Couple of questions about the Land of the Rising Suñ!

[Demon Dave]

When your in Japan for the first time there is so much to absorb, it's worth the time to think, understand and enjoy! Else you leave and think having been to Japan once you know it all...thus projecting misconception!  

Then coming on here and spout out in the Japan section, which is the reason why none of us J-guys no give a f**k no more because there are so many so call Japan experts now!

hehe...I've been living here 6 years and still aint got a clue what the fcuks going on!

No way anyone could learn much about what Japan is really like based on the experiences of a 1 week vacation...

[Evo_Lee]

hehehe...Dave you know much about the country side my friend...and that is a compliment!

Topi, don't worry I'm not talking about you mate, from your Japan diary I can see you've taken the time to mingle much with the locals and have also experienced a big ass typhoon!

[Rezz]

Then coming on here and spout out in the Japan section, which is the reason why none of us J-guys no give a f**k no more because there are so many so call Japan experts now!

Hehehe... I no give a fcuk no more.

[InspectorGadget]

Setting up a business is not difficult due to the revision of the 1yen company.  However after 3 years you have to pay the true registration cost.

Evo_Lee just reminded me of the article I was reading the other day in the Japan Times.

Normally to register a business you need either 3 or 10 million yen (?) in working capital, but they've lowered that to just 1 yen for the purpose of encouraging entrepreneurs to start up small businesses. However as Evo_Lee stated, you need to get your working capital up to normal levels within 3 years.

And the kicker is, I'm pretty sure that you need to be a Japanese national to apply for the programme.

What really cracks me up is the number of people who are fascinated by Japan (especially young Americans) due to manga and music, build up huge misconceptions about what Japan is about,. Then they get all disappointed whenthey get here and no-one is carrying Katana's to work on the subway and their apartment is the size of a dog kennel.

[Evo_Lee]

What really cracks me up is the number of people who are fascinated by Japan  (especially young Americans) due to manga and music, build up huge misconceptions about what Japan is about,.  Then they get all disappointed when they get here and no-one is carrying Katana's to work on the subway and their apartment is the size of a dog kennel.

LOL...and buying Japanese animation on DVD with English subtitles...WTF, why would they need to make any.

As I was telling Justin the other day, when I was younger and back in uni. I never once wished to work in Japan nor the thought. Dam company transferred me here, for what was suppose to be a 1 year project turned into over 5 years! I barely had a life left after the first year, working over 240 hours a month.

But I'm finally going home...and hooray to that

[xKx_31]

Thats nice! Thanks for the offer mate but it might take a little while for me to get in contact with my family... I'll et you know. Cheers

Sure, not a problem. I will be leaving for Singapore on the 10th of Jan so let me know before that date.

Cheers

[xKx_31]

A few comments

Car rentals are very cheap in japan as long as you go through the right sources. In partcular look for the mazda weekend deals on tocoo, as an example on my next trip we're getting an mx5 for 3 days for ~150 aus total. On our last trip we hired a van (go the El Grande!) and car hire/fuel/insurance etc was less than $50 each for the two days. For most of the cars you can specify sat nav, yes, it's in japanese but it's not hard to figure out so if you have some maps in english (easy top get before you go) and half a clue you can match the sat nav telling you where you are to where you want to go and get there easily. We've never had a problem getting around. That said, I prepare before my trips, a bit of effort before you head to japan makes the trip a million times easier

For the places you mentioned

- Mugen - haven't been there, can't comment

- Toda - worth a visit and only about 800kms from tokyo

- Jun - well worth a vist, pretty easy on public transport and a lot to see

- HKS - the saitama workshop is pretty close

- Autobacs - waste of time IMO (though in tokyo the shinonome store has a great bookshop upstairs)

- Cusco - about an hour on a bullet north of tokyo, hire a car and go from there to haruna and akagi which are very close

- ZERO1000 - dunno them

- Apexi - not really a place you can "visit"  

There are a stack of places in around tokyo so it's a case of picking a group which are in the same sorta area (you've only got a day). To give you an example of the workshops which are in the area

Nismo omori

top secret (close to an autobacs and crystal)

central 20  

impul

garage saurus

e-sr

tomei

re amemiya

spoon

yashio factory

pan speed

visit top secret the day you go out to auto salon, do some shopping in pallette town in daiba and you can visit the historic garage/museum while the gf shops, likewise with nissan gallery in ginza, if you tell me which workshops you'd _really_ like to see I could probably send you a map with directions

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WoW, sounds like ya really travelling to Japan alot! From your post, I gather a few places might be just enough to visit.

- Mugen

- TopFuel (ZERO1000)

- JUN Auto Mech

- HKS

- Cusco

- Spoon

- Tomei

*I hope the list is not too long*

I've got a bunch of address but its all in Jap, so probably I will have to send it elsewhere to decipher to readable English. Such a waste that Toda is so far!!! Not that I'm able to purchase shit loads of stuff from all the places I'm visiting but its for memory keepsake to remind me that I've been to those places!!

