Fortunately for me, I speak both Japanese and English, but even so, I had to find out everything myself when I got here. There is no ONE, encompassing resource for people either trying to live in Japan now or trying to prepare before they go. So, I figured, all my hard work, blood-sweat-and-tears (and many, many, MANY hours) searching should not go to waste.
Depending on popularity/public-demand, I may offer a full website with more resources, but for right now, I want to get a feel for public reception with a BLOG only.
UPDATES: At this point in time, I expect to update on a weekly basis.
FIREFOX: I strongly, highly recommend you download Firefox from any of the links on this page. Windows has limited features, is not standards-compliant, and regularly crashes. Case in Point: Although I rarely use the Windows XP portion of my laptop, lately I have been. Previously, I kept up-to-date on American news by watching cbs and msnbc online. I upgraded to IE 7 and now, instead of the news, I get a giant GREEN screen. Comparatively, with FIREFOX, there have been no online video issues/problems. Runs smooth as a whistle. ;>
If you are interested in watching any of the free movies or TV shows on the many sites I will be listing, you will want a stable web browser because many of the sites are hosted "overseas" where the bandwidth isn't so good and having to reload a show FROM SCRATCH you just spent 20 minutes waiting for is .....*deleted for content* ;)
Besides, with Firefox you can do all this and more:
- Block ads with adblock and filterset G.
- Download the videos to watch later with VideoDownloader extension.
- Use the most sophisticated tabbed browsing system available. Once you learn to use tabs, you’ll never go back to having tons of open windows.
I am an ovo-lacto vegetarian who did SysAdmin work for over 6 years and currently runs three OS systems on her laptop. I know a thing or 2 about computers. ;> Do yourself a favor and download Firefox.
UPCOMING POSTINGS:
SUGGESTIONS:
As this site is run by popular demand, please leave any requests for answers/advice on certain topics on any post with the "comments" link. (simply leave the comment anonymously.) Or leave a note on the "messages" board to the right. Comments there are not publicly displayed, but go straight to the private account.
7 comments:
Dear yogaferret and gypsferret,
Your blog is wonderful. I wished I had found your Website before I went to Tokyo for the first time in December 06. Armed with the Lonely Planet Tokyo guide, I thought I was going to be fine even though I could only say "konichiwa, arigatou, and sumimasen." Wrong! I got lost a few times taking the train and couldn't order food that isn't on display. Despite all this, I will go back because I like Japan.
The computer tips will certainly help many people. The reason the web is so huge is because there are many people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with strangers.
Thank you!
Ziggy
Why, Thank you. :)
We will eventually get back to doing the other material talked about here, but there has been such an influx in video problems/updates that we've been behind just trying to keep up with that.
Eventually, yes, lots of language and reading help to make your stay, no matter how short, *hopefully* less stressful and more enjoyable.
mata irasshai~ ^.^v
Hello,I noticed the Wakayama tags and I wondered if you can help me in any way. I'm am desperately looking for a direct hire teaching position in Kumano. Tanabe city/Shirahama-Nachikatsuura/shingu. But I am not having much luck. I have been advised that my best bet is Tanabe. I have only managed to find one American lady who runs a language school and has no vacancies. Do you know of ANYWHERE or anyone I can contact. I have a Japanese Studies degree and I am TESOL qualified -currently in the U.K. Any advice gratefully received-Love your blog by the way!!!
Only place I know is awful-from breaking contract from day one to breaking and entering to just outright bizarre antics...
They are the current "stars" on my blog. I'm not finished with them.
Also, I would seriously rethink the area. You do know that they are predicting a mega-quake the size of the recent M9 one in just that area within less than 30 years? Just last week there was an M5 already. I really would suggest staying OUT of Japan, but if you insist on going, pick someplace more inland not along the shorelines.
No matter what, thanks and good luck. ;)
Oh and good luck with your current employer-hope you don't have long left with them.Thanks again!
Thanks, but we are already long gone. ;)
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