Bilingual and Digital Broadcasts

Most TV sets in Japan come with a “bilingual” feature making it is possible to watch overseas programs in their original language. Additionally, it is possible to purchase “region-free” DVD players at some shops which can play both Japanese and other region DVDs. This is especially important if you plan to bring DVDs from home, yet might want to purchase or rent DVDs while you are in Japan.

Regular Japanese television offers very few programs in other languages beside Japanese; whereas cable or satellite TV broadcast many foreign programs, movies, sports and news that can be viewed in their original language. In order to view programs in their original language, you will need a “bilingual” or multi-system television.

Following the lead of other countries in taking advantage of the latest technology, Japan will switch over completely to digital broadcasting by July 24, 2011. It is therefore recommended that you purchase a bilingual, digital television set so as to be ready to receive digital broadcasts.

Cable Television Services

Cable television companies in Tokyo provide their services by area. These cable companies broadcast many programs from abroad, including such news channels BBC and CNN, popular channels like FOX, MTV and family channels such as Cartoon Network and the Disney channels. All of these stations are available in English or original language. Many properties, especially in the Minato Ward area, are cable ready. Please confirm with the realtor or property management if cable is available or not. If cable TV is an option, you may subscribe directly with the cable television company that serves your area for a nominal monthly fee.

Major cable television companies are:

Cable Television Tokyo Ltd.

Available in Minato and Shinjuku Wards
Cable TV, Digital music service, Internet and IP telephone available
www.cabletv.co.jp/engligh/index.php
Free dial: 0120-037-109, Monday-Saturday, 9:30-18:30

Jupiter Telecommunication Co.,Ltd.

Available in Setagaya, Chuo, Suginami, Taito and Sumida Wards
J:Com digital cable TV, Internet, Fixed Phone and IP telephone available
www.jcom.co.jp/english.html
Free dial: 0120-999-000, 9:00-21:00

Its Communication Inc.

Available in Setagaya, Meguro, Shibuya and Ota Wards
(along Tokyu Toyoko line)
iTSCOM cable TV, Internet and Hikari Hybrid IP telephone available
www.itscom.net/en
Free dial: 0120-109-199, weekdays, 9:30 – 20:00, weekends and holidays, 9:30-18:30

CS Satellite Digital Television

If your home is not wired for cable TV, then you may want to subscribe to a satellite TV service. Again, please confirm with the realtor or property management, that you may have satellite TV service installed.

Satellite broadcasting offers many local and foreign channels, that can be viewed either in Japanese or in the original language, grouped in packages that include a variety of Japanese and foreign programs for a nominal monthly fee. It is also possible to subscribe to individual channels on a monthly basis along with special packages such as a “soccer (football) channel” and pay-per-view options for some sports, movies and special programming. There is a 2 week free trial period which starts immediately upon receipt of your contract which allows you to watch foreign programs as soon as you move into your new home and also gives you time to see what programs are available and choose whatever package is best for you. Payment for programs and tuner rental can be made by credit card.

Most foreign nationals subscribe to either SkyPerfecTV! Or SkyPerfecTV! Hikari for which details follow.

To continue reading a full story and learn more about practical information you should know, please click Television Services in Tokyo.

*Original article published on Japan Info Swap, which is full of timely and useful informaiton in English about Japan for expats by the H&R Group.
Who is the H&R Group?

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Beaches in Tokyo Japan

Beaches in Japan may seem like something of an alien experience on first encounter. For a start, very few people actually make it into the water, not matter how inviting it is. The water is predominantly reserved for children and flirting students. Those who do make it into the water generally find it shallow – particularly at the manmade beaches – which makes preponderance of floating devices rather confusing.

The majority of people prefer to stay on the shore under parasols or tents that are rented or brought from home (sunbathing is unusual) while for the more energetic there are often rigorous games such as volleyball. Most beaches have small restaurants or huts selling foods, snacks and drinks (it is usually accepted to drink alcohol on Japanese beaches), and some places even have barbecue sections where you can grill your food. There is usually a lifeguard on duty and a beach house (umi no ie) at which you can shower and change. Some even have lockers in which you can leave your valuables.

