“Remember, this is Japan” - an intervew with South Of Reality

On January 23, 2008 in Interviews

Today we’re back again with South Of Reality. Yesterday he gave us his opinions on Nova and ESL. Now let’s hear a little bit about his site and some advice he has for anyone interested in living in Japan.

DailyJ: What is the mission/vision of your site? What is your site all about?

SouthOfReality: Mainly for networking purposes. It just kind of evolved into a blog/information site. It’s just about living in Japan. Not much advice. Just various ramblings mixed in with information I wish I’d had when I first came to Japan.

DailyJ: Tell us more about that (”information I wish I’d had when I first came to Japan”). What kind of information do you focus on?

SouthOfReality: Things that could impact a person’s lifestyle, for example. Many foreigners have no knowledge about health insurance requirements in this country. Eikaiwa companies, as well as others, never inform their foreign staff that national health insurance enrollment is mandatory for those residing in Japan for a year or more. Some companies, like NOVA, make (made?) money off their foreign teachers by selling them insurance from one of their partner companies. Some foreigners, who were unaware of the mandatory public health insurance enrollment requirement have been required to make back payments for all of the time they were in Japan and not enrolled in the system.

DailyJ: If there was only one piece advice you could give to someone interested in living in Japan, what would it be?

SouthOfReality: Remember, this is Japan. There’s a different work ethic here… Lot’s of things are different. Be willing to adapt. And, leave your preconceptions at home.

DailyJ: If there is anything else you want to say, feel free.

SouthOfReality: よろしくお願いします。

Thank you SouthOfReality for the interview! I hope all of you enjoyed it too. Be sure to check out his site and say hello.

And to all a good day,

DailyJ

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