Damm, your deal with the car rental is dirt cheap!!! Able to recommend me a couple of websites so I can do the booking!?!? If so, I think I will go big with those MPVs. Maybe I can find some other forum users to share the load for a day or two then take turns to drive around and also tag along you guys who are already based in Japan. What worries me is the conflict of interests on the places to visit etc. If response aint that promising, I guess I would just settle for a normal car which seats from 5-6 for 3 days.

Are the hwy something like Melbourne where you have to have a card whenever you enter some restricted areas such as those city limits etc??

Also, would I be able to do purchase in those places that were listed above? I mean as in over the counter?? I tried unsuccessfully to ask them to send me stuff from websites as they usually would direct me to their distributors, but the problem with distributors are they usually mark up the prices so high up, it looks intimidating at times!!

Thanks for the help on the maps, will keep you posted if I require any directions. But I try not to hassle and trouble any forum users too much

And thanks for the kind info!!!

[InspectorGadget]

But I'm finally going home...and hooray to that

When are you off mate? Are you taking a break when you go back to re-adjust?

IG

[xKx_31]

I believe my business partners and I are already doing so .

Setting up a business is not difficult due to the revision of the 1yen company.  However after 3 years you have to pay the true registration cost...which is frightening expensive but if you look at it over a course of 3 years it's not so bad and you should be making money before then else I'd fold up quick smart and leave the country :lol: I'd also look into company tax as well.  A Limited company intial startup is expensive that's all.

Regarding visiting the shops, is it necessary...because if your only after parts your better off ordering them instead of running around.  Come to Japan to visit, not running around and finally find you actually saw Jack instead of Jill...when someone asks you how was Japan?

PR huh...try 10years before you can apply PR.

Hey there, the thing about my friend setting up retail etc over in Japan is mainly because he loves the place there!! Although being one of the most expensive countries to reside in (Japan), he's dying for a change of environment.

Another thing aside, if he actually decide to go over after his contract to set up some company etc, we will set up a company/shop both in Australia and Singapore. Since he's there, he wish to acquire some brands dealership that are not commonly seen in S.E Asia such as TopFuel (who only recently gave its first distributorship to US).

Rationale being, we both see alot of places selling parts on a ridiculous price structure and eventually we sit back and realised why are we paying so much for stuff that are only 60% of the RRP?? Dealers and distributors are earning too high profit and personally, I'm building a Honda motor and I have to spend like a few Ks just to hit my target specs. Eventually I sought to find manufacturers myself and thus some of the group buys.

I mean its personal opinions though. Retailing of parts need not be performance based but also can be on OEM products which are in abundance in Taiwan and China. Lucky for me, I have relatives working there so the ease of finding some parts for my project.

Even so, without the trading of auto parts, there are a multitude of products and knowledge to be learnt from Japan. The technology there far surpasses those of Singapore and the preception that trend starts from Japan is a good indicator to food business such as those Octopus ball that grown so big in Singapore when it actually originate from Japan and brought over!

Just my .5cts worth!

[xKx_31]

JUN auto mechanic is mainly a garage set-up yes, with a fairly small shop. But well worth a visit, I dare say they would show you around the workshops anyway, as its all fairly open and visable from the street. And as mentioned, it is easy to access by public transport.

I guess JUN Auto is a must since there are quite a number of good comments on that place!!

[xKx_31]

I agree...travelling by trains is far better easier and less hassle, but some prefer cars.  Just don't complain about the traffic.

When on holidays, take it easy...rushing is just shit and not a holiday.  Some mates have done the whole of Japan or rather all the major cities from Hokkaido to Kyushu...in a 14 day rail pass.  Big time culture shock!  

Only after processing the photos and taking the time to look back through them, did anything make sense. When your in Japan for the first time there is so much to absorb, it's worth the time to think, understand and enjoy! Else you leave and think having been to Japan once you know it all...thus projecting misconception!  

Then coming on here and spout out in the Japan section, which is the reason why none of us J-guys no give a f**k no more because there are so many so call Japan experts now!

Trains or no car, come traffic jams or no wait, its still an experience! Why is it an experience to be stuck in a jam for like an hour or so? Because, the jam in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore and Australia are all so different!! hahahaha .... Why different!?!? Because I get to see the surroundings and absorb all the details and those pictures will be like imprints in the mind!! Sounds dumb!?? Yeah, prolly is!!!

Oh man, I know holidays are meant for enjoyment and not rushing aound like what I'm planning to do!! But there's a so much I can do for the itinerary since I'm not paying for it!!

Hopefully if the 06 TAS is still in Jan period, I would most prolly be able to make it again!!! Sorta like a pilgrimage or something!!

Ermmm .... no comments on that last para ... Wasnt sure what it actually meant or who is it meant for or in general ... But honestly, I guess there's really no such Japan expert because the country is so big and wonderful (My perception) that it takes a lifetime to really discover the different aspects of being a tourist, being a foreign worker, being a local and being RICH there!!! heeh .... Something like Australia where I've spent the last 1.5 years in. Perth is nice, Melbourne is nicer, Sydney and the rest .... ermmm ... yet to discover!!!

