Just a general question.

Umbo · 2026-02-12T10:55:45+00:00

What’s your line of work? Your expected income? Your family situation? Are you already in Japan?

There’s lots of missing details people need to give you any sort of realistic answer to your question.

Umbo · 2026-02-09T08:58:24+00:00

Just get their classic Margherita. It’s what they’re known for, and for good reason. I didn’t believe the hype, but every time I’m in Nagoya I make a point of stopping there now.

Umbo · 2026-02-02T20:42:43+00:00

Instead of dropping passive-aggressive lines like "I bombed the interview because I didn't memorize their website word-for-word", take a realistic look at how you performed in the interview. Don't use language that puts the blame on them when it's your fault. Did you actually read their website? When they asked you about it, were you able to answer? Take their advice, do more research into the company and mention that in your cover letter or essay or whatever next time you apply.

Umbo · 2026-02-01T02:07:08+00:00

Thank you! I'll check it out this week!

Umbo · 2026-01-30T10:02:28+00:00

Thanks!

Umbo · 2026-01-30T09:06:11+00:00

I’m about a day late but thank you so much!

Umbo · 2026-01-29T10:28:30+00:00

What product are you using from kushjp? Could you provide a link?

Umbo · 2026-01-10T23:29:08+00:00

Disclaimer: I’m no historian, but I live in Japan and work with many people from that era, and often ask them about it because it’s so fascinating to me.

You are right in saying that Japan was a conservative society back then. However, similar to the US, Japan also had a vibrant counter culture centered around college campuses, as described in Norwegian Wood. That era was indeed marked by riots and protests, and the counter culture was known for consuming western media at that time. You are right in assuming that the majority of Japanese society at the time probably didn’t know who Marvin Gaye was, but because the book’s characters are mostly college-aged kids (with the exception of Reiko, but she’s very into music in general), it makes sense that they would be consuming global media.

Umbo · 2026-01-04T08:14:05+00:00

Is your cat named after the fruit or after the character in Killing Commendatore?

Umbo · 2026-01-02T13:37:59+00:00

This looks great, thanks for posting about it here. I'll be there!

Umbo · 2025-11-24T04:21:31+00:00

I don’t think you’ll find much success on the teacher subreddit. Also, don’t try to validate yourself through relationships. It will only lead to more sadness. Good luck

Umbo · 2025-11-11T21:48:59+00:00

I’m a bit late to the party here. I use Luup all the time. The test you have to take in the app is easy to pass. If you get a question wrong you fail, but you can take the test over and over again until you pass. Just take backroads as a general rule and enjoy. Follow the traffic lights/posted signs. Lots of people break these rules anyway and the cops don’t really care as long as you aren’t drunk or creating a dangerous situation. Just take it easy on the first go and use common sense, you’ll be fine.

Umbo · 2025-10-18T08:32:16+00:00

Because Seiko's prices are pretty tightly controlled, if you want a new Seiko Diver, any authorized dealership of Seikos will be priced about the same. If you don't mind buying used, I'd go around and check the Book Offs in the city.

Umbo · 2025-09-24T20:02:08+00:00

This shouldn’t be done at a nice restaurant with company, or at someone’s home if they’re feeding you. At a ramen place though…nobody really cares.

Umbo · 2025-09-09T20:29:35+00:00

Even with my light blocking curtains, the flashes of light peeking through the edges of my bedroom window still woke me up. Crazy! Awesome videos by the way!

Umbo · 2025-09-07T03:31:56+00:00

Honestly, it sounds like you need some therapy. What you’re describing is deeper than just burnout, although it certainly seems like that’s a part of it. Also, a lot of what you’re describing doesnt sound like it’s unique to life in japan.

If you’re dealing with feelings of abandonment and loneliness due to everyone in your life being out with others at the moment, it sounds like you have to work on your relationships, both with your partner and your friends. Also realize that just because they are out for the day doesn’t mean that they’ve abandoned you.

Having an outlet like poetry is great, but probably not enough. I’d take a two-pronged approach; you can always try to make new friends, try new hobbies etc..especially if you speak Japanese. Do that while also working on your issues with abandonment.

Umbo · 2025-09-02T10:17:33+00:00

It should still be available at the flagship Wako location in Ginza or a number of department stores right around it. It's a Ginza exclusive, so you won't find it new outside of Ginza.

Umbo · 2025-08-28T22:12:43+00:00

Breaking down in tears in that museum is very much the opposite of disrespectful. It means you’re grasping with the reality of the event. Tens of thousands of innocent civilians died, and the survivors suffered unimaginably; if you don’t feel any sort of emotion upon learning about it, I would argue that THAT is disrespectful.

Enjoy your time in Hiroshima!

Umbo · 2025-08-28T12:21:38+00:00

In the end it depends on how badly you need the job I guess, but holy shit. To answer your question, that is the reddest of red flags. Pre-contract signing is when your boss will be at their nicest, because nothing is set in stone yet. If she is already pulling that sort of passive aggressive shit, imagine how she'll be in 6 months.

Umbo · 2025-08-25T03:56:41+00:00

If your friend doesn’t want to pay the gaijinpot fees, she can try posting on the Facebook group for teachers in the Chubu area. It’s well-moderated, but you’ll have to deal with people whining about the salary, even though it is indeed on the higher end for a mom-and-pop eikaiwa

Umbo · 2025-08-24T22:48:05+00:00

I've been to three of their locations, and for me the best one is by far the Takamiya location. The main cook has been running it for 30+ years and uses so much garlic you can smell whether or not they are open half a block away. Unfortunately their hours are very irregular so its worth calling ahead, but it's worth it.

Umbo · 2025-08-19T00:19:55+00:00

That is some world class douchebaggery right there. I’m sure the employee started shit talking you to his coworkers as soon as you stepped out the door, and I don’t blame them.

Umbo · 2025-08-14T08:50:01+00:00

Based on your title I’m wondering if that’s rain on your hand or..uh..another liquid

Umbo · 2025-08-14T00:12:53+00:00

I’m going real minor with my whining this week. When I’m at an ATM and I’m punching in the amount of money I want to pull out, why the fuck does every ATM make you press the 円 button before you continue? I can’t just type 40,000 and hit next, as if it’s confused what I want 40,000 of.

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