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Off to Japan in the middle of new mbp suspense
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I believe the USA's 3 prong plug can be used in Japan as well? I think USA/Canada/Japan share the same power outlet types (in terms of plug shapes). Also, based on another poster on this thread, it seems China also shares the same plug shapes as USA/Canada.zwida said:
I like standardization.
shiv said:I definately like electronics.Currently, the company we're working for will have an apartment ready for us. If it's not satisfactory, we want to find an apartment ourselves. So, I'm hoping that we can find a place with electricity included. Is it a possibility to find rental apartments that offer this in Japan?
oh! and yes, I can't wait for Okonomiyaki as well!
You're going to have a hell of a time. I'm hoping to be able to go teach in Japan myself here in a few years. Okonomiyaki is the food of gods.
And from what I remember, you may not need the plug adaptor kit. Although I left my laptop in the States - I remember the two prong adapters working perfectly (for my iPod, DS Lite). What I don't remember for the life of me is if they had three prong outlets or not. Listen to the folks living there, I suppose. Better safe than sorry.
Oh, and good luck mastering the address system.
I have nothing to add other than that I have been learning Japanese for like 5-6 weeks now, am completely crap at it, and will be going to Japan in December for 2 weeks over the Christmas break!!!
I canNOT wait for this trip. Pumped and ready.
Also, good luck on the teaching. I want to work there one day, but not as a teacher. Hopefully my Japanese won't be so bad by then. I put in a lot of effort to learn Japanese, so hopefully it'll pay off.
I canNOT wait for this trip. Pumped and ready.
Also, good luck on the teaching. I want to work there one day, but not as a teacher. Hopefully my Japanese won't be so bad by then. I put in a lot of effort to learn Japanese, so hopefully it'll pay off.
Nope, not directly.YS2003 said:
In Japan, the standard is a two pronged plug. Like the US one minus the ground plug.
For those appliances that need to be grounded, their plugs have a separate wire that you connect to the ground.
Now as far as a work around there are a few. One is the standard plug adapter that has US three prong on one side and a two prong and a ground wire on the other side. Another, more simple solution is to get a Japanese plug extender. They have some nice ones that have three plug slots. Kind of like a deck of cards but thinner. So you can just plug your three prong plug into one of the sockets. The ground plug is exposed above the adapter. Another is a 3 prong surge protector. Of course you will have the same issue with the plug on the end of the cord. But you can get them with two prongs and a ground wire. Another is to use an extension cord. The three prong plug will plug into the socket and the ground just stays exposed.
As far power requirements, Japan is basically 100 volts and 50Hz in the Kansai area and 60Hz in the Tokyo area. Since Apple uses universal power supplies (100-240Volts / 50-60Hz) you will have no problems using them in Japan.
I travelled around Japan a little this past summer, and the standard US/Canada powersupply and plug works just fine (Korea is a different story; they use the euro style thing) You wont need the travelplug kit.
I am very jealous of you to say the least. Japan is simply beautiful. Be sure to take plenty of trips up to Kyoto as well.
For those who go over to teach english, how do you find such jobs? are certain programs better than others? (Sorry to go off topic a bit)
I am very jealous of you to say the least. Japan is simply beautiful. Be sure to take plenty of trips up to Kyoto as well.
For those who go over to teach english, how do you find such jobs? are certain programs better than others? (Sorry to go off topic a bit)
Is it safe to use a 3-prong plug with 2 prong extender you mentioned? Some of the Macs (such as ACDs and PB/iBook's extention cord) have 3-prong plug. Does Japanese version of ACD also have 3-prong plug? Or is it 2-prong plug?sushi said:
I believe you need to have at least Bachelor's degree for a teaching post at the languague schools in Japan. I heard the pay is not that good as there are already so many "teachers" getting into Japan as that is one of the easiest ways to get a work visa in Japan.RichP said:
Bachelor's degree or certification in a TESOL course will get your foot in the door with many of the schools/companies in Japan.
I don't know if this is a stupid question or not, but are Japanese spec computer equipment's specifications different in some ways than for example American spec equipment of the same models. (Like how the car industry is?) Does Apple universally spec their products with the same specs, and all in the same production facilities?
p.s. I wonder if I can get my login name from "Shiv" changed to "Takoyaki Killer"? as a future inquiry?
I don't know if this is a stupid question or not, but are Japanese spec computer equipment's specifications different in some ways than for example American spec equipment of the same models. (Like how the car industry is?) Does Apple universally spec their products with the same specs, and all in the same production facilities?
p.s. I wonder if I can get my login name from "Shiv" changed to "Takoyaki Killer"? as a future inquiry?
shiv said:I don't know if this is a stupid question or not, but are Japanese spec computer equipment's specifications different in some ways than for example American spec equipment of the same models. (Like how the car industry is?) Does Apple universally spec their products with the same specs, and all in the same production facilities?
p.s. I wonder if I can get my login name from "Shiv" changed to "Takoyaki Killer"? as a future inquiry?
