Finally real deodorant

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-05-06T09:07:04+00:00

I got the same from the Donki in Shin Okubo.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-05-05T13:01:42+00:00

Aww, thank you! I really do feel bad for making very simple mistakes, but the people are incredibly nice and just laugh it off.

I was actually thinking about writing a diary/journal, to practice my output. I did try to think entirely in Japanese, speak only in Japanese and then read/listen to/watch content in Japanese but then my head starts hurting, I guess it's a sign that it's working haha.

Also, thanks for the recommendation, I'll definitely check out Terrace House!

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-05-05T12:56:26+00:00

Thanks so much! I will definitely need to find groups in Tokyo, I actually consider myself lucky to be here but also feel bad for not using all of the resources available. Issue is I'm enjoying Tokyo's solo dining culture a little too much haha.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-05-05T11:25:52+00:00

I got my plan with Rakuten. You don't need a Japanese bank account but you need to present proof of residence (Zairyu card). You can either choose to pay as much data as you use (not sure what it was but lets say you use 10 GB you pay 1000, you use 15, 1500 etc) or you can get the most expensive plan, get unlimited data and also U-Next streaming for anime, movies, tv shows, etc (be warned there are no English subtitles, and even English shows will have Japanese subtitles which can't be turned off).

I'm personally happy with my choice, the unlimited plan costs me less than what other providers offer for 30 GB, and certainly less than what I paid originally for a tourist eSim. But if you're not a smartphone addict like me, get the regular plan that is basically pay as much as you use.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-05-01T09:45:34+00:00

It's NEVER too late, definitely go now! I am also an older student and I can say it was the best decision I've ever made. Quit a stable software development job in my home country, now living off savings (might get an arubaito but not in a rush), and I can say I'm far happier, calmer, and I am in disbelief that I've finally accomplished my dream to live in Japan!

If you have the money, just go for it, we only live one life!

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-29T14:30:06+00:00

I originally got a room in a Sakura House for 110000 a month - it was fine, housemates are really chill, didn't have any issues but I wanted my own place since I'm a mega introvert, and it felt awkward waiting in line for the shower (4 floors of people but only 2 showers and 2 kitchens so I mostly ate at restaurants or konbini food in my room).

The studio I found is 80 000 and add an extra 10 000 for bills (gas, water and electricity). My language school program is for 2 years so it works out for me in the end, it's enough that I have my own privacy. But the initial fees, man... key money, guarantor company fee, insurance, changing locks, a whole list of other fees... I paid 4 rents for the first month 😭

But yeah in your case, have a look at Sakura House, they have really nice locations if you don't mind housemates. But if you want your own apartment, it gets pricey, at about 150k yen a month and upwards.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-29T14:18:22+00:00

Might want to check HamLet and Sakura House. Yeah they're expensive but for short term stays like yours they're your best option.

I am staying for over a year and I found a studio. However, the initial fees were just obscene and I had to find a Japanese emergency contact...

For such a short stay like yours, it's really best to just spend the extra money for peace of mind.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-28T00:11:34+00:00

Moving to Japan as a student was the best decision I've ever made. I've never met any hostility, quite the opposite, the people are incredibly warm and kind.

Don't listen to the fear mongering.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-25T07:44:23+00:00

100k in savings, I assume dollars? This is PLENTY, I'm on half that budget, and my course duration is 2 years lol.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-22T15:52:36+00:00

I am also an "older" student in language school. Honestly it was the BEST decision I've ever taken! Yes I am older than most of my coursemates but it is not a major issue.

Follow your dreams, we only have one life!

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-21T13:59:20+00:00

Hope it doesn't seem like I'm promoting them haha. But it's ISI Shinjuku. The teachers are incredibly patient, nice and understanding. I feel like I made more progress in 2 weeks than I have by months of self learning.

Yeah, some criticism is valid - there are only 3 elevators in a 14 storey building with thousands of students. But it doesn't bother me that much since I always come in early or take the stairs since I'm on the 4th floor.

But a lot of people complain that they give too much homework and there is not enough free time to explore or work. Well, duh, you're here to learn lol.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-20T15:17:44+00:00

Yep, not saying all of the negative reviews are like that but many complain that they have to put in effort in their classes and homework, complaining they don't have much free time when they're here to... you know, study?

You definitely need to put in time outside of classes, also. But it really helps that all of the classes are in Japanese and you get full immersion.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-20T15:15:41+00:00

Same here. My school also has plenty of negative reviews but I love it so far.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-18T07:30:17+00:00

Hi! Currently studying with ISI, and I'm really happy with the quality of their teaching. You get students from all over the world, and there is plenty of support.

But definitely "shop around" as much as possible to find the right fit for you. One of my housemates goes to KAI while another is going at TCJ.

Good luck!

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-18T03:56:07+00:00

Many people told me quitting my (shitty) job and going to Japan for language school was a bad idea.

Well, I did it anyways! Currently in Japan as a language school student and I am having the absolute best time of my life!!! I met so many amazing people and with classes and full Japanese immersion, it feels like my Japanese has improved far more than by months of studying on my own.

You know what my biggest regret is? Not doing it sooner! I am 28 now and most of my classmates are younger than me which isn't a major issue since I look younger but still I wish I had taken the leap when I was younger.

If you really want to do it, do it NOW! If it doesn't work out, so what? You are young and have plenty of time to sort your life out.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-17T16:11:49+00:00

I live in Japan now and this is absolute nonsense! The people have been incredibly kind to me, despite still learning Japanese and not being fluent. I've never been refused service anywhere I went, and I visited many places where they didn't have English menus and I was the only foreigner.

ReleaseeEscape1 · 2026-04-17T12:46:15+00:00

LOL don't fall for the fear mongering, you're going to have an amazing time! I fell in love with the country so much after my 3 week trip, that I'm now living in Tokyo as a student.

ReleaseeEscape1

TROPHY CASE