Enoshima and Kamakura beaches

The beaches of Kamakura are extremely popular in the summer months for visitors from both Tokyo and Yokohama. As we as the sea and sand, the 4km island of Enoshima, a short train journey west (or even a beautiful coastal bike ride should you wish to rent bicycles) is a pleasantly touristy distraction with Enoshima Shrine, caves and a nearby aquarium. Try the local shirasu fish delicacy.

Getting there : From Tokyo take the JR Tokaido line to Ofuna and change to the JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura in under an hour.
Map

Hayama-Isshiki beach

A holiday destination for Japan’s Imperial family since 1984, Hayama-Isshiki beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Japan thanks to its high quality sand and the fact that it is less crowded than some of the other popular beaches. If you aren’t a fan of sand there are lawns on which to loll, and if you want to get a bit sporty then body boarding, windsurfing and jet skiing are all allowed.

Getting there: JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Zushi station and change onto a Keikyu Bus number 12 (located to the left outside the ticket gates) bound for Hayama. Alight at Isshiki Kaigan. One hour 30 minutes.
Map

Onjuku beach

The white semi-circle flat sandy beach of Onjuku on the Boso peninsula is considered so beautiful that it has inspired a children’s song, a fact represented by statues of camels carrying a prince and princess on their backs. Partially due to its fame Onjuku is a particularly popular beach, especially amongst young adults who come to meet, surf, ride banana boats and party with each other throughout the summer.

Getting there: Take the Wakashio Line from Tokyo JR station towards Awakamogawa and it is less than 90 minutes on a direct line to Onjuku.
Map

To continue reading a full story, please click Beaches Around Tokyo.

*This article is brought to you by Mark Guthrie from Japn Info Swap.
Provided by the H&R Group, Japan Info Swap is full of timely and useful informaiton in English about Japan for expats.
Who is the H&R Group?

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Typhoon season in Japan usually runs from June to December, but most typhoon activity occurs between the months of July and September.

Southern parts of Japan, such as Okinawa or Kagoshima are particularly affected by these storms, but residents of any part of Japan are likely to experience one or more during their time here.

A typhoon is the same as a hurricane or tropical cyclone.  All three  are regionally specific names for a storm that falls in the highest classification of storm based on wind speed.  Lower levels of storms include: Tropical Depression, Tropical Storms, etc… the preparation and safety tips remain the same for these lower level storms.

A Typhoon is characterized by:

• High winds powerful enough to damage or destroy buildings, trees, power and telephone lines, and hurl debris at dangerous speeds.
• Storm surges, or temporary rises in sea levels, which can flood coastal areas and damage buildings near the shore
• Very heavy rainfall  that can cause flooding and mudslides

What to do if a Typhoon is Approaching

Typhoons are notoriously difficult to accurately predict where, when and at what strength they will strike land.  They will often veer off-course, change or  their speed, or intensify  quite suddenly.  Many times Typhoons that were predicted to hit have missed completely, or vice versa, suddenly bearing down on the city it was expected to miss.

Watch NHK Television

• NHK – while not always in English, important notices are given in English.

Listen to US Armed Forces Network (AFN) Radio

AFN Radio provides regular weather bulletins in English. You can listen to AFN on

• 89.1 FM  in Okinawa
• 1575 AM in Nagasaki and Hiroshima Regions
• 810 AM   in the Kanto Region

Make an Emergency Kit

• See this guide to creating your 3 Day emergency / disaster kit

What to do if a Typhoon Strikes Keep Safe from Heavy Rainfall

• If possible, stay at home and keep advised of the situation by watching NHK. While not always in English, important notices are given in English on NHK.
• Be prepared to evacuate by knowing where to go, and having a disaster kit prepared and on hand.
• Stay clear of rivers / streams and large drains. There is potential for any of them to overflow without warning.
• Avoid using a vehicle, especially in the dark, as it is difficult to see flooded areas and it is often too late once you enter them. Kindly note that your insurance is, for the most part, unlikely to cover the loss of your vehicle due to flooding.
• If your parking spot is in a low lying area, move your car to a local supermarket or other such car parks that are on higher land. This would be advisable especially if there is already 5- 10 cm of water that you need to wade through around your vehicle.

