Japan: What you should know

Jishuku - an important Japanese concept

2011-04-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

Many festivals and events scheduled for the month of April in Japan have been canceled due to the earthquake/tsunami/reactors. Most of the cancellations have been caused by the concept, jishuku. Tranlated in simple terms, jishuku means 'to practice self restraint'. In times of crisis, especially when many have been hurt or killed, the Japanese consider this concept very important. They do not believe that it is proper to continue to party, celebrate, cheer,... while others are suffering. It is a personal way to sacrifice for the greater good and helps build community spirit. Jishuku has really helped reduce the use of electricity, but, on the negative side, it has the potential to destroy the Japanese economy. Every canceled event is money lost to numerous organizations and companies. Unfortunately, many people don't see the connection.

Here is a very good article describing jishuku: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/28/world/asia/28tokyo.html?_r=1

I wanted to point this out as many foreigners have different ideas regarding self restraint, and other ways to mourn and/or support victims of a disaster. Here are some suggestions on how to keep from offending your Japanese friends:

*If you want to throw a party, go ahead. But, don't call it a party, call it a get-together. And, keep the noise and visible celebration down. Of course, if you make it a fundraiser, even better.

*If you have Japanese 'friends' on Facebook, try not to post photos of partying/celebrating that they can see. Feelings were hurt during spring break when people saw all the fun everyone was having overseas. It is ok to have some fun, but jishuku definitely means that you shouldn't broadcast it to others.

*Assume that everyone you meet is experiencing hardship; most are. But, they won't tell you about it, and you won't be able to see it. Be especially polite, friendly, and understanding. Many businesses are barely hanging on, employees are working twice as much as they were before (which was already too much),... Our lives are mostly getting back to normal, but this is not the case for most Japanese.

*As I mentioned above, jishuku could kill the economy. So, continue to dine out, to travel, to go out dancing/singing karaoke,... The economy needs people to get on with their lives and continue spending. Just don't advertise what you are doing, and if you do talk about it, say that you are doing your best to stimulate the economy of Japan!

Update - April 5

2011-04-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

1) The Tokyo American Club will be extending their relief drive for the victims of the March 11th Earthquake and Tsunami until April 8th.

Here are some newly requested items: Stationery for kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school students including: Pencil, eraser, color pencil, plastic writing pad(Japanese Shitajiki), pencil box, notebook, pencil sharpener, bag/backpack, socks, sneaker, jersey, sweatpants etc. Toys (New)

2) Want to send a message of hope to the Japanese in Tohoku? Hope Letters will translate yoru letter into English and deliver them. http://www.hopeletters.org/

3) Smile Kids Japan
*Want to volunteer to help orphans? Here is information on how to get started. http://www.smilekidsjapan.org/lang/en/how-to/getting-started/
*See this article on how Smile Kids Japan is helping orphans in Tohoku:
http://act.mtv.com/posts/smile-kids-japan-turns-spotlight-on-orphans-affected-by-disaster/

4) Living Dreams - another organization that helps orphans http://livingdreams.jp/main/

5) Toriizaka Art in conjunction with the Women’s Group at the Tokyo American Club will be doing a benefit exhibition to support the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Nguyen Thanh Binh, a world renown figurative artist who derives his inspiration from Matsuo Basho, perhaps the most influential of Japanese Haiku poets, is joining us for this very special occasion on April 22nd. 20% of the art sales will be donated to the cause. Additionally, three paintings completed by Binh for this occasion will be auctioned off with 100 percent of the profits going to the cause.

“A Celebration of Life and Love” a solo exhibition featuring the works of Nguyen Thanh Binh
Wine and Cheese Reception with the artist – April 22nd, 6pm – 9pm, Tokyo American Club Manhattan Room – open to the public

All net proceeds from the entrance fee of ¥2,500 yen and 20% of all artwork sold will be donated to the TAC Women’s Group to further the relief efforts associated with the earthquake and tsunami. TAC members can sign up at the MSD, non-member can pay at the door. Three pieces have been especially created and donated by Nguyen Thanh Binh for the live auction where 100 percent of the purchase price will benefit the cause.

The exhibition continues at Toriizaka Art (Roppongi Gallery) April 25th – 29th. Map and details can be found on http://www.toriizakaart.com/
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Detailed information in English about the earthquake and the nuclear reactor situation can be found on the following webpages:

- Prime Minister and His Cabinet: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mofa.go.jp/index.html
- IAEA: http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html
- Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency: http://www.nisa.meti.go.jp/english/index.html
- MEXT: http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/saigaijohou/index.html
- Japan Meteorological Agency: http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/2011_Earthquake.html
- Radiation Levels by Prefecture: http://eq.wide.ad.jp/index_en.html

Update - March 31

2011-03-31T03:11:00.000-07:00

For more news regarding what you can do to help...

There are victims that many of us have forgotten about - pets who have lost their families or have been abandoned. Here are two organizations working to help animals in need:

JEARS - Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue & Support http://www.jears.org/

ARK - Animal Rescue Kansai http://arkbark.net/?q=en/node/75
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The Tokyo American Club will be extending their relief drive until April 4th. The drive will continue to operate between the hours of 10:00 to 15:00. Donations should be dropped off at the B1 Family Side where volunteers will assist in moving items to the collection location. PLEASE TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THE “MOST NEEDED” ITEMS (see below). You are also welcome to donate items from the previous list.

Non-members may also donate items. Non-members should advise the staff of their purpose at the main entrance gate, and then proceed down the ramp to the B1 family side where they drop off their donations and then exit the club via the same ramp.

MOST NEEDED:
1. Baby items: diapers, baby lotion, baby oil, baby wipes, fever resistance sheet
2. New underwear and socks (for men, women, and children)
3. For the aged: adult diapers, wet sheet for caring, etc.
4. Daily items: contact lens cleaning items, hokkairo, sanitary napkins, paper cups and plates, saran wrap,...
5. Cold/Flu medicine
6. Water

Please do not bring in used clothing, towels, socks, blankets,... and check the expiration date of food and medicine. The volunteers themselves have to dispose of items that cannot be sent. ____________________________________________________

Something else...

As foreigners in Japan, we tend to have a higher disposable income than most, and we really need to use our discretionary spending to help. If we get back to a more regular life and start spending again; small businesses and the economy itself will get a much needed boost. Go out to restaurants, frequent your local coffee shop, take taxis, buy a new camera, go to the spa,... Don't stay inside and definitely don't feel guilty about living your life! Japan NEEDS us to spend.

Want to get out of the city on the weekend? Go for it! But, just in case, check the blackout schedule beforehand. You can travel almost anywhere right now, and find a room at a hotel last minute. Even areas completely unaffected by the earthquake/tsunami/reactors are hurting for tourists. (Especially since the foreign news media scared off almost all the international tour groups). For example, this is the perfect year to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Or, to see them locally THIS WEEKEND, go to the Izu Peninsula where they have already started to bloom!

Update - March 29

2011-03-31T02:18:00.000-07:00

I hope you are doing well. A couple of things...
1) The TAC Food Drive ends this Thursday, March 31. If you would like to donate something, this is what is has been most requested by the shelters we are assisting: adult diapers, Japanese cold medicine, underwear, and children's toys/board games.
*Diapers and cold medicine must be un-opened. Medicine must have Japanese labels.
*Underwear and toys/board games must be new. Board games and toy instructions must be in Japanese.

2) I have received this from FCC:

My friend has done some research and found several places we can donate:
1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government: venue: No.2 building, ground floor, New products only 1.Goods for babies (paper-diaper, wet-napkin,baby lotion) 2.Goods for aged (paper-diaper) 3. Contact lens care items, sanitary napkin, polyethylene wrap) 4. Bottled water
2. Red Feather Community Chest Movement:
http://japankizuna.hana.bi/2011/03/23/support-through-red-feather-community-chest-movement/
3. Minato-City Sport Center: To accept from Mar.23 through 31st. Canned food, Rice, Bottled Water, Dry milk for babies, Cup noodles, diaper, tissue paper, wet tissue(only new products) They were carried to Iwaki-city,Fukushima)
4.http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204954552849257#!/jcitokyo
5.http://www.facebook.com/nucct
I can't vouch for Red Feather. I can say that FCC is giving to Caritas Japan which is part of Catholic Relief Services and highly regarded. If you bring funds to FCC that is where the money will go. God Bless the people of the Tohoku. Frances Moyer Women's Network
_______________________________________________________

Regarding donations...