[xKx_31]

Evo_Lee just reminded me of the article I was reading the other day in the Japan Times.  

 Normally to register a business you need either 3 or 10 million yen (?) in working capital, but they've lowered that to just 1 yen for the purpose of encouraging entrepreneurs to start up small businesses.  However as Evo_Lee stated, you need to get your working capital up to normal levels within 3 years.

 And the kicker is, I'm pretty sure that you need to be a Japanese national to apply for the programme.

 What really cracks me up is the number of people who are fascinated by Japan  (especially young Americans) due to manga and music, build up huge misconceptions about what Japan is about,.  Then they get all disappointed whenthey get here and no-one is carrying Katana's to work on the subway and their apartment is the size of a dog kennel.

*LOL* Katana on the subway???

And I thought Japan is big on cars, technology, gadgets and the "never say give up" workforce spirit!!! Guess I watched too much telly =X

[xKx_31]

Oh btw, my apology if anyone is irate from receiving instant email notifications too many times from this thread.

I started the thread to seek some advice, therefore if needed, I have to reply to each new post.

[Evo_Lee]

When are you off mate?  Are you taking a break when you go back to re-adjust?

IG

Soon 28th December just after Xmas, so it's my last Xmas in Japan so all you bros from kanto get over here for a massive night out! New Years is in Aust . Leaving after Xmas to ensure I sort everything out before I leave.

I'll be taking it easy, a much needed well earned rest. Indeed it will take a while to adjust back but shouldn't take too long. After about three months is what a mate from Sweden said after he got home. In Japan a gaijin is a star and can have any chick he desires , but once you go home settling back into your own culture. Who do you think you are? Just one of them...reality kicks in lol!

But I'm not gonna breath a sigh of relief just yet! Got a call last weekend for another contract in Taiwan for the new high speed line due open in 2006 running a Japanese Shinkansen. As you may have heard it's the first time a Japanese high speed train has been exported, and they want it run perfect, not that it wouldn't based on the reliability in Japan. However the test schdule is tighter then Justin's R32!

Employer want me to start end of this month...WTF not even a week back home, you nazi's bastards!!!

Still not decided, as I just feel it's time to go home you know the feeling...even if the money is very good.

[xKx_31]

Big money!! Slog for a couple of years, save up and go back to relax and enjoy!!

Good Luck!

[InspectorGadget]

Soon 28th December just after Xmas, so it's my last Xmas in Japan

No more "spongee cakeeee" for Christmas from here on. :-P

What line of work are you in?

All the best to you whatever you decide to do.

IG

[Evo_Lee]

Tis is a toughie I know, and I may just do it...one last overseas contract.

Guys I'm just tired, all work and no play makes jack a dull boy. Plus age is catching up, 30 next year .

IG, Rail engineer - Train Information System engineering. Onboard CPU for metros and high speed trains, like tuning a CPU for a car but these CPUs are customised to control all onboard system like the traction motors, brakes, doors, air con, passenger information systems etc.

The CPUs are fitted to 80% of JR trains and Shinkansens...in Asia - MTRC and KCRC (HK), SMRT (Singapore), TRTS (Taiwan), SMG (Korea), DMRC (India) etc.

I'm in Japan because the design office is in Japan, Osaka.

[Evo_Lee]

IG, Rail engineer - Train Information System engineering.

The onboard CPU for JR trains and Shinkansen, also fitted to MTRC and KCRC (HK), SMRT (Singapore) TRTS (Taiwan), SMG (Korea), DMRC (India) etc. Like tuning a CPU for a car but thesee CPUs are customised to control all onboard system like the traction motors, brakes, doors, air con, passenger information systems etc. Takes about 6 months minimum to iron out the bugs on a new metro train and a little longer on a shinkansen.

[Demon Dave]

Troy mate, sorry to hear you're going back so soon. With my schedule the way it is, I doubt I'd be able to make it over your way for an xmas get-together (I gotta work on xmas day :( )

To me you're situation highlights one of the biggest problems with living and working in Japan. If you're prepared to teach, working hours are generally light, and in many cases you can set your own schedule. But the work isn't exactly challenging (mentally) nor is it something most people would consider doing long term...

...but if you are able to get out and work for a Japanese company, all too often you stuck working to their standards...ridiculously long hours, compulsory overtime (in some cases) and sod all vacation time...plus the ups and downs that come with working for a Japanese company in Japan...

For me, been here teaching for 6 years. Some days I hate it. Others I'm as happy as a pig in sh1t I find the best cure for "Japan blues" is a return trip home...always about a week after setting foot in the UK I'm ready to get back to Japan!

[Rezz]

Oi yooooou J-tards... stop whoring this poor guys thread..

Troy you should make a going home thread :idea: