Surviving in Japan: (without much Japanese)

Yamato (Kuroneko) Overhauls English Website; Redelivery, Pickup Now Available in English Online

Looks like my previous posts on how to arrange a redelivery via Yamato (Kuroneko) will become almost obsolete! (Though I still recommend them for Japanese/kanji reading practice, if anything).

Yamato completely redid the English version of their website, and now it resembles the Japanese version of the site, unlike the old version, as seen below:

Yamato, Kuroneko, Japan, redelivery, shipping,

New Yamato (Kuroneko) English website

With the new site, you can request a redelivery online in English (pictured below) via the site, in a seemingly simplified process (versus a multiple-step process on the Japanese site), and it doesn't appear that you need to sign up as you are required to via the Japanese version of the site. Using that same form, you can also request a pickup of package for shipping or to have your luggage taken to the airport (previously, you could only request a pickup in English via phone).

Yamato, Kuroneko, English, redelivery, pickup, form, Japan, shipping

Yamato Online English redelivery, pickup request form

You can also request a redelivery by phone, in English, with the auto-delivery phone service.

They have even explained the redelivery notice in English for those who may not be able to read it.

And of course, they break down all of their other services in English as well. I think this is a great step in the right direction for companies being more accessible to foreigners living in Japan.

In summary, Yamato (Kuroneko) has revamped their English website and now offers the following services (among others):

Internet redelivery in English
Phone redelivery in English (auto)
Online package or luggage pickup request in English

25 Fun and Helpful Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks - April 22

Still sakura season!

Back again for another round of top Japan links from the past couple weeks. There wasn't as much to choose from as usual, but I think the selections below are both useful and some of them, fun! Did I miss anything you thought worth being on this list?

Living in Japan

Tokyo Police Department Announces Traffic Restrictions to Follow Major Earthquakes in Tokyo Metro Area (RocketNews24) - In case of a large earthquake, traffic restrictions will be enforced around the greater Tokyo area, followed by secondary restrictions. PDFs with more information are provided in several languages.

Teachers with two left feet struggling with dance classes (Japan Times) - Modern dance will also become a required subject for junior high students in Japan, and while some schools will bring in professionals to help train P.E. teachers, for everyone else it's not clear what will be done. Most gym teachers know nothing about how to teach dance.

Can I sue a former employer for not paying toward my pension? (Japan Times) - Are you in a similar situation? What are your rights?

Ikea opens outlet No. 6 in Fukuoka (Japan Times) - Ikea fans rejoice!

Japanese law: a solid reference book (Japan Times) - Translations of the law are also available online here.

Medicinal direction from both the East and West (Japan Times) - Thoughts on kanpo, or "Chinese medicine" or herbal medicine.

From the common cold to sleeping problems, kanpō can offer natural relief (Japan Times) - Some common kanpo blends, their names in kanji, and what they're good for.

Why good Wi-Fi is so hard to find in Japan (Japan Times) - The question so many ask when they come to Japan. Makes sense to me for the most part, although some might disagree. What do you think?

Retailers, restaurants turning to foreign rice (Japan Times) - California rice in Japan? Yes, it's true.

Bridgestone to recall nearly 10,000 Jobno bicycles with radioactive baskets (Japan Times) -

H&M to open second outlet in Gifu (Japan Times) - H&M just opened in Nagoya, and now heading to Gifu. Where next, I wonder?

Hulu Japan Cuts Price 2/3 To 980 Yen (Asiajin) - One way to watch some of your favorite TV shows and movies, cheaper than before.

Alternative Work in Japan: Freelancing in Tokyo [Interview]

Today I'd like to introduce David Chester, who wrote Freelancing in Tokyo: A Unique Guide to Achieving Financial Success in Japan's Most Expensive City. I'm frequently asked about "other types of work" in Japan aside from teaching English, and though it varies, especially depending on where you go in Japan, not everyone has to get locked into teaching English if they don't want to.

I first heard about David's book through his interview on Tokyo Podcast and found it really interesting, so I bought and read the book. I also recommend you check out the Tokyo Podcast interview (after reading this one, of course!), since I heard about David's book there first.

Ashley: First of all, where are you from, how long have you been in Japan, and what do you do?

David: I’m from Los Angeles (California, USA). I came to Tokyo in April 1993 as a musician/songwriter. I am still a musician but have become a screenwriter/filmmaker along the way.

Ashley: Teaching English is commonly believed to be one of the few ways a foreigner can find work in Japan, but your experience has proven otherwise. Do you think freelancing in Tokyo (or another large city in Japan) is a viable option for anyone?

New: Most Helpful Comments on Surviving in Japan

So many of you have offered great advice, additional tips, or other useful suggestions in response to posts here on SiJ and even on Facebook and Twitter. So, although I often add helpful comments into the posts themselves, I've decided to give those comments more eyes and also just to say thank you by regularly highlighting them.

To start things off, I've gathered some feedback from the past few weeks:

Hay Fever Tips

Cee C mentioned local honey would be helpful for hay fever symptoms: