Japan lifestyle and Japanese contracts
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JAL and ANA both do NOT hire foreign citizens on permanent hire. Along with being a national, you must also be fluent in Japanese. I am a Japanese citizen who was raised in North America, with a cousin who is now a 747-400 Captain with JAL. I can't even get on right now, because my Japanese is not considered fluent according to Japanese standards.
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Faint smell of BS.....
Kaptin M
I really don't know why you are being SO negative about Japan and the Kansai area. It really isn't as bad as you make out. Of course, working for a Japanese company isn't easy. They are very demanding and expect "obedience" but no more of foreigners than they do of their local staff. Why should they favour us "gaijins"? The Kansai area is a great place to live. When we moved our office there up to Tokyo our staff were really disappointed. The service manager I hired a year ago to work in Kobe said that he loves it here and wants to stay as long as we'll have him...
But, just a few specifics.... (and I have been living in Japan 3 years now....not an oldie, but getting there)
"Forget about slipping away for 7-10 days."
The majority of Japanese wouldn't dream of it on a regular basis, maybe once every three or four years. Otherwise vacation is often dictated by the company, as is relocation.
"Now while that sounds fine, the "allowance" will ONLY be for public transport, and whilst the public transport in Japan is fairly good, unless you read Kanji (or Hiragana in many cases) you are going to be battling. "
That is a load of tripe! Station names are all in English also, as are the ticket machines. The only thing that may be a little more difficult are buses. But if you can fly a plane, I am sure you can find your way on the bus after you have done it a couple of times.
"Japan is more humid than Singapore in the summer (ie. you sweat like a pig), and FREEZING cold in winter...it snows in Osaka!"
You are right that it is VERY humid in the summer. But it is not THAT cold in the winter. It rarely gets too many degrees below zero. Of course, if you are European that's quite pleasant. Naturally from Australia it might be a little chilly too. But as far as I know Australians are real men too, so it shouldn't be a problem."
"Once online:....An air transportation allowance of USD 1,000 gross per month pro rata shall be payable to each crew member towards the cost of commuting to Osaka base."
That's about 120'000 JPY. By shopping around you can get fares between Japan and Australia of JPY 55'000. So, that should be manageable. Many travel agents have English ads and English speaking staff.
"Living in Japan IS expensive, especially the utilities, telephone, water, electricity, and gas. It is not uncommon to have a gas bill of 30-40,000 yen (AUD500 - 600) per month, during winter.
Additionally, all of your bills come ONLY in Kanji, and if you miss paying them on time the service will be disconnected, and you'll be charged a re-connection fee."
I live in a 4 bedroom house which is 220 M2 big and my utilities bill is on average 50'000 JPY a month. I have been up to a month late paying a bill (because my wife was away and I'm disorganised!) and nothing was cut off. Anyway, you have about three weeks to pay the bill anyway and you just pop down to the local convenience store and pay it. Can't get simpler than that.
"International schools cost about USD10,000 per annum, per child."
Actually, here you are being more generous than you should. Most schools are probably closer to USD 15'000 p.a. and you have a registration fee the first time.
TAXATION Candidates will be liable for Japanese Tax. an estimates of approx 20% per year depending on a candidates individual circumstances."
Without a doubt you will HAVE to employ a Tax Agent to do the tax for you.
Additionally, there's another 5% tax on everything you purchase. I recall reading somewhere recently that this may be increased.
Why wouldn't one pay tax locally? Anyway, the tax rate is lower than in many countries. Yes, there is a 5% sales tax, but compared with sales tax (or VAT) VAT in many European countries and North America....
All in all it's not a bad place to live. Don't expect to be singled out for preferred treatment (why would one anyway??) and things should be fine. Also, people here are generally pretty willing to help and assist.
I really don't know why you are being SO negative about Japan and the Kansai area. It really isn't as bad as you make out. Of course, working for a Japanese company isn't easy. They are very demanding and expect "obedience" but no more of foreigners than they do of their local staff. Why should they favour us "gaijins"? The Kansai area is a great place to live. When we moved our office there up to Tokyo our staff were really disappointed. The service manager I hired a year ago to work in Kobe said that he loves it here and wants to stay as long as we'll have him...
