Revised blog title

My blog title has officially changed from Nippon to Nihon. Why? Both have the same meaning of Japan, but are used in different situations. I recently learned from locals that Nippon is a formal term that is not used everyday, but is reserved for use during sporting events, and is printed on money and postage. Nihon is the preferred colloquial term, frequently used in media, and also found in familiar everyday Japanese language, such as Nihongo (Japanese language), or Watashi wa Nihon jin des (I am from Japan).

Wear what you like (outside the office)

The array of clothing styles found in Japan will never cease to surprise me. On the one hand, clothing worn can be culturally traditional or conservative, but then also imaginative, trendy or just plain weird.  (That's cool, whatever floats your boat)! On the traditional side, every summer, you will often see young women dressed up in the yukata, which is a casual version of the kimono worn in the summertime, to attend various firework festivals held throughout the island. This eye catching garment is equipped with beautiful designs and is worn with geta, traditional Japanese wooden sandals that make a distinctive clunky "clock clock" noise when walking. Nowadays, women can also be seen wearing the yukata with rubber-soled flip flops. (Flip flops seem more comfortable anyway)!

 Conservative dress is expected in office settings. This means a full suit and for ladies, skirts must be worn with pantyhose (sigh). Summer dress is allowed during the summer, meaning men can forgo the suit jacket and tie due to unforgiving summer heat. Bleak color schemes of black and grey suits are normally worn. The typical shirt is a crisp white button down. When taking the train every morning, I notice a pattern of dress among office workers, especially the men. This is definitely different from what I'm used to in the United States where I was accustomed to wearing business casual clothes. However, sometimes exceptions can be made. For instance, I once thought a middle-aged man was preparing to bike home from his workplace. But it turns out he was in his usual work attire. He openly told me that he likes wearing a size small women's leggings because they are comfortable. Equipped with his leggings were skater shoes with different colored neon shoe laces. Remember, there are always quirks in the system!

Now about casual clothes! When people are not toiling away for 12 hour workdays in their cubicles, what do they wear? For the most part, the sky's the limit! Cross dressing or suggestive clothing can be seen. I once spotted a young man nonchalantly standing in line to buy food. He certainly caught my eye with his mesh, long white tennis shirt that he wore as a dress, and a sports bra underneath. The length of the shirt barely covered his sergeant privates which were minimally concealed in a brightly colored thong.  However, older men and women tend to dress more conservatively. But if you are older and happen to dress outrageously, that seems to be OK too.

Harajuku is probably the area with the most kooky clothing styles sold or worn in the Tokyo area. Goth, punk, burlesque, S&M, cosplay, or anything eccentric can be found here. Cosplay is to dress up in your favorite character, such as, anime.  Totally nerdy, I know.

Hats are also trendy in Japan. Yes, all styles of hats are worn in the summertime.  Knit winter hats, fedoras, fishing hats, baseball caps, and I'm sure many more styles of hats I haven't mentioned are worn too. I can understand wearing a fedora or baseball hat to keep out the sun, but don't quite understand the purpose of a knit winter hat in the blazing humidity. Must just be like a fashionable accent to one's attire; I don't know.

The tolerance people have for individualized clothing choices outside the workplace is refreshing. Perhaps it is a way to express your personality safely without being judged, reprimanded or "losing face" in an otherwise strict work environment. Perhaps individualized expressions of style is a form of release from societal expectations in a normally group oriented culture. I hope to continue observing people's way of dress. I'll never know what color of the rainbow I'll get.

Holidays in Japan

Overall, there are more public holidays in Japan in comparison to the United States. Here's a list of recognized holidays with my workplace. I have 16 holidays in one calendar year! With my previous employer, it was about 10. I've already had one holiday since being in Japan, Ocean Day otherwise known as Sea Day. This is to celebrate the ocean and remember the importance of the ocean to Japan as an island nation. In Japan, high priority is made towards maintaining harmonious relationships and Ocean Day characterizes this by paying respect to the depths of nature. Also, as a nation that falls victim to frequent natural disasters, this holiday is a valid reason for reiterating national unity. Typical activities include a beach trip or a leisurely bike stroll around your neighborhood (from my observations, at least).

Ocean Day

Monday, July 21, 2014

Respect for the Aged Day

Monday, September 15, 2014

Autumnal Equinox Day 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Sports Day

Monday, October 13, 2014

Culture Day

Monday, November 3, 2014

Labor Thanksgiving Day

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Emperor’s Birthday 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas Day

Thursday, December 25, 2014

New Years Day/January 1^st 

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Coming of Age Day

Monday, January 12, 2015

National Foundation Day

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Vernal Equinox

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Showa Day

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Constitution Memorial Day

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Greenery Day

Monday, May 4, 2015

Children’s Day 

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Welcome to Japan, Gaijin.

I just arrived in Japan about one month ago. As with any transition moving overseas, there was excitement from the moment I arrived. As soon as I stepped into immigration, I was placed into a room with other foreigners (gaijin) with visas to Japan. The room was fully equipped, corner baby crib included. I waited patiently to be called. Meanwhile, an earthquake drill began. Rather than presenting a distressing bell, I heard an automated voice on the intercom instructing us to be calm. I thought everyone had to evacuate. But no one was told to do anything, so it was business as usual. The drill lasted well over an hour. I was ready to leave the airport when it ended.

The apartment that I reserved from overseas turned out to be a disappointment. It was backdated and next to a graveyard. Apparently, this set up is not unusual in Japan, but I prefer the land of the living, unless this is a zombie movie? Not the mention the neighborhood had a rusty, depressing feel to it. So my answer was no thanks, I'll pass. On the flipside, with gracious assistance from locals, I found a brand new apartment conveniently located outside of my workplace. Month to month rent is very affordable, but upon moving in, there are upfront fees which can be costly. I knew about these fees ahead of time, so this part was not a surprise.

My apartment is in a neighborhood with everything you need within walking distance: a convenient store, cheap eats, including, a decent Indian and Nepalese restaurant (my favorite cuisine), and a Katsudon place. Katsudon is a deep-fried pork cutlet served on top of rice with egg and a sauce. This restaurant also includes seafood katsu as well, such as shrimp and cuttlefish.

As for setting up a bank account in Japan, this takes forever. Expect to wait several weeks to have your account activated. The first step involves interacting with the bank teller on and off for 2.5 hours. What this means is the banking teller will provide you with a number, then you will wait to be called, then you will meet with the teller, then the teller will rub his/her head and mumble, then consult his/her associates, will read over a massive manual, then will ask for you to sit down again. This process repeats for about 2.5 hours. Next, they will mail you your bank card, which takes one to two business weeks. Upon receiving your bank card, you cannot use it immediately. You must wait for your bank book to arrive. This takes another one to two business weeks. I think you get my drift here.

Japan is a country of procedures, order and hierarchy. Gaijin (foreigners) are no exception. If anything, gaijin will be treated extra meticulously.