やっぱり大阪人！Definitely Osaka-jin

Japanese and their unwritten rules of society

2009-03-04T00:46:00.001+09:00

As in every country, there are a set of unwritten rules for behaviour. This section also contains small points often missed by the casual observer, as well as other potentially unexpected things.

Train Etiquette

Avoid talking on your keitai (mobile phone) while on the train as it's considered rude, and prohibited. The reason is because train companies are afraid that the signals may interfere with the pace makers of some passengers. If you must pick up, it's best to speak in a hushed voice and your hand cupping the receiver to prevent leaked noise. It's perfectly acceptable to be using your keitai for any other purpose (such as games or email).
On Hankyu trains, using your phone to talk on the first and last train is prohibited.

Gestures

When motioning for someone to come towards you, put your palm facing downwards and make a waving motion. Never use one finger - they use that to call an animal or to intentionally insult someone.

Bicycles

When overtaking or if someone stops for you, it's best to give a quick すみません (su-mi-ma-sen) to express your appreciation.
Ringing your bell repeatedly, or ringing it the loudest it can go is considered impolite. Do the latter only after gentle rings fail to budge the road hog.
In Japan, pedestrians own the road, followed by bicycles, motorcycles and then cars.
Lock your bicycle. Theft of bicycles are common in Japan even though everyone has one.
Learn to avoid metal drain covers, metal drain grills and yellow raised areas (designed for the visually impaired) when riding.
The drain covers are slippery, especially in the rain. If you do go have to go over it, make sure to ride straight over it without making any turns, or else the wheels will slip. On the other hand, wheels can easily be trapped when riding over the yellow raised areas and cause loss of control.
Keeping an umbrella on your bicycle is a good idea. Learning to ride one handed is also essential, although in some areas may be frowned upon by the police.

Response to salespeople

In Japan, the customer is God. When making a purchase, Japanese people normally don't respond to the cashier - the most they do is nod, and utter answers when asked questions. There is no need to say thank you although most foreigners feel uncomfortable with it. A quick ありがと (a-ri-ga-tou) or どうも (do-mo) should suffice.

When in the cold...

During the winter, Japanese people tend to keep their hands inside their coat pockets rather than their trouser pockets.

Bookstores

When buying new pocket sized books in Japan, the cashier will ask you if you want a paper cover for it. The purpose is to obviously protect the book from your hands when being read on crowded places like trains.
Secon-hand bookstores never offer book covers.

semi-automatic doors

In Japan, many automatic doors will only open when you tap a small pad on the actual window located on the area where the two doors meet. This is to prevent the door from opening every time someone walks past, and to save on air conditioning and heating costs.

When buying one item at a store...

When you buy a small item, such as bread or a bag of chips, the cashier may ask you if a "seal" is enough (セルだけはよろしですか？ se-ru-dake-wa-yoroshi-desuka）. In short, they are asking you if you want a plastic bag for your purchase. If not, they will place a small sticker on the item to indicate it has been paid for.
The word "seal" is a hold back from the old days when you would use a literal seal to stamp on the paper price tags, to indicate that an item has been paid for.
When buying a cooked food product, they may ask you if you want a pair of chopsticks (はし - ha-shi).

Eating out

When eating at university or city cafeterias, you are expected to bring your tray back to the counter. There will be specific areas where you can rinse the dish before placing them on conveyor belts for them to be washed.
Throw away wooden chopsticks and rubbish into one bin, and seperate reusable chopsticks, forks, spoons and cups into their separate areas.
Note that each cafeteria has different rules. Just follow the crowd.
A note on noodles: do slurp, but at a moderate sound level without leaving a mess.

Watches

Women will wear their watches with the face turned inwards, so its at the bottom of the wrist.

(Originally published on Sunday, October 16, 2005. This is the updated version.)

leaving osaka: bank goodbyes

2005-09-26T03:00:00.000+09:00

If you do plan to come back to Japan, you can keep your bank account open. If you have a standard account open, then you can keep them open without charge regardless of how long you keep it inactive or the amount of money in them.

Non-standard accounts are ones which provide additional services (such as an IC ATM card) as long as you maintain a specific balance with them. These will only be obtained if you specifically requested one.

The no charge policy applies to both private banks and the Postal Account service.

documents you need

If you opened your account using a hanko (seal), then you can close your account at any branch of the bank. Just being the hanko.

If you opened a sign account, then you will need to go back to the branch of the bank you opened with because they will have a copy of your signature on file there.

otaku special: gashapon

2005-09-18T22:28:00.000+09:00

Although known as "capsule toys" in English, the phrase doesn't capture the true spirit and feeling behind gashapon.

Missing them is a virtual impossibility, as you will most likely pass a small vending box, where, after depositing the designated number of 100 yen coins, you turn the knob and a capsule drops out.

These things are much more than toys: they are collectors items, with rare ones fetching more than quadruple their original price. There are shops, websites and internet communities listing the newest collectable.

Gashapon comes in many shapes and sizes. While the vast majority of them are from anime and video games (especially those featured in visual novels), some collectable items include train sets and minature sword sets.

collecting them all...

To the unexperienced person, collecting gashapon is like playing the slots: totally random. Although that is certainly a way to do it, it's certainly a wasteful technique.

If you see a new gashapon series you want and you intend to collect the entire set, make sure you go into Nihonbashi within a month of seeing it. Many shops will be selling the entire set prepackaged, and they will be cheaper than if you were to gamble on getting all of them in one go.

Just remember that some are more rare than others, and so getting that particular one may be more costly than if you were to buy the set.

location, location, location

Most of the specialiased gashapon shops are concentrated on the Nanba side of Nihonbashi. If facing towards Nanba, it would be on your left, along with Gamers, Mandrake and Animate. There's an old building on the right, which is the wrong side to be on.

These shops will be selling gashapon and figurines only. With the gashapon, they will offer prepackaged sets along with a huge selection of individually packaged figures. The problem with the latter is that rare ones can cost a small fortune.

If you do insist on buying one or two individually to complete a set, but are not willing to pay the inflated prices for them, then you will have to go to dojinshi/used manga stores.

Some of them offer a small selection of individually packaged gashapon, which are usually much cheaper than the same ones being offered at specialised shops. You may also find a basket filled with gashapon and you will have to simply rummage your way through the selection - you will be surprised at the goodies that you can find there.

Mandrake also offers gashapon. Their Nihonbashi store has a very small selection on the second floor. Their Umeda store has a much larger choice though, and it maybe worth going there instead.

some shopping tips...

Like all things, shop to get a good price. Be wary of the large Super Capsule shop - they have three floors worth of selection, but their prices also are high.

There is more than one Super Capsule shop though - the other two are smaller, but for some reason have more reasonable prices.

The Yellow Submarine has three shops - one of them dedicated to gashapon and cards. This shops has a nice selection at reasonable prices as well.

There are other shops in small, quieter lanes in the same area, which will offer sets at lower prices than Super Capsule. The important thing is to walk through the smaller lanes, even though it may seem like there's nothing, and to go into the smaller shops.

what's an alpha?

Alpha is used to described the rarest gashapon in a series. You will not find alphas in a prepackaged set, and it can only be obtained by luck, or by paying enormous amounts of money.

what are different "parts" about?

If a series is particularly popular, gashapon makers will release sets figurines at different times. This is known as "parts."

For example, ToHeart saw the release of five different sets of gashapon. Each set, known as Part 1, Part 2, etc, contained different characters, or the same character in different clothes and poses.

ToHeart2 also saw the release of a Part 1, and a few months later, Part 1.5. The two were exactly the same, except Part 1.5 was released because demand for Part 1 exceeded supply.

price of gashapon

If bought from machines, they start from 100 yen and can go up to 500 yen depending on the series. The most common ones are usually sold at 200 or 300 yen though.

From stores, they can be as cheap as 100 yen and reach 900 yen. The more collectable and rare ones can fetch higher prices, but this is rare.

みそ汁 - miso soup

2005-09-09T12:13:00.000+09:00

味噌汁　（みそ・しる）, or miso soup is an integral part of any Japanese meal, yet there are so many variations on it that it can be bewildering to the initial onlooker. This article will focus on the fresh miso as opposed to instant, given that instant is a mere substitute for the real thing.

miso comes in different colours...

When looking at any selection of miso, you will notice that they more or less come in different shades. White miso tends to be a very pale yellow, "normal" miso is more of a hearty brownish or yellow colour, while the dark miso is a very dark brown. They all have different tastes and uses.

The white miso tends to be the more expensive of the three. They are usually sold for around 400 yen for a 500g container and can be even more costly depending on the brand. This type of miso has a very light taste, and is never made without the addition of dashi into the mix.

The "medium" type of miso is by far the cheapest one, and can be found virtually everywhere including in your local 牛丼 (gyudon) chain. It can be made on its own and has a light, yet distinctive flavour. The darker brown type is made from different ingredients from the yellow type, and both have distinctive flavours. Available from 400 yen up for a 1 kg box.

The dark miso is considered heavy, and tastes bitter. It is sometimes used for stews, although the taste can still be punishing. Also around 400 kg for a 1 kg box.

i want to buy!

みそ can be bought in any supermarket, while the instant type is even available in convenience stores.

but what do they put into it?

Wakame

This is basically a type of seaweed. You can buy it dried or fresh from supermarkets, as well as from 100 yen shops. In this case, buying from 100 yen shops will be cheaper than supermarkets which tend to showcase upscale versions.

Tofu

Although tofu may seem obvious, it is not as often placed in miso soup as one might expect. Nevertheless, it makes an excellent addition to the soup.

A hard bread like substance, it will soften out to a slightly chewy texture once placed in water.

but...how do i eat it properly?