But, just a few specifics.... (and I have been living in Japan 3 years now....not an oldie, but getting there)
"Forget about slipping away for 7-10 days."
The majority of Japanese wouldn't dream of it on a regular basis, maybe once every three or four years. Otherwise vacation is often dictated by the company, as is relocation.
"Now while that sounds fine, the "allowance" will ONLY be for public transport, and whilst the public transport in Japan is fairly good, unless you read Kanji (or Hiragana in many cases) you are going to be battling. "
That is a load of tripe! Station names are all in English also, as are the ticket machines. The only thing that may be a little more difficult are buses. But if you can fly a plane, I am sure you can find your way on the bus after you have done it a couple of times.
"Japan is more humid than Singapore in the summer (ie. you sweat like a pig), and FREEZING cold in winter...it snows in Osaka!"
You are right that it is VERY humid in the summer. But it is not THAT cold in the winter. It rarely gets too many degrees below zero. Of course, if you are European that's quite pleasant. Naturally from Australia it might be a little chilly too. But as far as I know Australians are real men too, so it shouldn't be a problem."
"Once online:....An air transportation allowance of USD 1,000 gross per month pro rata shall be payable to each crew member towards the cost of commuting to Osaka base."
That's about 120'000 JPY. By shopping around you can get fares between Japan and Australia of JPY 55'000. So, that should be manageable. Many travel agents have English ads and English speaking staff.
"Living in Japan IS expensive, especially the utilities, telephone, water, electricity, and gas. It is not uncommon to have a gas bill of 30-40,000 yen (AUD500 - 600) per month, during winter.
Additionally, all of your bills come ONLY in Kanji, and if you miss paying them on time the service will be disconnected, and you'll be charged a re-connection fee."
I live in a 4 bedroom house which is 220 M2 big and my utilities bill is on average 50'000 JPY a month. I have been up to a month late paying a bill (because my wife was away and I'm disorganised!) and nothing was cut off. Anyway, you have about three weeks to pay the bill anyway and you just pop down to the local convenience store and pay it. Can't get simpler than that.
"International schools cost about USD10,000 per annum, per child."
Actually, here you are being more generous than you should. Most schools are probably closer to USD 15'000 p.a. and you have a registration fee the first time.
TAXATION Candidates will be liable for Japanese Tax. an estimates of approx 20% per year depending on a candidates individual circumstances."
Without a doubt you will HAVE to employ a Tax Agent to do the tax for you.
Additionally, there's another 5% tax on everything you purchase. I recall reading somewhere recently that this may be increased.
Why wouldn't one pay tax locally? Anyway, the tax rate is lower than in many countries. Yes, there is a 5% sales tax, but compared with sales tax (or VAT) VAT in many European countries and North America....
All in all it's not a bad place to live. Don't expect to be singled out for preferred treatment (why would one anyway??) and things should be fine. Also, people here are generally pretty willing to help and assist.
Last edited by Snoopy; 3rd Aug 2003 at 18:18.
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Having lived here for only a little over 4 years, I guess you've got it all over me, Snoopy. 
I am not being negative, merely trying to point out what people should expect. My comments are more specifically directed towards the contract wrt leave, reduced rate transportation, etc, and as you are apparently not a pilot working under contract, some of your points are not relevant to the discussion when taken in isolation.
"Forget about slipping away for 7-10 days."
"The majority of Japanese wouldn't dream of it on a regular basis, maybe once every three or four years."
Well we AIN'T Japanese!! This is NOT our country - and to maintain some level of sanity, non-Japanese will feel the need to get away from the place for a few weeks at a stretch.
The contract that is the subject of this discussion appears not to offer that option.
"Station names are all in English also, as are the ticket machines." Well that IS a load of bollocks! Jump on a local train travelling the west coast of Kyushu, as an example, if you don't believe me...and by the way it's romaji - not "English".
"It rarely gets too many degrees below zero."
Bollocks again! Sapporo and Obihiro on Hokkaido get down to as low as minus26 C in Winter for a couple of months, Akita on the west coast of Honshu is often well below zero during winter.
"By shopping around you can get fares between Japan and Australia of JPY 55'000."
If time is not a factor. The JPY55,000 fares are generally with Korean, or perhaps PAL, and will involve lengthy topovers in Seoul or Manila one or both ways.
Additionally these fares are limited in number, and the price fluctuates depending on the season.
"They are very demanding and expect "obedience" but no more of foreigners than they do of their local staff."
We're not talking about schoolchidren, and your comment isn't really relative to a pilot's occupation and his relationship with the company. Howver on that point, anyone on contract should always remember that the agent is the employer, and the airline is the contractor. Don't worry I'm certain there will be times when you are told that you're not entitled to this or that because you are not employed by the airline.
And to that end, you'll find that Japanese employees will receive little "extras" - extra bonuses, extra Summer Leave, dispensations.
There IS discrimination here, albeit thinly veiled.
I am not being negative, merely trying to point out what people should expect. My comments are more specifically directed towards the contract wrt leave, reduced rate transportation, etc, and as you are apparently not a pilot working under contract, some of your points are not relevant to the discussion when taken in isolation.
"Forget about slipping away for 7-10 days."
"The majority of Japanese wouldn't dream of it on a regular basis, maybe once every three or four years."
Well we AIN'T Japanese!! This is NOT our country - and to maintain some level of sanity, non-Japanese will feel the need to get away from the place for a few weeks at a stretch.
The contract that is the subject of this discussion appears not to offer that option.
"Station names are all in English also, as are the ticket machines." Well that IS a load of bollocks! Jump on a local train travelling the west coast of Kyushu, as an example, if you don't believe me...and by the way it's romaji - not "English".
"It rarely gets too many degrees below zero."
Bollocks again! Sapporo and Obihiro on Hokkaido get down to as low as minus26 C in Winter for a couple of months, Akita on the west coast of Honshu is often well below zero during winter.
"By shopping around you can get fares between Japan and Australia of JPY 55'000."
If time is not a factor. The JPY55,000 fares are generally with Korean, or perhaps PAL, and will involve lengthy topovers in Seoul or Manila one or both ways.
Additionally these fares are limited in number, and the price fluctuates depending on the season.
"They are very demanding and expect "obedience" but no more of foreigners than they do of their local staff."
We're not talking about schoolchidren, and your comment isn't really relative to a pilot's occupation and his relationship with the company. Howver on that point, anyone on contract should always remember that the agent is the employer, and the airline is the contractor. Don't worry I'm certain there will be times when you are told that you're not entitled to this or that because you are not employed by the airline.
And to that end, you'll find that Japanese employees will receive little "extras" - extra bonuses, extra Summer Leave, dispensations.
There IS discrimination here, albeit thinly veiled.
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and as you are apparently not a pilot working under contract, some of your points are not relevant to the discussion when taken in isolation.
That's irrelevant for the points I was making.
Well we AIN'T Japanese!! This is NOT our country - and to maintain some level of sanity, non-Japanese will feel the need to get away from the place for a few weeks at a stretch.
The contract that is the subject of this discussion appears not to offer that option.
Nope, but you are coming to work here. Nobody is putting a gun to your head. If you don't like it, if you feel insanity is imminent you are free to leave. But don't come here wanting special treatment and then moaning when you don't get it.
"Station names are all in English also, as are the ticket machines." Well that IS a load of bollocks! Jump on a local train travelling the west coast of Kyushu, as an example, if you don't believe me...and by the way it's romaji - not "English".
We're talking about commuting, and if you remember from my post, we were specifically talking about Kansai. However, if you happen to be commuting along a west coast of Kysuhu line, at least the station names are in Hiragana and that is not difficult to learn, even if there is no "Romaji" (pardon me).
Bollocks again! Sapporo and Obihiro on Hokkaido get down to as low as minus26 C in Winter for a couple of months, Akita on the west coast of Honshu is often well below zero during winter.
