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Tokyo Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

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LOCAL INFORMATION Importat Phone Numbers 12 Travel Information 12-14 Weather 14 About 8-11, 16-17 About Tokyo 18-20 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. Attractions 23-24 Media 24 President: Patrick Morgan Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace MOVING Smooth Transitions 26-28, 31 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali International Moving 27 Contributing Writer: Amy Tennant Packing Tips 28 Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Staying Organized 31 Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley Pre-Move Checklist 33 Art Department: Sprague Design Co. MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Reinforce the Positives 35-36 Choosing a School 35-36 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. Selecting Child Care 39-40 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Education 40-41 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price Relocating Your Pet 42 Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc. FITNESS & HEALTH Phoenix Office: In the Kitchen 44 PO Box 30534 Children’s Health 45 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Physical and Mental Well Being 46-48 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Volunteering 49 Fax: (602) 923-0774 Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 HOUSING Chicago Office: Making the Right Choice 51-52 902 North Ashland Choosing the Right Home 55 Chicago, IL 60622 Home Inspection Checklist 56 Phone: (312) 226-6288 Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 57 Fax: (312) 226-6290 Security 58 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Take Control of Your Energy Costs 59 Banking & Mortgage Information 60-63 NewMarket currently publishes Information Guides for 95 North American and 32 BUSINESS DIRECTORY International Markets. To order your NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Business Directory Listings 64-65 each, please contact NewMarket Services toll free at (866) 595-3792.

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Tokyo Information Guide [ 7 ABOUT JAPAN

JAPAN OVERVIEW

apan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of China, Korea, and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the JEast China Sea in the south. The characters that make up Japan’s name literally mean “Sun’s Origin,” thus Japan is also known as “The Land of the Rising Sun,” a name that comes from the country’s eastward position relative to China. History 10,000 - 300 B.C. Stone Age hunters and gatherers who make jomon (rope-patterned) pottery inhabit Japan. 660 B.C. Mythological Jimmu ("Divine Warrior"), descendant of sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, founds empire. 300 B.C. - A.D. 300 Rice cultivation, metalworking, and the potter’s wheel are introduced from China and Korea. Era named “Yayoi” after the place in Tokyo where wheel-turned pottery was found. In Shinto, Japan’s oldest religion, people identify kami (divine forces) in nature and in such human virtues as loyalty and wisdom. 100-300: Local clans form small political units. 300 - 645 Unified state begins with emergence of powerful clan rulers; Japan establishes close contacts with mainland Asia. Clan rulers are buried in kofun (large tomb mounds), surrounded by haniwa (clay sculptures). Yamato clan rulers, claiming descent from Amaterasu Omikami, begin the imperial dynasty that continues to occupy the throne today. Japan adopts Chinese written characters. Shotoku Taishi (574-622) begins to shape Japanese society and government more after the pattern of China. He seeks centralization of government and a bureaucracy of merit. He also calls for reverence for Buddhism and the Confucian virtues. 645 -1185 A great wave of reforms called the Taika no Kaishin (Taika Reforms) aims to strengthen the emperor’s power. New aristocratic families are created. Especially powerful is that of Fujiwara no Kamatari, who helped push the reforms. Imperial court builds new capital, modeled upon Chang-an in China, at Nara. Though emperors are Shinto chiefs, they patronize Buddhism in the belief that its teachings will bring about a peaceful society and protect the state. With the adoption of Buddhism as the state religion, its monasteries gain political power. 1185-1568 Military government established in Kamakura by Minamoto no Yoritomo. Emperor, as figurehead, remains in Kyoto with the court aristocracy. Muromachi district of Kyoto becomes base for Shogun Ashikaga Takauji’s new military government. Takauji and his successors become patrons of Zen and spontaneity in ink painting, garden design, and the chanoyu (tea ceremony). 1467-1568 The 10 year-long Onin no Ran (Onin War) brings disintegration of central government, followed by the Sengoku Jidai (Era of the Country at War). Firearms introduced by shipwrecked Portuguese soldiers (1543),Christianity by Francis Xavier (1549).

8 ] Tokyo Information Guide ABOUT JAPAN

1600 -1868 Japan enters an age of peace and national isolation. After a long campaign in the Pacific War, Japan gradually lost its Tokugawa leyasu founds new shogunate at (now Tokyo). In initial territorial gains. American forces advanced far enough to 1635 national isolation policy limits Chinese and Dutch traders to begin the strategic bombing of cities like Tokyo and Osaka, resulting Nagasaki. Christianity is suppressed. Establishment of rigid social in the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After the hierarchy ensures peace and stability throughout Japan. (Samurai atomic bombings, Imperial Japan agreed to an unconditional are ranked highest, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants.) surrender. The International Military Tribunal for the Far East (on May By the early 1700s, cities and commerce flourish. A growing 3, 1946) was convened to prosecute Japanese leaders for crimes merchant class enjoys Kabuki and Bunraku theater. Printing and against peace and humanity as well as war crimes including the publication of books increase; education becomes available to the Nanking Massacre. Other war crimes were treated in the local urban population. Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his steam tribunals held in the Asia-Pacific region. Emperor Hirohito was given frigates arrive in Japan (1853); the United States wants to use immunity from any prosecution and retained his position. During the Japanese as supply bases for its commercial fleet. Japan Allied occupation of Japan, the democratic party government was accepts the U.S. demands and opens its door for the first time in restored and women gained legal equality and right to vote. two centuries. Enactment of the new (democratic) constitution transforms Japan’s 1868 -1912 The emperor is restored; Japan makes transition to political life, making it a truly parliamentary state. With a peace treaty nation-state. Dispossessed bushi become soldiers, policemen, and signed in 1951, Japan regains its independence. teachers with fall of feudal system and political reform. New national 1952–1973 Called the “High Growth Age” in Japan because of the policy is to make Japan a rich and powerful country, to prevent booming economy. Highlights of the era are the Tokyo Olympic invasion by Western powers. Emphasis is on building a strong Games in 1964 and Expo ’70 in Osaka. In 1972 relations with China military and strengthening industries. Japan becomes world power are normalized. through victories in Sino-Japanese (1895) and Russo-Japanese (1904-05) wars. Korea annexed (1910-45). 1912-1926 Japan expands economic base within Asia and the Fast Facts Pacific. Prospering businessmen support Liberal party government, POPULATION: 127,417,244 broadening political participation. Universal manhood suffrage CAPITAL: Tokyo begun in 1925. 1936-1952 In 1936, Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with LARGEST CITIES: Tokyo, , Osaka Germany, later joining the Axis Powers alliance in 1941. Japan LANGUAGE: Japanese subsequently attacked the rest of China, starting the Second Sino- AREA: 377,835 sq km /145,890 sq mi Japanese War (1937-1945) and many other countries and islands Mount Fuji, 3776m / 12,385ft in southeast Asia and the Pacific. In 1941, after suffering from oil HIGHEST PEAK: embargoes and diplomatic pressure from the United States, United FISCAL YEAR: 1 April - 31 March Kingdom and the Netherlands, Japan attacked the United States TIME ZONE: GMT/UTC +9 naval base in Pearl Harbor in response and declared war on those INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODE: +81 three powers. Germany subsequently declared war on the United .co.jp (companies only) States four days later, bringing the U.S. into World War II. INTERNET DOMAIN: .jp (no restriction)

