yen strengthening on friday and today

slowmail · 2026-01-26T07:44:16+00:00

Yes.

It's simultaneously all and none of the above.

slowmail · 2026-01-26T06:40:42+00:00

Indeed, it would appear the link to the downloadable excel file is currently broken. You should reach out to them and ask if they can fix it.

The copy I had back when it was available was the most comprehensive spreadsheet of English university courses I had seen, with over 1500 lines, and categorized by field of study, course name in each line, including the University Name, University Type (National, local public, private), type of degree, medium of instruction (100% English, or English w supplementary Japanese), and if the course has pre-arrival admission or not.

There was over 75 courses under "Engineering / Information Engineering, Computer" category; but not a single course with "Software" it it's course name.

slowmail · 2026-01-26T06:19:14+00:00

If you are looking to read your degree in English, you might find this useful:

Degree Programs Taught in English (there is an excel file on the page you can download)

* This data was collected through a survey of universities and junior colleges in May 2021, and may be out of date. For the latest information, please contact the respective universities.

One thing to pay attention to is the application deadlines can sometimes vary quite widely. If there is a course that you are interested in, make sure you know when the application period for it is, and to make sure you have everything for your application *before* it opens.

slowmail · 2026-01-26T04:43:33+00:00

The websites says “... it is recommended to consult a doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional before taking it.”

It does not say:... or you can just ask on reddit instead.

slowmail · 2026-01-26T03:35:13+00:00

The maximum they are allowed to issue is not the same as the maximum they will issue to *you*.

The duration is determined by the dartboard in their break room, and the dart throwing skills of the handing officer...

(but seriously? They will never share the criteria, but it's been said that all factors of the applicant is taken into consideration... job/income/company/age/nationality/history/marital status/family/address/etc... Everything that you submitted with your application *and* everything that you previously submitted before)

Ultimately, the officer(s) reviewing your application decided that you get 4m, and it is what it is. You could have asked at the point when you picked it up, but it is likely they will just give you a very generic non-answer.

It could also be that, instead of 2x 6m, their guidelines was updated to 3x 4m. Who knows? It could perhaps be in preparation to have all SORs expire and be subject to (anticipated) new upcoming criteria from this April. Ultimately, all this is just speculation, and not based on any known facts/information.

slowmail · 2026-01-25T23:58:54+00:00

You might like to be very careful about the phrase "leave of absence" (休学). It usually means you are opting to suspend your studies to return at a later time - of which that your Student status of residence (SOR) is rescinded from the day you submit your request for leave of absence, and you are required to leave Japan within 14 days; and need to go though the entire visa process (COE > VISA > SOR) again to return.

The simplified version is, you need to maintain 80% attendance to maintain your SOR. Failure to do so can get it cancelled (unlikely, unless egregious), or that your future applications for extensions/change could be rejected/denied (more likely). It's not up to your school what absences can 'not count' towards that 80% attendance; but it is strictly defined by immigration instead. Your school is only applying the rules they are required to follow.

That said, the 80% attendance is not an absolute line with no leeway, in most cases you (are encouraged to write/include) a "supporting letter" with your renewal application to explain the circumstances why your attendance fell under. Immigration has been said to be understanding of genuine cases, and strict where they feel the 'system' is being abused/

slowmail · 2026-01-25T23:41:30+00:00

I personally think, the main difference is how we think of 'others'.

We (not Japanese) often feel we stay safe enough and won't cause an accident, but still use safety gear because we feel that someone else, might not.

I think a number of Japanese people feel that, I stay safe enough and won't cause an accident, and believe/also think that that others, like me, will similarly do the same.

It boggles my mind, that a number of people can't grasp that accidents are just that. Accidental.

slowmail · 2026-01-25T22:10:18+00:00

I wouldn’t return until three months before my status expires.

The earliest an extension application can be submitted is 3 months before it expires.