As I said before I was talking about Kansai as you mentioned snow in Osaka. But for the other places you are now mentioning you are absolutely right, it does get bloody cold. Long johns are "de rigueur"
If time is not a factor. The JPY55,000 fares are generally with Korean, or perhaps PAL, and will involve lengthy topovers in Seoul or Manila one or both ways.
Actually the fare that I mentioned was on SQ
Additionally these fares are limited in number, and the price fluctuates depending on the season.
So I guess you suffer the same incomvenience that all expats do
We're not talking about schoolchidren, and your comment isn't really relative to a pilot's occupation and his relationship with the company.
No, you are right, we are not talking about schoolchildren, but we are talking about a completely different mindset and culture. I deal with the differences on a daily basis as president of a company that employs both Japanese and non-Japanese. Naturally, I can't say what is expected of you because I don't know. But I can say that from experience, those expats that have had the most successful stays in Japan have been those that have been prepared to go some way towards integration rather than emphasising the differences. The fact of the matter is that you are contract employees and the local pilots are probably direct hires (if I'm wrong, feel free to correct me). The way you are treated is not discriminatory because you are non-Japanese, but because you are a contract employee. They would treat a Japanese contract employee exactly the same if they had them. Maybe in your case it is not so obvious because with airlines if you are local you are hired direct, and if you are a foreigner you are a contract employee. This is one of the main reasons that women are discriminated against here, most of them are only contract employees on 3 month contracts.
I am not blind. Discrimination definitely exists against foreigners in Japan...just as it does in many other first world countries. Maybe it's more difficult for us westerners here in Japan because we are on the receiving end rather than dishing it out. It's unpleasant, I agree, and maybe a lesson to be learnt that one can take back to the home country.
Kaptin M, I'm not having a go at YOU. I was just disappointed that your post came over so negative. Working here IS difficult, I agree with you and it comes with a daily dose of frustration. But, Japan also has a lot to offer. Working here is an experience that one never forgets (with all the great times and the bad times). I wouldn't try and talk anyone out of coming here, but nor would I tell them to come here all starry-eyed thinking that it's heaven.
I think that we are probably on the same chapter, if not on the same page.
That's irrelevant for the points I was making.
Well we AIN'T Japanese!! This is NOT our country - and to maintain some level of sanity, non-Japanese will feel the need to get away from the place for a few weeks at a stretch.
The contract that is the subject of this discussion appears not to offer that option.
Nope, but you are coming to work here. Nobody is putting a gun to your head. If you don't like it, if you feel insanity is imminent you are free to leave. But don't come here wanting special treatment and then moaning when you don't get it.
"Station names are all in English also, as are the ticket machines." Well that IS a load of bollocks! Jump on a local train travelling the west coast of Kyushu, as an example, if you don't believe me...and by the way it's romaji - not "English".
We're talking about commuting, and if you remember from my post, we were specifically talking about Kansai. However, if you happen to be commuting along a west coast of Kysuhu line, at least the station names are in Hiragana and that is not difficult to learn, even if there is no "Romaji" (pardon me).
Bollocks again! Sapporo and Obihiro on Hokkaido get down to as low as minus26 C in Winter for a couple of months, Akita on the west coast of Honshu is often well below zero during winter.
As I said before I was talking about Kansai as you mentioned snow in Osaka. But for the other places you are now mentioning you are absolutely right, it does get bloody cold. Long johns are "de rigueur"
If time is not a factor. The JPY55,000 fares are generally with Korean, or perhaps PAL, and will involve lengthy topovers in Seoul or Manila one or both ways.
Actually the fare that I mentioned was on SQ
Additionally these fares are limited in number, and the price fluctuates depending on the season.
So I guess you suffer the same incomvenience that all expats do
We're not talking about schoolchidren, and your comment isn't really relative to a pilot's occupation and his relationship with the company.
