Costco, Ikea, and more from Yoyo Market

Note: I wasn't asked or paid to write this post. Like I've said before, I will not promote things on Surviving in Japan unless I think it's a good service or resource for readers. Even when I have a sponsored post of any kind, it will only be because I think it's a good product or service that would somehow be helpful to others living in Japan, and I will make sure that's clear within the post.

You likely already know of some online supermarkets in Japan selling Costco food and imported goods (The Flying Pig and Foreign Buyer's Club), especially as I've mentioned them in some previous posts, but today I'd like to introduce a newer online store offering a lot of similar food and services, and even a bit more - Yoyo Market.

Preparing for winter in Japan

It's that time of year again. The temps drop (despite the fact Fall [Autumn] has been so lovely this year), and the sun only shows its face for a few hours (at least it feels that way).

I noticed these 2 posts have suddenly been climbing the "most visited" links list lately, so if you haven't seen them yet, here's what you need to know to prepare for the cold months in Japan. (Well... most of Japan; some of you are lucky - I'm looking at you, Okinawa.)

8 ways to winterize your Japanese apartment (or house)

A guide to heaters in Japan



And just a note for those of you who celebrate Christmas and are looking for a Christmas tree this year, you may want to check out:

HOW TO: Find a Christmas tree in Japan


Time for me to find my slippers. Stay warm!

HOW TO: Look up Japanese medicine

It's scary, I know, not knowing what's in medicine, or having no idea what your prescription actually is (What did the doctor just give me!? Why so many pills?).

When I had labrynthitis nearly 2 years ago, I was prescribed various drugs from various doctors in my search for a diagnosis. And seeing all those prescriptions all the time worried me, not knowing what was in them exactly. The doctors usually explain what they are giving you and why, but if not you can ask and they'll tell you (and even then, the pharmacists usually tell you what the drugs are for also), but there is still some mystery surrounding the whole thing if you've only been living in Japan a short time, and especially if you can't speak Japanese well enough to really ask (unless you have an English-speaking doctor and grill them about it, but even then the doctor may not be so keen on explaining everything - it all depends on the person).

I know not everyone is concerned about this, and I'm not saying you shouldn't trust your doctor (although there are certainly times to be skeptical - unfortunately I've had far too many of these, both in Japan and the US). But if you DO want to know what's in the medicine being prescribed to you in Japan just for peace of mind, or if you want to compare it to other countries, you certainly can.

How? By using a 薬のしおり (くすりのしおり, kusuri no shiori), or "drug information sheet," or in other words, a drug/medicine reference guide.

Q&A: How to avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Q: I have eczema. It's not so bad when I'm in England, but when I go over to Japan in the winter, it flares up and makes me break out in welts.

I need to avoid SLS/SDS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) when I go to Japan, and I'm hoping you have recommendations, as well as places to find things like shea butter, aloe vera, etc.

-A