I don't recommend that you bring anything back with you from overseas, except cash. Stage one (dire circumstances) is over. Roads are being cleared and distribution lines are finally opening up. Thousands of brand new blankets, mattresses, tents,... are being donated by the governments of other countries. They have also donated tons of food and medicine. These supplies are finally getting through to the victims.

Companies around Japan are also donating food, medicine, new clothing, new shoes,... There is no need for used clothing, and as they are not starving, the residents of the affected areas prefer to eat Japanese food - so foreign food is also not needed. Medicine must be purchased in Japan, as it cannot be distributed unless it is certified for use in this country and labels must be in Japanese so they can be fully understood.

Smaller NGO's, with their own trucks, are working with individual shelters and towns. In these cases, specific goods and services are requested. (Like the TAC food drive). I recommend supporting these whenever possible, as there is no red tape. Requested good donated go straight to those who requested them.

*I've been reading many stories of volunteers in affected towns/shelters wasting a lot of time sifting through donations to find what they actually need. You will help most if you donate exactly what is requested.
I know that everyone wants to help right away, but I believe that we can make a bigger difference in the months ahead as new news stories take over the headlines of world newspapers. The rebuilding is going to take years. As time passes, each and every town is going to have different needs and challenges. I'm sure we will all have multiple opportunities to assist/donate/contribute.

For now, I recommend that you continue to donate money to your favorite charities, keep (and spread) a positive attitude, and remember those in need as the international news media eventually forgets about them.

It is also very important that we make a conscious effort to reduce our use of electricity. Our homes and appliances consume much more power than average. Since most of us live beside the 'Wall Street' and 'Washington DC' of Japan, it is doubtful that we will experience any blackouts. But, millions in surrounding areas are experiencing them daily. The less we use has a direct correlation on the length and number of blackouts they have to endure.

Best wishes.

Tokyo American Club Food Drive - thru March 31

2011-03-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

The Tokyo American Club is holding a food/supplies drive to support the humanitarian efforts under way for those affected by the devastating March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunamis. The food/supplies drive will take place between the hours of 10:00 – 15:00 daily until the end of March. Donations should be dropped off on the B1 family side. Volunteers will assist in moving them to the collection location.

Non-members may also donate food and other items. Non-members should advise the staff of their purpose at the main entrance gate, and then proceed down the ramp to the B1 family side where they drop off their donations and then exit the club via the same ramp.

The food drive is being held in cooperation with Allied Pickfords Japan, SIRVA Relocation and Second Harvest, who are providing transportation, logistics and distribution.

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

PLEASE DO NOT...

*donate food that has expired or that has been opened.
*send clothing or toys.
*send anything that is used (blankets, towels,...).

If you donate these items, the volunteers have to take them home and dispose of them personally. Please read the donation item list carefully and only donate items on it. Thank you!

*Special note: Regarding foreign foods (that do not have a Japanese label on it): Second Harvest is unable to check food allergy information on package labels of some overseas food items, as they are written in foreign languages and they do not have the manpower. Unfortunately, they cannot ship them to the affected areas in consideration of babies and people with sensitivities and allergies.

Food items most needed are rice, miso, nori, canned foods (vegetables, fruit, fish, meat) and noodles (soba, udon, ramen, spaghetti). The items must be undamaged, non-perishable and with ample time remaining on the expiry date.

Additional items needed:
antiseptics
baby solid foods
batteries
bicycles (new)
blue sheets (plastic sheets)
calorie-mate (energy bars)
cassette (canister) gas
chopsticks
collapsible storage carts (new)
diapers (adult, baby - unopened)
ear plugs
earphones
emergency kit
external medications including adhesive bandages(unopened)
freezer boxes (new)
infant formula powder milk
kairos (portable hand warmer)
lighters
masks
paper plates / cups
plastic bottles
plastic forks / spoons
portable freezer boxes (new)
portable toilets (unopened)
retort-pouch food
ropes
sanitary napkins
shampoos (the kinds that don’t need water are best)
slippers
soaps
tissues
toilet paper
towels(not used)
trash bags
underwear (not used)
wet tissues / wipes

Earthquake/Tsunami - Informative and/or interesting websites & blogs

2011-03-21T01:48:00.000-07:00

An excellent article, "Why Tokyo isn't dangerous and you don't need to leave'
http://www.lagazzettadellabici.com/2011/03/why-tokyo-isnt-dangerous-and-you-dont.html

Japan Times - Earthquake Resources
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/emergency-assistance.html

NHK World - Japan's News in English
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

Gakuranman on the Great Tohoku Earthquake
http://gakuranman.com/great-tohoku-earthquake/#live

United States Army Japan
http://www.usarj.army.mil/

Armed Forces Radio - Tokyo
http://www.afntokyo.com/afntokyo/Eagle_810.html
*Listen to the Yokota Air Base Town Hall Meeting, March 14, 2011 for an excellent explanation of what is going on (explanations on reactor types & possible scenarios, safety of food/water, evacuations,...). Click 'Next' on the large box on the top left (above 'Eagle 810 On Camera')

Working Mom in Japan Blog
http://workingmominjapan.blogspot.com/

Nuclear Reactor explained by Poop and Farts: Nuclear Reactor Boy's Tummy Ache (animation explanation of crisis)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUzBvxdnCFM

Wasabiwabi Weblog - Musings on life in Japan by a 40 something American woman
http://wasabiwabi.wordpress.com/

Earthquake/Tsunami - Small things you can do to help

2011-03-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

Many in Tokyo feel helpless and want to volunteer/contribute.
Only a week after the initial quake and tsunami, here are some small contributions you can make.

What can I do to help?

1) It may sound silly but... live your life! Continue to shop, go to the spa, take taxis, dine at your favorite restaurants, visit a ryokan, etc. It is just as important to keep the local economy going as it is to rebuild those in the north; they are completely interconnected. For this to be even more productive, try to buy Japanese products whenever possible.

2) Encourage,compliment and thank as many people as you can! Almost every person who you see working is going above and beyond in this crisis. Many have to get up 2-3 hours earlier each day to get to work on time. Many others are working overtime to cover for staff who are sick/missing. All are under a great deal of stress, but you would never guess by looking at them - absolute professionalism, as usual. A kind word, even in another language, goes a long way.

3) Be as environmental as possible. In addition to reducing the use of electricity, be especially mindful of recycling and of the disposal of trash. Sorting things properly goes a long way to help the system function smoothly.

These organizations often need help/volunteers. Check their websites.

5) Tokyo Union Church http://www2.gol.com/users/tuc/

6) Franciscan Chapel Center: franciscanchapelcentertokyo.org

7) Make a donation to your favorite charity. At this stage, cash donations are the best way to help the victims of this disaster. If you do not have one in mind, the Japanese Red Cross Society is always a good choice.
http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/relief/l4/Vcms4_00002070.html

The Earthquake, March 11, 2011

2011-03-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

Not really a 'what you should know', but hopefully interesting just the same.

My Earthquake Story

As I was planning to lead a tour of Kagurazaka soon, I had just finished walking my route. I was sitting on the 2nd floor of a coffee shop, drinking an ice coffee, when things started to shake. There were seven other people in the cafe, we all looked up and waited for it to end (as it always does). But, it didn't end, it got stronger. The other people just sat there, but with so much glass in the room, I got up, put on my coat, and headed outside. Walking down the steps, I had to keep one hand on the wall to my right. As I got to the bottom and then stepped through the front sliding glass doors, I heard the sound of breaking glass behind me. Thankfully, it wasn't the doors. I didn't look back, instead I walked over to Sotobori-dori (street) beside a row of cherry trees overlooking the former outer moat of Edo Castle. No tall buildings, no power lines, no telephone poles,... I felt drunk as I walked, it was that difficult to stand up straight.