No, you are right, we are not talking about schoolchildren, but we are talking about a completely different mindset and culture. I deal with the differences on a daily basis as president of a company that employs both Japanese and non-Japanese. Naturally, I can't say what is expected of you because I don't know. But I can say that from experience, those expats that have had the most successful stays in Japan have been those that have been prepared to go some way towards integration rather than emphasising the differences. The fact of the matter is that you are contract employees and the local pilots are probably direct hires (if I'm wrong, feel free to correct me). The way you are treated is not discriminatory because you are non-Japanese, but because you are a contract employee. They would treat a Japanese contract employee exactly the same if they had them. Maybe in your case it is not so obvious because with airlines if you are local you are hired direct, and if you are a foreigner you are a contract employee. This is one of the main reasons that women are discriminated against here, most of them are only contract employees on 3 month contracts.
I am not blind. Discrimination definitely exists against foreigners in Japan...just as it does in many other first world countries. Maybe it's more difficult for us westerners here in Japan because we are on the receiving end rather than dishing it out. It's unpleasant, I agree, and maybe a lesson to be learnt that one can take back to the home country.
Kaptin M, I'm not having a go at YOU. I was just disappointed that your post came over so negative. Working here IS difficult, I agree with you and it comes with a daily dose of frustration. But, Japan also has a lot to offer. Working here is an experience that one never forgets (with all the great times and the bad times). I wouldn't try and talk anyone out of coming here, but nor would I tell them to come here all starry-eyed thinking that it's heaven.
I think that we are probably on the same chapter, if not on the same page.
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To Snoopy and Kaptin M.
Fantastic debate.... keep it up guys. Ive just got through the Sim/Interview for the A-Net Dash 8 contract in Osaka, and am currently awaiting dates for the medical. And some good topical debate on the merits of living in japan is just what I need.
Ive been to japan before, and absolutely loved it. And am looking forward to the challenges of getting used to living in japan, regardless of the actual/perceived drawbacks. Compared to the salary/lifestyle of turboprop jobs in oz/uk/nz, the japan one is fantastic.
Fantastic debate.... keep it up guys. Ive just got through the Sim/Interview for the A-Net Dash 8 contract in Osaka, and am currently awaiting dates for the medical. And some good topical debate on the merits of living in japan is just what I need.
Ive been to japan before, and absolutely loved it. And am looking forward to the challenges of getting used to living in japan, regardless of the actual/perceived drawbacks. Compared to the salary/lifestyle of turboprop jobs in oz/uk/nz, the japan one is fantastic.
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To Snoopy and Kaptin M,
Thanks for your contributions. I am fully aware of life in Japan and appreciate your concerns. However, I intend to make the best of a bad situation and turn it to my advantage. I was recently retrenched so I'm sure I can put up with the "inconveniences" of living and working in Japan if only I can find a flying job there.
Cheers.
Thanks for your contributions. I am fully aware of life in Japan and appreciate your concerns. However, I intend to make the best of a bad situation and turn it to my advantage. I was recently retrenched so I'm sure I can put up with the "inconveniences" of living and working in Japan if only I can find a flying job there.
Cheers.
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Japan Contracts/Japanese Lifestyles
I just wanted to add a few things to this post. What a great discussion. I have been with JAL for 7 years now and I am employed through a crew contract company. My experiences have been top notch. There have been awkward moments and huge cultural shocks but as every flight pattern went by I became more intune with the Japanese way. I have co workers who have a very miserable time in Japan and it is usually due to their refusing to respect local cusoms and procedures. Respect the Japanese and they will respect you. If you guys really want to know what it is like to live and fly in Osaka then try and get a hold of some JEX (Jal express expats) B737 guys(PARC/HACS/IASCO). They have been operating out of ITM for over 4 years. As far as allowances goes for travel to/from the airport, it has been my experince and those of the other airlines in Japan that you will call a taxi and either sign for it or have a company voucher. Same goes for drop off after a flight. I believe this contract in question is through HACS. If it is, your contract will be honored to the T. Mine has for the last 7 years!
There are a few non Japanese who work for JAL/ANA who don't speak Japanes. They are usually in training jobs in addition to flying the line. ( The Japanese need a little help training Giajin).
Finally I want to reiterate that Japan and a Japanese airline can be rewarding and fun if you have the right mind set, tolerence and patience. If you are stubborn, unhappy, and unwilling to accept and try to understand your Japanese hosts you will be miserable and will count your days.