MONETARY UNIT: YEN MAJOR RELIGIONS: Shintoism (official), Buddhism

continued on page 10

Tokyo Information Guide [ 9 ABOUT JAPAN

Business Hours Etiquette Business hours in an office generally go from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Avoid shouting loudly at someone to get their attention—wave, or But this being Japan, corporate workers are not on a strict clock go up to them. and often work over time. It’s polite to initially refuse someone’s offer of help. Japanese may Currency and Banking also initially refuse your offer even if they really want it. Traditionally an offer is made 3 times. It may be better to state you’ll carry their Japan remains strongly a cash-based society, and credit card bag, call a taxi, etc., instead of pushing them to be polite and companies use every incentive possible to try to supplant cash - but refuse. mostly in vain. Even in major cities, many smaller shops or Avoid excessive physical and eye contact—forget the back- restaurants do not accept cards at all, or if they do, they usually slapping, prodding, and pointing directly at someone with your restrict its use (over a certain amount, or not for lunch in the case of finger (use your hand to point, if you must). Japanese often use quite of few restaurants). silence for communication as much as speaking. The Japanese currency is the Yen, literally meaning “circle.” One It’s polite to bring some food (gift-wrapped in more formal yen corresponds to 100 sen. However, sen are not used in everyday situations) or drinks when you visit someone. Gift giving is very life anymore. The Yen is the basic coin in Japan just as the cent is important in Japan, but extravagant gifts require an equal or slightly the basic coin in America. Japanese money is called Okane. higher extravagant gift in return. Avoid giving pricey gifts. [Pronounced oh-kah-neh] It is very important to be on time. Exchanging business cards is Coins come in 1 Yen, 5 Yen, 10 Yen, 50 Yen, 100 Yen and 500 de rigueur in formal introductions. You should extend your card to Yen. the other person with both hands, right side up to them (upside Bills come in 1,000 Yen, 2,000 Yen (very rare), 5,000 Yen and down to you). You receive cards with both hands also. Be sure to 10,000 Yen. look at the card and not just pocket it. Never put it in your pants One Dollar is approximately equal to 115.72 yen. pocket and sit on it in front of them. When Japanese start work at Credit cards contact 9 AM, they START WORK at 9 AM. American Express 0120-020-120 Dress- Very few places have a dress code. When visiting a shrine Diners Club 03-3797-7311 or temple, it’s best to dress in a respectful manner. T-shirts are OK, MasterCard 03-5728-5200 but don’t go in cutoff jeans or shorts. Take along warm socks in Visa 00531-44-0022 winter, because shoes are removed when visiting many places, and For lost credit cards call the relevant toll-free 24hr number : central heating is not common. Hotels may provide slippers, but American Express 0120-02012 they’re tailored for smaller people, so you may be more comfortable MasterCard 00531-11-3886 if you bring your own. Visa 0120-133173 Tipping isn’t practiced. However, restaurants add on a 10%-15% Electricity service charge. Porters aren’t as common as they once were, but expect to pay a few hundred yen per bag. Taxi drivers don’t charge The voltage throughout Japan is 100 Volt which is different from extra for handling baggage. North America (110V), Central Europe (220V) and most other world regions. Japanese electrical plugs have two pins and fit into North Food American outlets. For items such as small kitchen appliances, Local supermarkets are relatively inexpensive if you stick to lamps, vacuum cleaners, etc., the difference in efficiency will not be Japanese food such as seasonal vegetables, seafood, soya bean problematic. For larger appliances where 100% efficiency is products and rice. If you visit supermarkets shortly before closing required, transformers can be purchased for 8,000 to 10,000 yen. time in the evening, you can purchase remaining perishable Small appliances from Europe will not work in Japan, so they should products at big discounts. be purchased or leased upon arrival. Japanese food ranges from raw fish served with soy sauce Some North American made equipment will work fine in Japan (Sashimi) to Tempura (food coated in egg and deep fried). Some of without adapter and vice versa, however, caution should be taken the types of typical Japanese food are: as some sensitive equipment may get damaged. If you intend to Kaiseki Ryori - this is comprised of vegetables and fish that are purchase electric appliances in Japan for usage outside of Japan, flavored with a base of seaweed and mushrooms you are advised to look for equipment specifically made for oversea Soba - a noodle made from buckwheat flour either served as a tourists. soup or to be dipped in a sauce Sukiyaki - thinly sliced beef cooked at the table along with tofu, vermicelli and vegetables

10 ] Tokyo Information Guide ABOUT JAPAN

Sushi - raw seafood (usually tuna, prawns or squid) is placed Holidays upon a ball of rice laced with vinegar and is served with cucumber, Japan has 13 public holidays. When one of them falls on a pickled radish, and cooked egg Sunday, it is reported to the following Monday. Tonkatsu - breaded pork cutlet that is deep fried 1 January New Year’s Day Udon - noodle made from wheat flower that is either served as a 2nd Monday of January Adult’s Day soup or to be dipped in a sauce 11 February National Foundation Day Yakitori - skewered meat and vegetables that are grilled over a fire 21 March Vernal Equinox Day Government 29 April Green Day Officially, Japan is a constitutional monarchy with the emperor as 3 May Constitution Day the head of state. Elected officials are considered to be erai (great, 5 May Children’s Day worthy of respect) and it is much more common than in Europe or 15 September Respect-for-the-Aged Day the US for electoral seats to be ‘inherited’ by family members. The 22 September (approx.) Autumnal Equinox Day power of rural politicians tends to rest in their ability to satisfy their 10 October Sports Day constituents by bringing infrastructure projects - roads, bridges, bullet train lines etc - to their region. The impression you get is that 3 November Culture Day city dwellers tend to stay away from the ballot box in favor of 23 November Labor Thanksgiving Day interest groups and citizens’ movements. Political news often 23 December Emperor’s Birthday dominates TV and newspapers but most Japanese do not get directly involved in politics and there seems to be a general sense Imperial Family of apathy towards the subject. The Japanese Imperial family is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. The family’s lineage dates back to the sixth century BC, Healthcare though the title of Tenno (emperor) or Sumera-Mikoto (heavenly The Japanese healthcare system is based on the principal of sovereign) was assumed by rulers in the sixth or seventh century universal, national health care for virtually all citizens. This system, and has been used since. The family crest is the kiku, or established in 1961, has helped people obtain medical treatment chrysanthemum. anywhere in Japan. It is also credited with helping Japan achieve The role of the Emperor (and occasionally the Empress—there the longest life expectancy in the world. The life expectancy as of have been 8 to date) has varied in importance. Considered a divine 2003 of people living in the Japan is 80.9 and the 2003 infant being until the end of World War II, the postwar Constitution made mortality rate is 3.3 per 1,000 live births. him the “Symbol of the state". He plays a largely ceremonial part in Although Japan has a system of universal health coverage, the life of the nation. individuals may receive coverage quite differently. Under this system, Japanese are required to join the health insurance plan for Postal Service which they qualify, depending on their status. Farmers and the self- Post offices provide a range of postal services including the employed, for example, must join the health insurance plans which shipping of post cards, letters, parcels and registered mail as well are managed by their local government, while salaried workers at as savings and insurance services. Door-to-door delivery services, small companies are in the central government-managed insurance known as takuhaibin, are also provided by various companies other plan. It can be divided into two broad categories: National Health than the post office. Insurance and Employees’ Health Insurance. Membership in either Small post offices are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 program is compulsory. and are closed on weekends and national holidays. Larger offices Premiums are based on monthly salary and half is paid by the are opened on weekdays until 19:00 and may also open on employer, half by the employee. The average contribution is around Saturdays and Sundays. Most post offices are equipped with 4% of the person’s salary. Those covered under Employee Health international automatic teller machines (ATMs). Mailboxes are red. Insurance pay 20% of their medical costs when hospitalized and Japanese Addresses 30% of the costs for out-patient care. Co-payments may also be With the exception of major roads, Japanese streets are not required for prescription drugs. Costs are shared by the patients up named. Instead, cities and towns are subdivided into areas, sub- to a certain ceiling, after which they receive full coverage. In case of areas and blocks, similar to the insulae system of the Roman long-term illness, the patients or the patients’ spouse receive an Empire. To complicate the matter, houses within each sub-area allowance based on their salary; in case of death, an allowance for were formerly not numbered in geographical sequence but in the the funeral is also paid. temporal order in which they were constructed.