Ladies came streaming out of the nearby Canal Cafe, a few of them quite shaken. But, it wasn't over. In fact, it hadn't stopped yet, the earth was still moving. It seemed to last a long time, although later I found out it was only a minute or two. Then, a major aftershock hit. Many of the ladies were squatting down, a few older women were tightly gripping a fence, and some were hugging each other. There were hundreds of people up and down the sidewalks, in all directions. Most of them were trying to call someone on their cell phones, and none were successful. There were lots of exclamations; 'Sugoi' (Wow), 'Kowai' (Scary),... but nobody screamed. It was really bizarre, almost like a dream. It was as if the entire world was shaking and wasn't going to stop. I've never felt anything like it.

It took a while, but finally the shaking did stop completely. Everyone around me just stood there, waiting. I was impressed that two young men working at the cafe came over to me and asked if I was ok, in English. People were streaming out of the subway entrances, and every taxi in sight was grabbed immediately. It was only 3:30, it wasn't very cold, and I know Tokyo well enough... so I decided it was best to walk home.

I couldn't phone my husband, so I wrote short texts telling him where I was as I walked. If I pushed 'send' enough times, the text did seem to go through. Nothing came back, though. I wasn't really worried as he's the most capable guy I know. Anyway, I decided to walk above the Namboku Subway line, which I had ridden earlier from the station closest to my home. I went in the direction of the line by following the old outer moat for as long as I could because it was free of anything dangerous (telephone poles, buildings,...).

If I had been sleeping when the earthquake hit, I would have thought that everyone had decided to take a break from work at exactly the same time. It was all so orderly and pleasant. Employees at really disciplined companies stood quietly in large groups, all wearing matching white hardhats emblazoned with their company logo. Kids at an elementary school were sitting (actually squatting) in perfectly straight lines with silver pointy cushion-hats on their heads. Hundreds of well dressed parents accompanying their graduating children were filing out of a gymnasium and out onto a huge soccer field. In all of these groups, a few people seemed a little shaken, but there was no panic and I only saw one lady crying.

As I made my way into Akasaka, then Tameike Sanno (business districts), the crowds got thicker and thicker. Thousands of people were waiting to be allowed back in to their offices, thousands of others were on the move. Everyone was calm and friendly. A few people had left their offices and were heading home - still in their white hardhats. It was kind of cute.

After a little over an hour of walking at a brisk pace, I decided to stop for a break at the Tokyo American Club. I went into the Traders Bar and found a bunch of friends. I talked with them, watched a little bit of news on TV, and then headed home. At this point, I was mostly unaware of the damage and devastation the earthquake had caused.

It was about 5:30pm, and there were thousands and thousands of people walking in all directions. I was heading down Route 1, it was now a sea of traffic, both vehicular and human. When I got home, I was actually in a very relaxed mood. It had been a long, but pleasant walk. I hadn't seen anyone injured or even upset. And I didn't see any real damage, not even a broken window.

At home, it was a different story. A bottle of tequila and a bunch of wine glasses had toppled over; broken glass was all over the floor. A couple of pictures had fallen from the wall. Fortunately, only the glass of one had broken. None of our bookshelves had toppled, but a few had emptied onto the floor. In a spare room, many of my husband's airplane models had dive bombed into the carpet. They had created their own miniature airplane graveyard. Three metal file cabinets were tilting toward my desk, the drawers open. Most of what was on the desk had fallen to the floor - luckily my laptop was caught by the chair. But, that was it. The power was on, and the water was running. Only the gas was no longer working.

I had stopped and bought some take out sushi on my way home. I ate it while my computer started up. The wifi was still going strong, so I e-mailed my family and all of my husband's accounts. Still no word. A few minutes later, however, I got a response. He was fine. Still at work, he was taking care of business, actually and figuratively. Then, I turned on the TV. It was shocking. Of course I should have known that an earthquake of that size would have caused serious damage. But since I hadn't seen it on my walk across the city, I hadn't really thought about it. Oil refineries on fire, huge ships being dragged out to sea, vast areas of farmland being swallowed by waves full of debris, and the Sendai Airport terminal building had become an island in a sea of filthy water.

