Before leaving your home country, you will probably have a Pre-Departure Orientation. Before I left Seattle, we had several such meetings, as well as introductory Japanese language classes offered by the Japanese Consulate General. I found the orientation quite useful, not only for the question and answer session, but also to meet other people. As my predecessor, Elizabeth, advised me, "Get to know people outside of Hyogo prefecture, and then you have a network of people to stay with when you are here!" Excellent advice, although most of the people with whom I flew out of Seattle were also assigned to Hyogo (due to the sister-state relationship between Washington State and Hyogo Prefecture).
The journey over here was great, and I had a blast! They flew us business class, but from what I hear, they won't be doing that anymore, due to the enormous expense. The Tokyo Orientation was also a blast, but as Elizabeth forewarned me, "don't get too overwhelmed by it all, everyone proclaiming what wonderful teachers they are, or how fluent they are in Japanese, it's all utter crap!" How true. She also suggested I attend the embassy night in Tokyo, although instead I went out to bars with friends. You probably should register with your Embassy, for in the event of an emergency (such as an earthquake), they will then be able to help get information to your family. Anyway, everything is paid for in Tokyo apart from a few evening meals and drinking all night at the pubs. So have some ready yen with you so you can enjoy the Tokyo nightlife (and also to tide you over until your first paycheck on August 21).
As everyone bends over backwards, you might want to consider bringing some gifts to give people when you arrive in Toyooka. The custom of giving omiyage is a fundamental part of Japanese culture. Omiyage are presents given to people when you first arrive in a new place, or when you return from a trip somewhere. I brought a set of American whiskey for the headmaster - I actually bought it Duty Free on the plane! I also brought a small package of smoked salmon for the deputy headmaster. If you can, bring something small for all the teachers. (As it is summer, some typical omiyage to give people now are things like small hand towels, handkerchiefs, or paper fans.) I brought some fruit candies (a regional specialty from Seattle) for the teachers to share. I also brought some candies for the people at the Board of Education, as well as for the people at the International Association (TIA) office. I also brought little calendars (featuring photos of Seattle), along with more candy, to give to the neighbors. There are five other apartments in the building (Kahiro-so), as well as Yamamoto-san's beauty salon.
As for teaching materials, of course try to bring stuff about Ireland; especially considering people in Japan probably know next to nothing about it! If you can, bring lots of pictures of your home, hometown, and so on for your self-introduction lessons; prizes to be used in games (such as postage stamps, fake money, pins, keychains, etc.). Bring stuff relating to Irish festivals, holidays, and other celebrations, because I'm sure everyone will find it interesting.
Finally, you'll probably want to prepare a simple self-introduction in Japanese before you arrive, as you will be asked about yourself many times. Good luck, or as the Japanese say it, "Gambatte kudasai!" |