continued on page 16

Tokyo Information Guide [ 11 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency U.S. Embassy Reference Service (03) 3224-5292 Police 110 (formerly Tokyo American Center Reference Service) 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku Fire and Ambulance 119 Tokyo 107-8420 Marine 118 Fax: 03-3505-4769 Police English-Speaking (03) 3501-0110 www.tokyo.usembassy.gov Fire English-Speaking (03) 3212-2323 Please make a reservation one day in advance before you come Banks to the U.S. Embassy Reference Service for research, call between Mizuho Bank , www.mizuhobank.co.jp +81 (03) 3596-1111 9 a.m. and 12 noon, or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 1-1-5, Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau (03) 5796-7111 Tokyo 100-0011, Japan 5-5-30, Konan The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, www.bk.mufg.jp/english Minato-ku, Tokyo 2-7-1 , Chiyoda-ku This office can help with extensions of period of stay, permission Tokyo,Japan to acquire or change status of residence, applications for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (03) 3573-4661 Certificates of Eligibility, and consultation for residence procedures Sumitomo Shimbashi Building and re-entry permits. 8-3 Shimbashi 1-chome, Minato-ku Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) (03) 5774-0992, (03) 3498-0246 Tokyo Trained volunteers offer free telephone counseling and UFJ Bank , www.bk.mufg.jp information in English seven days a week, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 2-7-1 Marunouchi,Chiyoda-ku and 7:00 to 11:00 PM. Tokyo,Japan Hospitals (Operators speak English) Embassy International Medical Center of Japan (03) 3202-7181 U.S. Embassy Tokyo (03) 3224-5000 / DSN (03) 224-5000 1-21-1 Toyama, -ku 1-10-5 Akasaka Tokyo 162-8655 Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 or www.imcj.go.jp/imcjhome.htm Unit 45004 Box 205 Sanno Hospital, www.sannoclc.or.jp (03) 3402-2187 APO AP 96337-5004 8-10-16 Akasaka, Minato-ku All passport inquiries Fax: (03) 3224-5914 / DSN (03) 224-5914 Tokyo 107-0052 all other non-visa inquiries) Fax: (03) 3224-5856 / St. Luke’s International Hospital, www.luke.or.jp (03) 3541-5151 DSN (03) 224-5856 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku Visa Information (03) 5354-4033 Tokyo 104-8560 Tokyo Adventist Hospital (Tokyo Eisei Byoin) (03) 3392-6151 3-17-3 Amanuma, Suginami-ku Tokyo 167-8507 www.tokyoeisei.com American Pharmacy (03) 5220-7716 Maru Bldg. B1F 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6390

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airports Narita International Airport (NRT), www.narita-airport.jp/en Tokyo International Airport (HND) Narita Airport serves as the main international hub of Japan Tokyo International Airport is located in Ota, Tokyo. It is Airlines and , and as an Asian regional hub for commonly known as . Haneda consistently ranks Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. Narita Airport has two among the world’s busiest passenger airports (ranking fourth in separate terminals with separate underground train stations. The 2005), even though nearly all of its flights are to destinations within only connection between the terminals is by shuttle bus (buses are Japan. By passenger throughput, Haneda is the busiest airport in available both inside and outside the security area): there is no Asia, handling 62.3 million passengers in 2004. Most travel is pedestrian connection. serviced by Japan Airlines and Nippon Airways.

12 ] Tokyo Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)—Mainly for domestic flights. Kenya Airways, www.kenya-airways.com/ Narita International Airport (Narita, )—Major gateway for Korean Air, www.koreanair.com/ * international travelers. Lanchile Airlines, www.lanchile.com Chofu Airport in Chofu City—Handles commuter flights to the Izu Lauda Air, www.laudaair.com islands. Lufthansa German Airlines, www.lufthansa.com/ * Oshima Airport—Oshima island Malaysia Airlines, www.malaysiaairlines.com * Hachijojima Airport—Hachijo island Mandarin Airlines, www.mandarin-airlines.com Airlines Mexicana Airlines, www.mexicana.com * ,www.airnewzealand.com.hk/ Miat Mongolian Airlines, www.miat.com Aeroflot, www.aeroflot.org/ * Northwest Airlines, www.nwa.com/ * , www.aircanada.ca * Oasis , www.oasis-air.com Air China, www.airchina.com.cn/ * Orient Thai, www.orient-thai.com/ Air France, www.airfrance.com * Pacific Airlines, www.pacificairlines.com.vn/ Air India Ltd., www.airindia.com * Pakistan International Airlines, www.piac.com.pk/ * Air Japan, www.jal.co.jp * Philippine Airlines, www.pal.com.ph/ * Alitalia, www.alitalia.com * President Airlines, www.presidentairlines.com/ Air Mauritius,www.airmauritius.com/ Qantas Airways, www.qantas.com.au/ * Air Philippines, www.airphils.com Qatar Airways, www.qatarairways.com All Nippon Airways,www.ana.co.jp/ * Royal Brunei Airlines, www.bruneiair.com/ American Airlines, www.aa.com * Royal Jordanian, www.rja.com.jo Asiana Airlines,www.asiana.co.kr/ * Royal Nepal Airlines, www.royalnepal.com/ Bangkok Airways,www.bangkokair.com/ Saudi Arabian Airlines, www.saudiairlines.com * Biman Bangladesh Airlines, www.bdonline.com/biman/ * Scandinavian Airlines System, www.scandinavian.net/ * , www.ba.com * Shandong Airlines, www.shandongair.com.cn CR Airways,www.crairways.com/ Shanghai Airlines, www.shanghai-air.com * Airways,www.cathaypacific.com/ * Shenzhen A’Lines, www.shenzhenair.com Cebu Pacific, www.cebupacificair.com Sichuan Airlines, www.scal.com.cn China Airlines,www.china-airlines.com/ Siem Reap Airways, www.siemreapairways.com China Eastern Airlines,www.ce-air.com/ * Singapore Airlines, www.singaporeair.com.hk/ * China Southern Airlines, www.cs-air.com/ * South African Airways, www.saa.co.za/ Continental Airlines, www.continental.com/ * SriLankan Airlines, www.srilankan.lk/ * Continental Micronesia, www.continental.com/ * Swiss International Air Lines, www.swiss.com/ * Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com * TAP Air Portugal, www.flytap.com Dragonair, www.dragonair.com/ * Thai Airways Int’l PCL, www.thaiair.com/ * EgyptAir, www.egyptair.com.eg * Turkish Airlines, www.turkishairlines.com/ * EL AL Israel Airlines, www.elal.com/ United Airlines, www.unitedairlines.com. * EVA Airways, www.evaair.com.tw US Airways, www.usairways.com/ * Emirates Airlines, www.emirates.com/ Varig Brazilian Airlines, www.varig.com.br Ethiopian Airlines, www.flyethiopian.com/ Vietnam Airlines, www.vietnamair.com.vn/ * Evergreen International Airlines, www.evergreenaviation.com Airways, www.virgin-atlantic.com/ * Federal Express Corporation, www.fedex.com *Denotes service to (NRT) Finnair, www.finnair.com * From and to Narita Airport Garuda Indonesia, www.garuda-indonesia.com/ * There are three choices to travel between Narita airport and Gulf Air, www.gulfairco.com/ Tokyo Hong Kong Express, www.hongkongexpress.com Limousine Bus: convenient for tourists as it stops right in front of Iberia , www.iberia.com/ * most major hotels. It takes about 90min and cost 3000yen to JALways, www.jalways.co.jp * central Tokyo. Japan Airlines, www.jal.co.jp/ * Train: the cheapest solution and possibly the quickest, Japan Asia Airways, www.japanasia.co.jp * depending on your destination. There are several lines going to Jetstar, www.jetstar.com/ Tokyo. You should check which is the nearest station to your KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, www.klm.com.hk/ * destination and work out backward which way is the most