As far as I know, most electronics you get in Japan will be totally identical or perhaps even nicer than what you'll find here. I did a little componant browsing in Akihabara and it seemed pretty familiar. Apple's machines are likely going to be identical in terms of specs.
Mm. Takoyaki.
shiv said:p.s. I wonder if I can get my login name from "Shiv" changed to "Takoyaki Killer"? as a future inquiry?
mmmm.... octopus balls (homer simpson voice)
first time I takoyaki was at a little stand by a subway stop in Osaka (the one that is closest to the aquarium)
All Japanese electronics use a two pronged plug or a two pronged plug with a ground wire.YS2003 said:
Most Apple desktop and displays come with the two pronged connector with a ground wire.
In Japanese homes, unlike the US where most plugs are three pronged, are two pronged. The ones (positions) that you expect to have a ground (refrigerator, washer/dryer, AC, etc.) have a special connector for the ground wire.
If you are concerned about grounding, and you use a three pronged to two pronged plug with a ground wire, as long as you connect the ground wire to one of your ground connectors then you are okay.
FWIW, in actuality, most of my friends do not do this and just plug the adapter into a regular socket. They've had no problems. YMMV.
sushi said:
I agree with this. Just to keep in mind that these special connectors are pretty rare. I think there are only 2 in my apartment.
Japanese uses Kanji too. They pronounce it "Gai goku jin" instead of the mandarin pronunciation "Wai Guo Ren".
Well, no new MBPs as of today, and now I doubt I'll see them before October 6th. My choices are now:
1. Buy a used iBook and sell it off when I return.
2. Buy a new Macbook and sell it off when I return.
3. Upgrade my insanely slow iBook (300mhz clamshell) with a larger hard drive. It could work as storage for photos (not in iPhoto though) and works for internet browsing but...
What is the most cost effective option? I can't really afford to lose a couple hundred dollars when reselling. What model laptop will best hold its value? I return around the 20th of December, and there will probably be new Macbooks and MBPs out by then.
1. Buy a used iBook and sell it off when I return.
2. Buy a new Macbook and sell it off when I return.
3. Upgrade my insanely slow iBook (300mhz clamshell) with a larger hard drive. It could work as storage for photos (not in iPhoto though) and works for internet browsing but...
What is the most cost effective option? I can't really afford to lose a couple hundred dollars when reselling. What model laptop will best hold its value? I return around the 20th of December, and there will probably be new Macbooks and MBPs out by then.
RichP said:
http://www.gaijinpot.com has quite a lot of info on English teaching jobs, and on life in Japan in general (especially for English teachers since they are a sizable chunk of foreigners in Japan). Try their forums — a wealth of advice, amidst some spam.
Personally, I would trust buying from a Japanese store more than from an Apple store. The work ethics will likely make them accept / exchange a faulty product with minimum hassle. Plus, if you show them your foreign passport within 6 months of arrival, they may sell you the laptop tax-free.
I was almost buying a MacBook in Yodobashi Camera (just off the Osaka Umeda station) the other day, but... decided to wait for the new MBP
As Sushi (I think) said, the Japanese keyboard layout is pretty comfortable. More so than some European ones.
Overall, Mac support in Japan appears to be superb.
Don't forget the Jet Programme. Requires a bachelors though. http://www.jetprogramme.org/
When I went to Japan, I didnt go to teach. But quickly got into it after picking up some private tutoring sessions. Just go to an izakaya and drink, the want-to-be-english-speakers will come.
When I went to Japan, I didnt go to teach. But quickly got into it after picking up some private tutoring sessions. Just go to an izakaya and drink, the want-to-be-english-speakers will come.
Abstract said:I have nothing to add other than that I have been learning Japanese for like 5-6 weeks now, am completely crap at it, and will be going to Japan in December for 2 weeks over the Christmas break!!!
I canNOT wait for this trip. Pumped and ready.
Also, good luck on the teaching. I want to work there one day, but not as a teacher. Hopefully my Japanese won't be so bad by then. I put in a lot of effort to learn Japanese, so hopefully it'll pay off.
You will get there. Just a few tips:
1: There will be times when it feels like you are getting worse. Don't quit.
2: Stay away from textbook japanese. Don't get me wrong, those things are important, but all too commonly people get stuck on these stock/robotic phrases. Learn how to manipulate the verbs properly, that will be much more useful. Then you can speak properly with people on all levels. Speaking formal to people you hang out with is a bummer.
3: Jump right into kana and kanji. Romaji is useless and should be avoided at all costs. Knowing these actually helps a lot. Especially kanji. You will start to remember radicals and even if you see a character you dont know, you can guess its meaning which is a life saver at times.
4: Take your time. It takes years to get good. You have the benefit of being in Japan, so soak it up. You will get better much faster than someone who is learning in their home country (my story for the first year of study). Just make sure you take advantage your situation and dont be afraid to make mistakes.
5: Don't be afraid to learn on your own. I have studied 2 years on my own. It is tough sometimes, trying to figure out what to move on to. It has helped me immensely, because I never really step away from the Japanese. Everyday I put in an hour, maybe 3 if I am not in a situation where I don't need to speak it.
6: Immerse yourself as much as you can. Watch Japanese TV shows, listen to japanese music, etc. Even though I am back in the states, 50% of my day is consisted of hearing something in Japanese. It helps a lot and it reinforces learned grammar. Also builds confidence, because the more I study the more I understand which makes me feel good
Sorry if you knew any of this already. Japanese is a great language, one I have a lot of passion for. So I like to help those who are new with some encouraging words.
Thanks for the info guys, sorry to bring it a little off topic. I doubt I will take this course, but it is something I have been considering since I visited. I just love the place, and want to find my way back!
Get your machine here (I stopped by to check out the new Macbook, which was released when I was over there. Yes, Japan gets the machines soon as we do!):
And eat lots of:
Get your machine here (I stopped by to check out the new Macbook, which was released when I was over there. Yes, Japan gets the machines soon as we do!):
And eat lots of:
RichP said:Thanks for the info guys, sorry to bring it a little off topic. I doubt I will take this course, but it is something I have been considering since I visited. I just love the place, and want to find my way back!
Get your machine here (I stopped by to check out the new Macbook, which was released when I was over there. Yes, Japan gets the machines soon as we do!):
And eat lots of:
mmm... たこ焼めちゃ大好きだよ！
I agree with immersing in the culture to learn. It's the biggest thing to look forward to for me. When I went to Japan some years ago, I was able to pick up quite a bit of conversational Japanese and even some Osaka-ben (Osaka dialect). Returning home, not being in the midst of the culture, or around very many Japanese people, I lost touch of what I learnt. A few years later, I took Japanese classes at University, learning the grammatical side, and the kanas and all that, but really, I came out of those classes hardly remembering very much of the vocabulary. Altogether, I think I spoke much better when I went there for a couple months rather than a couple years learning in class, sadly. However, the classes were great I guess to learn writing and reading.
Japan, I expect is a culture where you can and have to learn some of the language to experience life there. There isn't so much English everywhere (in Osaka/Kansai area - this is my only area of experience). You still find the landscapes dominated by Kanji and Hiragana, such as signs. People still speak mostly Japanese. I can't wait to HAVE to speak the language and get a full experience there.
JET programme is a really great way to see Japan while making a very good salary. My sister had gone through JET for about 3 years. She loved it. There are other companies out there too. I suggest checking out www.daveseslcafe.com as one alternative site with forums for teaching abroad. It has specific forums for each country of interest for teaching english abroad. As well, you find job postings, and you can post your resume, and such. I think it's a great resource to learn more about it.
On the note of MBPs .. <sniffle> Today was disappointing, but I got a couple more weeks to wait for something here. If there isn't a rev b by the time I leave, I'm quite resolved now to pick one up in Osaka. That's great to hear people having great experiences with shopping and servicing for apple equipment there! That's definately a relief.
Japan, I expect is a culture where you can and have to learn some of the language to experience life there. There isn't so much English everywhere (in Osaka/Kansai area - this is my only area of experience). You still find the landscapes dominated by Kanji and Hiragana, such as signs. People still speak mostly Japanese. I can't wait to HAVE to speak the language and get a full experience there.
JET programme is a really great way to see Japan while making a very good salary. My sister had gone through JET for about 3 years. She loved it. There are other companies out there too. I suggest checking out www.daveseslcafe.com as one alternative site with forums for teaching abroad. It has specific forums for each country of interest for teaching english abroad. As well, you find job postings, and you can post your resume, and such. I think it's a great resource to learn more about it.
On the note of MBPs .. <sniffle> Today was disappointing, but I got a couple more weeks to wait for something here. If there isn't a rev b by the time I leave, I'm quite resolved now to pick one up in Osaka. That's great to hear people having great experiences with shopping and servicing for apple equipment there! That's definately a relief.
RichP: Oh... my... g.. I just saw your pics post now, and I can't believe it. Man that takoyaki looks soooo good.. <sniffle> can't wait. The apple store is nice! Where were the pics taken? In Osaka?
shiv said:
The apple store was in Tokyo, i *think* it was Ginza.
The first food pic is in Osaka (the stand not too far from the Aquarium, nice old woman runs it) The other 2 were in Kyoto.
I always wondered how they determine female verse male octopus!shiv said:
P.S. For those that don't know or wonder at my attempt at humor... Some folks call them Tako Balls or Octo Balls. Hence the male reference.
P.S.S. Good to eat ... now I'm getting hungry!