Keep Safe from High Winds

•  Stay inside! Keep advised of the situation by watching NHK. While not always in English, important notices are given in English on NHK.
• Secure or move inside outdoor items such as toys, grills, bicycles, furniture, plants and anything movable on the balcony. Move potted plants and other heavy objects away from windows inside as well.
• If you have shutters on your windows and doors, pull them shut. Shutters can prevent your windows from being broken by flying items.
• Set your freezer to the coldest temperature setting to minimize spoilage if the power is cut off
• Watch for leaks around windows and doors. If the wind is strong enough, water may be blown into your home even if the windows are closed. Have handy towels, rags and mops
• If the storm becomes severe, move into a hallway or area where there is the least exposure to external glass windows.
• Draw curtains across the windows to prevent against flying glass should windows crack.
• A window on the side of the house away from the approaching storm should be opened a few inches. This will compensate for the differences of indoor and outdoor air pressure.
• Remember that typhoons have “eyes”, areas in their center where the weather appears calm. If the eye passes over your area, it may appear that the storm has finished, with winds then picking up again as the remainder of the storm arrives
• After the typhoon is gone, check for broken glass, fallen trees and downed power lines which may present safety hazards near children’s school bus stops, outdoor trash areas, around your car, etc.

Keep Safe from Storm Surge 

• Keep advised of the situation by watching NHK (Channels 1 and 3)
• Be prepared to evacuate by knowing where to go, and having a disaster kit prepared and on hand.

Keep Informed – For More Information

• Japan Meteorological Agency
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) (US Military Site)
• Weather Underground- Wunderground
• Weathernews (Japanese site, but good graphics)

This article is brought to you by the H&R Group
Who is the H&R Group?

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See the JP Post and 7-Eleven Websites for details on this issue. Mastercard’s Statement

Before arriving in Japan you should know that most bank ATMs in Japan will not accept credit, debit or ATM cards that were issued outside of Japan. If you are unaware this could leave you without access to money after arrival. No cash could be a problem, but with some knowledge and planning you should be able to access your money.

To read more, please click Using ATM Cards Issued Overseas in Japan by Japan Info Swap.

*Japan Info Swap has been set up by the H&R Group as part of its relocation service, to assist expats in Japan by providing useful and easily accessible information to enhance daily living.  Visit theirblog, sign up for their newsletter, or download their free e-book about living in Japan.

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What is the Great Japan Beer Festival?

Yes, craft beer (typically beer that is made by small or “micro” breweries independent of the large brewing chains) has taken off in Japan in a big way, and nowhere is this more evident than at the great Japan Beer Festival. Hosted by the Japan Craft Beer Association (JCBA) the Great Japan Beer Festival, also known as Beerfest, is Japan’s largest beer festival and has gone from strength to strength since its first outing in 1998.

Since those early days in Tokyo, Beerfes has expanded to include events in Yokohama, Okinawa, Osaka and Nagoya. The coming weeks will see events in Yokohama’s Osanbashi Hall at Yokohama Port on May 23 and 24 with expected 3,000 beer enthusiasts, and then on June 6 and 7 in Tokyo’s Yebisu Garden Place’s Garden Hall with up to 5,500 beer lovers sampling over 200 beers.

The festival lasts for three and a half hours on each day, essentially working on an “all-you-want-to-drink” nomihoudai basis. You will be given a tasting glass on entry along with a ling of the available beers. You take this glass to a stand with the beers you want to try where you will be poured a small measure to taste, after which you can move on to as many stalls as you wish to sample.

Being indoors, the Great Japan Beer Festival is a little more formal than the many Oktoberfests and beer festivals that frequent the city. However, whether you are new to craft beers, or are a serious enthusiast, it is a great introduction to some of the best beers of not just this country, but also from around the world.

To read more, please click Great Japan Beer Festival for Great Japan Beer Festival tips and event information. This article is provided by Japan Info Swap.

*Japan Info Swap has been set up by the H&R Group as part of its relocation service, to assist expats in Japan by providing useful and easily accessible information to enhance daily living.  Visit theirblog or sign up for their newsletter.

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To sum up, it seems like everyone goes somewhere over Golden Week, but if you are not interested or able to leave Tokyo, there are still a wide variety of activities to keep youself entertained during the Golden Week Holiday period.

