Perhaps you're new to Japan, or you've been living here a while. Maybe you're fluent, already know some Japanese, or you have no idea what hiragana and katakana are.
Whether you're new, still learning Japanese, or even an experienced Japan resident, this blog delves into both the common how-to's and most uncommon resources - which includes information you won't find anywhere else.
This is not a blog about etiquette, where to find a job or apartment, or the basic steps of preparing for life here (though, there are some ideas concerning that scattered throughout these pages - see the how-to archives for more). Most of that information can be found on the internet, or in books about living in Japan.
Yet, these resources fail to cover many other aspects of life in Japan - things I had to learn how to do on my own during my first years here. Things that weren't reiterated in the various websites and books I read before arriving.
So now I'm compiling the knowledge that has helped me "survive" in Japan, in this blog, for you.
Make yourselves at home. Feel free to browse around and check out the how-to archives. If you have a specific question or idea, head over to the contact link above. Also, don't hesitate to leave a comment and share your own experiences. Ideally, this blog should be something shared by all of you, those that are also "surviving" in this rather unique country. My thoughts only offer one perspective - what are yours?
Who am I?
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest (Washington state, U.S.A.), I took a giant leap across the ocean after finishing my undergrad work. Taught with the JET program for a year and a half, and now writing and doing freelance work. I'm always on the lookout for new and helpful resources here, especially as a foreigner. Hopefully this site will hold something useful for you.
Have questions? Ideas? Just want to chat? Feel free to e-mail me: ashley@survivingnjapan.com.
Follow @survivingnjapan
If you like the writing, photos, or information you see here, feel free to contact me about freelance work. Or, if you want to do a blog guest post exchange - let's chat!
Interviews
Time Out Tokyo
The Japan Times
Bad Communication Podcast
AJET
******
Disclaimer: I don't presume to know everything possible about Japan. This blog is to publicize my findings from both experience, research, and personal knowledge, along with the experiences and knowledge of others who may choose to share.
As of now, I am not fluent in Japanese, but well on my way and regularly studying it so that I can understand Japan and the culture better. I believe that learning the language of the culture you're living in is essential, and as such I am devoted to learning Japanese. Any Japanese I use here I check using a dictionary, my fluent husband or native speakers. All that said, the "without much Japanese" is my goal to make things easier for those who don't know any at all or just starting out, etc.
The primary reason I have this blog is so I can help others and share the things I wish I had known when coming to Japan. I am currently not making money from this blog at all. I will not promote things on this blog that I disagree with, would ruin my credibility, or mislead readers.
Regarding comments: I welcome discussion and opposing viewpoints. If I do delete a comment, the only reason for doing so will be because it is spam or is filled with hateful language that is not constructive for any kind of conversation. I realize this may seem partially subjective, but I wish to keep a friendly atmosphere for all who visit, both new and returning. If you have more specific questions regarding any of this, please feel free to contact me.