Sip the soup, making a slight slupring sound. Use your chopsticks to scoop the contents of the soup out into your mouth. If you're having curry outside then you are given a spoon. Using the spoon as the scoop instead of chopsticks is perfectly acceptable, or you could simply break open another pair of chopsticks. Just don't use the spoon as a spoon when drinking the soup!

variations on the soup

豚みそしる Pork Miso Soup

Ingredients: yellow or white miso, dashi, onion, carrots and finely chopped pieces of pork.

Making the soup is nothing challenging: it's a matter of trial and error, as well as your own tastes. If you like something stronger, put in more miso and/or dashi. For this type of soup, simply add the ingredients and boil until the carrots become soft and the taste of the pork is present in the soup - around 10 minutes.

けんちん汁 kenchin shiru

The ingredients are the same as above except no pork.

other variations

Of course, you can be creative and put many things into miso soup, such as straw mushrooms, fish and clams.

instant vs fresh miso

The taste of fresh miso is obviously better than instant. The time it takes to make instant miso is also the same it takes to make a bowl of fresh miso. In both cases all you need is hot water to dissolve the miso and heat the ingredients.

getting homemade miso (like your mother made)

You have to go down to your local shopping street - every place will have at least one store specialising in miso paste specifically. Look for the mounds of miso covered by transparent plastic sheets.

Alteratively, you can go to the famous Kuromon Ichiba Market near Nihonbashi's Denden town, where you can buy from famous miso shops.

Be warned though - like anything homemade or specialised in this country, it will be extremely expensive when compared to anything sold in the supermarket.

and just a footnote...

Besides soups, there are some types of miso which is eaten plain. However, these are not common and can be found in places like Koya-san, which specialises in this type of tasty miso.

There are also many other types of miso out there - this article just covers the basics.

うめぼし・・・すっぱーい！ umeboshi...suppa-i!

2005-09-09T11:25:00.000+09:00

If you've never had umeboshi before, you're in for a treat.

Try popping one of these small, salted plums into your mouth. Feel everything twist and turn as the sourness shoots through your mouth, your tongue leaping with delight, continuing as you navigate the pit - only ending when you swallow the soft pinkish red balls.

Umeboshi is found in all supermarkets near the tsukemono section, where all salted and preserved vegetables are kept. As is the case in Japan, you can also find shops specialising for generations in only umeboshi which is fresher and supposed to taste better.

The plums can be found in different salt concentrations, depending on your preference. The saltier the plum, the more suppai (sour) it becomes. The less salt, the more amai (sweet) it is.

Salt percentages is clearly indiciated on the umeboshi packaging, or can be seen through the type of umeboshi. Those which are redder and seemingly softer contain more salt in them. The ones with less salt have paler shades of red or pink and look to be firmer.

Umeboshi usually comes in a small plastic box containing around 12 to 20 umeboshi, or in a jar. Some will even come in plastic pockets, but those will be the budget ones. Prices will vary depending on the quality of the umeboshi, but expect to be paying around 200 yen for a cheap pack, while up to 400-600 yen for an expensive one. Prices can go even higher for premium types and are especially expensive if you buy at speciality stores.

Although umeboshi can be kept without refigeration because of its high salt content, keeping it cold will keep it better for longer.

You will often find umeboshi in onigiri or sometimes included on the top of rice in bento.

Mbags: A great way for sending books and magazines home

2005-08-29T11:07:00.002+09:00

Updated: February 27, 2008

You'll probably come across the mbag sooner or later - they're designed to ship any printed matter in bulk. So if you've got a 500 meter stack of Shonen Sundays or just a whole load of books you may want to ship home, read on.

The mbag is a bag - but you'll never actually get to see it. What you do is take your books to the post office in a box, and they'll pack it in the mbag for you.

There are only a limited number of post offices that deal with mbags in Osaka. Ask any other one and they'll give you a very blank stare. The list is as follows:

大阪中央局 (Osaka chuo youbin)

大阪東局 (Osaka higashi youbin)

大阪西局 (Osaka nishi youbin)

大阪南局 (Osaka minami youbin)

天王寺局 (Tennoji youbin)

北浜局 (Kitahama youbin)

船陽局

吹田局 (Suita youbin)

布施局

几尾局

堺局 (Sakai youbin)

Check the prices carefully though. An mbag heavier than 25 kg will cost more to send compared to sending a normal parcel. Make sure you check the Japan post website out for the latest rates, although they haven't changed them in over five years now.

Mbag rates: http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/fee/intel/sal_mbags.html
Parcel rates: http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/fee/intel/parcel.html

バイト、バイト part-time jobs

2005-07-30T22:26:00.000+09:00

Working in Japan can be quite the gold mine, especially if you land a job in language or juku teaching.

This article focuses on finding a teaching job. If your level of Japanese is high enough to work for real, local companies, then there are plenty of Japanese language material available on the internet. Alternatively, pick up a baito classified newspaper in front of convenience stores and train stations.

Before even thinking of getting a part time job, make sure you have the necessary documents and papers: with the level of xenophobia rising and crime being blamed on foreigners, even if you are highly educated Japanese immigration do not take kindly to illegal workers.

What you are applying for is known as a "permit to engage in activity other than that permitted by the status of residence previously granted". You will need:

Permission from your professor

Your Alien Registeration card - the temperory paper copy will not suffice

Fill out the application form available at the school or university

If you're here as an individual, then you will need to get sponsorship from a company. The procedure there is similar, and it is all arranged for you.

Don't expect to be able to work legally once you arrive here. It will take around a month to a one-and-a-half months to obtain your Alien Registeration card, and another month to process your work permit application. Expect a wait of at least three months or more before being legally allowed to work.

You should, however, start your job search from the beginning, as it will take time to get accepted.

looking for it...

The main source for teaching jobs would be in the Kansai Flea Market. Copies of the magazine are available for free throughout the region. In Osaka, you can obtain a copy at Kinokuniya, or download it off the internet from their website at http://www.kfm.to/ (link opens in a new window). New copies are printed weekly.

The Kansai Time Out is a lifestyle magazine which costs 300 yen to buy. The articles themselves are pretty good, so it's certainly worth the money. There are relatively few classified ads, but the ones that are there tend to be quite good. http://www.kto.co.jp/

The Kansai Scene is a free magazine available at centers of expat life. The website is usually kept up to date and features a free classified section: http://www.kansaiscene.com (link will open in a new window)

different types of teaching jobs

In Japan, there are three main types of teaching jobs:
1) Teaching at a school
2) Private students obtained via a company
3) Private students individually found

While the first one is self-explainatory, the second and third are a bit more difficult. There are companies in Japan which organise students and teachers to meet. In this case you are essentially working for the company, and they will pay you a pre-agreed rate per month. Such companies are listed below

You can find your own students as well through private connections, advertisements, or web sites like findstudents.net. However, keep in mind that this web site is nation wide and relying on it for students is rather risky - the quality of teachers nor students are not screened and there is a high chance for mismatch. The website itself doesn't actively match students and teachers either, so it's a long waiting game, assuming you are ever contacted.

average wage

The lowest wage that is normally offered is around 1,500-1,800 yen for language teaching. Even then, you shouldn't accept those jobs even if the language you're teaching is not English. The standard is usually 2000 yen an hour, with the highest being 3,000 yen. Expect to start off at 2,000 yen and gradually find jobs which will pay you more.

Some companies will pay you at the end of each month, others will pay you one month afterwards. If the company is using the prepaid coupon system, then they can afford to pay you month-by-month. If they charge students based on their usage at the end of each moneht, then you will receive your wage the following month (i.e. if you teach in June, you will get paid in July).

transportation costs

In Japan, it is standard for companies to pay for your transportation costs if any are involved. Do not work for them if they refuse to do so.

Normally, they will pay for the full cost of your train or bus. Some companies offere a flat rate though, regardless of the distance or modes of transport.

Some companies will offer a fixed rate based on the distance. Beware, as it may not cover all your transportation costs.

Other companies will offer you all your transportation costs up to a certain limit. If the cost of getting to work exceeds what they're willing to pay you for getting down there, look elsewhere.

Note there are techniques to minimise your transportation costs through purchase of cheap tickets from ticket stalls, monthly tickets or 回数券 (ticket books). Look at the train article On the train of train tricks for more information.

companies which will match you up

Here are a short list of a few companies present in the Osaka area:

- Global Language
The company here is decently sized, and covers most of Osaka. The person running the company is honest and provides a decent rate, with the potential to increase if you show high competence. He will first meet with you to discuss your experiences and ability, and if you are good then he will match you up with a student.

This company pays you one month after.

- khronos
They are usually looking for quality teachers, so you would need a decent amount of experience. Their screening procedure is more vigrous than other companies, but they do offer the best service in the Kansai area.

This company pays at the end of each month.

Blacklist:
- The Language Circle. Although they may pay you on time, they are certainly more primed to making money rather than servicing their teachers and students. Some of the tricks they have employed are:

Offering below the average 2,000 yen wage when they first make contact with you

Sending you to far locations, yet paying you the lowest possible transportation fee. For example, one teacher was sent from Osaka to Kobe, but was offered only Hankyu as transportation (which is much slower than JR).

Not offering to pay transportation costs at all

The level of honesty is questionable, and so caution needs to be taken. If desperate, it would be best to use this company as a short-term, stop gap measure while looking for another job.

This company pays the month after.

大阪弁やで！　it's the osaka dialect!

2005-07-30T21:56:00.000+09:00

大阪弁 (osaka-ben), or the Osaka dialect is one of the most defining points of the city. Even while the central government pursued a policy of teaching "standard" Japanese (which is the Tokyo accent), Osaka people steadly stuck to their dialect - partially out of pride, partially out of the ever ongoing rilvary between Osaka and Tokyo.

Although the standard dialect is used everywhere, the Osaka dialect is an inseperable part of life here.

There are two main defining points of the Osaka accent:

1) The intonation of words and sentences
2) Unique words to substitute the ones used in "standard" Japanese.

Since it's not possible to discuss part one using text, only part two will be covered here.