On the positive side, it was wonderful to see so many people spring into action. In a country that outwardly seems to have few real leaders, a lot of people stepped up and filled the role. Fortunately, earthquake drill training here is consistent and thorough. Everyone with a job to do automatically started to do it. Managers made sure everyone was out of buildings, then they counted and recounted their employees. Others walked through neighborhoods checking on their neighbors, even ones they had never spoken to before. Security guards (who never seem to have much of anything to do) were keeping people from entering unsafe areas, or they were helping with crowd control. Whenever a problem arose, someone took care of it.

It is times like these that reinforce my love of Japan. There hasn't been a single mention of looting or violence. No warnings to stay indoors for safety from humans, only warnings to be prepared for aftershocks and/or to stay away from the coast.

It is now almost 11:30pm. My husband is walking home and I continue to watch images of destruction on TV. Occasionally, the house shakes a little. Let's hope the worst is behind us.

*On a humorous note, when I mentioned the damage in our home to my husband, his first question was, "Which models broke and how badly damaged are they?" (:

#1 Deal in Tokyo - The GRUTT Pass

2009-04-26T03:11:00.000-07:00

The Grutt pass is definitely Tokyo's best bargain. 'Guruto' means to 'go around', and for only 2000 yen, the purchaser is given a passbook full of coupons good for free entrance to over 40 Tokyo museums/zoos/aquariums,...

Special exhibitions are not included, but discount coupons for those exhibitions are also included in the passbook. The pass is good for two months from the date of the first day of use.

This promotion runs every year. The pass can be purchased from April 1 to January 31. (Purchasing it on January 31st automatically starts the two month period, so the pass is good until March 31).

Japanese only website: http://www.rekibun.or.jp/grutto/

For information regarding many of the museums/zoos/aquariums covered by the Grutt Pass, see my Tokyo blog: tokyoreview.blogspot.com

Tokyo Metropolitan Atlas

2008-11-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

I recommend this book if you really want to learn your way around Tokyo, especially if you like to explore. Unlike most other map books of Tokyo, the maps here are divided into the 23 central 'ku' (wards) of Tokyo; plus the cities and towns that make up the rest of Tokyo (approx. 30).

With a normal map book of Tokyo, the focus is on one particular part of town. A map of Shibuya will focus on the area directly surrounding Shibuya Station, and it will be quite detailed. This book, however, is not so detailed, but gives a much broader view. It really helps you 'see' how the city is organized.

It is also a great map for finding anything with an address. Let's say, for example, that I need to visit a bookstore with the address: Shinjuku-ku, Saka-machi 12 - 1. I turn to the Shinjuku-ku page, and then find Saka-machi. Saka-machi is then divided into numbered blocks. I find block number 12, and I know that the bookstore is within that block. There are usually about 10 buildings or homes in a block, and each one is labeled in order: 12-1, 12-2, 12-3,... If you can get to the block, you'll find the store.

On the map, Saka-machi is also written in Japanese. If I am walking the street and there are no signs in English, I can just compare the kanji (Chinese characters) for Saka-machi to the ones posted on most telephone poles in the area.

The book is not so convenient to carry, so I photocopy the wards I plan to be in, and carry those maps in my pocket. Even after 15 years in Japan, I never leave my home without them.

Tokyo Metropolitan Atlas, published in 2008 by Shobunsha.

ISBN4-398-20103-3

2,100 yen, tax included. It can be purchased at most major bookstores that have an English section (Kinokuniya, Maruzen,...).

Shobunsha

Address: 3-1 Koji-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8238

Phone: 03-3556-8111

Suica (and Pasmo) Cards

2008-07-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

If you are visiting or living in Tokyo, the first thing you should do is buy a Suica or Pasmo card.

Suica stands for 'Super Urban Intelligence Card', and it also has the same pronunciation as the Japanese word for watermelon (hence, its logo). It is a rechargeable 'smart card' used as a train and bus pass. No longer is it necessary to worry about how much a fare will be, just pass your Suica card over the card reader at the ticket gates of a train station (when entering and exiting), or at the entrance to a bus, and the fee will automatically be deducted.