continued on page 14

Tokyo Information Guide [ 13 TRAVEL INFORMATION convenient for you. Temperature Conversion Chart, continued Taxi: the most expensive alternative. Count on at least 15.000- °C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F 20.000 yen to central Tokyo. 40 104.0 17 62.6 -6 21.2 -29 -20.2 39 102.2 16 60.8 -7 19.4 -30 -22.0 Driving is not convenient in Tokyo. Traffic jams that back up 20- 30 miles, lasting an entire day, are not uncommon, especially during 38 100.4 15 59.0 -8 17.6 -31 -23.8 peak travel seasons. 37 98.6 14 57.2 -9 15.8 -32 -25.6 36 96.8 13 55.4 -10 14.0 -33 -27.4 Temperature Conversion Chart 35 95.0 12 53.6 -11 12.2 -34 -29.2 °C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F 34 93.2 11 51.8 -12 10.4 -35 -31.0 50 122.0 27 80.6 4 39.2 -19 -2.2 33 91.4 10 50.0 -13 8.6 -36 -32.8 49 120.2 26 78.8 3 37.4 -20 -4.0 32 89.6 9 48.2 -14 6.8 -37 -34.6 48 118.4 25 77.0 2 35.6 -21 -5.8 31 87.8 8 46.4 -15 5.0 -38 -36.4 47 116.6 24 75.2 1 33.8 -22 -7.6 30 86.0 7 44.6 -16 3.2 -39 -38.2 46 114.8 23 73.4 0 32.0 -23 -9.4 29 84.2 6 42.8 -17 1.4 -40 -40.0 45 113.0 22 71.6 -1 30.2 -24 -11.2 28 82.4 5 41.0 -18 -0.4 44 111.2 21 69.8 -2 28.4 -25 -13.0 For greater accuracy use formula below: 43 109.4 20 68.0 -3 26.6 -26 -14.8 To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F =(9/5)°C+32 42 107.6 19 66.2 -4 24.8 -27 -16.6 To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C=(5/9) x (°F-32) 41 105.8 18 64.4 -5 23.0 -28 -18.4 °C = temp. in degrees Celsius °F = temp. in degrees Fahrenheit

CLIMATE

The temperate climate brings dry and mild to cold winters, warm November for changing leaves and similarly enjoyable weather. It and humid summers and pleasant springs and autumns. Rainfall is can get hot and muggy in August. Winter seldom brings snow, but common March-October. The best times to visit are April-May, for temperatures usually drop below freezing for a few days. the blooming cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, and October-

Month Avg. High Avg. Low Avg. Precip. January 49.1° F 10.0° C 34.2° F 1.0° C 1.80 in 5.00 cm February 49.5° F 10.0° C 35.1° F 2.0° C 2.40 in 6.00 cm March 54.9° F 13.0° C 39.9° F 4.0° C 3.90 in 10.00 cm April 64.9° F 18.0° C 50.0° F 10.0° C 4.90 in 12.00 cm May 73.0° F 23.0° C 58.6° F 15.0° C 5.40 in 14.00 cm June 77.4° F 25.0° C 65.5° F 19.0° C 7.30 in 19.00 cm July 83.8° F 29.0° C 72.1° F 22.0° C 5.00 in 13.00 cm August 87.6° F 31.0° C 75.2° F 24.0° C 5.80 in 15.00 cm September 80.1° F 27.0° C 68.4° F 20.0° C 7.10 in 18.00 cm October 70.2° F 21.0° C 57.6° F 14.0° C 6.50 in 16.00 cm November 61.9° F 17.0° C 48.0° F 9.0° C 3.50 in 9.00 cm December 53.8° F 12.0° C 39.0° F 4.0° C 1.80 in 5.00 cm

14 ] Tokyo Information Guide

ABOUT JAPAN

If addresses are written in Japanese, they start with the postal products. A national gasoline tax is paid by consumers when they code, followed by the prefecture, city and sub-area(s), and end with purchase gasoline. the recipient’s name. If addresses are written in English, they start U.S. Tax Information with the recipient’s name and end with the prefecture and postal The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office serving Japan is located code. A typical Tokyo address might read 1-9-1 Marunouchi, in Philadelphia, and provides U.S. Federal tax assistance to Chiyoda-ku, which is the address of the Hotel. Americans in Japan. The IRS office at the American Embassy in Chiyoda-ku is the name of the ward. Wards are further divided into Tokyo closed in 2004. districts, in this case Marunouchi. Marunouchi itself is broken down The IRS Home Page, www.irs.gov, has a lot of information into chome (numbered subsections), here 1-chome. Number 9 available to answer many questions. Go to ‘Individuals’ and then refers to a smaller area within the chome—usually an entire block, ‘Overseas Taxpayers’ you will find a section of FAQ, which will take sometimes larger. Thus, houses on one side of the street will usually you to IRS Publication 54. Many questions of overseas taxpayers have a different middle number from houses on the other side. The can be answered from that source. last number, in this case 1, refers to the actual building. Although it One point to remember for all overseas taxpayers is that the seems reasonable to assume that next to a number 1 building will United States taxes its citizens on their worldwide income. Even be a number 2, that’s not always the case; buildings were assigned though they may be eligible to exclude a certain amount of their numbers as they were constructed, not according to location. earned income from their income tax computation, they must file a Taxes US tax return in order to claim that exclusion. Taxes in Japan are paid on income, property and consumption Telephone on the national, prefectural(similar to our state level) and municipal To call Japan from the US: levels. Below is a summary of some of the most relevant types of 011 is the international prefix used to dial somewhere outside of taxes paid by individuals: U.S.A. Income Tax 81 is the international code used to dial to Japan. Paid annually by individuals on the national, prefectural and municipal levels. Also known as “resident tax” on the prefectural 03 is the local area or city code used to dial to Tokyo and municipal level. The amount is calculated based on the net XXXX-XXXX Exchange X with your number income of the individual person. To call the USA from Japan: 010 is the international prefix used Enterprise Tax to dial somewhere outside of Japan. Prefectural tax paid annually by self-employed individuals 1 is the international code used to dial to U.S.A. engaged in business activities. The amount is calculated based on 212 There are multiple city/area codes for every city the person’s net income and the type of business. Property Tax XXX-XXXX Exchange X with your number Municipal tax paid annually by individuals who own land, housing Mobile Phones and other types of depreciable assets. Japan is a leader in mobile phone technology and usage. Mobile Consumption Tax phones are omnipresent and have been constantly incorporating Paid by consumers when they purchase goods and services. The additional functions, such as internet browsers, games, cameras, current rate is 5% (4% national, 1% prefectural). Shops and other televisions, wallets and train passes. service providers are required to include the consumption tax in the Note however, that due to different technologies used, mobile prices shown. phones from your home country, including GSM phones, are likely Vehicle Telated Taxes not to work in Japan. Most other mobile phones in Japan are sold A prefectural automobile tax is paid annually by individuals who in combination with a monthly and yearly contract and are usually own a car, truck or bus. In case of passenger cars, the amount is only available to residents of Japan. Foreign residents will need to calculated based on the engine displacement. A municipal light present their alien registration card in order to subscribe to such a vehicle tax is paid annually by individuals who own motorbikes or contract. other motorized light vehicles. A national motor vehicle tonnage tax Land Line Phones is paid by vehicle owners at the time of the mandatory inspections In Japan, conventional land line phone lines have be bought or (shaken). A prefectural automobile acquisition tax is paid by rented. Buying a new phone line costs around 35,000 Yen, while persons when they acquire a car. buying a used phone line from somebody else is cheaper. Rented Liquor, Tobacco and Gasoline Taxes phone lines may not allow you to make international calls. The national liquor tax is paid by consumers when they purchase Telephone lines are handled by NTT (Nippon Telegraph and alcoholic beverages. National, prefectural and municipal tobacco Telephone). taxes are paid by consumers when they purchase tobacco