~へん

へん (hen) is used in several contexts. The most common usage is to replace ない. For example, instead of saying 知らない (shi・ra・nai - I don't know), it would be turned into　知らへん (shi・ra・hen).

へん, when used to say "around here" is not Osaka-ben. For example, このへんに is standard Japanese as well.

ほんま？

In order to say "really?", in the standard dialect you would say ほんと？(honto?) or まじで？(majide). In Osaka, it's replaced by the shorter ほんま？(honma?).

そうないや

This phrase can express "oh really?" or "I see" depending on its usage. In standard Japanese, we would use the more common そうですか？(sou desu ka?)　or そう？(sou?), but this phrase is truly an Osakan creation

なんでやね！

There is simply no English equivalent for this phrase, nor is there one in the Tokyo dialect. Depending on its usage, it can be used to say "what the heck!" or "oh come on..."

For example, if you ask a friend a question and he gives you a weird or stupid answer, then なんでやね (nan de ya ne) can be used. Traditionally, it is said during a comedic situation, although there are so many uses that one would need to come to Osaka to experience the full range.

なんでやね is without a doubt, one of the most distinctive Osakan phrases out there.

なんぼ？

Normally, when asking "how much" the phrase いくらですか (ikura desu ka) would be used. In Osaka, it's also possible to use なんぼ (nanbo) which also means "how much." Non-Osakans would probably give you a blank stare, so using it in Tokyo would mean confusion.

ありがとうございました！

Although most people overlook it, the intonation of this phrase will clearly identify if a person is from Osaka. Usually the ました part will rise in tone. Also, in Tokyo shop people will just simply say ありがとうございます, omitting the ました part.

~やで

やで (yade) is normally added to the end of some sentences in order to put emphasis. There are no set rules though, and usage will have to come from absortion.

For example: 時間はないやで！（じかんはないやで！　ji kan wa nai ya de!） I don't have time!

まいどう！

Maido is used by shopkeepers in place of いらっしゃいませ (irasyaimase), which is used to welcome customers. Although you will have more luck hearing the phrase used by the older generation and in older shops, it is still quite common - used even in the fresh fish section in supermarkets.

おおきに！

Okini is a shopkeeper's way of saying thank you, in place of ありがとう.

~わ

People with strong Osaka dialects will probably end many of their sentences with わ(wa). While in the Tokyo dialect ending a sentence with わ is for female usage only, you will find that men also use it in Osaka. The main difference is than men will end the わ using a low tone, while women will end up with the tone going up.

ちょう
あかん
～や

meet me at big man

2005-07-30T20:46:00.000+09:00

Umeda and Tennoji are considered the two main centers of Osaka - Umeda is for the North, while the south relies on the more grimy Tennoji.

In Osaka, a main point for meeting is "Big Man," otherwise pronounced "biggu mahn" (ビッグ・マン）. It's the large screen in the Hankyu building, right beside Kinokuniya. Although there is a newer "Co-big Man" on the other side of Kinokuniya, the original Big Man remains the meeting point.

In Tennoji, meeting in the turnstyle area of JR Tennoji is common. It might be best to confirm which turnstyle exit they will be coming out of, as the station is rather large.

大阪城は大好き Osaka-jo: symbol of Osaka

2005-07-30T20:09:00.000+09:00

大阪城 (Osaka-jo) continue to stands proud as it keeps watch over Osaka. Despite being a virtual recreation of the original one (which was virtually destroyed and rebuilt several times), it still stands as an impressive symbol, a testiment of Osaka's power.

Prior to being rebuilt in the 1930's, the area around the present castle was a park called Otemae Koen, which explains why the schools and road around Osaka-jo is still called Otemae.

Besides the museum inside the castle, the park around the castle are very well kept and makes a comfortable stroll. During the plum blossom season, the plum blossom section of the park is filled with reds and whites. During the sakura season, the entire park springs of a gentle, faded pink. There's always something different to see all year round, and the atmosphere is always changing.

The park looks better at night, with Osaka-jo generously illuminated. The park and immediate area around the castle complex are popular with lovers, so remember to bring your significant one if you get the chance.

On Sundays and public holidays, there are many street performances throughout the park, but most noticibly around the castle's surrounding area. These ranges from magic shows to juggling and all out shows, but it's always a nice way to get in tune with Osaka's unique nature. The evening will have the highest concentration - from 5:00 ot 6:00 onwards is a good time to go.

Osaka-jo is accessible by the JR loop line （ＪＲ環状線）at Osaka-jo koen (大阪城公園駅） station. There is a similarily named station on the JR Tozai line called Osakajo kitazume （大阪城北詰）. This station is a distance away from the actual park, so it's best not to take it.

Alternatively, it is possible to walk to Osaka-jo from Umeda. Although it may seem like a mean feat, it really isn't that far - it will take around 20-30 minutes at most. Walking there you can pass Naknoshima island, where you can see the Osaka City Hall and the Nakanoshima Library - both structures built during the Meiji Restoration and which survived the war. You can also pass by a 500 yen unagi-don shop, along with NHK and TV Osaka.

Osaka-jo was also featured as "Hanshin-jo" in Tsubasa, a manga (and now NHK anime) written by CLAMP.

A walking map along with sightseeing spots will be provided here in the near future.

みんなのヨドバシ・カメラ！ everybody's yodobashi camera!

2005-07-26T23:25:00.000+09:00

It will one of the first things you see, and one of the things you will always remember in Osaka: Yodobashi Camera.

With its catchy jingle, Yodobashi is smack in the middle of Osaka and virtually impossible to miss. Every JR train that pulls into Osaka station will catch a glimpse of it at the side, as the massive twelve floor complex stands out pretty well.

The building stands on what was, until recently, JR West's headquarters.

The same structure combines fashion shops, restaurants, cafes and parking:
B2f - Food court and supermarket
1F-7F - Comme Ca Store - bontique fashion store
5f-8f - individual fashion stores
8f - upper scale restaurants
9f-12f - parking

Yodobashi Camera itself spans from B1F to 5F, and shares part of the floor with the above stores.

Unlike it's name, Yodobashi offers far more than cameras, and is probably one of the world's most comprehensive electronics stores. Besides the usual assortment of stereos and games, they also offer related accessories and services, as well as more unusual products like karaoke machines, DJ mixers and bicycles.

No matter how famous the store is, the vast majority of staff will not speak English. To communicate, simple questions will have to suffice.

yodobashi points

The point card here is worth getting, even if on a short-term stay. The card itself is free - all you need to do is fill out a simple application form at the cahsier, and then you will get your card immediately. If they don't ask if you want a card, then indicate that you would like to obtain one.

You earn points based on the percentage price of the product. Points on a product are offered in the following increments: 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%. The percentage points are indicated on the price label. For example, if you're buying a 17,860 yen hard disk offering 18% points, then you will get 3,217 points.

Points can be used in place of cash with your next purchase. When buying something next time, they will ask you if you want to use your points . One point equals one yen.（ポイント）

Note that using a credit card will lower the percentage of points you get. If you notice, on the price label there are two point percentages - the lower one is the one given for credit card purchases.

For products like books, much lower points may be offered: perhaps as little as 2%.

And yes, you can specify the number of points you want to use in future purchases.

the place can get confusing...

Yodobashi often places the same product in different parts of the store. For example, blank CDs can be found on both the basement, and on the third floor. There will be more selection if one goes to the section which the product belongs to - so the computer floor to find a huge selection of blank CDs and DVDs.

and it may not be the cheapest either...

Despite the hype over the prices, not everything is cheaper. However, the price difference compared with Den Den town (Nihonbashi) shops may only be several thousand yen. Yodobashi's other competitor, Bic Camera, usually has the same price as Yodobashi. When making a comparison, consider the following:

The overall price

The number of points that could be earned at Yodobashi

The cost of transportation to each store

and a summary of each floor

B1F - Computers and Digital Cameras

Including computer software, memory cards, printers, electronic dictionaries and computer accessories. Networking equipment is also located here.

1F - Mobile Phones and Broadband

This floor boasts huge stores from all four keitai companies, broadband sign up counters and Yodobashi's PC repair center.

2F - Camera and Watches

This floor concentrates more on traditional, professional grade cameras. Casual use digital cameras are better represented on B1F. The latest watches can also be found here.

3F - Audio and Visual

The label encompasses a large array of different products. You will find the newest Plasma and LCD TVs here, along with the more tradition CRT sort. DVD and HDD recorders can be found here, along with the ultra expensive Blu-Ray recorder. TV antennas and cables, LCD projectors, professional sound systems and video editing equipment are also available.

This floor is good for music players, including MDs and MP3 players. While MP3 players can been seen elsewhere, this section is the main area.

Noise cancellation headphones are easily found in the headphone section, while a large selection of the newest CDs and DVDs are over in it's own section.

Just in case you wanted it, karaoke machines can be found near the car navigation systems. Musical instruments and music mixing equipment (especially for DJs) are right beside it.

4F - Bicycles, Games and Toys

You will find gashapon vending machines here, but they're not always up-to-date. However, the gaming section contains the newest consoles, games and related accessories. Gaming magazines, as well as otaku related publications can be bought. Plastic models of anime characters are here as well.

The latest plastic models from Hasegawa and Tamiya, along with the newest Gundam models are also here. Paints and glue are also sold. Right beside it you can find replica air guns, ranging from your typical pistol to shot guns, and even authentic sniper rifles.

There is also a small train replica section, where you can buy tracks, models to create train scenery and cast-die metal trains, authentic to the last detail.

The toys section has children's toys, and also costumes from Cardcaptor Sakura, Pretty Cure and Fugashi Hoshi no Futago Hime.

Trading cards can also be found in a small counter by the left exit (assuming you are facing the cashier area).

The bicycle section is outside the games section. Bicycles here tend to be upper scale and may not be the best place to buy it, although the point card and system are valid here.

things which are under lock and key...

