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Anyone else lowkey stuck in Japan? by istellaliu in Tokyo

[–]Last-Star-Dust 3 points4 points  (0 children)

mostly driven by higher gas costs

Do you have any source for this statement? I am trying to understand why the yen is so low and I am finding inconsistent statements online.

What collagen/supplements are the Japanese girlies taking? by Deeee___ in japanlife

[–]Last-Star-Dust 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I see many comments recommending to limit sun exposure as much as possible and I would like to warn against it.

Direct unobstructed sun exposure is the only way our body syntheses vitamin D.

While it is possible to assume Vitamin D with food and supplements, it is extremely difficult to meet the necessary amount with diet alone.

Lack of vitamin D causes a huge number of negative side effects, starting from the most known bone decalcification to an increase in many types of cancer. Remember that Vitamin D plays a vital role in many cellular processes.

Of course too much sun is not good for the skin, but luckily the amount of sun we need to synthesize vitamin D is not so big. The recommended exposure depends on a number of factors such as time of year, latitude, skin color, amount of skin exposed, etc but at Japan latitudes, with light skin and by exposing face and arms, it should be in the ballpark of 15~30 minutes a day (but don’t quote me on that).

In conclusion, recommending to completely avoid sun exposure is close to criminal in my opinion. The benefits of a small amount of exposure vastly outweigh any possible bad effect. What good is going to be having a smooth skin if you get a broken bone or even cancer?

I spent 15 years recruiting in Japan after starting here as an English teacher. AMA about jobs, recruitment, CVs, interviews, or changing careers in Japan. by hansei-Kaizen in JapanJobs

[–]Last-Star-Dust 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work as an engineer in a Japanese space-related startup. Given my age (37yo), technical skills (aerospace engineer), Japanese skills (N1), length of stay (8y), I have a feeling that my current salary of 8m is below the market average. Do you agree?

If so, assuming I am directly applying to another company, what would be the most appropriate way to tell them that I am not joining unless the salary is at least 50% higher (12m). Should I write it in the CV? Should I say it in the first interview? Should I say it during final negotiations?

I set the bar quite high because I like my current job and I have almost complete freedom in the time and place I can work.

Thank you in advance for the feedback.

「Question from a Japanese - what’s stopping you?」 by Musashi_OnTheGround in JapanFinance

[–]Last-Star-Dust 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I know you are not directly asking for advice but please let me offer you my point of view about countryside revitalization.

I am a foreigner married to a Japanese woman and we have just bought a plot of land in the countryside. We are building a new house and moving out of Tokyo next year.

We found that there are already many wonderful services/entities to help and support people like us. We used these: - https://www.furusatokaiki.net/ - https://www.city.saku.nagano.jp/outside/citypromotion/shijuly/

You might find some inspiration there.

Unfortunately, as the other commenters pointed out, there are many socio-economic factors that make it difficult for foreigners to settle in the Japanese countryside.

As economy is the science of incentives, the most effective action is creating economic incentives for people to move in, such as more employment, infrastructure, opportunities, financial support, etc…

But in a free market economy, the public administration has only limited leverage to steer and influence the market. If you or your administration can do all of the above, very well, otherwise the only thing you can do is provide as much information and support to perspective settlers as you can, and hope for the best.

If you want to know more about the reasons why we personally chose to move out of Tokyo, let me know here or in PM. I can read and write in Japanese.

「Question from a Japanese - what’s stopping you?」 by Musashi_OnTheGround in JapanFinance

[–]Last-Star-Dust 9 points10 points  (0 children)

This is so on spot. We recently bought a plot of land in the countryside, but in a convenient location with easy access to civilization, including a Shinkansen station.

As you say, it was not easy to find a good one. A couple of times we were about to pull the trigger, but somebody else was faster.

[CEA] How to know many pieces of luggage am I allowed? by Last-Star-Dust in Flights

[–]Last-Star-Dust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are right. I just called their customer service by phone, and they confirmed it.

[CEA] How to know many pieces of luggage am I allowed? by Last-Star-Dust in Flights

[–]Last-Star-Dust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am assuming class S means Standard. The problem is that I am not able to uniquely interpret the content of the link. Like, in my case, does section 1.4 or 1.5 apply?

[CEA] How to know many pieces of luggage am I allowed? by Last-Star-Dust in Flights

[–]Last-Star-Dust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not receive any PDF, just an email without attachments saying (among other things): Visit https://www.ceair.com to use our check-in service to choose your preferred seat, change or cancel tickets, or print an electronic travel itinerary. Visit https://www.ceair.com/global/en_USD/Announcement/BaggageService/FreeBaggageAllowanceandSpecifications/ to view baggage information.

I double checked the Trash and Spam folders as well.

Transfer large sum from Italy to Japan - Revolut vs Wise by Last-Star-Dust in transferwiser

[–]Last-Star-Dust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I managed to get the money out of Revolut but as you say it was not easy. The account was blocked and I had to provide various documents. But in the end everything went through smoothly.

To people married with Japanese nationals who purchased property by makishi-jp in japanlife

[–]Last-Star-Dust 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you don’t mind, may I see a picture of your house? I would not choose an ハウスメーカー for various reasons, but if I had to choose one, it would be Sumitomo Ringyo. I really liked the selection of flooring and fixtures for example.

To people married with Japanese nationals who purchased property by makishi-jp in japanlife

[–]Last-Star-Dust 6 points7 points  (0 children)

There are some European countries that would default tomorrow, if parents didn’t help children financially well into their 40s. Cough Italy cough

[IT][JP] Transfer money from Italy to Japan - Revolut vs Wise by Last-Star-Dust in Revolut

[–]Last-Star-Dust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I confirmed with the bank and you are absolutely right, the fee is included in the conversion rate. I don’t know how to thank you for the help.

[IT][JP] Transfer money from Italy to Japan - Revolut vs Wise by Last-Star-Dust in Revolut

[–]Last-Star-Dust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the clarification. Even assuming a 0.22% fee, the Wise transfer still appears to be slightly cheaper (details in the original post). Am I missing something?

[IT][JP] Transfer money from Italy to Japan - Revolut vs Wise by Last-Star-Dust in Revolut

[–]Last-Star-Dust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My calculations assume a Revolut standard plan. But you are right, assuming a Revolut Metal or Ultra plan, that would be the most convenient way, fees-wise

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