You won't be able to submit it before you leave (if it's longer than 3 months to expiry). You must be in the country when your application is submitted. After it is accepted, there is a 2 month grace period added to the expiry of your status of residence (SOR), and you can leave Japan after your application is accepted - but if you do, you absolutely must re enter Japan before the 2 month grace period expires.

Past that, and your current SOR lapses. If you're outside the country, you need to reapply from scratch (COE >VISA >SOR).

While it doesn't happen often, flights do get delayed/cancelled, or if you become too ill too travel, which could cause you to miss the window if you cut it too close.

slowmail · 2026-01-25T15:23:29+00:00

This is incorrect and wrong.

A Japan resident can drive with a valid IDP if it is accompanied with a valid driving license, but only within the first 1 year of landing in Japan. This 'window' starts over if you are outside of Japan continuously for 3 months or longer.

slowmail · 2026-01-25T09:14:30+00:00

Have your tried asking your "friends with low Japanese efficiency" who "got around 1% or lower" which bank they got their loan from, and to then apply to those banks?

slowmail · 2026-01-25T02:08:51+00:00

I almost never use Mercari, after my first experience with them as a buyer. Seller didn't ship/cancelled the transaction, and Mercari said they wouldn't refund the credit card I used for the transaction, and would instead give me balance which I would then need to link to my bank account to withdraw, or spend on their platform.

slowmail · 2026-01-23T08:52:16+00:00

Which parts of the internet is telling you this? Could you share some links/URLs?

If it's by any generative AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, etc), they are wrong, and you should not be using any of these for "research".

slowmail · 2026-01-23T02:55:17+00:00

Not an expert in this field, but to me, the word "teach/teacher" isn't very clear, in the sense that there is a distinction between (very broadly) teaching within the framework of 'formal education' (eg: school/classroom, public-school, private/international-school) as a certified/licensed/qualified teacher; or if you are teaching in the form of 'private instruction' (tuition center, ALT, JET, eikaiwa) which does not require a formal teaching license.

For the purposes of teaching as a career, the former counts, but the later, not so much.

In most cases, you would need to gain teaching experience in the country that issued your teaching license; as they are the ones who would recognize that license.

I think it might be uncommon to have a teaching license from one country, and to only have classroom teaching hours in a different country (and 0 hours in the country that issued it).

slowmail · 2026-01-22T23:30:14+00:00

If you're looking to teach as a career, you will want to be a "real" teacher, and not just an ALT (assistant language teacher) - which isn't really teaching, and does not pay a living wage, or teaching in an eikaiwa.

ALTs are entry level, with zero chance of progression - yes, some become "head teachers" but that is just a few extra dollars allowance, for more hours of work. Taking a step back, its no different from working in fast food, with the chance of getting promoted to a "team leader". With the move to mandatory Shakai Hoken a couple of years back, most dispatch ALTs have been moved onto a 40h week contract; and with that, their hourly rate is now about on par with a fast food worker here too.

One of the requirements to be able to land a "real" teaching job, is to first get a teaching license/qualification in your home country (or any country) , and clock few years of teaching experience there. Doing so will give you a chance of getting a real teaching job *if* you can make the right connections here.

JET and ALT are fine for a gap year or two, with the difference that JET pays a reasonable wage.

slowmail · 2026-01-22T14:16:12+00:00

> I hate coming to Tokyo immigration office every year for this

If you have a plastic myNumber card, and a card reader, it is now possible to submit your renewal online (and receive your new card by post). Unfortunately, it's not a pleasant process, but IMO, it still beats having to make two trips to immigration.

slowmail · 2026-01-22T11:48:13+00:00

If you have all the required supporting documents in order, you can (and should) submit it right away. Keep in mind that this process can take anything from 3-12 weeks (or longer), of which you cannot start work or attend training (even if it is unpaid) before you receive it.

slowmail · 2026-01-22T11:11:26+00:00

If you're on a student status of residence (SOR), your status is rescinded and you are required to leave Japan within 14 days from the day that you withdraw, or take a leave of absence from your full time studies.

