that promoting peace in the world is more important to me (dont get me wrong, I SYMPATHIZE WITH THE JAPANESE), but I feel like world peace is an extremely important thing to our future. Please list organizations that do so, and a brief explanation of their general concepts. Also, links to their websites would be helpful. Thanks!
Civic Participation - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Don't bother wasting your money, as long as mankind exists, war will exist as well. World peace is an unobtainable goal.
2 :
Amnesty international doesn't promote peace. It could even be argued that their adversarial attitude towards prisoner abuse increase the chance of open warfare.
3 :
Peace to the World!
4 :
Have you tried aliveandgiving.com? You can search and compare charities, and its got details of their financial record :)
I was recently thinking of donating money to Japan after their disaster. However, I realized that promoting peace in the world is more important to me (dont get me wrong, I SYMPATHIZE WITH THE JAPANESE), but I feel like world peace is an extremely important thing to our future. Please list organizations that do so, and a brief explanation of their general concepts. Also, links to their websites would be helpful. Thanks!
Civic Participation - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Don't bother wasting your money, as long as mankind exists, war will exist as well. World peace is an unobtainable goal.
2 :
Amnesty international doesn't promote peace. It could even be argued that their adversarial attitude towards prisoner abuse increase the chance of open warfare.
3 :
Peace to the World!
4 :
Have you tried aliveandgiving.com? You can search and compare charities, and its got details of their financial record :)
Saturday, February 1, 2014
How can I help Japan without actually donating money?
How can I help Japan without actually donating money?
I'd like to donate money, but I don't have any, and even for the short amounts of time that I DO have money, it's not very much and I need to use it for things like lunch at school. My dad plans on donating some, but I'd like to help, too. I don't really think that my parents donating their money counts for me, because, as I said, it's THEIR money. Part of the reason I really want to help is because a lot of my favorite TV shows and stuff were created in Japan (comic books/manga and anime). I live in Austin, Texas. I'm pretty sure that the part I live in is the northwest part, but I'm not sure, as I suck at that sort of thing. I guess I'm thinking some kind of volunteer organization, one that accepts minor volunteers. I'm Googling it, also, but I thought I'd ask for help. And no religious organizations, please (considering that it IS the conservative part of Austin, I figured there'd be a few of those around here), as they're most likely Christian, and that would make things quite awkward. I can donate stuff, though. Like maybe toiletries, bottles and toys for the child and baby victims, and recreational stuff for the teenagers and adults (drawing pads or puzzles or something. I've got like 15 1000 piece puzzles that I'll never use. Not an exaggeration there. I really want to donate recreational stuff because I think that it's very important to be able to laugh and have fun, especially in a situation like this). I don't know. I'll probably end up making a list of things I can donate. A place I can bring this stuff to, or a website with an address I can send it to, would be great. And, of course, a place where I can go to help that will let me. Thanks. I'm not cheap, I just have to use my money for things that I need. Millo: I'm not Christian. I told you that. *laughs* jenna: if I was there, I'd still want tampons and ibuprofen when I got my period. And I'm sure that there is some kind of program that I can go to, like putting together bags of things like blankets and water bottles.
Japan - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
send a quid, cheapskate
2 :
PRAY for them !!!
3 :
It sounds like you're in junior high or high school, so it's not likely that you have a job. So it's not a big deal that you don't have money. I love your concern and eagerness to help, that's what counts. Unfortunately right now, those people don't have any homes, food, water, cars- any of the essentials that people need to survive. So they really don't have the need for puzzles and toys right now until they can get some of the mess figured out and some stable shelters and food for people. But in 6 months to a year that would be a great idea to donate those things of yours. You could probably contact the Red Cross near you about that. You won't be able to actually go to Japan and volunteer your time as you are underage, and they need professionals trained in disaster right now. But you could set up a fund raiser to earn money, walk around to your neighbors and ask if they would like to donate, ask fellow students, ask people outside the grocery store and then donate all the proceeds to the Red Cross or another organization that is active there right now. It's great that you care, I hope you can make a small difference!
4 :
Why do people feel so tormented if they can't afford to donate/help? if you can't donate/help don't panic or lose sleep over this as Japan is a developed country and the people are well catered for. The people will not die of hunger
5 :
You can try to befriend someone online who lives there or near there and listen to what they have to say. Mental health in Japan is a growing issue, they don't have much there. As with anyone and anywhere. People need a sympathetic ear and encouragement and a laugh. You can be a distraction to the person from their woes. This way gives a personal touch to your assistance. And you may find a friend. Just be careful, you don't know who you are talking to. Good luck
I'd like to donate money, but I don't have any, and even for the short amounts of time that I DO have money, it's not very much and I need to use it for things like lunch at school. My dad plans on donating some, but I'd like to help, too. I don't really think that my parents donating their money counts for me, because, as I said, it's THEIR money. Part of the reason I really want to help is because a lot of my favorite TV shows and stuff were created in Japan (comic books/manga and anime). I live in Austin, Texas. I'm pretty sure that the part I live in is the northwest part, but I'm not sure, as I suck at that sort of thing. I guess I'm thinking some kind of volunteer organization, one that accepts minor volunteers. I'm Googling it, also, but I thought I'd ask for help. And no religious organizations, please (considering that it IS the conservative part of Austin, I figured there'd be a few of those around here), as they're most likely Christian, and that would make things quite awkward. I can donate stuff, though. Like maybe toiletries, bottles and toys for the child and baby victims, and recreational stuff for the teenagers and adults (drawing pads or puzzles or something. I've got like 15 1000 piece puzzles that I'll never use. Not an exaggeration there. I really want to donate recreational stuff because I think that it's very important to be able to laugh and have fun, especially in a situation like this). I don't know. I'll probably end up making a list of things I can donate. A place I can bring this stuff to, or a website with an address I can send it to, would be great. And, of course, a place where I can go to help that will let me. Thanks. I'm not cheap, I just have to use my money for things that I need. Millo: I'm not Christian. I told you that. *laughs* jenna: if I was there, I'd still want tampons and ibuprofen when I got my period. And I'm sure that there is some kind of program that I can go to, like putting together bags of things like blankets and water bottles.
Japan - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
send a quid, cheapskate
2 :
PRAY for them !!!
3 :
It sounds like you're in junior high or high school, so it's not likely that you have a job. So it's not a big deal that you don't have money. I love your concern and eagerness to help, that's what counts. Unfortunately right now, those people don't have any homes, food, water, cars- any of the essentials that people need to survive. So they really don't have the need for puzzles and toys right now until they can get some of the mess figured out and some stable shelters and food for people. But in 6 months to a year that would be a great idea to donate those things of yours. You could probably contact the Red Cross near you about that. You won't be able to actually go to Japan and volunteer your time as you are underage, and they need professionals trained in disaster right now. But you could set up a fund raiser to earn money, walk around to your neighbors and ask if they would like to donate, ask fellow students, ask people outside the grocery store and then donate all the proceeds to the Red Cross or another organization that is active there right now. It's great that you care, I hope you can make a small difference!
4 :
Why do people feel so tormented if they can't afford to donate/help? if you can't donate/help don't panic or lose sleep over this as Japan is a developed country and the people are well catered for. The people will not die of hunger
5 :
You can try to befriend someone online who lives there or near there and listen to what they have to say. Mental health in Japan is a growing issue, they don't have much there. As with anyone and anywhere. People need a sympathetic ear and encouragement and a laugh. You can be a distraction to the person from their woes. This way gives a personal touch to your assistance. And you may find a friend. Just be careful, you don't know who you are talking to. Good luck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)