Cheers
There are a few non Japanese who work for JAL/ANA who don't speak Japanes. They are usually in training jobs in addition to flying the line. ( The Japanese need a little help training Giajin).
Finally I want to reiterate that Japan and a Japanese airline can be rewarding and fun if you have the right mind set, tolerence and patience. If you are stubborn, unhappy, and unwilling to accept and try to understand your Japanese hosts you will be miserable and will count your days.
Cheers
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
"If you guys really want to know what it is like to live and fly in Osaka then try and get a hold of some JEX (Jal express expats) B737 guys(PARC/HACS/IASCO). They have been operating out of ITM for over 4 years."
You HAVE heard from (some of) them!
BTW, Snoopy, if you don't feel like travelling out of Tokyo to find a railway station where the maps are ONLY in Kanji (the maps that tell you how much you have to pay for a ticket), take a ride to the Shin Takanawa Hotel from Haneda Airport, or vv.
777 F/O - the problem might not be getting the job, but it may well turn out that the cost of living (rent, utilities, subsistence, etc) is NOT covered by your income, and that IF you do need to get out, you won't be able to afford to!
As the Japanese love to say, "Please use caution."
You HAVE heard from (some of) them!
BTW, Snoopy, if you don't feel like travelling out of Tokyo to find a railway station where the maps are ONLY in Kanji (the maps that tell you how much you have to pay for a ticket), take a ride to the Shin Takanawa Hotel from Haneda Airport, or vv.
777 F/O - the problem might not be getting the job, but it may well turn out that the cost of living (rent, utilities, subsistence, etc) is NOT covered by your income, and that IF you do need to get out, you won't be able to afford to!
As the Japanese love to say, "Please use caution."
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Kaptin M
I am sure that you are right. As it is said: He who seeks shall find.
But the gist of what I was saying remains. For people who are willing to make the effort and don't expect to live in an identical (or similar) cultural environment as back-home, Japan is not a bad place to live. I'm not saying forever, but certainly for a few years.
Now on Monday I'm off to visit a factory in the Nagano prefecture which is in the back of beyond a little. If I remember correctly this time of year one of the gourmet delicacies is some type of grasshopper....yum
I am sure that you are right. As it is said: He who seeks shall find.
But the gist of what I was saying remains. For people who are willing to make the effort and don't expect to live in an identical (or similar) cultural environment as back-home, Japan is not a bad place to live. I'm not saying forever, but certainly for a few years.
Now on Monday I'm off to visit a factory in the Nagano prefecture which is in the back of beyond a little. If I remember correctly this time of year one of the gourmet delicacies is some type of grasshopper....yum
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Nagano is pretty popular at this time of the year I believe, because it doesn't get as fumid (the Japanese pronounce their "f" as a "soft f" - more like an "h"....hence the fumid!) as other parts of Honshu.
Most people probably know it from when the Winter Olympics were held there a couple of years back.
Mmmmm grasshoppers - probably those deep fried, sweet ones.
Actually I've just finished a lunch of amaiebi (sweet prawns) - sashimi (raw) of course.
Now to think that most Aussies would think of those as ONLY bait for fishing.
Living here has certainly expanded my horizons!
JALD10, you sound a heck of a lot more like one of the recruiting agencies staff than any of the other pilots/engineers I've met here, and especially your comment, "Respect the Japanese and they will respect you." is either naieve, or misleading.
Japanese respect ONLY other Japanese - they may tolerate others if they are inclined.
Just considering some ika (squid), sashimi of course, for a snack.
Have you been game to try fugu yet, snoopy? Not I - it seems like a game of Russian Roulette!
Most people probably know it from when the Winter Olympics were held there a couple of years back.
Mmmmm grasshoppers - probably those deep fried, sweet ones.
Actually I've just finished a lunch of amaiebi (sweet prawns) - sashimi (raw) of course.
Now to think that most Aussies would think of those as ONLY bait for fishing.
Living here has certainly expanded my horizons!
JALD10, you sound a heck of a lot more like one of the recruiting agencies staff than any of the other pilots/engineers I've met here, and especially your comment, "Respect the Japanese and they will respect you." is either naieve, or misleading.
Japanese respect ONLY other Japanese - they may tolerate others if they are inclined.
Just considering some ika (squid), sashimi of course, for a snack.
Have you been game to try fugu yet, snoopy? Not I - it seems like a game of Russian Roulette!
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"Have you been game to try fugu yet, snoopy? Not I - it seems like a game of Russian Roulette!"
You definitely have to be a bit careful.
Read of a Thai fishing boat last year on which the captain prepared Fugu (blowfish) soup. Two crewmembers resisted...and survived! I haven't investigated the Fugu fatalities in Japan, although I am sure that the true numbers will be camouflaged, just like those for the number of people who choke on Mochi (or however you spell it).
I tried fugu about two years ago in a restaurant near our office in Ryogoku (near the Tokyo Sumo Stadium). There are quite a few restaurants that specialise in it there. First of all it's expensive and secondly it isn't even that tasty. I think the attraction is the risk. One of my colleagues went home, put a couple of cotton wool balls in his mouth, slapped his cheeks to make them red and then went to his wife complaining he was feeling unwell. She got in a real tizz until she spotted the cotton wool....he almost died just the same, but from cleaver wounds rather than anything else!
I haven't had it again since because I didn't really like it. If I'm going to live dangerously, I might as well enjoy it!
You definitely have to be a bit careful.
Read of a Thai fishing boat last year on which the captain prepared Fugu (blowfish) soup. Two crewmembers resisted...and survived! I haven't investigated the Fugu fatalities in Japan, although I am sure that the true numbers will be camouflaged, just like those for the number of people who choke on Mochi (or however you spell it).
I tried fugu about two years ago in a restaurant near our office in Ryogoku (near the Tokyo Sumo Stadium). There are quite a few restaurants that specialise in it there. First of all it's expensive and secondly it isn't even that tasty. I think the attraction is the risk. One of my colleagues went home, put a couple of cotton wool balls in his mouth, slapped his cheeks to make them red and then went to his wife complaining he was feeling unwell. She got in a real tizz until she spotted the cotton wool....he almost died just the same, but from cleaver wounds rather than anything else!
I haven't had it again since because I didn't really like it. If I'm going to live dangerously, I might as well enjoy it!
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I am actually sitting in my house at Kurohime near Lake Nojiri in Nagano to pen this. It is certainly a pleasant place to spend time in the summer whilst Tokyo and Osaka swelter. There has been a 'gaijin mura' on the shores of Lake Nojiri since the 1930's when it was established by missionaries (mainly Scandinavian) as a gathering place for summer retreats.
There are indeed a lot of grasshoppers around but I am yet, after quite a number of years in Japan, to put any in my mouth. The food here is more than adequate without laying waste to the insect population. Grilled sparrow is as far down the foodchain as I have so far ventured.
My 10 yens worth is not related to Nagano or grasshoppers but the comments on the respect thing.
For Japanese, dealing with people from outside their immediate comfort zone is as tiring as it is for us...what the Japanese refer to as 'soto' (outside) and 'uchi' (inside). Thus the relationship one develops within the organisation can at best be superficial and is complicated by peculiar Japanese corporate cultures. The cultures between organisations can vary significantly but most people in major companies are brainwashed with the company's culture at time of entry. They are then given freedoms to be individualistic within the framework of that company's culture.
Someone parachuted in either as a direct employee or as a contractor for an agency, either foreign or Japanese, will always be regarded as an outsider. The harder you try to get people to like you the worse it gets. My view is that you simply get on with your job, stand your ground on issues of principle, never put someone down in a condescending way. If you lose your block, do it in a cool and measured way. People will respect your stoicism and professional manner. Friendships will develop with individuals in the organisation who respect your manner and realise that you have something to offer other than just turning up for work and staying on the right side of the JCAB.
Most Japanese who are parachuted into an organisation mid career or on a contract will have exactly the same issues.
The Japanese can be very insular but that doesn't make them all that different from the rest of us.
If you have a go at the language, it will go a long way to breaking through. As the old FEN radio program used to sprout ' A rittle ranguage goes a wrong way'.
There are indeed a lot of grasshoppers around but I am yet, after quite a number of years in Japan, to put any in my mouth. The food here is more than adequate without laying waste to the insect population. Grilled sparrow is as far down the foodchain as I have so far ventured.
My 10 yens worth is not related to Nagano or grasshoppers but the comments on the respect thing.
For Japanese, dealing with people from outside their immediate comfort zone is as tiring as it is for us...what the Japanese refer to as 'soto' (outside) and 'uchi' (inside). Thus the relationship one develops within the organisation can at best be superficial and is complicated by peculiar Japanese corporate cultures. The cultures between organisations can vary significantly but most people in major companies are brainwashed with the company's culture at time of entry. They are then given freedoms to be individualistic within the framework of that company's culture.
Someone parachuted in either as a direct employee or as a contractor for an agency, either foreign or Japanese, will always be regarded as an outsider. The harder you try to get people to like you the worse it gets. My view is that you simply get on with your job, stand your ground on issues of principle, never put someone down in a condescending way. If you lose your block, do it in a cool and measured way. People will respect your stoicism and professional manner. Friendships will develop with individuals in the organisation who respect your manner and realise that you have something to offer other than just turning up for work and staying on the right side of the JCAB.
Most Japanese who are parachuted into an organisation mid career or on a contract will have exactly the same issues.
The Japanese can be very insular but that doesn't make them all that different from the rest of us.
If you have a go at the language, it will go a long way to breaking through. As the old FEN radio program used to sprout ' A rittle ranguage goes a wrong way'.
Join Date: Mar 2003
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As one who spent several years working in Japan until some time ago, I wish to proffer some lessons I learned through that experience.
#1. Never refer to Japanese as Asians in their hearing. To their mind they are Japanese.
#2. Be aware of the cautionary saying, "Smile to your face, stab you in the back". It may well have originated in Japan.
#3. Untruthfulness and truthfulness are often interwoven, and although some of the non-truths are obvious at the time, it does not appear to concern them.
#4. Everyone, and most everything, has at least 2 faces (facades), that which is openly seen by all, the second hidden behind the first and usually not revealed.
#1. Never refer to Japanese as Asians in their hearing. To their mind they are Japanese.
#2. Be aware of the cautionary saying, "Smile to your face, stab you in the back". It may well have originated in Japan.
#3. Untruthfulness and truthfulness are often interwoven, and although some of the non-truths are obvious at the time, it does not appear to concern them.
#4. Everyone, and most everything, has at least 2 faces (facades), that which is openly seen by all, the second hidden behind the first and usually not revealed.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: u.s.a.
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To Kaptin M
"JALD10, you sound a heck of a lot more like one of the recruiting agencies staff than any of the other pilots/engineers I've met here, and especially your comment, "Respect the Japanese and they will respect you." is either naieve, or misleading.
Japanese respect ONLY other Japanese - they may tolerate others if they are inclined."
Afraid I have to agree with JAL10 on this one.....I have been with the same company for over 12 years and that is certainly how I find them to work for....
'Your' miles may vary of course depending on your 'attitude'
Cheers
"JALD10, you sound a heck of a lot more like one of the recruiting agencies staff than any of the other pilots/engineers I've met here, and especially your comment, "Respect the Japanese and they will respect you." is either naieve, or misleading.
Japanese respect ONLY other Japanese - they may tolerate others if they are inclined."
Afraid I have to agree with JAL10 on this one.....I have been with the same company for over 12 years and that is certainly how I find them to work for....
'Your' miles may vary of course depending on your 'attitude'
Cheers
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
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With the exception of point #1, sounds like the United States to me.
Doesn't it just? And just about most other countries/companies....
Welcome to the Rat Race!
Doesn't it just? And just about most other countries/companies....Welcome to the Rat Race!
Join Date: Aug 2003
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Dash 8 position
Gidday all
Can anyone help me out with applying for this position? I have already sent online application, but have not heard anything. Is there anyone I can call? Does anyone have some advice?
Thanks
Can anyone help me out with applying for this position? I have already sent online application, but have not heard anything. Is there anyone I can call? Does anyone have some advice?
Thanks