When buying a product, you will either take an empty box to the counter or you will have to ask for it directly. For example, when buying a hard disk you will use the box technique, but when buying a Playstation 2 you will need to go directly up to the cashier and ask for one.

internet!

The Yodobashi Umeda website has more information on the complex, including restaurant lists:
http://www.yodobashi-umeda.com

The main Yodobashi website is searchable for products, and also shows how much stock there is. All searches are done in Japanese though:
http://www.yodobashi.com

And you can hear the Yodobashi jingle here!

Yakitate Japan's Real Life Counterpart:パンの耳

2005-06-20T00:40:00.000+09:00

Tucked away in suburban Kyoto, パンの耳 (パンの・みみ　literally ear of bread) is a small bakery basking in fame for being the real life counterpart to Pantesia, the shop dipicted in the manga Yakitate Japan.

Although the original store and the manga bears little resembelence, the author of the manga seeks advice from the shop owner on bread making techniques and other detailed information. Like the manga, the shop owner is seeking to make the perfect Ja-pan, or Japanese bread (Ja-pan is a play on words: "Ja" from the English "Japan", and "pan" as in パン, the Japanese word for bread).

The shop itself is easily reachable. If taking the JR, transfer to the Sanjo Line at JR Kyoto, and get off at Nijo station 二条, two stations away from Kyoto.　Alternatively, you can take the Subway, Higashi-nishi line (地下鉄東西線 - chikatetsu higashi nishi sen) to Nijo station.

If taking the JR, exit the station on the left and walk to the main road. Make another left turn to walk up north along the road. The shop will be on the left, so stay there. You will pass a Familymart on your right, and then hit a intersection. A bit after the intersection you reach the store - the only bakery on the road. The map here also provides directions.

Certainly try some of his creations - you won't be disappointed! And of course, the famous Nijo Castle is nearby - also pay that a visit while you're in the area.

パンの耳 website: http://www.e385.net/panno-mimi/

eating downtown

2005-06-17T10:28:00.000+09:00

When going downtown, you need to eat. And eating downtown can be rather expensive.

The best places to go are 牛丼家(ぎゅ・どん・や）, or beef bowl chains which offer quick service and decent food for a good price. Alternatively, you can hit the world chain of McDonald's, which also offer fairly cheap food around the area.

The articles here provide a brief overview of the choices you have. Links to more detailed articles showing how to order, and menu translations are also available.

吉野家　Yoshinoya

Opened in 1899, 吉野家 pioneered the 牛丼. But more importantly, this is one of the stores that will keep your stomach full on a shallow budget.

Food here ranges from around 290-500 yen, depending on the type of donburi and the size you order. Miso soup is not provided for free, and can be ordered for an additional charge. All main menu items center on the donburi.

Ordering instructions and necessary words, along with translated menu information is available at another article here.

http://www.yoshinoya-dc.com/brand/menu.html

松屋 Matsuya

Matsuya's strength lies in offering a much larger menu than Yoshinoya with dishes other than 牛丼. Another major victory for Matsuya is the ability to offer 牛丼 at a time when Yoshinoya has had to remove it because of US beef bans.

All dishes come with 味噌汁　（みそ・しる - miso soup） and prices range from 290-690 yen. Additional food, such as eggs and salad can be ordered for an additional fee as well.

Detailed information on Matsuya, including menu items and ordering information is in another article here.

http://www.matsuyafoods.co.jp/menu/index.html

McDonald's

McDonald's in Japan is no different from any other McDonald's - they offer quick service, and the usual assortment of burger and fries. The McGrand burgers, which contain tomatos and thicker beef patties, as well as the teriyaki burgers are unique though.

There are a selection of items which is available for only 100 yen:
- Milkshake
- Mini hotcakes
- Cheeseburger
- Chicken burger
- Apple Pie

Instead of the regular french fries and coke, fries can be changed to either a salad or Chicken McNuggets. Upgrades are purchased on an individual basis - to upgrade your fries from medium to large, you have to pay an additional 30 yen. Upgrading your drink will cost 20 yen.

Sprite is not popular here, and is not available in McDonald's. What is available instead, are other drinks such as Ginger Ale and carbonated grape juice.

In Japan, there are different names for some items. For example:
- Coke -> Cola (kora)
- French fries -> Fry

http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/sales/menu_h_f.html

うな丼

There is a small shop about ten minutes walk away from Umeda which offers うな丼 (うなどん） for only 500 yen. The atmosphere is small but comfortable, and the 丼 offers good value for money.

The shop itself is about a 30 second walk from the American embassy, towards Nakonoshima island on Midosuji. From Umeda, it takes around 10 minutes and you can stop by at a famous Jinja along the way. There is also a store in Takatsuki as well as ( ). A map will be made available in the near future.

Mos Burger

Mos Burger doesn't just offer the usual assortment of burgers and fries, but goes beyond that. It provides high quality Japanese burgers freshly made using only the best ingredients, and the taste itself is much better than the competition. A healthy assortment of salads and other menu items are available.

The chain also provides ingredient and allergy information for each of its burgers and meals. However, Mos Burger is a bit more expensive than McDonald's, although the taste makes up for it. Expect to be paying at least 320 yen for a burger, and an additional 320 yen if you want the set. Their offerings can easily reach 1,000 yen though, but those tend to be more premium.

In general, Mos Burger's marketing tactics involve placing their stores in residential areas for it to be recognised as a place for family to gather over a burger. It doesn't mean you can't find stores in the city though, although the nearest Mos Burger store in Umeda is about an 8-10 minute walk from the center.

http://www.mos.co.jp/menu/index.html

Ramen in Nanba

Around the main Nanba area where the Sammy Ebitsu and Glico sign are located, there is a famous chain of four or five stores selling ramen. The store is painted distinctively red, with a large model of a dragon head over the store. There are two types of ramen here: either 600 yen or 800 yen. The only difference is in the amount of meat inside.

The most attractive aspect of this shop is that you can have unlimited amounts of rice, kimchi and spicy negi (spring onions). The kimchi is distinctively Korean, and this is a good way to have a filling meal on a tight budget.

Udon and Soba Shops

Most shops will serve both udon and soba. Although it is certainly cheap, costing only around 200-300 yen per bowl, the quantity is certainly lacking for heavy eaters. However, it does prove to be a good snack, and you can choose the toppings you want.

Normally, you can find:

- kitsune udon/soba (thick, sweet bean curd sheet on top)
- tempura udon/soba

Ramen shops

Ramen shops will have the words ramen written in either hiragana or katakana on the front. There are many types of ramen, and expect for it to cost around 500-900 yen, or perhaps higher if you go into the more famous shops.

The size of ramen on offer is rather large, and can fill one up. In many shops you can make it omori by adding 100 yen, and even the largest eater will have a hard time finishing it.

You can always order sets as well for a bit more (normally around 300-400 yen) which will give you gyoza (fried dumplings) and a bowl of rice.

There are many types of ramen that it will be difficult to list.

- hakata ramen
-

Donburi shops

びっくりラーメン

Although offering ramen for only 180 yen, it tends to taste 180 yen. They have a decent menu for higher prices though, obviously centering on ramen.

安い、安い、食べ物はもっと安い！ getting delightful discounts on food

2005-06-16T11:48:00.000+09:00

Just before you swear that you'll cook every single meal yourself to save money, take a second and read the follow three words:

Discounts Are Good.

As unlikely as it seems, you can get decent meals at decent prices without having to actually feel guilty about it, or seeing your pocket burn.

Most department stores will discount their ready made food about three to four hours prior to closing, which usually means reductions start at around 6:30-7:00 pm. Most of it will have been cooked earlier on in the day, but strict hygiene rules in Japan means that it's still perfectly safe to eat.

And just as a footnote - you can get discounted fresh fish and sashimi using these same techniques as well, although you may want to freeze such fish if you intend to keep it for longer. Sashimi has to be consumed on the same day.

department stores

There are two types of discounts, depending on the store: fixed price discounts, or percentage discounts. The second one is more common for larger department stores, while the former more common with small to medium sized supermarkets.

For percentage discounts, they will often start at 20% and go up to 50%. The discounts will increase the closer it gets to closing time, but choice also decreases.

Each product may be discounted more than others at the same time, as discounts are also dependent on the time the food was produced.

パン屋さん

Bread shops don't often offer discounts, but then again it's highly dependent on each individual shop.

Maybe an hour close to closing time, some shops will start selling their pasteries and bread for 10%-20% discounts. Bakeries which open until late (around 10:00) might have this opportunity. Cantevole, a bakery in Ibaraki SATY/MyCal starts offering discounts at 9:00.

Some other bakeries offer a whole set of breads and pasteries for a fixed price. Le Bihan in the basement of the Hanshin store in Umeda offers a bag of mixed breads and pasteries for 500 yen starting at 7:40. The actual department store closes at 8:00, so get there quickly.

You will find pre-packaged breads and pasteries in supermarkets and department stores are often discounted three to four days prior to their expiration date. They are often placed in a large, flat basket of their own near the entrance.

tsutaya, wave cee three

2005-06-15T22:09:00.000+09:00

Tsutaya is a rental and sales shop, with a presence nationally. They offer:

- Rental and sales of DVDs, video tapes and music CDs
- Sales of books, magazines and manga
- Sales of new and used video games, and relevant consoles
- Sales of former rental material
- Sales of music and video related accessories, such as blank DVDs and MDs, headphones and DVD players

Not everything is available in every shop. Some smaller shops only have CDs, tapes and DVDs for rent, while medium sized ones may have all of the above except for a gaming and used CD section.

You can find out where the nearest Tsutaya shop is to you, and what each shop offers at the Tsutaya website: http://www.tsutaya.co.jp (opens in a new window). Of course, everything is in Japanese and you will need to know the kanji of the region you live in as well as the city.