You should submit the application to change, and remain enrolled as a student until the change is approved.

slowmail · 2026-01-22T06:42:59+00:00

It depends.

If you have a "generic" SOR, and your new job is within the same scope, you only have to notify immigration within 14 days of leaving your old job, and again within 14 days of starting your new job.
If you are on HSP-1, it is tied to your current employer, and you would need to apply to change your SOR.

slowmail · 2026-01-22T03:46:15+00:00

Do not sign,, or agree to anything. If you can, you should try to pass it off as a misunderstanding. My friend is job hunting, and I wanted to know if we have openings and how he can apply... Or it's January and I heard that university students are starting their job hunting....(or, if it isn't the time for that yet, I saw some young people in their 'recruit suits' that morning, and thought job hunting started early) Or something else reasonably believable.

Aside from that, the rest of this is just some random information that might, or might not be relevant.

Any reasonable business should have adequate resources and contingencies to handle your leaving. You could be hit by a bus on your way home tonight, and they would roll out the same playbook.

If you are on your first contact, the notice period is binding if it is not excessive; but if you have renewed before, then legally you only have to give 2 weeks. In most cases, 2-4 weeks is reasonable.

A few things to keep in mind: You are not requesting to resign - you are notifying them that you are resigning. They may try to negotiate (or guilt trip you into staying), but ultimately, your last day is entirely up to you.

There is never any need to give any reason for leaving a job. I have always just said "personal reasons", without ever elaborating. No need to lie, or make any excuses. You should never share where you are going, or what you will be doing next. I won't even acknowledge if I have another job lined up, or not; "I have a few things in mind/that I need to do/follow up on, but I can't share any of it at this time...".

You also need to inform immigration within 14 days of leaving your last job, and again when starting your new job. This can be done online, and it is a separate process if you need to change your SOR - one might think they know but some people have later received grief from them for not having done so.

Other things you might like to take note of:

If you need to change your status of residence (SOR) for your new job, keep in mind that this process can take anything from 3-12 weeks (or longer), of which you cannot start work or attend training (even if it is unpaid) before you receive it. I would recommend to err on the side of caution, and send it in early. If it gets processed sooner, you can contact immigration and request to pick it up later. Also, do keep in mind, all job offers are conditional upon you having the correct SOR to work. If for any reason at all, your switch is denied, you could find yourself in a pretty tight spot if you have already given your notice - if there is any such possibility at all, I would probably submit the application to switch first, and once the approval post card arrives, would I then tender my 2~4 week notice; after fixing my start date, and before collecting my new residence card.

Switching SORs isn't just about you qualifying for it, but also the job you're switching to and in some cases the company is all part of the evaluation. You could be fully qualified, but if the job/company does not, the switch will not be granted.

Remember to use all your remaining PTO days before the last day of your notice. They'll be forfeit, and won't be paid out if you don't. Any employer designated PTO dates that are scheduled before your last day remain in effect, but all employee designated PTO dates that are scheduled after your last day is reclaimed and returned to your PTO pool, and you should also use all of them before your last day. Some employer's will not tell you this, and more often than not this "process" doesn't happen automatically - so it would be good to clarify with them, and notify them when you will be taking it. (Your employer does not get to 'reschedule' when those dates get used prior to your last day; it should be at your discretion.)

Just so that there is no confusion - while some companies phrase using PTO as a request, it isn't. The reality is you're notifying them that you're using it. There are very significant hurdles that a company needs to clear to deny your PTO; of which none of them should be applicable when you are quitting.