16 ] Tokyo Information Guide ABOUT JAPAN

Time Zone Visa The local time in Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of New York You will need to obtain a visa before coming to Japan. Visas are Japan Standard Time Zone: UTC+9 hours = 8:00am issued only by Japanese Embassies and Consulates overseas. NYC Standard Time Zone: GMT/UTC - 04:00 hour = 9:00pm Visas for Americans hoping to work in Japan are controlled by the Japanese government. The Japanese Government is the ultimate Japan does not observe Day Light Savings time. authority on visa matters and Embassy has no authority to intervene in any Japanese government immigration decision. Since you will be staying longer than 90 days, you must obtain an Alien Registration Card ("Gaikokujin Toroku Shomeisho"), available free of charge from the municipal office of the city or ward you are residing. You will need to take your passport and two photos of size 4.5 x 3.5 cm. Carry your Alien Registration Card with you at all times. The Japanese Police are allowed to stop you and ask to see the card at any time, and not having it with you is a violation of local law.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 17 ABOUT TOKYO

TOKYO OVERVIEW

okyo is the capital and one of the forty-seven prefectures of Japan. Within Tokyo are twenty-three municipalities (the “special wards”). Also in Tokyo are the Japanese Tgovernment and the Imperial Palace, the home of the Japanese Imperial Family. Tokyo is located on the mid-eastern part of Honshu, Japan’s largest and most historically important island. Its geography, with over 772 sq mi (2,000 sq km) to explore, spans not just the city, but rugged mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. A major advantage of living in Tokyo is to participate in the many festivals that take place around the year. Each year a festival is held during which the passing seasons are observed by visits to local shrines or temples. With over 500 annual events, the festivals provide visitors tangible links to the past and present. The upbeat atmosphere is one of the things that makes Tokyo so appealing. This vitality has become part of the popular culture, a culture which seems to be constantly in the midst of a celebration of life Neighborhoods and Housing TOKYO This is not only the business heart of Tokyo, but its spiritual heart as well. Hibiya is where DEMOGRAPHICS the Tokugawa shogun built his magnificent castle, and was thus the center of old Edo. Today, Hibiya, in Chiyoda-ku, is no less important as the home of the Imperial Palace, built Population: 7,041,000 (2005 est.) on the ruins of Edo Castle and today the residence of Japan’s 125th emperor. Bordering Growth Rate: 1.35% the palace is the wonderful East Garden, open free to the public. Languages: Chinese () Nihombashi English Back when Edo became Tokugawa’s shogunate capital, Nihombashi was where Life Expectancy: 79.54 merchants set up shop, making it the commercial center of the city and therefore of all Males: 76.85 Japan. Nihombashi, which stretches east of Tokyo Station, still serves as Tokyo’s financial Females: 82.41 center, home of the computerized Tokyo Stock Exchange and headquarters for major Average age: 34 0-14 years: 18% banks and companies. The area takes its name from an actual bridge, Nihombashi, which 15-64 years: 71% means “Bridge of Japan” and served as the focal point for all main highways leading out of 65 years and over: 11% the city to the provinces during the . Sex Ratio: .99 males/1 female Marunouchi Ethnic Groups To the west and south of Tokyo Station is Marunouchi, one of Tokyo’s oldest business Chinese: 95% districts, with tree-lined avenues and office buildings. The historic landmark Marunouchi Other: 5% Building, originally constructed in 1923, was recently replaced with a 36-story complex of Pop. Density: 6,294.65/km restaurants, shops, and offices. South of Tokyo Station is the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at (16,469.6/sq mi) Marunouchi, Japan’s most expensive and exclusive hotel. GDP: $254.2 billion (2005 est.) Ginza Per capita: $37,400 Ginza is the swankiest and most expensive shopping area in all Japan. When the country HDI: 0.916 opened to foreign trade in the 1860s following 2 centuries of self-imposed seclusion, it was Currency: Tokyo dollar (HKD) here that Western imports and adopted Western architecture were first displayed. Today, Area: 1,103 km (425.8 sq mi) Ginza is where you’ll find a multitude of department stores, boutiques, exclusive restaurants, hotels, art galleries, hostess clubs, and drinking establishments. Although

18 ] Tokyo Information Guide ABOUT TOKYO

Tokyo’s younger generation favors less staid districts like , capital’s upstart business district was complete. Eastern Shinjuku is , and Shinjuku, the Ginza is still a good place to window- known for its shopping, particularly the huge Takashimaya Times shop and dine, especially on Sundays, when several major Square complex. It’s also known for its nightlife, especially in thoroughfares are closed to vehicular traffic, giving it a festive Kabuki-cho, one of Japan’s most famous—as well as naughtiest— atmosphere. On the edge of Ginza is Kabukiza, the nation’s main amusement centers, and in Shinjuku 2-chome, Tokyo’s premier gay venue for Kabuki productions. nightlife district. Separating eastern and western Shinjuku is , the nation’s busiest commuter station, located on Located only two subway stops from Ginza, Tsukiji was born the western end of the loop. An oasis in the middle from reclaimed land during the Tokugawa shogunate; its name, in of Shinjuku madness is Shinjuku Gyoen Park, a beautiful garden for fact, means “reclaimed land.” During the Period, it housed a strolling. large foreign settlement. Today it’s famous for the Tsukiji Fish Harajuku Market, one of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world. The mecca of Tokyo’s younger generation, Harajuku swarms Nearby are , an urban development project with throughout the week with teenagers in search of fashion and fun. At skyscrapers; and Hama Rikyu Garden, considered by some to be its center is Omotesando Dori, a fashionable tree-lined avenue the best garden in Tokyo. From Hama Rikyu Garden, sightseeing flanked by trendy shops, restaurants, and sidewalk cafes, making it boats depart for in the north. a premier promenade for people-watching. Nearby is Takeshita Asakusa Dori, a narrow pedestrian lane packed with young people looking Located in the northeastern part of central Tokyo, Asakusa and for the latest in inexpensive clothing. Harajuku is also home to one areas to its north served as the pleasure quarters for old Edo. Even of Japan’s major attractions, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 to older, however, is the famous Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo’s top deify Emperor and Empress Meiji; and the small but delightful Ota and oldest attractions. Asakusa also has a wealth of tiny shops Memorial Museum of Art, with its woodblock prints. Another selling traditional Japanese crafts, most clustered along a drawing card is the Oriental Bazaar, Tokyo’s best shop for products pedestrian street called Nakamise Dori that leads straight to Sensoji and souvenirs of Japan; two Sundays a month, nearby Togo Shrine Temple; the street’s atmosphere alone makes it one of the most holds an antiques flea market. enjoyable places to shop for Japanese souvenirs. When Tokyoites Aoyama talk about shitamachi (old downtown), they are referring to the While Harajuku is for teenyboppers, nearby chic Aoyama serves traditional homes and tiny narrow streets of the Asakusa and as playground for Tokyo’s trend-setting yuppies, boasting areas. sophisticated restaurants, expensive boutiques, and more Ueno designer-fashion outlets than anywhere else in the city. It’s located Located just west of Asakusa, on the northern edge of the JR on the eastern end of Omotesando Dori (and an easy walk from Yamanote Line loop, Ueno retains some of the city’s old shitamachi Harajuku), centered on Aoyama Dori. atmosphere, especially at its spirited Ameya Yokocho food and flea market, which is spread underneath the Yamanote train tracks. Located north of Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line loop, Ikebukuro Ueno is most famous, however, for Ueno Park, a huge green space is the working person’s Tokyo, less refined and a bit rougher around comprising a zoo, a concert hall, a temple, a shrine, and several the edges. Ikebukuro is where you’ll find Seibu and Tobu, two of the acclaimed museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, which country’s largest department stores, as well as the Japan Traditional houses the largest collection of Japanese art and antiquities in the Craft Center, with its beautifully crafted traditional items. The world. North of Ueno is Yanaka, a delightful residential area of Sunshine City Building, one of Japan’s tallest skyscrapers, is home traditional old homes, neighborhood shops, and temples; several of to a huge indoor shopping center and aquarium. Tokyo’s most affordable Japanese-style inns are located here. Shinjuku Japan’s foremost center for electronic and electrical appliances Originating as a post town in 1698 to serve the needs of feudal contains more than 600 shops offering a look at the latest in lords and their retainers traveling between Edo and the provinces, gadgets and gizmos. A stop on the Yamanote Line, this is a Shinjuku was hardly touched by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, fascinating place for a stroll, even if you aren’t interested in buying making it an attractive alternative for businesses wishing to relocate anything. following the widespread destruction. In 1971, Japan’s first Shibuya skyscraper was erected here with the opening of the Keio Plaza Located on the southwestern edge of the Yamanote Line loop, Hotel in western Shinjuku, setting a dramatic precedent for things Shibuya serves as an important commuter nucleus. More subdued to come. Today more than a dozen skyscrapers, including several than Shinjuku, more down-to-earth than Harajuku, and less hotels, dot the Shinjuku skyline, and with the opening of the Tokyo cosmopolitan than , it caters to students and young office Metropolitan Government Office (TMG) in 1991 (with a tourist office workers with its many shops and thriving nightlife, including more and a great observation floor), Shinjuku’s transformation into the than a dozen department stores specializing in everything from continued on page 20

