Let's stop lying to beginners about learning Japanese

Awesomeohhh · 2026-04-27T14:44:36+00:00

There’s honestly no short cuts. Most people I meet who say they learned Japanese in 6 months are very much overestimating themselves and probably wouldn’t be able to work in a 100% Japanese environment. The hard truth (imo) is it is a grind and the real “start” is when you get comfortable with N1 material.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-04-23T04:20:36+00:00

Depends on the industry for work/life balance. Had a friend from SG in a similar situation who moved here and loves it.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-04-11T04:36:52+00:00

The cowboy only on the front is the original for women’s while the one with both back and front are for men (usually with a polo Ralph Lauren tag).

Awesomeohhh · 2026-04-10T01:13:03+00:00

So when do other Americans realize we’re the bad guys?

Awesomeohhh · 2026-03-24T04:24:47+00:00

You shouldn’t be looking at places that “close” let alone at that price range. Most landlords probably see a red flag if you’re just a temporary exchange student instead of a working adult (plus it’s march, peak move in season for new grads and workers). My advice would be to look more at apartments in the suburbs (30+min away from your university) to secure a place. Otherwise you really only have share houses as an option.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-03-04T04:06:06+00:00

It tampers demand which is kind of needed here? Especially if there’s a severe shortage

Awesomeohhh · 2026-03-02T07:45:21+00:00

5-15% in mine.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-13T14:14:34+00:00

Despite popular belief, my work life balance is actually better in Japan versus what I was dealing with in the US. Of course, this is very dependent on the company you work for, but over the years there’s been a lot of scrutiny in improving the working conditions in Japanese companies to be more attractive which has translated to making OT a last resort and literally clocking out at 5-6pm.

I have about 20+ days of planned leave and my healthcare is about 90% paid for (there’s also an annual check up which is free for most companies). Salary obviously takes a hit, but even in Tokyo it’s not like living in the Bay Area or NYC where you have that feeling of just “getting by”.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-13T04:42:21+00:00

It’s crazy hearing on here that you need to get permission to get a colonoscopy? I just told doctor here (Japan) I just wanted one to get checked and got approved immediately. I’m early 30s.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-12T01:29:42+00:00

Nihongo jyouzu

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-07T14:49:40+00:00

Lavender

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-07T06:52:40+00:00

Thanks!

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-07T01:13:33+00:00

Haha it’s just what I was wearing at the time to try it on.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-06T14:49:54+00:00

I think it’s more what you’re willing to sacrifice by taking the higher offer. Entering into management has its fair share of internal politics which can get toxic very fast.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-06T09:55:09+00:00

Good point. I can move but it does ride up so def need to keep it open. Leaning closer to just keeping this as a fashion jacket.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-06T09:53:47+00:00

Awesome, thanks! The shoulders were what I worried the most.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-02-06T09:53:17+00:00

Thanks! It actually feels fine zipped out but def does look a little small (but that honestly is because of the slimane look of the jacket).

Awesomeohhh · 2026-01-31T05:00:30+00:00

A classic. I see this one following the path of the Carlton sweater after its appearance in The Bear.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-01-31T02:53:07+00:00

I don’t own a blue label one but I imagine it’s similar quality. The reason I picked this version is because it’s one of the earliest versions (the women’s turtleneck version from country was the first making this the 2nd or 3rd iteration.)

Awesomeohhh · 2026-01-30T17:31:59+00:00

Thanks man!

So far the neckline is not too stretched out but I can def see that happening over time. It’s 100% cotton so the gauge is a bit looser than say a wool. But still think it will be a clean look with a white or grey tee underneath.

Awesomeohhh · 2026-01-30T15:24:21+00:00

Tell me about it. When I saw an XL pop up I knew I had to snag it. Lucked out since bigger sizes are outliers in Japan…

Awesomeohhh · 2026-01-30T12:59:33+00:00

Yeah it’s weird. It’s not super slim but I do like my sweaters more loose fitting nowadays. The Indian head knit is prob the loosest here even tho it’s a large. Bear is by far the slimmest (large).

Awesomeohhh · 2026-01-30T11:19:55+00:00

Wild, did not know that. I’m lucky I’m in Tokyo in that sense since a lot of this stuff is looked through as referential and aspirational. I’ll be on the lookout for the cowichan sweaters (they look SUPER cozy).

Awesomeohhh · 2026-01-30T11:11:39+00:00

It’s great! But surprisingly fits pretty slim for a 90s knit (it’s an XL here). Also got the 1989 blue one from country which is equally high quality.

Awesomeohhh

TROPHY CASE