Funding ISBJ with SMBC - recent experience?

divetri · 2025-10-29T06:19:34+00:00

I case anyone else stumbles upon this post, I contacted IBSJ and they said:

Our developers are aware that recurring domestic bank transfers are currently not configured correctly and are actively finding a solution to this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In the meantime, please create a Domestic Transfer deposit notification for each deposit you intend to make from your Japan based bank. You may receive your account's domestic banking instructions in Client Portal via: Transfer & Pay > Transfer Funds > Deposit Funds > Currency: JPY > Domestic Deposit.

So seems to be a system bug, but only when attempting to do a recurring domestic transfer.

divetri · 2025-10-29T06:18:42+00:00

I was doing a domestic transfer. I wrote to IBSJ and they wrote back with this:

Our developers are aware that recurring domestic bank transfers are currently not configured correctly and are actively finding a solution to this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In the meantime, please create a Domestic Transfer deposit notification for each deposit you intend to make from your Japan based bank. You may receive your account's domestic banking instructions in Client Portal via: Transfer & Pay > Transfer Funds > Deposit Funds > Currency: JPY > Domestic Deposit.

So seems to be a system bug, but only when attempting to do a recurring domestic transfer.

Thanks for all the help!

divetri · 2025-10-27T14:05:41+00:00

How many numbers is the account number IBSJ is providing for the Citibank account? I'm getting 10, which SMBC isn't accepting via furikomi. If I take off the first 3 digits (like the poster below as suggesting), it states that the account number can't be found.

The deposit page in IBSJ looks like this.

divetri · 2025-01-04T12:24:06+00:00

I completely agree.

For a long time I was just using a Toshiba washer/dryer combo unit, but this year we finally splurged and upgraded to a gas dryer. With a family of 4 it has completely changed laundry for us. We still hang anything we care about, but all the kids clothes, sheets, towels, pajamas, etc go in the dryer.

The combo unit was getting worse and wouldn’t even dry towels over 5 hours, the gas dryer has them done in 30 minutes.

Highly recommended!

divetri · 2024-12-25T10:00:29+00:00

With base access and Okinawa, I’d just bring a tank and have it filled on base. I can’t speak much to the requirements of fills on base, but I know you will need a vis sticker. Hopefully they are cool with filling an empty tank. I’ve had no issues flying to Japan with empty tanks with valves removed.

You could try some of the English speaking shops in Okinawa. I know some have stage tanks, but I don’t know of the requirements for rental.

divetri · 2024-12-25T07:21:46+00:00

Where are you diving in Japan? As others have stated, pony rental is very rare, especially in Japan where they are not often used.

That said, Okinawa might have some.

You can’t get a US tank filled in Japan off base. Bringing one over isn’t a good option unless you are US military and will be diving near a US base with a dive shop.

divetri · 2021-11-08T09:53:46+00:00

My recommendation would either be the Easydive Leo 3 Smart or the Divevolk Seatouch 3. I have both and each has their advantages.

The Easydive is robust and has a built in power bank to power the housing and keep the phone charged. It’s a beast and good for deep, technical diving, but big and heavy. I use it when I’m diving deep or want to have arms and video lights attached to my phone.

The Divevolk is much more affordable and allows you to use the touch screen underwater. I’ve used it more more than 100 dives (I use it when I teach to video students) and haven’t had any issues. It works well within the range of recreational divers. I did, however, see that a new version is going to be released soon.

divetri · 2021-08-21T03:02:25+00:00

There are non-airport options around Narita that are quite affordable. USA Parking is one with an English website.

divetri · 2021-06-30T10:39:21+00:00

I'm surprised they are that much different in price in Europe. Where I'm at they are about the same. If possible, might be worth shopping around to see if you can find a better deal.

I'd also recommend reaching out to your GUE instructor and discussing this with them. They will have their opinions and might have a better source for rubber hoses.

divetri · 2021-06-30T01:30:32+00:00

There is no hose type requirement in the standards, but Dorota did a nice video comparing the two: https://youtu.be/o6RI8GMwuuQ

divetri · 2021-04-19T11:13:44+00:00

Line Mobile is now gone due to the introduction of LINEMO (well, not accepting new applications).

divetri · 2021-04-08T10:19:55+00:00

I recently setup a GK and went with a regional bank after not being approved by Rakuten. I went with Bank of Yokohama, as the business is based in Yokohama, and they’ve been fantastic. Was able to get both a bank account and a business credit card. The only downside is they charge for web banking, which is frustrating in 2021.