Most shops has a huge selection with an impressive variety of genres. You'll be able to find the latest J-pop in the same shelves with the latest foreign music. The newest movies will also be placed with the hottest anime around.

Tsutaya is basically your one stop shop for all entertainment needs. With stores in every corner of Osaka, you won't be far from one.

membership

Getting the right to rent DVDs is certainly easier than getting your hands on a train student discount ticket. All you need is a valid phone number (a keitai is also good), along with your Alien Registeration Card as proof of identity (sometimes they won't even ask for it).

From here, you have to fill in the registeration form (it will be available translated here in the near future) and line up at the cashier, where your application will be processed. The cost of joining is 200 yen, and there are no deposit fees.

The card is immediately valid, and you can immediately enjoy the pleasures of Japanese media.

...different prices? aren't they the same company?

Walk into a Tsutaya in the suburbs, and then walk into a Tsutaya right in the middle of Umeda. There are obvious differences - the downtown shop is bigger, has a much wider selection of goods and sections and...costs more.

That's right. Prices will differ depending on the location of the shop.

provide price comparison between DVDs, CDs depending on the day

taking them out

There are specific periods of time you can rent things for, depending on the sticker stuck on to the DVDs plastic cover. While you can take everything out for one night （当日　とうじつ）, rentals for long than that will depend on the sticker:

(provide sticker details and breakdowns)

return times

You have to return all materials before 10:00 am of the day they're due. For example, if you take a DVD out for one night on Friday, then you have to return it before 10:00 am on Saturday. Doing so any later will result in a fine, which is the equivilent to one night's rental.

Since all your rentals are given in a plastic Tsutaya bag, all you need to do is slot that bag into the return box (which is accessible from the outside of the shop). When the shop is open, then the box isn't used - there will be a specific area to return the tapes at the counter inside the shop. Again, all you need to do is place them there - it's unnecessary to have the staff check them in.

discount days

On most months, there will be a period of about a week where all Tsutaya rentals (except for new materials) will be rented for half price. Usually you need to obtain a coupon using your keitai internet function.

Unfortunately, Tsutaya's web sites are all in Japanese - it will be difficult to navigate if you have zero knowledge of Japanese. The best way to obtain the coupon is to either ask the shop assistants to access it for you using your keitai, or to go to the Tsutaya web page and find a link which has the katakana for coupon, or the kanji for half price.

cds for great prices

In most shops, they will sell former rental CDs, which include both singles and full albums. These are a great bargain, considering most CDs are in perfect condition. Singles will either be 100 yen, 300 yen or 500 yen, depending on how new they are.

locations

pending

Suita
Satsukigaoka - the largest in the Eastern part of Suita. Open until 1 am.
Umeda - open until 4 in the morning
Temmabashi
Nanba - right in the middle of Nanba. Impossible to miss. Open 24 hours.
Ishibashi - small shop with limited selection.

舞モノレール mai monorail

2005-06-12T13:46:00.000+09:00

While comparatively slow, the Osaka Monorail provides spectacular views of suburban Osaka on its elevated tracks. The monorail passes the northern part of Osaka before going into Hirakata City (home of Matsushita). It serves as a link to Osaka Airport, which is used for domestic flights and provides a mode of transport to Suita City's Banpaku Koen, which played host to the world expo in 1970.

The monorail is currently being extended to Mino city, where it will connect Osaka Gaidai （大阪外大）, which is scheduled to merge with Osaka University in 2008.

The system was opened in 1990, and saw the devistation of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, which virtually destroyed Kobe and surrounding regions. The monorail stayed completely intact despite the magnitude of the quake and aftershocks, and acted as a vital mode of transport while the freeway underneath it was clogged with evacuees. At 21.2 kilometers, it is listed in the Guinness Book of records as the world's longest monorail.

More importantly, if also connects Osaka University's Suita campus to Toyonaka campus, via 阪大病院前　(はんだい・びょういん・まえ handai byoin mae) and 柴原（しばはら shibahara) stations.

time for money...

The monorail is the most expensive form of rail transport in Osaka. Prices start at 200 yen for one station, then increase by 40 yen increments per station. The monorail is definately not recommended for long distances, or for regular travel. For Osaka University students commuting between the two campuses, it's better to rely on the improved shuttle bus service or bicycle (40 minutes from the foreign student house to Toyonaka campus).

and we're connecting...

The monorail conveniently intersects with many train company lines though, which may make up for the excessive pricing structure. (link: route map (in Japanese)

- 門真市 Kadomashi intersects with Keihan's Kadomashi station （京阪電車：門真市駅）
- 大日　Dainichi intersects with the underground system, Tenimachi line （地下鉄：谷町線）
- 南茨木 Minami-Ibaraki intersects with Hankyu's Kyoto Line （阪急電車：京都せん）
- 山田 Yamada intersects with Hankyu's Senri Line （阪急:千里線）
- 千里中央 Senri-chuo intersects with Kita-osaka Kyoukou Line （北大阪急行線）, which is directly linked to the underground Midosuji line　（地下鉄：御堂筋線）. Although they're the same line and train, they're called differently.
- 蛍池　Hotarugaike is connected with Hankyu's Takarazuka Line （阪急宝塚線）

other services

Each station also has bicycle rental services, which can prove to be convenient when exploring certain parts of the city.

Link: http://www.osaka-monorail.co.jp/

having traditional guests over for dinner

2005-05-25T14:26:00.000+09:00

If you ever have Japanese guests over for dinner from the older generation, chances are they will be impressed if you comply with traditional Japanese etiquette in table layout.

The rice bowl should be placed on the left, while the soup bowl needs to be placed on the right. The chopsticks must be placed in front of the guest, so that it's aligned horizontally towards the guest. The side which is held must be placed on the right. Chopstick holders are not traditionally used.

Condiments such as soy sauce should also be left on the table in elegant looking containers. The seasoning is used mainly for food such as sashimi and fish. Tea is also served not during, but after meals - and even then in traditional cups rather than mugs.

Source: Mainichi Shimbun, May 24, 2005 (link will open in a new window)

osaka by train

2005-05-17T16:06:00.000+09:00

In Osaka, there are a multitude of train lines crisscrossing the Kansai region. Each has its own strengths, and you may choose one over the other even if they both go to the same place.

Each train company is named quite intellegently, describing the areas they cover.

阪急
Hankyu contains two kanji: 阪　（はん） comes from Osaka's 大阪. 急 means fast. The name of the company is then literally "Osaka express," which describes the huge network it has in Osaka compared its presence in Kobe and Kyoto

阪神
Hanshin. As from before 阪 represents Osaka, while 神 comes from Kobe's 神戸. The name then shows that the train covers both Osaka and the Kobe area.

京阪
Keihan. The 京　comes from Kyoto's 京都. Overall, it indicates that this train line mainly covers Kyoto and Osaka.

近鉄
Kintetsu. The 近 means suburbs, while 鉄 means line - so suburban line. It does not describe the huge network that now spans all the way from Osaka to Kyoto, and up to Nagoya.

Provide fare comparison

trains to cover
-subway
-tram
-hanshin
-kinetsu

ヘーロ　はんきゅう　hello Hankyu

2005-05-17T16:05:00.000+09:00

阪急電車 Hankyu

Hankyu has a whole network of trains covering most of where the JR doesn't cover: North suburban Osaka and Kawaramachi (川原町 - downtown Kyoto) are two of the destinations that spring to mind. Their network is extensive and covers Kyoto, Kobe and North Osaka. Their rail systems are also directly linked to the Subway's Midosuji Line and the Kita-Osaka Kyoukou Line - which means you will never actually have to physically transfer trains to access those routes.

Hankyu as a company is huge, owning everything from hotels (Hankyu Hotel in Umeda is considered one of the best in Osaka), shopping malls, supermarkets (Hankyu Oasis), bus and ferry services, among others. They also own HEP Five and its ferris wheel in Umeda - HEP stands for Hankyu Entertainment Park.

The prices are significantly cheaper than the JR, but there's always a tradeoff: because of the tracks, Hankyu trains can't travel as fast as the JR. For example, it will take 35-40 minutes to reach Kawaramachi （川原町）in Kyoto by the fastest Hankyu express, but only 22 minutes to reach JR Kyoto using the fastest JR train.

There are also five types of train: normal, and four types of express train which can get confusing very quickly, since the colours representing them are simply different shades of red. On every platform there is a billboard showing the different types of trains that will stop at the station. You can also use the same billboard to see which stations each type of train will stop at.

The trains themselves are a distinct shade of maroon red with white roof, green uphostered seats and wooden interior. This colour scheme has been in use for over 90 years - when the company tried to modernise it, rail fans and daily commuters were united to oppose the proposed change.

and i use hankyu when...

You should use Hankyu when where you're going isn't covered by other train lines, or you're on a budget. If you're in a rush, JR is the way to go.

Kyoto: Hankyu covers more of Kyoto than JR. To get to Arashiyama （嵐山）, a suburban and historical area of Kyoto, you have to take Hankyu. Getting to downtown Kyoto is also easier with Hankyu.

Osaka: The network covers most of where JR doesn't, including Senri-Chuo, Mino and the west of Suita.

It can take you very close to Osaka University (Suita Campus: 北千里ーKita-senri. Toyonaka Campus: 石橋 Ishibashi), and passes through residential areas in North Osaka which are far away from major roads.

Kobe: Hankyu's presence in Kobe is less dramatic than the previous two cities, and in this case the JR and Hankyu cover pretty much similar areas. The Hankyu tracks end at Sannomiya, the shopping center of the city.

moving to other trains

There are certain stations where the Hankyu line intersects with the JR:

- 阪急梅田　Hankyu Umeda - ＪＲ大阪　JR Osaka (8 minutes walking distance)
- 阪急正雀　Hankyu Shojaku - ＪＲ岸辺　JR Kishibe (5 minutes walking distance)
- 阪急三宮　Hankyu Sannomiya - ＪＲ三ノ宮JR Sannomiya (3 minutes walking distance)

*Note: Although JR Sannomiya has the katakana ノ added in the middle of the name. Both 三宮　are referring to the same location 三ノ宮.

manga for the shopper

2005-05-10T18:29:00.000+09:00

For most people knowledgeable about Japan, manga requires no introduction. The small volumes and large phonebook sized magazines are synominous with everyday life - you will not go one day without seeing a dozen or so people of all ages reading these on the train.

