My husband just got orders to Yokota AFB, which is in West Tokyo, in Fussa-shi. We leave in January/February.
Anyone know anything about Tokyo, bringing a small dog into the country, any tips or anything?
I'm so nervous and excited!





My husband just got orders to Yokota AFB, which is in West Tokyo, in Fussa-shi. We leave in January/February.
Anyone know anything about Tokyo, bringing a small dog into the country, any tips or anything?
I'm so nervous and excited!
"You can close your eyes to reality but not to memories -Stainslaw J. Lec
Confuscius say: "Man who pull bra stap get bust in face"
OMG so lucky! I'm a freak for Japan. Make sure have a lot of clothes, there sizes run really small and bras are really padded. Get prepared to be stared at a lot.





Congrats!!! I hope you enjoy it.
On a serious note, start doing research on protecting yourselves against radiation poisoning. The affected site is still leaking. Radiation has been found in the water, milk, meats, fish in the markets. http://enenews.com/dr-kodama-tokyo-r...ukushima-plant
(snip)We had rain in Tokyo on March 21 and radiation increased to .2 microsieverts/hour and, since then, the level has been continuously high [...] At that time, the chief cabinet secretary, Mr Edano, told the Japanese people that there would be no immediate harm to their health.”
“Although three months have passed since the accident already, why have even such simple things [like implementing a strong response geared towards measuring radioactivity in food] have not been done yet? [...] I get very angry and fly into a rage.”
“Radiation has a high risk to embryos in pregnant women, juveniles, and highly proliferative cells of people of growing ages. Even for adults, highly proliferative cells, such as hairs, blood, and intestinal epithelium cells, are sensitive to radiation.”(snip)
(snip)
Potassium Iodide
Potassium iodide is another common treatment option for radiation poisoning. Potassium iodine collects in the thyroid. It takes up space that radioactive iodine would occupy. Without room to stay in the thyroid, the radioactive iodine is sent out of the thyroid and excreted with urine.
DTPA
Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, or DTPA, is another common form of treatment for radiation poisoning. Radiation poisoning can often come from exposure to the radioactive metals of americium, curium and plutonium. Upon exposure these elements can lodge in the body. DPTA binds to the metals. It is then excreted in urine or feces.
Prussian Blue
Prussian blue may also be used to treat radiation poisoning. Like DTPA, Prussian blue binds with radioactive particles in the body. However, instead of radioactive metals, Prussian blue binds with two other types of radioactive elements called thallium and cesium. When taken directly after exposure, Prussian blue is able to remove many of the radioactive particles before the cells can absorb them. Once attached to the radioactive particles, the Prussian blue exits the body in the feces, taking along the particles.
Read more: Radiation Poisoning Treatments | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5299775_radi...#ixzz1WcjxYjfr
Last edited by Optimist; 08-31-2011 at 10:56 AM.
“What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE




わたしわにほんごおはなすどんわえいごせんせいながのーけんあがのーしに
Translation: I speak Japanese. Don is an English Teacher in Nagano-Ken, Nagano-shi.
My friend Don teaches English there, I got my passport for the sole reason of going to Japan. All of my Japanese customers love me, I love the culture.
Tokyo is a large city, and it is similar to Washington D.C. in that it is it's own entity.
-ken means prefecture (similar to a state) and -shi means city. However, Tokyo is not part of a prefecture, it is almost it's own prefecture but not quite--very similar to Washington D.C.
Be wary of customs. Make sure you don't bring pseudoephedrine with you, it's illegal (i.e. Sudafed PE) in Japan. Tattoos have been deemed a sign of criminalism for a long time in Japan, however they are more widely accepted by the younger population. Some onsens (hot springs) won't allow you inside with tattoos as you are traditionally supposed to be fully nude in the onsens so hiding tattoos is impossible. Most onsens are not this strict anymore. Hanami is a Japanese tradition in the spring time which you will get to experience, you will watch the Cherry Blossoms bloom and get drunk at the same time!
The shinkansen (bullet trains) will cost about 7800 yen each way for a 5 hour trip from Tokyo (which will take you as far as Nagano-ken). That is roughly $95USD currently. It changes with inflation.
You might consider studying Japanese bowing, and some other traditions. Generally speaking people will be polite to you. You will always be a gaijin (foreigner) but Japanese citizens understand that you can be integrated into their society successfully.
I don't know if you speak any Japanese, but you should make sure you understand polite forms of saying things. Japanese phrases don't translate perfectly.
For example:
Ganbatte kudasai がんばってください - Ganbatte means "Do your best/good luck" but kudasai is a polite form of the phrase. Kudasai literally means "please".
Ganbatte がんばって - Simply using Ganbatte still means "Good luck" but you might use this word without kudasai when talking to a child, for example.
I hope this helps!
Please PM me if you have anymore questions.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.