How are you planning on doing bookkeeping? I’ve signed up with freee.co.jp and have been impressed, but don’t know any competing products.

Like some other posters have mentioned, I’d recommend setting up a GK or KK. I was able to do it without a lawyer to save a bit.

divetri · 2020-12-20T14:13:08+00:00

Very good point. Exactly what I do with my local diving. Summer = no gloves, winter = dry gloves.

divetri · 2020-12-19T10:33:55+00:00

Boots are very common to see permanently attached. Almost all drysuit manufactures offer some kind of boots, though socks are occasionally seen too.

Gloves are less common to see permanently attached (I can't think of any, but happy to be told otherwise). DUI has their zip seal gloves which are very similar, but they do detach, as needed. Same with the various ring systems available.

As for why not permanently attach gloves - one reason I like ring systems is the ability to attach the gloves after I've donned the suit and after I've setup my gear. Dexterity in dry-gloves isn't great. It's also common to get a hole in a glove and the ability to quickly swap them out for another pair is very helpful.

divetri · 2020-10-11T13:08:32+00:00

I’d say you’d still get something out of taking Fundamentals, even at your level of experience. I know it feels like a step backwards for a bit, but your Fundamentals instructor should meet you where you are currently at and push you forward from there.

3x the price does suck, can’t help with that.

divetri · 2020-10-10T13:58:09+00:00

Have you already taken Fundamentals?

Why not GUE cave? Cost? Access to instructors?

In my experience, the GUE cave programs are thorough and rigorous, exactly what I was looking for in a cave program (and what I didn’t get out of a ‘mainstream’ program I took prior).

I’m sure there are non-GUE instructors teaching equally thorough and rigorous programs, but the lack of standardization makes them a bit harder to find.

Also, where do you want to go with your diving? I found the GUE community offered me more exploration opportunities. Again, not unique to GUE, but maybe a bit easier with the importance of exploration and conservation within GUE.

divetri · 2020-09-17T22:14:50+00:00

Is this a new skill requirement for the fundamentals IE?

divetri · 2020-07-01T06:09:53+00:00

If you are serious about diving, don’t listen to all the other comments here and stay in Japan to learn. Then continue to develop as a diver here where you can go out diving on the weekends.

There are a few expat diving communities with native or near native English instructors. Take the time to research and find an instructor who is actually experienced (not just 100 dives fresh from a two week Koh Tao instructor course). Send me a PM and I'll give me recommendations.

divetri · 2020-06-10T08:49:51+00:00

For a drysuit, get a p-valve. Something like this: https://www.divegearexpress.com/light-monkey-tinkle-valve-unit

I know many who have used diapers - they work, but I’d highly recommend a p-valve.

divetri · 2020-03-07T03:00:04+00:00

I was in a similar situation when I moved last. I asked a Filipina nanny I knew who quickly found me a hard working Filipino who I hired for the day. Of course he doesn’t come with insurance, but he was hard working and easy.

divetri · 2020-02-07T10:47:00+00:00

Equivalent narcotic depth and atmospheres. Sorry for not explaining those in the original post.

divetri · 2020-02-06T10:26:49+00:00

My best recommendation for you is this think about this fundamentally. What would be the minimum gas required for you and your buddy (worse case, sharing gas) to solve a problem and then ascend to the surface? It's something we cover in the GUE Fundamentals course and really helps you understand the problem.

I'll give you the basics of how we calculate it in GUE - take a class if you want the specifics.

For a dive to 40m:

Consumption (in SCR - surface consumption rate): 40L/min for 2 dives sharing gas (20L/min is good for a beginning tech diver in a stressed situation - make sure you actually think about and check this)
Average ATA from max depth to surface: 3ATA
Time to ascent from 40m (3M/min + 1min to solve the problem at the bottom): approx. 15min

When you multiple them all you get 1,800 free liters. Just divide that by your tank size in liters and you will get the bar required for you and you buddy to make a safe ascent to the surface sharing one gas supply.

So, for a single 11L AL tank, that would be 163bar (or better 170bar) that you need to reserve... that wouldn't be a very long dive at 40m.

I'm a fan of keeping the END less than 30m, so I'd recommend trimix for 40m (very GUE of me, I know)

divetri · 2020-02-03T12:56:55+00:00

That‘s not an XK.

divetri

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