Living for 5 months in Nagoya, some questions

Can I give them the paper from my company in English, or do I have to translate it to one-language-that-matters Japanese?

I'd stick with the "girlfriend angle." At least you would have an excuse to take a lot of photos of you and your girlfriend to show the immigration officials that the visits are on the up and up.

Listen to Mike, he's only telling you for your own good so you can avoid any grief later.

ArmandV said:

I'd stick with the "girlfriend angle." At least you would have an excuse to take a lot of photos of you and your girlfriend to show the immigration officials that the visits are on the up and up.
Listen to Mike, he's only telling you for your own good so you can avoid any grief later.

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That doesn't work, Armand.
Foreigners who travel unaccompanied by family (meaning kids), go in and out of Japan and are not on business (especially business with Japanese companies) are suspected of being smugglers. Flights between Japan and other Asian countries are subject to very rigid scrutiny, compared to Japan-Europe and Japan-North America flights.

@Castor Krieg
I don't know what document you have, but I think it's OK if it's written in Eglish but best if it's in Japanese. The document must clearly prove that you have the need to travel to Hong Kong while studying in Japan. Otherwise, the authorities won't buy it.

epigene said:

That doesn't work, Armand.
Foreigners who travel unaccompanied by family (meaning kids), go in and out of Japan and are not on business (especially business with Japanese companies) are suspected of being smugglers. Flights between Japan and other Asian countries are subject to very rigid scrutiny, compared to Japan-Europe and Japan-North America flights.

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Naturally! I was only saying that if he keeps talking about business, that's going to raise a few red flags in the minds of immigration, especially if he's there only on a student visa. At least with the girlfriend angle, he can actually have proof. Plus, he can freely open up his bags for a thorough inspection voluntarily to also satisfy any misgivings. But I prefer that he follow my previously-stated alternative: have her visit him in Japan.

Thanks a lot for your help, gonna ask my exchange coordinator if she had to deal with that stuff beofre, she should know something. I'm not even going to ask why they would consider 22-year old WHITE male to be a smuggler, I'm just going to let it rest. And of course I can open any bags, from what you said that will be the least of my troubles.

Brings back memories of my trips to the US and "everyone is assumed to be illegal immigrant" type of mentality.

Castor Krieg said:

Thanks a lot for your help, gonna ask my exchange coordinator if she had to deal with that stuff beofre, she should know something. I'm not even going to ask why they would consider 22-year old WHITE male to be a smuggler, I'm just going to let it rest. And of course I can open any bags, from what you said that will be the least of my troubles.
Brings back memories of my trips to the US and "everyone is assumed to be illegal immigrant" type of mentality.

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Yes, I think you finally understand. Japanese authorities feel they are under siege from "illegal immigrants" and what not.

Also, a large number of people arrested for smuggling in the past were "young white males." You fit the category.

Castor Krieg said:

I'm not even going to ask why they would consider 22-year old WHITE male to be a smuggler

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You could always check around with some of the multitude of 22-year old WHITE males doing long prison stretches in Southeast Asian prisons for smuggling.....

Castor Krieg said:

Mike Cash - there are many ways you can say so, but since the beginning of this tread you have take patronising, I-know-and-you-don't approach.

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The "I-know-and-you-don't" is real. Otherwise, why would I be offering you advice? Or even be able to? If you choose to take it as patronizing, go right ahead.

I don't understand the source of bitterness, but then again - I don't want to, your matters are your own.

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What on earth makes you think I'm bitter? Or do you think everybody who tries to save you from your own arrogance and ignorance is "bitter"?

As for "bounce in and out of the country, and play videogames in between flights" - your view of videogames should not lead to your view of people who play videogames, especially if you live in Japan and are Japanese.

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Have I expressed my view of people who play video games somewhere? I can't recall having done so. I'm not Japanese, and what difference would it make if I were? The Japanese are under some sort of cultural obligation to love video games or something?

For the "bouncing" part - I said I plan to fly out 2-3 times in my 5 month stay,

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No you didn't.

I really don't intent to follow Japanese system of 15hrs+ studying/working, primary because it's a faulty system.

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Do you intend to study Japanese at all during your stay?

Sofmap next to Nagoya station is a great place to buy used titles if you're looking for softs. An simple option a lot of gamers overlook is if you're looking for English titles and the retailer doesn't have any onhand, simply inquire as to whether they can special order an English copy one for you from their supplier. Might take 2-3 days but I have never had any problems to date. Of course, the easiest route is to just order it from Amazon and have it delivered to your doorstep

I know Nagoya well enough, so if you have any problems, just tell,OK?

1. Is there an Ikea (my appartment is meant to be furnished, but I don't know if they will provide pillows and bed-sheets)? Where is it? Are the towels, pillows, etc. reasonably priced?

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No, There isn't any Ikea, but there are some volunteers, and also there is a Foreign student's organization (AFSA) in Nagoya, where you can borrow things you need. These things are used, and left by these who have left Japan or Nagoya. But the problem is that tehre are TOO many Chinese who take that stuff, doesn't matter if they need it or not, so I suggest you contact AFSA, or the foreign student office of your university ASAP.

2. I will be in need of Japanese mobile phone. Should I sign for subscription or go with pre-paid card? What mobile network will be the best, te phone will be used to communicate with other Japanese students, as well as calling Hong Kong?

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Students usually use AU, becasue it offers half price, if you are student.But the others explained already about the phone
3. I like to play videogames (will be taing PSTwo wth me). Where in Nagoya can I get cheap PS2 NTSC titles (English ones)? Hw about PSP? Do Japanese import some English titles from the US, or am I left with online stores?
4.VERY IMPORTANT! Because of personal reasons (girlfriend) I want to fly to Hong Kong as often as possible. Do you know any travel agency that gives very good offers on plane tickets?
5

. I am fluent in English, is there a chance for me to get a part-time job somewhere? I don't speak Japanese. Washing dishes, and cleaning is ok.

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Nagoya is famous for its intollerance to non-Asian looking foreign students, but I guess you can ask Nagoya International center (NIC), for programs where you can present your culture, and speaking Japanese is not requred. Just contact them, this will be very much of help!AFSA and NIC you can find on google...

6. Any places in Nagoya not mentioned in tourist guides that I should visit? Any insider tips for me?

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There is a bar called Shooters, near Fushimi station, where you can find many foreigners, and another , ID, in Sakae.
But I'm afraid it will be quite difficult if you don't speak Japanese.Still, there are many Japanese, who are interested in helping foreigners, in exange of free English lessons.
Hope you enjoy your stay!If anything, just ask