My friend moved there March 24, 2011 and he is 100% fine. He has stayed in Tokyo dozens of times since he moved because he does training in Tokyo. I have other friends that live in Tokyo and they are 100% fine. You will not be harmed by the radiation, and the meat, food, water, and other liquids have been deemed safe to drink. The radiation levels are very safe.
The original evacuation zone was only 12 miles. You are fine. Tokyo is about 120km from Fukushima.
Also, iodine 131 dissipates very quickly. It loses half of it's radiation in 8 days, compared to strontium 90.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine-131
Last edited by Djoser; 08-31-2011 at 10:02 AM.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.





Your post is incredibly irresponsible and ignorant, Laurisa. I'm citing scientists in the area. Who in the world would trust your friend's anecdotal experience over actual readings of radioactive levels? Unbelievably irresponsible. The Prime Minister who kept saying everything is fine just RESIGNED. The lying officials you got your feel-good head in the sand information from was run out of office for his administration's repeated lies! Get your info straight before commenting.
http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-26-j...es-resignation
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...142824362.html
(snip)
The first comprehensive soil survey from areas around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant showed extensive ground contamination and another report warned of the continued threat to Japan's food chain, underscoring the major challenges the country still faces in its radioactive cleanup efforts. (snip)
Last edited by Optimist; 08-31-2011 at 10:51 AM.
“What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE




Because I too have checked into the radiation levels. Here, to prove my point:
http://chottomatte.net/2011/08/02/to...pdates-august/
Daily and hourly reports of radiation levels in Tokyo.
August 30, 2011
Normal background radiation level: 0.04μSv/h (at 1 meter above ground)
Time μSv/h
0:00 0.08
1:00 0.07
2:00 0.08
3:00 0.07
4:00 0.08
5:00 0.07
6:00 0.07
7:00 0.07
8:00 0.07
9:00 0.08
10:00 0.08
11:00 0.08
12:00 0.08
13:00 0.07
14:00 0.07
15:00 0.07
16:00 0.07
17:00 0.07
18:00 0.08
19:00 0.08
20:00 0.07
21:00 0.07
22:00 0.08
23:00 0.08
Okay, next, let's work on some conversions here:
1 rem = 10 millisieverts (mSv)
0.1 rem = 100 millirems
So, the highest level on 8/30/11 was 0.08 microsieverts. That is 0.00008 rem.
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/underst...h_effects.html
According to the EPA:
"Exposure to 5-10(rem) can cause a change in blood chemistry".
The radiation levels in Tokyo are no where near dangerous. My information is not from frazzled news reporters, it is just simply factual numbers and information from the EPA coupled together to come up with an informed conclusion.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.




Also, your article failed to provide detailed information about what prefectures or cities are being affected. Nagano-ken is a large prefecture with ample farming resources that was largely unaffected by the earthquake, as well as several other prefectures in relatively close proximity to Tokyo. With that being said, so long as there are not crops being shipped to Tokyo or other prefectures within 12 miles of Fukushima then I see no cause for concern. Fukushima's original evacuation zone was only 12 miles anyway. Japan has enough places they can grow crops that they would not be stupid enough to set up a farm a block away from Daiichii. They were very diligent in repairing earthquake ravaged roads, and supplied water to children and infants when there WAS a concern about radiation levels in the drinking water throughout Japan--which has since ceased.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.




