Surviving in Japan: (without much Japanese)

Q&A: Looking for contact lenses...

It seems that it's quite easy to find disposable contact lenses (in local stores and online), but as I don't wear glasses or contacts I was hoping those of you who do could offer your expert advice for this Q&A.

Q: I was wondering if you could give me any information on buying daily/disposable contact lenses online or from a store (in Japan). Where's the cheapest place to buy them, etc. Thanks.

Tyler

A: I'm no expert when it comes to contact lenses in general, so I want to defer this to the readers, but I was able to find a list of "one day" or daily contact lenses via Amazon.jp.

So readers, I'll add to the "A" part with your answers - what do you recommend? Any brands or types you prefer? Best place to get them? Cheapest options? Please let us know below!

What to do if your alien registration card is lost or stolen

Most of you probably know that foreigners living in Japan must carry their Alien Registration Card with them at ALL times. But that doesn't mean you won't ever lose it, or (hopefully not!) have it stolen. Have you ever wondered what exactly to do in that case (aside the obvious - apply for a new card) or if it is even legal to go out during such times you don't have your card for the aforementioned reasons?

If so, check out "All is not lost when 'carded'" via The Japan Times. (Yes, it is a my debut as the new Lifelines columnist - let me know what you think!) And as usual, feel free to share your own experiences regarding this issue... I'd love to hear from anyone who has gone through this before.

HOW TO: Find a good hanami spot (cherry blossom viewing)

The past two weeks seem like a horrific blur, and passed quickly as if only a few days had gone by. Though I know I need to go back to regular posts on this blog, I haven’t felt it appropriate at all - and I’m sure many of you may feel the same about your daily routines. It’s sometimes difficult to go straight back to “real life” when around us real life has essentially been altered. For most of us, not our own personal lives, but still the lives of those we are connected to in some way. I suppose everyone feels differently about this, but I know I also felt like this when I lived in the US for Katrina and 9/11 (and just as awful for other events around the world).

My hope is that all of you reading this are safe, including your loved ones. I know this may very well not be the case, and for all those who have experienced trauma and loss, my heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with you.

I still feel as though I want to do more to help the current situation, and I know many of you feel the same, so I will continue to gather information and resources regarding giving and volunteering, as the relief efforts will likely last for quite some time. Right now, there's a list at Earthquake in Japan: resources, links & how you can help. There are also numerous other websites and blogs with ideas and resources regarding this that I've been sharing on Twitter every day the past two weeks.

[Update] Earthquake in Japan: links, resources & how you can help

On Friday, March 11, 2011 around 2:45 pm, a 9.0 earthquake struck just off the coast of northeastern Japan, followed by many, many subsequent aftershocks that still haven't stopped. They are expected to continue for weeks. The quake was felt over much of Japan (even here in Shizuoka) but particularly bad in the Tohoku region. A tsunami warning was put into effect immediately after the quake for the entire east coast of Japan, and not long after the coastal regions of Sendai, Miyagi and others were struck. The tsunami warnings extended around other parts of Japan and across the Pacific basin. Currently, no tsunami warnings are in place.

I have been tweeting and retweeting resources and updates on Twitter at @survivingnjapan about the earthquake since this afternoon and will continue to do so as appropriate in the coming weeks. You'll find more frequent updates there.