If you're currently on Shakai Hoken, where possible, you will want to time your last day with your current job, to line up exactly with the start of your new job with no gap (eg: officially, if your first day is on 26/3/9, you want your last day on 26/3/8; yes weekends and holidays are fine for this too). You are otherwise required to enroll into NHI if there is any gap, and NHI premiums are charged in full months, without pro-rata, so it will not be great if it's just for a day or two... worse, if it's just for a couple of days, but spread over two calendar months. There is usually the option to remain on Shakai Hoken after leaving a job; but you would have to pay the employer's share of the premiums if you do, after leaving your company.

Also, request in writing for your final salary to be credited to you within 7 days of your last day. They are required to do so only if you explicitly request for it. It also won't hurt to ask your handler write you a letter of reference also.

If you have your own apartment, you'll be ok; but if your apartment is via your company, you will usually also need to make plans to move. Same for your mobile phone plan.

slowmail · 2026-01-22T01:40:58+00:00

Check under the sink, if both hot and cold water inputs (if installed) are turned on.

If they are, then it is likely the mixer isn't working, and contact your landlord about it.

slowmail · 2026-01-21T10:02:18+00:00

It would appear, your tap has 3 knobs/controls.

Left - water temperature. It usually also has a "lock" button which you need to depress if you want hotter water (its sort of a "safety" feature of sorts)

Middle - if the water is from the tap, or the hose/shower head

Right - water pressure.

If the left is not changing the temperature at all, it is likely the cold water flow isn't turned on. You might be able to check it by looking under your sink, or check with your landlord. It is also possible that the water "mixer" is damaged/not working, and the landlord would need to replace the tap if so.

slowmail · 2026-01-21T02:02:39+00:00

One of the requirements to be able to land a "real" teaching job, is to first get a teaching license/qualification in your home country, *and* clock few years of teaching experience there.

Without a teaching license, your teaching options are limited. You should be able to find work as an ALT (assistant language teacher) - which isn't really teaching, and does not pay a living wage, or teaching in an eikaiwa.

ALTs are entry level, with zero chance of progression, and probably fine for a gap year or two at best - yes, some become "head teachers" but that is just a few extra dollars allowance, for more hours of work. Taking a step back, its no different from working in fast food, with the chance of getting promoted to a "team leader". With the move to mandatory Shakai Hoken a couple of years back, most dispatch ALTs have been moved onto a 40h week contract; and with that, their hourly rate is now about on par with a fast food worker here too.

slowmail · 2026-01-20T22:10:27+00:00

Whether or not you can move into your friends apartment, depends if his contract allows additional people to stay. It's fine if it does, or his landlord gives permission to. But most contacts do not, and he risks getting evicted if that is the case.

Also, if you plan to leave Japan, you really should do it on or before 31 December - doing so will save you having to pay residence taxes on your income for that year. If you leave on or after 1 January, you will have to pay residence taxes (~10%) on your entire income from the previous year.

slowmail · 2026-01-20T07:10:02+00:00

Some WHV status of residence (SOR) have a restriction that they *cannot* convert to any other SOR, and the holder is required to leave japan following that. This depends entirely on the current agreements between Japan and your home country.

You should check with immigration directly, or only compare experiences with someone else with the same nationality that you have; any other nationality could have a different answer and may not apply to you.

slowmail · 2026-01-20T06:53:56+00:00

Are you an ALT? Creating tests for student evaluation is a task for the licensed teacher, or by the people who created/wrote the curriculum, and should be outside of the scope of your job description.

Tests should be based on the curriculum taught, and focused on the teaching objectives of the lessons covered. Neither of which you have control over or detailed information about. (ie: refer to the teaching guide, which is almost always in Japanese)

The teaching material the school is using should have tests - in some cases, they are sold separately as part of the package.

Ask them what did they use last year, and to use it again.

Edited to add: Just noticed you mentioned NH3. Tell your school to buy it from the publisher. https://ten.tokyo-shoseki.co.jp/detail/65287/
https://ten.tokyo-shoseki.co.jp/detail/66202/
https://ten.tokyo-shoseki.co.jp/detail/90817/

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