Congratulations! I lived in Misawa for more than two years and visited Tokyo a few times. According to TUSCL Tokyo's Seventh Heaven is the world's top rated strip club. I thought about going to Tokyo to work a few weeks but it hasn't worked out for me, so I hope you get the chance to do it!
As far as dogs you can take them but they will have to be in quarantine for I believe 60 days? It really sucks for the poor pooches.
As far as tips, try to learn their language, even if you don't speak Japanese perfectly just making an effort means a lot to the Japanese. Japanese people are very polite, even in Tokyo. You will be shocked when you're leaving the airport and have people offering to help you with your luggage and opening doors for you, get used to this and of course, be polite, too. Littering is an awful thing to do, usually there aren't trashcans to be found in the streets, people carry their trash with them and dispose of it at home. I hope you love sushi, because, well, duh. Climb Mt. Fuji before you leave Japan, I did it and I can honestly say it was the most physically challenging thing I've ever done, and it was a very emotional experience as well, it was more than amazing! Go to Harajuku for shopping, they have a forever21 and H&M among other American stores, but there are also small boutiques in the alleys so venture away. Visit the Imperial Palace, its beautiful. Go to the cherry blossom festivals and any other festivals (Nebutta or Tanabata) you can.......
I'm hungry, so I'm gonna stop here. If you have any questions or want to see pics of stuff I did in Japan (Mt. Fuji, Cherry Blossom festival, snowboarding, Nabutta/Tanabata) let me know!
I'm so jealous and so so so happy for you!





How about you don't have any definitive answer on what danger they could be in since the people at the plant don't even know. How about the information that has been shared have been under-estimations at best, hence the departure of the Prime Minister. The news orgs who have reported on this are anything but "frazzled". So, again, you are irresponsible to dispute the findings of radiation in the air water and food. Even small amounts when ingested together over the course of years is a problem. Leaks that continue to pollute the streams and ocean water in the area will continue to be a problem until they are resolved.
“What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE





The quote I posted didn't say anything like that.Where are you reading this?
Here's the quote again. (snip)The first comprehensive soil survey from areas around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant showed extensive ground contamination and another report warned of the continued threat to Japan's food chain, underscoring the major challenges the country still faces in its radioactive cleanup efforts. (snip)
“What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE





That section makes 4-5 strong points and the only thing you saw was a stray comment about the doctor being angry? That's a bit of a comprehension issue.
(snip)
Point 1 We had rain in Tokyo on March 21 and radiation increased to .2 microsieverts/hour and, since then, the level has been continuously high [...]
Point 2 At that time, the chief cabinet secretary, Mr Edano, told the Japanese people that there would be no immediate harm to their health.”
Point 3 “Although three months have passed since the accident already, why have even such simple things [like implementing a strong response geared towards measuring radioactivity in food] have not been done yet? [...] I get very angry and fly into a rage.”
Point 4 “Radiation has a high risk to embryos in pregnant women, juveniles, and highly proliferative cells of people of growing ages. Even for adults, highly proliferative cells, such as hairs, blood, and intestinal epithelium cells, are sensitive to radiation.”(snip)
“What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE




They do too have a definitive answer.
Do you trust the EPA? I'd say that are more conservative on environmental issues than they are willing to throw caution to the wind.
The radiation levels that have been RECORDED (i.e. are factual) are WELL below dangerous. They could increase 80% from where they are now and they would still be over 1 rem below 5 rem--which is still safe.
The radiation levels will not increase 80% unless there is another act of God that takes place. The radiation levels quoted were 1m above ground level which means they do include radiation levels in the air.
Water levels in Tokyo (articles less than 3 weeks after the earthquake..March 2011):
http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110325D25NY520.htm
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-b...0110327a7.html
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/spe...-1226027417825
There was a brief concern about infants drinking the water, which has now been resolved since the radiation levels have stabilized.
In one of the articles you will note that the radiation levels at Fukushima just 3 weeks after the earthquake were 5.02 rem, which is only 0.3 rem above a safe level. Radiation levels have continued a steady decline since then, as it has been 5 months since those articles were issued.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.