Tokyo Information Guide [ 19 ABOUT TOKYO designer clothing to housewares. Don’t miss the light change at Shibuya Crossing, reportedly Japan’s busiest intersection, with its This is Tokyo’s newest district, quite literally—it was constructed hordes of pedestrians, neon, and five video billboards that have from reclaimed land in . Connected to the mainland by the earned it the nickname “the Times Square of Tokyo.” (famous for its chameleon colors after nightfall), the Ebisu Line monorail, the , and a vehicular harbor One station south of Shibuya on the JR Yamanote Line, Ebisu tunnel, Odaiba is home to hotels, Japan’s largest convention space, was a minor player in Tokyo’s shopping and nightlife league until the several shopping complexes (including the very fancy Venus Fort), 1995 debut of Yebisu Garden Place, a smart-looking planned futuristic buildings (including the Kenzo Tange-designed Fuji TV community of apartments, concert halls, two museums (one building), several museums (like the Museum of Maritime Science highlighting Sapporo Beer, the other Japanese photography), and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), a restaurants, a department store, and a first-class hotel, all hot-spring public bath that harkens back to the Edo era, a connected to Ebisu Station via moving walkway. The vicinity east of monolithic Ferris wheel, and Megaweb (a huge multimedia car Ebisu Station, once a sleepy residential and low-key shopping amusement and exhibition center sponsored by Toyota). district, has blossomed into a small but thriving nightlife mecca, Some of the world’s most expensive land can be found in central popular with expats who find Roppongi too crass or commercial. Tokyo. Consequently, even tiny apartments in the city center are Roppongi very expensive. However, housing costs are distinctly lower in Tokyo’s best-known nightlife district for young Japanese and Tokyo’s suburbs, surrounding prefectures and in other regions and foreigners, Roppongi has more bars and nightclubs than any other cities of Japan. Additional commuting costs are often more than district outside Shinjuku, as well as a multitude of restaurants compensated by the savings on the rent, especially as many serving international cuisine. The action continues until dawn. Japanese companies pay part or all of their employees’ commuting Nearby Nishi , once a residential neighborhood (many expenses. If you prefer to live close to city centers, gaijin houses are foreigners live here), offers a quieter and saner dining alternative to an inexpensive option to consider. frenetic Roppongi. In between Roppongi and Nishi Azabu is the Utilities such as gas, water and especially electricity are newest kid on the block, the eye-popping, 11-hectare (28-acre) expensive, and phone rates are high. For international calls, , Tokyo’s largest urban development with 210 shops consider callback services and other offers for the expat and restaurants, a first-class hotel, a garden, apartments, offices, a community. cinema complex, and an art museum. There are many factors that influence the price of housing in Akasaka Japan, including the location, size, age and over-all quality and With its several large hotels and a small nightlife district, Akasaka popularity of the building. Negotiation on the list price may be caters mostly to businessmen, making it of little interest to tourists. possible, however this is generally rather difficult with newer It does, however, boast some good restaurants; in recent years, so buildings and very much depends on the time of year and other many Koreans have opened restaurants and other establishments factors such as how long the property has been vacant for and how here that it has been dubbed “Little Korea." keen the owner is to find a new tenant. Please note that owners in Japan prefer to have housing Once an important post station on the old Tokaido Highway, contracts signed and payments made by registered companies in Shinagawa remains an important crossroads in large part because Japan. of , a stop on the bullet train and on Central Location – Tokyo (Minato-ku) the southern end of the Yamanote Line loop. Home to several Size Monthly Rent Availability hotels, it has also witnessed a major blossoming of office 1 Bedroom JPY 250,000 - JPY 600,000 Availability -High construction in recent years, making it a serious rival of Shinjuku’s 2 Bedroom JPY 400,000 - JPY 750,000 High business district. Other than the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, however, there’s little here to attract sightseers. 3 Bedroom JPY 600,000 – JPY 1,200,000 Moderate Ryogoku 4 Bedroom JPY 900,000 – JPY 2,200,000 Moderate Located outside the Yamanote Line loop east of the Sumida 5 Bedroom JPY 1,600,000 – JPY 2,500,000 Very limited River, Ryogoku has served as Tokyo’s sumo town since the 17th century. Today it’s home not only to Tokyo’s large sumo stadium and museum, but also to about a dozen sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train. You can often see the giants as they stroll the district in their characteristic yukata robes. In 1993, Ryogoku became a tourist destination with the opening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which outlines the history of this fascinating city.

