Yes, you've done it. You've staked your claim. You have an apartment. Congratulations!! Now what? Oh yeah, STUFF! You need something in your place to make it truly yours. Japanese apartments come absolutely bare — no refrigerators, no washing machines, maybe even no light bulbs! But again, don't worry. There are several sources from which to build your very own Eden.
Used Goods
The first place to look for nice used stuff is from departing JETs. They will be leaving as you arrive, but they usually are selling a lot
of things at rock-bottom prices. If there is something you want, we can help you set up a way to get your money to a JET that may have
already left before you got here. There are also bulletin boards and published booklets at the local International Center in which used stuff
is sold. In recent years, "recycle shops" have gained popularity in Japan. In all cases, shop around. If you are really on a strict budget,
it is possible to completely furnish your place with used things.
One thing you should always purchase used in Japan is a phone bond. This is a "licence", or deposit, which NTT (Japan's telephone monopoly) forces people to buy when they get a landline phone installed in their home. Used phone bonds (i.e., licenses sold between individuals) cost from ¥25,000 to ¥40,000. New phone bonds (licenses sold directly by NTT) cost ¥60,000! Departing JETs will be happy to sell you their phone bonds, as you will be happy to sell yours to someone else when you depart. Think of it as a "phone deposit" that you get back when you leave Japan.
Buying New
Can we say consumers' paradise — at a price? That is true, to a certain extent. Japan IS expensive, but there are definitely some
places to pick up some deals. Please check out the Good Shops page for some places to find good deals on nice, new
stuff.
Borrowed Stuff
Sometimes host families or Japanese friends will have, for example, an extra washing machine or refrigerator lounging around somewhere that
they'll loan/give to you. If not, they can often steer you in a good direction to get one.
One note about apartment hunting, stuff, phones, etc., that can't be stressed enough is RELAX and BE PATIENT. The reason you have that entire month of August is to slowly settle yourself into Nagoya and the culture of Japan. Take your time, don't rush! Yes, while finding an apartment is something that you must do, don't allow anyone to pressure you into anything you are not sure about. Foremost is the apartment situation. A person's home is one's castle (or at least one's mansion), so you want to make sure you can find a place that suits you, especially when dealing with life here in Japan. Just remember to find something that you are happy with.