In response to her first point:
"Point 1 We had rain in Tokyo on March 21 and radiation increased to .2 microsieverts/hour and, since then, the level has been continuously high [...]"
1 microsievert = 0.0001 rem, so a 0.2 microsieverts/hour increase in radiation during rainfall from FIVE months ago is not concerning. Even if it rained for 24 hours straight that would only be 0.48 microsieverts of radiation in the rainfall combined, which would be LESS than 0.00005 rem of radiation in the rainfall. Again, radiation levels are not concerning until they reach 5 rem.
Since this information was all relevant to March 2011 it is definitely not concerning now. Therefore, she is safe in Tokyo.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.





Aee! That's so cool! I don't know much about Japan, except I work with a woman who danced in Tokyo in the early 2000's and she said it was awesome. Lots of business men over there like the American-Look and the chance to practice their english. She said the hustle was easy and as long as you work at a nice club you don't deal with half the shit you deal with here in the US/Canada.
So excited for you! This is one of those "chance of a lifetime" things.
I wanna come visit already! lol!
Edit: I wanted to add that for dancing, the girl I worked with said "Blonde is best", and you'll make money easiest with blonde hair. Of course, this is all second hand-info, not personal experiences, so take it for what you will.
When should I visit? Is April okay? would that work for you? Haha! I'm so jealous!




http://www.nuc.berkeley.edu/RainWaterSampling
Radiation levels from 3/17/11-3/18/11 on the Rooftop of UC Berkley (right after the earthquake in Japan).
"For example, in the rain water we collected in 18 hours between March 17 and March 18 we observe an activity of the isotope of I-131 (Iodine-131) of 4.26 Bq/l. At this level, you would need to drink 632 liters of this rain water to obtain the same radiation effects you obtain on a round-trip flight between San Francisco and Washington D.C. Therefore, the increase in radiation levels in the rain water due to the events in Japan remain extremely small."
^^i.e. the radiation levels on the rooftop at UC Berkley were normal.
Keep in mind I-131's radioactivity decreases by half after 8 days.
Here is some information from March 23, 2011 about Tokyo's rain water levels of radiation:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local...118277479.html
"Concerns about food safety spread Wednesday to Tokyo after officials said tap water showed elevated radiation levels: 210 becquerels of iodine-131 per liter of water — more than twice the recommended limit of 100 becquerels per liter for infants. Another measurement taken later at a different site showed the level was 190 becquerels per liter. The recommended limit for adults is 300 becquerels."
The recommended dosage of iodine-131 per liter for infants under age 1 is 100 becquerels and for adults it is 300 becquerels. So, in March 2011 the drinking water was safe at UC Berkley for both infants and children, as well as safe for adults in Tokyo, but it was deemed unsafe for children.
Moving on, the next day several articles were released stating that the radiation levels in Tokyo's water had returned to a safe level for children:
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/ra...324-1c86f.html
"In one Tokyo ward, Katsushika, a water sample that was taken on Tuesday and publicised on Wednesday had contained more than double the legal limit for infants, at 210 becquerels per kilogram. But the level fell back to 79 in a test today, a Tokyo official told AFP. The upper limits are 100 becquerels for infants and 300 for older people."
Conclusion: For a brief period (2-3 weeks after the earthquake) radiation levels in Tokyo's water supply were considered unsafe for very young infants (under 1 year). The levels were still safe for adults, and always were. The OP is not an infant under age 1 so she would have never been in any danger in drinking water in Tokyo in March 2011. Presently, neither infants, children, or adults are unable to drink water in Tokyo--the water is safe for everyone. The radiation levels in the water at UC Berkley were much lower than Tokyo's, and although Tokyo's radiation levels were still "higher" than UC Berkley's on March 24, 2011, they had since returned to a safe level.
Therefore, the radiation levels five months later are consequently much lower. I am trying to show that the situation was never as severe in Tokyo as it was once believed.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.