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ATTRACTIONS

There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, ranging from visits to Hara Museum of Contemporary Art (03) 3445-0651 shrines, temples, and excellent museums, to trips throughout the (Hara Bijutsukan) various shopping areas. If you enjoy sightseeing, make sure to 4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa embark on a relaxing and fascinating 40 minute day cruise on the www.haramuseum.or.jp between Asakusa and the of Tokyo. Japan’s oldest museum devoted to contemporary international Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise. An amazing variety of high-quality and Japanese art is housed in a 1930s tiled, Bauhaus-style Art goods and brand designer products can be found in elegant Deco home that once belonged to the current director’s specialty shops located in Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Yurakucho, grandfather; the building alone is worth the trip. and Ikebukuro. The dazzling lights of Ginza, Japan’s answer to New National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation (03) 3570-9151 York’s Fifth Avenue, and Tokyo’s most celebrated shopping district, (Nippon Kagaku ) 2-4-1 attracts both the avid shopper and the window shopper alike. (03) 3570-9151 In the sports arena, baseball is big business in Tokyo. The www.miraikan.jst.go.jp spectacular Korakuen Dome, home of the popular Giants, features Opened in 2001 on Odaiba, this fascinating, educational Japanese professional baseball games which are held regularly. museum provides hands-on exploration of the latest developments Sport fans will be drawn to Tokyo’s four biggest spectator sports: in cutting-edge science and technology, including interactions with professional baseball, rugby, sumo and soccer. Although not robots, virtual-reality rides, and displays that suggest future among the four, Yankee style football and martial arts are also quite applications such as non-invasive medical procedures and an popular. environmentally friendly home. For the art enthusiast, Tokyo offers many forms of entertainment. National Science Museum (03) 3822-0111 In fact, Japan is focused on the arts and, with excellent facilities (Kokuritsu Kagaku Hakubutsukan) such as the National Theatre and Opera City in the Shinjuku district, Ueno Park, Taito-ku Tokyo appeals to individuals and groups interested in drama, opera, www.kahaku.go.jp/english and the ballet. For theater goers there are three unique and This is a sprawling complex, comprising three buildings and powerful forms of entertainment: Kabuki, Takarazuka, and Noh. As covering everything from the evolution of life to electronics in Japan. a standing form of ancient Japanese tradition the Kabuki features Sensoji Temple (03) 3842-0181 only male performers, whereas Takarazuka is an all-girl revue. 2-3-1 Asakusa For a more thorough view of Japan’s history, visitors can tour the This is Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple, with a history many excellent museums scattered throughout Tokyo. The most dating back to 628. That was when, according to popular lore, two modern is the Edo-Tokyo Museum, complete with an intriguing 52- brothers fishing in the nearby Sumida River netted the catch of their meter escalator supported by four colossal pillars. lives—a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of Closely tied to the culture of Japan, the traditional Japanese mercy and happiness who is empowered with the ability to release gardens of Tokyo take visitors a step back from the frenzied pace of humans from all suffering. Sensoji Temple (also popularly known as modern life. They find themselves entering a world of tranquility, an Asakusa Kannon) was erected in her honor, and although the statue enchanting setting of gardens outlined by wooden houses is housed here, it’s never shown to the public. landscaped with neatly clipped bonsai trees. Cobbled lanes lead to Sony Building (03) 3573-2371 tiny neighborhood shrines shrouded in foliage. 5-3-1 Ginza Bridgestone Museum of Art (03) 3563-0241 A popular place to kill an hour or so of free time in the Ginza, the (Bridgestone Bijutsukan) Sony Building offers six floors of showrooms and amusements, as 1-10-1 Kyobashi well as restaurants and shops. The latest in Sony video and digital www.bridgestone-museum.gr.jp cameras, high-definition TVs, CD and other portable players, This privately owned museum contains a small but impressive laptops, and computers are all on display for public inspection. A collection of French Impressionist art, as well as Japanese paintings PlayStation on the sixth floor has Sony games you can interact with in the Western style dating from the Meiji Period onward. This is one for free. of the best of Tokyo’s private art museums. Sunshine International Aquarium (43) 3989-3466 Edo-Tokyo Museum (03) 3626-9974 3-1-3 Higashi Ikebukuro (Edo-Tokyo Hakubutsukan) Claiming to be the world’s highest aquarium, this Sunshine City 1-4-1 Yokoami www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/museum-e/guide.htm complex is the unlikely home of more than 20,000 fish and animals, This is the metropolitan government’s ambitious attempt to including dolphins, octopuses, eels, piranhas, sea horses, sea present the history, art, disasters, science, culture, and architecture otters, seals, giant crabs, and rare—and rather weird—species of of Tokyo from its humble beginnings in 1590—when the first fish. shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, made Edo (old Tokyo) the seat of his domain—to 1964, when Tokyo hosted the Olympics. continued on page 24

Tokyo Information Guide [ 23 ATTRACTIONS

The Imperial Palace (Kyokyo) Tokyo National Museum (03) 3822-1111 Hibiya Dori Ave (Tokyo Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) The Imperial Palace, home of the imperial family, is the heart and Ueno Park, Taito-ku soul of Tokyo. Built on the very spot where Edo Castle used to www.tnm.jp stand during the days of the Tokugawa shogunate, it became the The National Museum not only is the largest and oldest museum imperial home upon its completion in 1888 and is now the in Japan, it also boasts the largest collection of Japanese art in the residence of Emperor Akihito, 125th emperor of Japan. Destroyed world. This is where you go to see antiques from Japan's past—old during air raids in 1945, the palace was rebuilt in 1968 using the kimono, samurai armor, priceless swords, lacquerware, metalwork, principles of traditional Japanese architecture. pottery, scrolls, screens, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), calligraphy, ceramics, archaeological finds, and more. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea (45) 683-3777 1-1 Maihama (03) 3433-5111 www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp 4-2 Shiba Koen Virtually a carbon copy of the back-home version, this one also www.tokyotower.co.jp boasts the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Japan’s most famous observation tower was built in 1958 and Mansion, and Space Mountain. was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office (TMG) (03) 5321-1111 Tsukiji Fish Market (03) 3542-1111 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 5-2-1 Tsukiji Tokyo’s city hall—designed by one of Japan’s best-known This huge wholesale fish market—the largest in Japan and one of architects, Kenzo Tange—is an impressive addition to the the largest in the world—is a must for anyone who has never seen skyscrapers of west Shinjuku. Three buildings comprise the such a market in action. This market handles almost all the seafood complex—TMG No. 1, TMG No. 2, and the Metropolitan Assembly consumed in Tokyo. Building—and together they contain everything from Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo (03) 3828-5171 Disaster Prevention Center to the governor's office. Most important Ueno Park, Taito-ku for visitors is TMG No. 1, the tall building to the north that offers one Founded back in 1882, Japan’s oldest zoo is small by today’s of the best views of Tokyo. standards but remains one of the most well-known zoos in Japan, due in part to its giant panda, donated by the Chinese government to mark the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries following World War II.

MEDIA

Newspapers The Japan Times 03-3453-5311/9 Japan Times Bldg. English Newspapers in Japan 4-5-4 , Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023 The Asahi Evening News 03-3543-0131 5-3-2 Tsukiji The Yomiuri Shimbun 03-3242-1111 Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 1-7-1 Ohte-machi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004 Mainichi Daily News 03-3212-032 1-1-1 Hitotsubashi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0003 Shipping and Trade News 03-3542-6355 Tsukiji Hamarikyu Bldg. 5-3-3 Tsukiji, Chuo-kKu, Tokyo 104-0045

24 ] Tokyo Information Guide Tokyo Information Guide [ 25 MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Culture Shock Now, in the “quiet after the storm“ of activity, you may become intensely aware of how different everything is. Unless you are already a veteran of international relocation, this can be a particularly unsettling time. You’ll find that the day unfolds differently, that business is conducted in a way that may be hard to understand, the stores are opened and closed at hours that you could never predict. You may worry about adjusting to a foreign culture with unfamiliar customs, making new friends, or communicating with people who do not speak your language. It is only natural to feel somewhat lonely and isolated. What you may be experiencing is known as “culture shock.” If your assignment is to a country where the language and the culture are similar to your own, the adjustment may be fairly easy. However, this is not always the case. Just as expectations of an easier transition to a similar culture may alleviate concern over subtle cultural, social, or practical differences, the opposite maybe true. Moving to a country with an unfamiliar culture and a different language may pose more obvious everyday challenges including simple communication. The key is to be armed with good information ahead of time and the tools to overcome these hurdles. Keep in mind that it is acceptable to seek help. Suddenly, children and the at-home spouse become aware of all the things missing – the companionship of family and old friends, the familiar house and neighborhood, favorite foods and TV programs, or even something as simple as the comforting sound of their native language. After the initial excitement of moving into a new home and becoming acquainted with the neighborhood, it may be difficult to summon the energy to get out and meet people. Starting over and creating a new social infrastructure is not easy. In many locations, there is already an established expatriate community offering numerous opportunities for socializing and becoming involved in activities. Most families are in similar circumstances and have similar interests. Usually there are almost always clubs, especially well-organized women’s groups, which often have orientation programs or welcome networks to assist new arrivals. Where there are children, schools are a natural focus of social and scholastic activities. International schools often have active parent associations. Even if you are not interested in participating in school activities these groups can offer an instant network of people, who share many of your experiences. Religious and sporting activities are other possibilities for easing the stress of transition. Embassies and consulates usually have information on expatriate clubs, and may occasionally host social get-togethers for resident nationals. Volunteer organizations offer the opportunity of making new friends while helping others. Health and fitness clubs are a good way to meet other expatriates. If they aren’t readily available in your new community, major hotels usually have fitness facilities and may allow membership to residents.

