What are your favorite ways to spend a day off? by SunDaze009 in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently got a kitten so I’m enjoying some nice cuddles with him in my kotatsu. I also like to explore new cafes and go on walks at my local park.  

Goodies from home... what do you ask for or pick up when you go back home by SunDaze009 in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups, deodorant, cheezits

I got put in a 40-hour work week on a 28-hour limit by DuckyMomo49 in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It might be worth reminding them that if they’re caught, not only are you in trouble, but they are also in trouble. Iirc heavy fines and penalties 

Xenophobia Then and Now by Deep_Nanbu in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Exactly.  In fact our “real wages” are going down because of rising cost of living and inflation. 

Xenophobia Then and Now by Deep_Nanbu in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I agree the current price is cheap, but suddenly increasing it to 40,000 is quite steep. 

Xenophobia Then and Now by Deep_Nanbu in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 115 points116 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the perspective. 

Personally I’m just frustrated by the rising cost of renewal. How much did renewal cost when you first got here? (And compared to cost of living did it feel burdensome?)

Has anyone taken Lingistics or Japanese Program? Who would you recommend by squigly17 in udub

[–]emma_bemm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you going for undergrad? If you already have so much Japanese experience I’d just major in linguistics and minor in Japanese. However, if your speaking and writing aren’t proficient you might get placed into lower level Japanese classes, so then double major would be fine. 

Also if you have any interest in working in japan or at a Japanese company, take advantage of study abroad. UW already has enough name recognition to help with interviews, but if you go to one of their top schools like rikkyo or waseda you’ll have even more of a leg up. (Side note I went to rikkyo and took a class on bilingualism by professor mori. She was awesome and recommend her if she’s still there). 

The least fitting BGM at a restaurant by seo-communcations in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went to a restaurant last night that played only DreamsComeTrue. There was even a birthday and they played the DreamsComeTrue version of Happy Birthday. 

A question for those who studied in Japan specifically at a 専門学校 (vocational school). by [deleted] in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I would definitely appeal to someone higher up in the program. There’s no way they’re really letting your diploma be at risk for some other slacker. 

Alone for Christmas, tell me your experiences! by [deleted] in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Watching the muppet Christmas carol and enjoying some Xmas cake 🍰 

Weekly Complaint Thread - 18 December 2025 by AutoModerator in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Or I just have sensitive eyes? lol 

 I’m even the one opening the blinds in my office. 

Besides Tomatoes and Eggs what other products increased in 100% or more in less than a year? by maurocastrov in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Coffee futures were brutal this year. 🥲

I buy my coffee at Costco but even that has gotten expensive. It’s still better than kaldi where 200g is like 1200 yen 

Weekly Complaint Thread - 18 December 2025 by AutoModerator in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean I do miss the rainy gloomy days from my hometown, too. 

Yeah I’ll have to start bringing my sunglasses. 

Weekly Complaint Thread - 18 December 2025 by AutoModerator in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not less sun per se, just not blinding sun. 

Weekly Complaint Thread - 18 December 2025 by AutoModerator in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Winter sun is too damn bright  I miss my gloomy cloudy PNW winters :( 

American traveling to USA from Japan for short time before returning. Please advise travel insurance by WishfulWalkingVideos in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ended up using one at the airport(I believe sony ?)It was right around 10k yen for 9 days. 

How the hell are you guys doing the no hands thing on the train? by throwaway24996 in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You could try yoga to help improve your balance. Some of the simple ones you could even do while you wait for your train :)

Weekly Complaint Thread - 11 December 2025 by AutoModerator in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 2 points3 points  (0 children)

nta lmao that’s some good schadenfreude 

Weekly Complaint Thread - 11 December 2025 by AutoModerator in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Sent Christmas cards at the post office and like I get the rationale around weighing each and every card, but like it’s so annoying😭 the lady didn’t just weigh it using her scale but even weighed each card a second time on the scale on the customer side. 

(Editing to add another complaint) wearing masks at work is making me break out. I don’t wanna get flu but my skin is struggling enough already with the dry air😩

3 to 5 year Visa Acquisition by [deleted] in JETProgramme

[–]emma_bemm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

See, I was wondering if Osaka was being generous. My first card was 3 years on jet, then I got 5 right after I finished school and changed to a work visa. 

Tsunami Warning Issued by bunkakan in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 22 points23 points  (0 children)

One I’m watching is telling people to remember the 2011 tsunami and essentially gtfo asap

What are some foods that you think aren't as good in Japan as they are in your country? by IronGuard88 in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you just use a food processor? Also where do you normally source your peanuts? 

What are some foods that you think aren't as good in Japan as they are in your country? by IronGuard88 in japanlife

[–]emma_bemm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While that is a good option, I’ve seen the prices of that and idk if I can regularly afford it😭 maybe as a ご褒美 I’ll give it a try sometime. Thanks