The air force will take care of the radiation stuffs, and will issue us Iodine pills etc if they deem it necessary. We will also be living on the AFB, so I will feel relatively safe. I don't think I will start to glow in the dark lol.
I want to get a job teaching English if at all possible. I would love the chance to use my degree, either tutoring or teaching in a school. I have one for american schools grades 6-12 English, and ESL certificate issued by a US University. If I can't find a job doing that, I'l be looking into dancing in Tokyo.
Seventh Heaven? I wonder how tiny I have to be to work there... I am a US size 6ish right now....yikes! I bet they expect smaller over there.
Loki, I didn't know you were in Japan! That's awesome. I plan on trying to learn Japanese before I go, at least a little bit. Do you think Rosetta Stone is good for that, or Pimsleur? I know a lady over here who speaks Japanese, so I am going to ask her to be a conversation partner. She is from Japan.
Laurisa or Loki-can you give me some more information on how the addresses work over there? I really appreciate the -ken versus -shi thing, I was really confused for a minute.
"You can close your eyes to reality but not to memories -Stainslaw J. Lec
Confuscius say: "Man who pull bra stap get bust in face"





also, does anyone have any information on getting a visa to work/live there? The interwebz be confusing me....
Thanks!
"You can close your eyes to reality but not to memories -Stainslaw J. Lec
Confuscius say: "Man who pull bra stap get bust in face"




Work visa for exotic dancing?
In some areas of Japan stripping is completely illegal and the clubs are run underground. I have customers who say they have never been to a strip club before because they simply don't exist in their prefecture.
Here is a reputable website with information about exotic dancing in Japan, Tokyo specifically:
http://exotic-dancing-japan.marinerblue.com/index.html
You need to go to the Japanese Consulate or Embassy in your state/city. That is how you will apply for a VISA. You will also need your passport, which you can apply for in person at any Post Office. It looks like the nearest Consulate to Colorado Springs is in Denver, based on what Google told me.
http://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp...ationship2.htm
I hope this helps!
-Laurisa
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.





Dancing or teaching or living visa.![]()
"You can close your eyes to reality but not to memories -Stainslaw J. Lec
Confuscius say: "Man who pull bra stap get bust in face"
Is this your first time living overseas? Dancing will probably be hard there. I don't know firsthand, but the only reason I would go to Japan is to Host and we all know what that is! Work on post/base. The benefits and hourly wage is great if you do it right.
I have family who have married/dated Japanese women. Their customs are very important to learn, but you will learn them in your host country class when you get there. Not saying that you shouldn't look in to it now. You are probably very excited!
Do know that you will miss home. You will miss not being able to go to Wal-Mart or drive-thru Starbucks. You will travel LONG distances just to go to another military base to see what their bx/px, mall and people have to offer. You do get sad not being able to go out without fluently knowing your host countries language--if you don't like offending people. I don't care if everyone knows English. In my experience I would feel like a douchebag waltzing in to a store in another country without being able to ask simple questions in their language.
Your husband has free Rosetta Stone in his military email.
Gambatte kudasai! Good luck!
Okay...sorry about the dancing comment. I guess hostess/dance clubs are different. Your living visa will be sorted out when you get your military passport. Yes, they pay for it all.
Blonde is good luck in Japan! When I was a little girl (yeah...I was a girl when I was little, too) my aunt and her family would come in and rub my head!





<<<<<< Is Jealous.
Japan. Damn.
I got Korea for a year, but wouldn't call it a bargain.
I would be all about the Japanese Castles that are still standing there.
Craigslist one or two scooters and ship them with household goods. You will be able to sell them at a profit when you leave.
If your not in base housing your furniture may be to big for the house.
Maybe Yokosuka has a community forum? Can you contact Army Community Service there?
Mind the time difference there! It is tomorrow already!
Exciting!




The Japanese Rosetta Stone is OK for basic Japanese, but they don't provide advanced Japanese Rosetta Stone as they would for Spanish or French.
What you really need is the Genki textbook so you can learn Japanese at your own pace. It is a highly regarded book that is used in college classes, it will cost you a pretty penny but if you are moving there you need to learn the language.
Knowing Kanji is not essential. Most of the signs with Kanji on them are subtitled with Hiragana.
Hiragana and Katakana (referred to as Kana together) are the two Japanese syllabic alphabets. There are 46 basic Hiragana and 46 basic Katakana. Then you move onto compound unvoiced Hiragana and so forth. The first thing you need to do is learn the 46 basic Hiragana, because those will be used most commonly on signs above the Kanji. There are numerous methods for memorizing the Hiragana and Katakana--I preferred flashcards. You should be able to memorize the basic Kana within 1-2 weeks at most.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.
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