Japan Info Swap provides a thoughtful list of interesting activities for your reference. To read a full story, please click Things to do in Tokyo For Golden Week 2015.

Japan Info Swap has been set up by the H&R Group as part of its relocation service, to assist expats in Japan by providing useful and easily accessible information to enhance daily living.  Visit their blog, sign up for their newsletter, or download their free e-book about living in Japan. The H&R Group is more than relocation.

The post H&R Group -Things to do in Tokyo For Golden Week 2015 appeared first on Jarman International KK.

• Where to live
• Where to shop
• What to see and do
• Restaurants and nightlife
• A guide to services
• And much more!

You can download each as either an interactive multimedia iBook for viewing on an iPad, or as a PDF for viewing on a PC or other devices. Please read more details here.

The H&R Group are professionals at helping people.

Relocation can be a confusing and complicated process. The H&R Group offers personalized and cost-effective relocation and lifestyle services throughout Japan. Their professional and friendly international staff’s detailed local knowledge and experience will make your relocation, or your life in Japan, much more pleasant. The H&R Group offers relocation, real estate, serviced apartments, car and furniture leasing and insurance, driver’s license conversion services, and more.

Visit theirblog, sign up for their newsletter, or download their free e-book about living in Japan.

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If you are new to Tokyo or would like to try somewhere different this year for Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), take a look at the Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo, as recommended by the H&R Group’s Japan Info Swap.  Hanami, translates to ‘flower viewing’ but is specifically associated with the cherry blossoms (sakura) or sometimes plum blossoms (ume) that bloom in spring.  Additionally, Hanami is usually associated with the Japanese custom of enjoying a picnic while viewing and admiring the beauty of the blossoms.  Each year the first blooming of the sakura is highly anticipated, with much forecasting as to when it will occur in each of the main centres.  You can find a link to an official cherry blossom forecasts for this year within Japan Info Swap’s article.

Japan Info Swap has been set up by the H&R Group as part of its relocation service, to assist expats in Japan by providing useful and easily accessible information to enhance daily living.  Visit their blog, sign up for their newsletter, or download their free e-book about living in Japan.

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Regardless, Lease Japan offers consistently updated information on cars available for purchase or lease; cars of all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, sure to fit your specific needs.In Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and throughout Japan, they get more people into the car of their choice, and on the road than anyone else.

It goes without saying that all the technicalities can be left in the hands of the professionals at Lease Japan; you’ll be insured and behind the wheel without having to step foot into the Japanese DMV.

http://www.leasejapan.com/index.asp

Lease Japan is one of the service division at H&R Group. They place lifestyle in the forefront. With properties spanning Japan’s largest and most vibrant cities, H&R Group helps you fine tune every detail no matter how big or small, in order to minimize the hardships and inconveniences of Japanese relocation; a breath of fresh air in a fast-paced and dynamic society.

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From the moment you set your sights on Japan, to the day when you first kick your feet up in your new residence,  H&R is by your side from square one.

What are H&R Group’s customers saying about their services? Moving to Japan can be a difficult process in many ways, and it’s moreover a stressful situation that can exacerbate even small mishaps to a serious level of irritation. Despite the potentially touchy process, H&R follows through with diligence, and understanding to make this process easy on you.

“Being a young professional, the move to Japan was an exciting but daunting decision. Karolina and the rest of the ReloJapan team made it (and still are making it) very easy and enjoyable. From finding an apartment to moving in, the friendliness and professionalism Karolina has shown is far beyond what I was expecting. I will highly recommend ReloJapan to anyone who is thinking of relocating.”
Adam Simms
Microgen

“ReloJapan made my relocation to Japan a much easier process than I anticipated. The folks at ReloJapan, especially Naoko-san, were very knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend your company to others moving to Japan.” “I cannot image what would it be like without your help. You did such a great job that made our challenges seem transparent.”
John Parker
McDonald Ls

This last comment sums up the value that a thorough company dedicated to customer service can provide clients. At the end of the day, small details take a far back seat to peace of mind. No amount of money or time is worth being able to take a deep breath and understand that your needs will be taken care of successfully.

Read more customer responses who have used H&R for their Japan relocation here

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