SELECTIVE PURCHASING
Most things are available in Japan, but you need to take some things to help you when you first get there. There are some things that you can take from India, but plan what you need to get carefully; otherwise you might have to pay for the extra baggage.
GROCERIES
You may want to carry some Indian spices with you, although some are available in Japan, but there are no real special Indian stores. Be aware of the following:
- If you want to cook and want to save some money, take sambar powder, rasam powder, dal powder, chilly powder, garam masala and any other masala powders you may require, if there's a chance you won't find an Indian store round the corner.
- There's no need to bring things like rice, dal and lentils, oil, coffee powder, sugar, salt. These things are readily available.
SANITARY/PERSONAL CARE
Most sanitary items are available at convenience stores that will be located near you. However, carry the following:
- Carry what you need during your journey and your first couple of weeks.
- Along with your regular toiletry items, carry a good deodorant and a mouthwash like 'Listerine'. (Bad breath and body odor are not looked upon kindly.)
- There's no need to carry Washing Powder, brushes or other washing equipment. Anyone staying at hotels or ryokan can have their laundry done by the hotel. In the larger cities, coin operated washing machines can be found at a sento (neighbor-hotel, public baths).
UTENSILS AND APPLIANCES
You can get appliances and utensils reasonably priced at any of the big departmental stores, so there's no need to carry too many items, other than the ones mentioned here:
- Pressure Cookers are expensive in Japan, so you should get one if you plan to cook rice and dal. Carry extra gaskets, safety valves and weights because you won't get spares in Japan.
- Once you've settled down, find a large departmental store for a set of utensils, which shouldn't be too expensive.
- Don't carry steel spoons, ladles, etc., because most utensils are non-stick.
- At the departmental stores, you'll also find drinking glasses that are pretty cheap.
- Don't carry any electrical equipment like mixers or irons. The electricity service everywhere in Japan is 100 volts AC and the plugs in Japan have two flat pins.
LUGGAGE
When you buy luggage, you can either buy hard-top or soft-top ones. Considering the way most airlines handle luggage, you will be better off with hard top pieces than soft-top ones even if you consider the extra weight.
CLOTHES
Since Japan's weather is not much different from the weather in India regular wear should be just fine. Pack an extra sweater if you are going to be there in the winter as these are fairly cold.
Women should dress conservatively, keeping jewelry, perfume, and make-up to a minimum. Pants are not appropriate. High heels are to be avoided if you risk towering over your Japanese counterparts. In summer it is very hot in Japan, so bring cotton clothes. Be sure to have enough changes of clothes, because the Japanese are very concerned with neatness. If you wear a kimono, wrap it left over right! Only corpses wear them wrapped right over left.
Work Clothes
The Japanese business environment is very formal compared to India. Executives and Professionals follow a rigorous dress code, the hallmark of which is a well-fitting, sober and subdued two-piece suit, worn with a white or pale-colored shirt and a dark sober tie. Women wear dark colored shirt suits with pale-colored shirts. For the first few days dress formally (the dark business suit would be best) but after that play it by ear.
- Shirts: You should carry at least 5 formal shirts that should be light colored.
- Trousers: Carry at least 4 pairs of good trousers in solid colors like black, blue or gray.
- Jeans: Jeans are pretty cheap in Japan, and you can buy yours there, but carry at least a couple of pairs to wear before you buy new ones.
- Suits: Definitely carry at least one good suit with you, but three would be ideal. You'll need it for work, and also for other occasions. Make sure that they are dark, blue, black or gray.
- Leather Jacket: A leather jacket is one of the best protections against the weather in winter. Take it with you from India, because as mentioned earlier, leather is very expensive in Japan.
FOOTWEAR
You ought to get as many pairs of leather shoes with you as you can because these are expensive in Japan. Buy a good pair of black and brown formal shoes. You can buy sneakers or running shoes in Japan. They cost About Japan the same as they do in India. If you are used to walking around in Hawaii chappals, take a pair with you.
For regular casual shoes, having a pair of sandals or slip-ons is fine. They are available in Japan at most Supermarkets and are reasonably priced.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories are important, and it would be a good idea to take the following with you.
- Socks: Buy as many pairs of socks as you will need, although they are available in Japan. Have a range of colors, especially to go with your trousers.
- Belts: Leather is expensive in Japan so make sure to carry your own.
- Wallet: Get a good leather wallet, with lots of place for cards.
- Ties: Buy a few good ties, and these should be sober and dark colored. Remember that the business environment is formal in Japan.
- Gloves: It would be a good idea to carry one good pair of leather gloves.
- Handkerchiefs: Carry enough of these with you.
- Inner garments: Have your supply of these. They are available in Japan as well, and are not that expensive.
DRIVING LICENSE
Driving in Japan is hard at first, but not impossible. It is very orderly, and people generally follow traffic rules.
- Get yourself an International Driver's Permit from India. You can get a Japanese license once you're there, but that could take some time.
- Don't try to drive as soon as you get there! The driving rules and methods are very different from those in India, and you will not be spared for making mistakes. You'll need to take some lessons and familiarize yourself with the rules and speeds at which people drive. Also, don't forget to take out some auto insurance if you plan to drive.
- If you don't know how to drive, yet want to drive in Japan, it'll be a better idea of you take lessons in India, and that would make it easier for you to learn there.
- Penalties are high if caught drinking and driving; cancellation of license for one year, jail time, high fines.
The Japanese automobile federation has a
booklet, which details traffic laws. It is available
by mail in Japan for ¥1120 (including postage)
from: JAF, 3-5-8 Shiba Ken, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
105, or in person from the JAF HQ (Opposite
the entrance to Tokyo Tower) for ¥1000.
MEDICAL RECORDS
The standards of health care in Japan are good. Medical personnel are generally trained to high standards and many Japanese doctors would rate high in any country. There are also many good hospitals with up-to-date equipment and facilities.