Because Japanese houses are small, storing all those small volumes of art is a virtual impossibility and has given rise to a large market in the sale and trade of used books. They are relatively cheap, and older manga can be bought for as little as 105 yen.

Book Off

Book Off is by far the largest national used book chain store in Japan. You're truly living in the middle of nowhere if there isn't one within bicycling distance.

These shops offer:

manga

other used books (including novels, textbooks and non-fiction books)

dictionaries

used CDs

used DVDs

Console and handheld games (including the oldest console games, and the newest handheld ones)

actual gaming consoles and handheld versions (including PSP and Nintendo DS)
gaming hardware (ie Taiko drums, steering wheels)

Their pricing structure varies from the type of book. Older manga will be placed in a section of their own, clearly labelled as 105 yen manga. All other manga will have price tags on them, and will range depending on the popularity, newness and original price of manga. For example, the School Rumble series costs around 278-350 yen, depending on where you buy it. The original price is 390 yen (410 yen, with 5% consumption tax).

Other manga will be sold for cheaper. For example, the Mahoromatic series once sold for 550 yen per book (original price 950 yen, excluding tax), but now can be bought for as little as 300 yen.

You can purchase a Book Off membership card (100 yen), which will give you certain discounts as you accumulate points. It's not a traditional point system though. Once you buy to a certain amount, you will receive a coupon (printed from the cash register) which will show the number of points you have earned - one point equals one yen.

For every purchase of 1,000 yen, you will get one 50 yen discount coupon. If you buy 500 yen this time, and 500 yen the next, then the expenditure is accumulated and you will get the discount coupon the second time. If you spend 3,000 yen in one go though, you will receive one 150 yen discount coupon. Coupons are given based on each purchase.

Also, each shop seems to be semi-independent in their pricing. It would seem that larger shops with more selection will charge slightly more then smaller shops.

From the Foreign Student House, there is one in downtown Suita City (on the side of the JR station) and one in Ibaraki city (follow the JR tracks towards Ibaraki, and it's about 10 minutes away). There is also one in Shinsaibashi, and one around the Nanba side of Nihonbashi (den den town).

Opening hours: 10:00 am - midnight

Link: http://www.bookoff.co.jp/ (Link will open in a new window)

まんだらけ　mandrake

Mandrake is a chain of shops in different parts of Japan specialising in everything related to otaku culture - it provides literally everything related to anime and manga, cosplay costumes and accessories, figurines, painted cells, hard-to-find CDs and DVDs and wallscrolls and posters, among others.

More importantly, there are two stores in Osaka - one in Nihonbashi's Den Den town (towards the Nanba side), and one in the middle of Umeda (on the other side of the Hankyu Higashidori Street (阪急東通り), away from Hankyu Umeda station).

The manga section is extensive and it's worth a visit. The classification system is the same as described below, but the pricing system is based on the price tage, and nothing else. Mandrake tends to be more expensive than other shops, but it provides a huge selection along with rare goods.

Unfortunately, there is no point system here.

The Umeda shop is also much larger and more entertaining than the shop in Den Den town.

Opening hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Link: http://www.mandarake.co.jp/ English site available here. Link will open in a new window.

ubook

Another fairly large one in Osaka is ubook. Like Book Off, they offer the same selection of goods, but sell new games and consoles and have a larger gaming section overall. They also employ a different pricing structure.

Most manga will be sold at a specific price, dependent it's original price. The actual price range, and it's corresponding sales price is displayed at posters along the bookshelves. For example, manga with original prices of up to 350 yen will cost 155 yen. The pricing structure of manga and artbooks are different though.

This store tends to obtain newly released manga much quicker than their competitors and is usually sold for 273 yen.

Some of the more popular manga, such as Fruits Basket, Doraemon and 魔法先生ネギま will cost differently, in which a price tag will be placed on them.

A membership card can be obtained for free with no hassle by filling out the application form at the shop. The point system here is more traditional, and points can be exchanged for goods in their catalogue, or used as cash.

Opening hours: 10:00 am - midnight

Link: http://www.ubook.co.jp/ (Link will open in a new window)

other shops

There are plenty of other shops, such as Book Market (rather expensive), and also small, independent sellers. The latter are found all over the place, and tend to be a bit more expensive than the national chains. They are especially abundent along the Tenjimbashi-Suji Shopping street, a ten to fifteen minute walk from Umeda, or directly accessible via the JR Loop Line (環状線 kanjosen) at 天満　（てんま）, one station away from JR Osaka (120 yen).

waiting for new manga...

In most cases, you will need to wait at least one-and-a-half to two months from the date of release for newer manga to appear in second hand book stores. Ubook is especially good at this, so keep your eyes out for them.

and the way they classify...

The books are classified in different steps.

1) They are arranged in order of category:
- 少女　しょう・じょ Young girls' manga
- 少年　しょう・ねん　Young boys' manga
- 青年 college male manga
- 女性 college female manga
- large sized manga
- art books

Although 少女 and 少年 are known as young girls' and young boys' manga, in reality the category covers a wide range of manga and are suitable for most ages. For example, you will find college students or even housewifes reading 少女 manga, or 28 year old people reading 少年.

*check classifications and write kanji*

2) From here, they are arranged in order of publisher

3) Then classified based on the last name of the author, following hiragana.

Other medium sized ones you will find in Osaka include:

ubook (http://www.ubook.co.jp)

and just a few more notes...

Tax is included in the price listed at all used manga shops. It is not when buying new manga, so add 5% to your calculations when you buy new ones.

get your hands on a mobile phone

2005-05-10T17:51:00.000+09:00

Try surviving in this country without a mobile phone, or 携帯　（けいたい: keitai）. Those who do try are social outcasts, marooned in a city where being always connected is no longer a metaphor but an indespensible part of life.

Everyone, from elementary school children to the elderly have one, and they are very affordable. With competition becoming more and more fierce in the one of the most saturated mobile markets in the world, the prices are quickly coming down.

There are four providers in Japan:

- KDDI AU
- NTT DoCoMo (Do Communications over the Mobile network)
- Vodaphone (formerly J-phone)
- Tuka

The one best for students is KDDI AU, as they offer 50% discount on most charges, including the monthly base charge. There are relatively few differences between the companies in terms of service, but special carrier specific offerings are also available:

AU offers almost unlimited length e-mailing on their keitais, while all the other companies are limited to 500 bytes receiving and sending per message. This company is one of two that currently offers packages where you can use the unlimited internet for a flat fee (but they are only compatible with WIN phones, and are expensive).

Vodaphone has started offering TV viewing services on their newest phones. Unlimited e-mailing packages have also recently been introduced.

Tuka offers a no frills phone, designed for the elderly - it only has a large, easily readable keypad and no display screen and resembles a small cordless phone.

DoCoMo has recently been offering new phones capable of 3D gaming, among other improved functions. All new models will soon be equipped with Sony's Felica chip, in which you can use as a stored value card to make purchases in stores equipped with a reader.

...and getting one involves?

You need to go to a retailer and set up your phone there. Company specific shops are available in neighbourhoods, but all department stores also have retailers offering all the phone companies in one large corner.

You will need to bring your Alien Registeration Card (the temperory paper version is also acceptable) as well as your hanko (only if you have the seal registered at the local City Hall) and student card. If you want your fees to be automatically deducted from your bank account, bring your bank book as well.

The process is quite difficult and lengthy if you don't understand Japanese, and there are no English forms available. You are advised to bring a dictionary or a Japanese speaker with you if you cannot speak the language yet. In future, a sample AU form with annotations will be made available here.

You will have to fill in an application form and choose the package you want to subscribe too. They will also ask if you want e-mail and internet access. Although it costs a bit more each month, it's well worth the price as the majority of people here will be using e-mail to communicate.

Researching about the packages can be done on the internet. All of the phone providers have information in English on their web sites, listed above.

Each phone retailer seems to be partially independent of one another, which means the selection of free phones will vary slightly. Also, some will give you the phone for free or for 1 yen. Other than the free selection, you can also choose more expensive phones which will have additional and superior functions.

It is best to check that you choose an English capable phone - Sony Erisson phones are quite English friendly, but other select models are also English ready.

...using the internet without going bankrupt

Before you go crazy and use the internet on your keitai, remember that it can be extremely costly to do so. Each communication (including e-mail) is charged based on the number of packets you receive and send. Special packages to lower the cost of packet communications can be subscribed to - inquire about "packet discount services."

Your correspondent once kept his internet use unchecked, and ended up with a keitai bill of 10,350 yen. Don't learn the hard way - it's expensive.

...but they won't give me the student discount!

Some retailers will be quite picky about who is eligible for the student discount. If they don't give it to you, then just go to another retailer. In general, department store retailers are more eager to make a sale than stand alone shops.

...and standard features in Japanese phones are?

You will always have these features in phones:

- camera (comes in different megapixel resolutions, depending on the phone. All phones can also take short movies)
- flash, or bright LCD flashlight
- colour screen
- polyphonic or musical ringtones
- e-mail and internet capability
- schedule
- voice memo

Other functions which may be included:
- Mini SD card or Memory Stick Duo slot - in order to expand storage capacity for photo and movie recording. Especially useful for cameras with 2.0 megapixel resolutions
- infared (can be used to send and receive anything between phones and computers)
- GPS - allows you to find your way around anywhere, as well as track the location of other GPS phones. Utilization of the function can become very expensive as it has to access the internet (involving packet charges).

...differences you should know about

In Japan, keitai are specific to each company - meaning you can't buy an AU phone and use it with DoCoMo.

The concept of SMS doesn't exist either. All messages, short or long are delivered via e-mail. You can receive and send messages to and from other phones, or any e-mail address on the internet. Moreover, internet access is a standard on all phones. Note you will have to pay a little more each month for e-mail service, this would be money well spent with voice calls being relatively expensive.

Changing your phone isn't like in other countries. For one, there are no SIM cards to speak of. Each phone is preset and locked to a certain number and e-mail address - changing these settings can only be done by a retailer. The main advantage of this system is that there is simply no incentive to steal phones. Also, since there's so much competition between providers the cost of phones are cheap.

For AU, there are two types of phones: CDMA and WIN. The WIN phones provide advanced internet functions (such as the downloading of full length videos).

mobile internet

It is possible to subscribe to packages which allows you to use internet on your laptop anywhere in Japan, using a special PC Card. Be warned that this service is relatively expensive with communications charged by the packet, and is only worth it if you're a road (or train) warrior.

...and what about payment options?

After prepaid phones were used as the main means of non-trackable communication during the nationwide "ore ore" scam, they have been phased out and are no longer available. However, monthly charges are not high and only a tiny percentage of Japanese actually use prepaid services.

...something about a PHS?

PHS was a phone system offering data communication at low rates, in addition to normal calling. The system itself is different from the one keitai uses. Because subscriber rates have fallen sharply, DoCoMo, the main provider of PHS has suspended sales and they are also no longer available.

making sense of train timetables...

2005-05-10T17:40:00.000+09:00

In every station, you can get a hold of the train timetable at the office counter at the ticket gate. These are useful in planning your trips, as you will be able to see each and every transfer directly.

You can also use this website to plan your trips out in detail. It provides different alternate routes, but they're not always the most efficient ones.

http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperd01.cgi

the first things you'll need when getting here...

2005-05-03T17:35:00.000+09:00

When you first come to Japan, you're obviously struck on prices - you have no idea where you can buy those necessities for the best price. Here, we'll cover some basic things you'll definately need when you arrive in Japan, where to get them and how much they will cost.

Buy at 100 yen shops
(each item will actually cost 105 yen, after tax):

- plates
- forks
- spoons
- chopsticks
- bowls
- small pot (for making noodles, soups, water)
- cutting board
- cooking knife - these are surprisingly durable
- water container
- pack of cloths (for wiping dust, drying dishes)
- pack of sponges
- tea pot
- cup/mug
- ladle
(14 items)

Mr. Japan
(or equivilent discount shop. Supermarkets will be slightly more expensive)

- Electricity extension cords (can also be bought at Yodobashi, which has a larger selection) - (399-1500 yen, depending on the functions, number of outlets and cord length)
- Large cooking pan (1,500 yen)
- water kettle (1,200 yen)
- pack of writing paper (400 yen)
- four pack of tissue (400 yen)
- dish detergent - the ones sold at 100 yen shops are large, but are extremely diluted. Your best bet is to buy small bottles sold at supermarkets which are much more concentrated so at the end you actually use much less than a large bottle. Also, the refill bottles are large and relatively cheap. (198-300 yen)
- washing power (299-399 yen for 1.1 kg)
- shampoo (300-700 yen)
- soap (liquid - 300-600 yen)
- toothpaste (89-300 yen)
- toothbrush (100-300 yen)

Kinokuniya (Umeda)
(or any other book store, although Kinikuniya has the largest selection in Osaka)

- medium sized map book (1800-3500 yen)

The map will be invaluable for you to get familar with Osaka, and in trying to navigate when exploring. Go and browse through the selection, and choose one which isn't too small (it doesn't contain enough detail), or too large (or you won't be able to carry it around comfortably).

It's okay to buy a Japanese version, as the selection is much larger. You'll be familar with the kanji names of places in a very short while, so the language barrier won't be a problem.

I would recommend a B5 sized map book, which covers all of Osaka, as well as the major areas of Kobe and Kyoto. You should be looking for something with the kanji 京阪神, which basically stands for Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe.

steming sentos

2005-04-28T15:25:00.000+09:00

On a cold winter's night, nothing is better than dipping into a huge tub of steaming hot water, allowing your entire body to bask in the heat.

Unfortunately, most bath tubs at home are rather small making a full body soak difficult. And tubs are virtually non-existant in dormitories.

The best solution is to go to a sento, or public bath, where large tubs, saunas and electric baths will put you on the way to full body relaxation. You will most likely have trouble if you have tatoos though: the Yakuza association has prompted owners to impose a blanket ban on everyone with the mark.

and it costs...?

Most sentos are still family run, and prices are regulated by the local government. You will find that they range from around 350-360 yen, which includes all facilities. For some reason, some places will charge you an additional 10 yen if you want to also wash your hair.

More money is involved in larger, commercialised sento and onsen (hot spring baths): they will range from 800-2000 yen, depending on the facilities provided, the availability of outdoor baths and depending on how famous the onsen is.

Unlike expectations that Japan is a completely clean place, there are older sentos which are rather dirty so it's best to try out several before you settle on going to just one. In most areas, there are a selection of sentos within a two kilometer radius - not far at all when you use a bicycle.

If you're planning to visit Spa World down between Shin Imamiya and Tennoji, it costs 2000 yen for half a day.

...getting things ready

Before even thinking about going to sento, make sure you prepare the following essential items:

- soap
- shampoo
- towel

Other people may choose to bring other things as well:

- scrubbing cloth - highly recommended, as it will give you the full experience of sento. These can be bought at any store, and are clearly marked as bath cloths
- small bucket - buckets are essential, but are provided in the sento itself. Some people have buckets because they can use it to transport their soap and other necessities
- Razor - men can have a good shave, although shaving a beard is not appreciated.

Soap, shampoo and razors can be purchased at the sento, albeit at a higher price.

so how do I find a sento...?

A sento can be easily distinguished by the small cloth hanging over the entrance with the hiragana “ゆ”, which literally means hot water. You may also see the kanji for it: 湯.

These facilities are open in the late afternoon. Although each sento varies, you can expect it to be open at around 4:00-5:00 pm (some are open as early as 2:00 pm), and close at 10:00-11:00 pm.

moving in...

Upon entering the sento, you will see a raised platform leading to two doors. You are expected to take off your shoes before stepping on the raised platform, and store them in the locker provided. Make sure to take the shoe locker key as well.

You then enter the door: 女 for women, while 男 is for men. Entering the wrong one, deliberately or by accident, is usually not a good idea.

Inside, you will be greeted by the owner with a hearty いらしゃいませ. He or she will be sitting on a raised platform in between the two doors. You are expected to pay him there, and small items such as soap and shampoo can be bought from him. Some sentos also provide small towels for scrubbing for 10 yen. If in doubt, either ask or look around - there will be a poster showing the prices.

You are then expected to go and secure a locker and undress completely. If this thought worries you, remember that everyone else is doing the same thing and don't care about what other people look like.

Your clothes are to be stored in the locker, including your towel. The only things you should be bringing in are bath related: namely soap, shampoo, scrubbing cloth and your bucket (if you have one) among others. No clothes of any form, including bathing suits, are allowed.

and behind the doors are...

The baths are in the next room. If you don't have a bucket, you can take one - they're usually placed beside the door (after you're done bathing, rinse the bucket and put it back where you found it). There will usually be a small tub of warm water - some people choose to scoop up water and rinse themselves with it to accustom themselves to the hotter water ahead. This is optional though.

Whatever you do, do not enter the tubs directly - it's considered rude and disgusting. Take a stool and sit at one of the faucets and take a good shower. And yes, you are expected to wash everything. The two hot and cold taps are used to mix water to your liking in your bucket, before pouring it over your body.

You must wash throughly in all places before entering the bath. The water is often around 40 degrees, so it's recommended you slowly get accustomed to the temperature by putting your legs in first. Once you enter, it is considered relaxing if you soak your entire body, including your shoulders. Your scrubbing cloth can be placed on your head, or on the side of the tub as a pillow - but never inside the water.

Japanese people tend to bathe in the water for a few minutes before getting out to cool down at the taps. Staying too long, or getting up too quickly may cause you to faint.

hmmm...more than one bath...

There can be several baths for different purposes.

- normal hot and really hot
- cold water
- electricty
- mineral (green)

so what about my towel...?

The scrubbing cloth is used only at the taps. Unlike in China, scrubbing your skin inside the bathtub is a huge breach of etiquette. And unlike in Korea, you've got to put soap on the towel before you scrub - no one wants to see the results of your hard work.

so what do I do when I'm finished...?

After drying yourself, you can relax and cool down for a bit in the locker room where you can buy a drink or read the manga and magazines provided which some sentos provide. If you want to really get into the culture (and your Japanese is up to it), try having a conversation with the owners - they're surprising friendly and have a whole collection of stories to tell.

so at the end, where is it...?

Unfortunately, sentos aren't listed on any map. Some in Suita and Toyonaka will be listed here with maps in the future, but the best way to find out is to ask the locals. The older generation usually will know, as younger people tend not to frequent the sento.

Enjoy your bath!

その￥１００ショップ those 100 yen shops

2005-04-27T18:30:00.000+09:00

100 yen shops are supposively a shopper's best friend. Unfortunately, because most 100 yen shops sell at ￥100 yen (￥105 plus 5% tax), it won't necessarily be the best bargain available.

Take the issue of canned fruit, for example. In supermarkets a can of peaches can be bought for around ￥85-90 yen, which is obiously cheaper than ￥100 shops. The same can be said of chocolate: a bar of Meiji dark chocolate will cost 80-90 yen in supermarkets or Mr. Japan.

Before your image of ￥100 shops is destroyed, it does offer very good bargains in other goods. Here's a basic list of things to buy, and not to buy at ￥100 shops:

Buy:
Cookies
Tupperware
Dishes and cutlery
Small snacks
Small pans
Notebooks, sketchbooks and decorated letter paper
Small tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc)
Cheap non-branded stationary
Snickers Chocolate

Don't buy:
Canned fruit (can be bought at around 75-95 yen)
Chocolate (Meiji block chocolate is usually sold for 70-90 yen)
Pepper and other spices (usually can be bought for 85 yen)
Cup noodles (they sell for 84-110 yen)

The things not recommended can be usually found cheaper at Mr. Japan （さわやか・ジャパン）, supermarkets or department stores.

In the next shopping article, we'll deal with when you first arrive in Japan: what to buy, and where to buy it for the best price.

jumping with JR

2005-04-23T16:32:00.000+09:00

ＪＲ西日本（ＪＲにし・にほん - JR Nishi Nihon）, or Japan Rail West, is the rail pride of Kansai. Formerly known as 国鉄（こく・てつ - literally "the country's train line"）, JR has the largest, oldest and most extensive rail network in Japan. You can literally take the JR from Kyushu all the way to Hokkaido, without having to ever transfer to another train company.

JR also boasts the most diverse selection of trains in Japan. In fact, there are fans of the JR whom travel all over the country to photograph the different stations and trains that each line offers.

JR certainly has its advantages

The JR is useful if you need to get somewhere very fast: their express trains travel up to 130 km/h, meaning you can cover the distance between Osaka and Kyoto in exactly 28 minutes.

The Osaka loop line （大阪環状線 - おおさか・かん・じょ・せん Osaka kanjosen）　is also run by JR. It serves as a convenient way to get around Osaka for relatively cheap when compared to subway.

However, the speed and convenience comes at a price: while the JR is cheap for short distances, the prices increase steeply after a certain number of stations.

of course there are different trains

The JR is relatively easy to understand. If you're travelling in and around Kansai, you'll most likely spend your time on the following trains:

Local 「普通」　（ふつう） stops at all stations

Rapid Express 「快速」　（かいそく） stops at certain stations

Special Rapid Service　「新快速」　（しんかいそく）　(literally New Rapid Line) the fastest and stops at few stations

Regional Rapid Service

Tokkyu - these are special rapid express trains. They always have a unique name to the service (for example, Haruka or Thunderbird) and are charged differently to the local trains above.

You can tell which train will stop at which station by looking at boards posted on all platforms. The board will show a network map of the stations the trains will pass, along with the three categories of trains shown along the side. For example, you will notice that the Special Rapid Service has circles on only specific stations - this indicates the stations it will stop at. The number in the circle indicates the time it will take to get there.

***Make a table with notes

but be careful!

Some JR trains, such as the express to Kansai International Airport or the Thunderbird, will decouple at a specific station into two trains headed in different directions. Take care to get on the right section of the train.

going outside osaka

If you ever decide to travel outside of Osaka, there are other special, limited express trains (Tokkyu) that can get you to your destination quickly and directly, but at a higher price - you will have to buy special tickets for these trains:

-新幹線・Shinkansen
-はるか・Haruka - connects Osaka to Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Thunderbird - connecting two cities
-Twilight Express - a luxerous car connecting Osaka to Hokkaido

on the trail of train tricks

2005-04-21T19:04:00.000+09:00

Millions of people rely on Japan's highly developed network everyday. Besides being fast, it's rarely ever late. The Shinkansen has a reputation for being on time with seconds as its margin of error. People often syncronise their watches to the time shown at train stations as even local trains are on time to the minute.

With such heavy reliance on rail, one might expect it to be fairly cheap and affordable. In reality, a train ride can be very expensive if you don't know what you're doing.

Let's say you want the comfort and blazing speed of the JR, but aren't willing to pay the premium price for it. There are several techniques you can use to get around the price problem.

...jumping in and out of stations

Going from Kishibe to Sannomiya (Kobe) on the JR will cost you 690 yen, which is pretty steep even by Japanese standards. Strangely enough, if you take the train to Osaka, exit the station and buy a new ticket to Sannomiya, the cost overall is lower:

From Kishibe to Osaka (4 stations): 170 yen
-From here, exit the turnstyles, and buy a new ticket to reenter the station
From Osaka to Sannomiya (Kobe): 390 yen

Altogether you pay only 560 yen, 130 yen less then going direct.

...buying tickets from wholesale ticket stalls

In the event you can plan your trip in advance, you can get discounted tickets from ticket stalls. From Osaka to Kyoto will normally cost you 590 yen - expensive compared to the Hankyu's 390 yen. However, a ticket from an external stall will only cost you around 340 yen - a massive discount on the original price. However, it is only valid outside rush hours (from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm). Inside rush hours, the discount ticket will cost 460 yen.

You won't be able to buy tickets for all stations though - those on the JR Osaka Loop Line （ＪＲ環状線 - kanjosen） for example, are not on sale.

If you're planning to take the 新幹線 (Shinkansen), then you can also purchase discounted tickets from these stalls as well.

Besides train tickets for all train lines, these shops also sell tickets for upcoming events and concerts - but some of them are at a speculative price.

...and looking for locations

In Osaka, you can find many ticket stalls underneath the Hanshin building in Umeda. It's very easy to identify a shop: besides having the obvious array of tickets on sale and price lists, there's usually a line of people waiting to make a purchase.

In Kobe, you can find a ticket shop in Sannomiya, along side the main exit of the Hankyu building.

In Kyoto, there is one along the end of Shijo-dori (check)

***make table of locations
***add photo

...ticket Books

If you're planning to go somewhere quite often, it might be worth buying a ticket book, which gives you 11 tickets for the price of 10. They can be bought from ticket machinese with LCD touch screens - on most train lines (depending on the station) there are also such machines with English display capability. If not, ask the station master how you can buy 回数卷　（かい・すう・けん - kaisuken）

...monthly tickets

Monthly tickets can be bought at main stations, and it entitles the user to unlimited travel between two destinations, and stations in between them. Going beyond the set area means you'll have to pay more. They are relatively expensive though, and will only be worth if you travel between the two places almost everyday.

For example, for a short distance between Osaka and Kishibe on the JR will cost 4,210 yen for a month or 12,000 for 3 months. In Japan, the discounts gained through buying 3 months is insignificant (usually a difference of 100 yen or less).

There are three stations between Osaka （大阪）and Kishibe　（岸辺）, costing 170 yen one way. As a result, you would need to make 25 trips a month (or 12 round trips) in order to even break even.

However, monthly tickets for other train lines are cheaper. For example, using Hankyu to get from 南千里　(minami-senri) to 石橋　(Ishibashi) costs 3,876 yen per month with the student discount. It covers a much further distance than the JR example above.

* Note: Minami-senri is one of the two Hankyu stations close to the Osaka University Foreign Student House, while Ishibashi is the Hankyu station closest to Tokonaka campus of Osaka University.

...special student discounts

In order to obtain student discounts on monthly tickets, you need to present the following two documents:

1) student identification card 学生証 - がく・せい・しょう　gakusei shou
2) student status verification 通学証明書 - つう・がく・しょう・めいしょ tsugaku shou mei shou

The second document can be obtained at the office of your faculty, or from schools directly.

Technically exchange and research students are not eligible for student discounts, but no checking is done: someone else can buy the ticket for you if necessary.

To buy the ticket, just follow the signs to the "Monthly Ticket" or "Commuter Pass" counter. You will need to fill out a form with the following information:
- Name (in kanji/romanji and katakana)
- School or university name
- Field of study
- Address
- Name of the two stations you want to travel between

To renew the pass, you can use the automated machines in every station. You need to reapply for the ticket once a year in March, which is the end of the Japanese fiscal year. Expect to line up for over an hour at that time.

Unlike other countries, buying a ticket valid for many months in advance will not yield any significant price discounts.

On the JR, all monthly tickets are issued using ICOCA cards.

Finally, you can obtain the student discount only between your home station and the station nearest to the school. Of course, only verbal checking is done so the truth can be stretched a bit.

...icoca

The ICOCA (a pun which means "Shall we go?" いごか？) is a card with a small chip embedded within. It acts as either a stored value card or a monthly ticket, and there are no discounts involved. Although it is similar to the Kansai Card in function, this one can be refilled as often as you want.

The card is passed over a reader at each turnstyle and money is automatically deduced from the card. At present, the card only works in the Kansai region.

The card can be bought from any JR station from the computerised ticket machines (those with LCD display touchscreens). The button you should press is labelled "IC Card" in English. It costs 2,000 yen for the card purchase: 500 yen is a refundable card deposit, while 1,500 yen will be available for travel.

At present ICOCA is valid on JR West and JR East, basically being cross-compatible with the SUICA system being used in greater Tokyo.

Jスルー Card (J-thru Card)

This is a stored value card which can be purchased in any JR station. No price discounts are provided, but the cost, date and destination of your trips are recorded on the back of the card.

Lagare Card

The Lagare Card is the same as the J-thru card, except sold in Hankyu stations.

dedicated to present, future and aspiring Osaka-jin

2005-01-19T19:16:00.000+09:00

This guide is written for new residents of Osaka planning to stay at least a year. What you'll find here are tips and tricks for living well in Osaka on a budget, and things which only those living in Osaka know about. The focus will be on North Osaka, with an emphasis on Suita 「吹田」, Toyonaka　「豊中」, Ibaraki 「茨城」 and Osaka-city 「大阪市」. The information here can be applied to other part of Osaka, though.

Osaka University students, especially 留学生, OUSSEP and those living at the Foreign Student House will find specific shopping tips and locations useful.

Short-term visitors and tourists may find it useful to find the best way to approach certain tourist sites and narrowing down the places to buy specific things. And despite being focused on Osaka, there will also be articles on the surrounding cities of Kobe and Kyoto.