A Suica card can be purchased at ticket machines in JR (Japan Railway) train stations that allow its use. The initial cost is 2000 yen, 500 of which is a refundable deposit (if you return the card). As your balance diminishes, the card can be recharged. The balance of your card is displayed every time you pass it over a card reader.

When purchasing or recharging a card, there is a button on the screen that allows you to do everything in English. And, if you have any problems (including problems with the card itself), just ask a staff member at the station to help you.

A similiar card called 'Pasmo' was created by a group of private railway and bus companies. It is virtually identical to the Suica card. The only difference is that monthly passes for JR trains are only on Suica cards, while monthly passes for the Tokyo Metro are only on Pasmo cards.

These days, use of the Suica and Pasmo cards is expanding. In larger stations, some lockers and vending machines can be paid for with the card. Some stores also accept the cards as payment.

*For those visiting Japan, JR East is running a special combining a Suica Card and a trip on the NEX (Narita Express Train) from the airport to Tokyo - I highly recommend it!
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/

Buy 'The Big Issue'

2007-03-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has lived in a major city knows of its problems. Homelessness is something we all see but we really don't know how to react to it personally. What can we do to help?

One option is really simple - purchase 'The Big Issue' magazine whenever you see it being sold. This magazine is unique as it is only sold on the street by homeless people.

I don't know the statistics for Tokyo, but 'The Big Issue' website states that 80% of the homeless in Osaka actually work. In many cases, these individuals are not able to work enough, or their pay is too low, to get off the street permanently. Many are under-skilled older men with health problems who can no longer work in the construction industry.

I once read that you can judge a country by its homeless. If you believe this assumption, Japan is truly an honorable nation. My husband and I have tried to give money to homeless here in Japan, and not once was the money taken. We have only been able to give already purchased food. I think it was more dishonorable to turn down something obviously purchased for the individual, than to accept it. I have walked, by myself, in areas of Shitamachi that were full of homeless men. No one has ever bothered me, in fact I often receive smiles and an occasional 'konnichi wa' or 'kirei des ne'. Of course I wouldn't do this at night, but I try not to walk around at night by myself period. My point is, most homeless are just regular people who have made bad choices and/or had a lot of misfortune in their lives.

The company that puts together 'The Big Issue' is trying to address the problem by offering the homeless an opportunity to earn income working as magazine vendors. Vendors purchase the magazine for 90 yen, and sell it for 200. The 110 yen per issue is profit. If a vendor can sell 500 a month, they can earn up to 50,000 yen, enough to cover very basic accommodations.

Each vendors must sign a 'code of conduct' and go through a training program. In the program, '3 steps toward self-sustainability' are stressed so that participants have a model to guide them, and goals to reach for. Being a 'Big Issue' vendor is not meant to be a long term job, just a way of reaching something better.

The magazine itself targets readers in their 20's and 30's with articles on social conditions, alternative arts, international stories,... Of course, the issue is completely in Japanese. I can't read it, but that doesn't mean that my friends can't. I always buy about 5 issues, and I give them to 5 different Japanese people. I encourage each of them to buy their own issues whenever they can. Most Japanese are happy to help, they are unaware that the magazine even exists. My husband says the articles are actually pretty good, especially the ones written by the homeless themselves.

When I purchase the magazine, I make it a habit to try and make smalltalk. The vendors are usually a little puzzled when I first approach them. I always ask, in Japanese, 'how much is it?'. They tell me and I say that I want 5 copies. Another puzzled look. I then explain that I like to use the magazines in my classroom. I no longer teach, but I did actually use a couple of issues in the past. One man was really happy to hear that the magazine was used to educate. After that, they smile, ask me a question or two, and I leave.

I think interaction with the general public is one of the most important aspects of being a vendor. So many homeless feel invisible, or they are outsiders who don't belong. The more opportunities they have to mix and feel a part of a wider community, the better chance they have of success.

I write this article with the hope that others will purchase the magazine and spread word of its existence. Of course it is not a great solution for homelessness, but even seemingly small things can sometimes make a big difference.