26 ] Tokyo Information Guide SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Relocation To Another Country “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. Preparing to pick up and move an entire household to another • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem country can be, ok will be, an overwhelming task. But with the right overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. attitude, some careful planning and as much time as you can give • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! it, the process is not without its bright side.This may be the best International Moving opportunity you’ve ever had to completely clean house, from the Have at least three movers come to your home and give basement to the attic, including the garage! Take a critical look at estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non- what you have, and decide whether you really want to store it, take binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. An it, or trash it. If you haven’t used something in years, chances are international move is a use of steamship lines or airline to you really don’t need it anymore and could probably find a better overseas, for your household goods and personal effects use for it. (HHG/PE). It will require the use a of container, lift van wooden crate Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and organize or wrap pallets. before you relocate. It’s going to be a stressful time even if The cost is determined by the amount you are shipping. This is everything goes smoothly, so you don’t want to add to it with time measured by cubic feet, cubic meter or total weight. The cost is pressure. Three to four months is preferable, especially if you need also dependent on the final destination. Other factors which affect to get a passport or other travel documents. the total cost of your international move may be: packing services, Your Area cargo insurance, and storage services. Talking to expatriates who have lived in the country for awhile will Use of a container for your container for your shipment, will help a lot when it comes to finding English-speaking shops and determined by the volume of your shipment. If you have more than reputable businesses in your area. They can tell you particulars of 900 CFT (cubic feet) you will probably need a 20' container. If you the country and places to shop for household goods that will be have more than 1,600 CFT you will probably need a 40' container. familiar to you. They’re also a terrific resource when it comes to Also there is a way to fit a car to 40' container along with HHG/PE finding good schooling if you’re bringing children along. Purchase a but sometimes is less costly to ship it separately. Consolidation of a good local map and study it so you learn the streets and the smaller shipment with other overseas shipments is less costly. immediate area. Please note that container needs to be clear in 5 to 7 days from Housing the port other wise you will pay extra fees. You have to have a place Some companies provide housing for their expatriates, but this is to put your HHG/PE at once. Lift van can be stored up to 30 days becoming less common. Still, your employer may still help you find free of charge. Please ask the international moving company about housing with recommendations in terms of what areas to live in, etc. all the possibilities. Often, there are small communities of Americans in cities and International Moving Companies countries popular for expatriates. It’s usually preferable to rent Have at least three movers come to your home and give instead of buy in foreign countries, but regardless of what you do estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non- it’s a good idea to find a knowledgeable agent to help you out. binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each One of the most important considerations for housing is company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at transportation. Cars aren’t nearly as popular in many other (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the countries, so proximity to your job or public transportation can be proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for key in choosing housing. Also, consider how close you’ll be to the a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” American Embassy. booklet. Houses in other countries may be built to different standards than U Pack we ship (866) 258-8725 those in the United States, so before you bring any furniture or International Shipping company with offices in both the United appliances from home, it’s a good idea to measure the space out, States and Europe. UPakWeShip specializes in International see if the electrical system is the same here, etc. Shipping and overseas moves to Europe, Australia, New Zealand Settling Into Your New Home and other destinations. • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and LTV Relocation (800) 787-2323 eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. When an international transfer is undertaken, the complexities • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children can seem overwhelming, spanning continents, languages, and will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to customs. No need to worry. As international shippers, we handle all position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using the necessary steps for you. within their reach. Ace Moving (888) 359-3090 • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box ACE Worldwide is one of the largest agents for Atlas Van Lines, has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling with 16 offices nationwide, and over 50 years continuedexperience on page in28

Tokyo Information Guide [ 27 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS relocating families. may take? Marlog Cargo USA, Inc (800) 599-0190 • Will you be able to purchase household and other items in your Marlog Cargo USA Inc/Schumacher Cargo Lines is an destination country? international household goods & vehicle transportation company. • What is the length of your assignment? We specialize in shipments to and from the USA, to all worldwide • Are there high duties applied to expensive furniture and destinations. appliances. Shippex (877) 272-8309 • Do you really need this to live comfortably abroad? When you make the decision to relocate cargo, nothing matters • Would it be better not to take this? If you don't take it, will it be more than a professional and competent service agent, to provide safe in storage? the knowledge necessary and guide you through the specifics • Do you know where our next move will be? Will you need this in needed to tailor your specific needs. the future or when you return home? Automobile Shipping Now you have an idea of what you will want to move. Once you Normal transit time is usually within 8 to 10 business days and are ready to begin the packing process, here are some guidelines may vary upon actual route, assuming that at least 2 weeks prior to help you: notice of your shipment dates is given. Auto Transporters generally appreciate a three-business day window to schedule the pick • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. up/delivery of your vehicle(s). As your pick-up/delivery dates gets • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they closer you will receive a confirmation call giving you a specific date should be placed. and time frame. The transit time referenced above is based on • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose standard transport times and in certain cases transit times may take of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. less time. For example, it only takes a truck 5 days to go from NYC • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of to LA. If your vehicle(s) is the last car to load and the first one to charcoal in them to prevent mildew. unload, a shorter delivery time frame is possible, however if your car • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include is the first to load and the last to come off, then your transit time will medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. be closer to 2 weeks. Please keep this in mind when planning your • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. transport. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. Once your order has been placed, your shipment will be scheduled according to the dates on your order form. After a truck • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter has been assigned, you will get a call either from the truck driver or items on top. from the flatbed service in order to schedule a pick up/delivery time • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in and day. During the pick up of the car the carrier will complete a paper. detailed physical inspection of the car, on a bill of lading, which you • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to must sign and acknowledge. This same inspection will be protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can presented upon delivery, so that you can re-inspect the car for any rub off and stain items packed with it. discrepancies. If any damage did occur during transit, please be • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. sure to note it on the bill of lading at the time of delivery and have • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or the driver sign in agreement. No claims will be honored if the in special boxes with compartments. damage is not noted at the time of delivery and acknowledged by • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. the driver. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed Packing Tips containers.Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent As with any decision-making, the more information you have the damage. easier it becomes. How do you decide what to take? Here are a few questions to ask yourself about your new location to get you started • Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued on the right track: furniture joints could collapse. • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved • What is the climate like? by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be • How big is your new home likely to be? Will your large furniture individually boxed and cushioned. items and appliances fit? • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment • What is the electrical standard? Will your existing appliances hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales work? agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually • Is your employer placing a weight or volume limit on what you considered legally part of your residence. Let the moving

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28 ] Tokyo Information Guide

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. • Proof of identity such as a driver’s license. Stay Organized If any of the following apply, you need to apply for a passport in Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: person: if you’re applying for your passport for the first time, if your • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the most recent passport was issued more than a dozen years ago or necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include has been lost, or if you got your passport before you turned 18. medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper You may apply for a passport by mail if you have a current towels. passport that was issued after you turned 18 and was issued more • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the recently than 12 years ago. coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, Other Documentation styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as For some countries, you may need more documentation to enter crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some the country, like birth certificates or immunization records. It’s a instant sustenance while you get organized. good idea to contact the consulate for the country you’re going to • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. be working in as soon as possible to find out if you do to give you Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms plenty of time to get everything together. where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the Visa correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put A visa is an endorsement made on a passport by the country each box. you’re entering saying you’ve been approved to be in that country • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your for a specific amount of time. Most embassies are located in new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room Washington, D.C., so you can call (202) 555-1212 and get the for the movers. number for the embassy for whatever country you need. • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how International Driving Permit things were arranged on them. Some countries recognize a driver license from the United States, some accept an international license and some require that you Settling Into Your New Home take a test and obtain a license in their country. To learn the • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and guidelines for the country to which you are relocating, ask your eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. employer or the country’s consulate. AAA has applications for • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children international drivers permits, and you don’t need to be a member to will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to get a permit through AAA. position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using Local Laws within their reach. Foreign country laws can vary considerably from those in • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box America. Check you’re your company for information regarding has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling local laws, if they don’t have any, check with The Travelers Advisory “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. System, (202) 647-5225, a division of the Department of State that • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem issues consular information sheets providing the location and overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. telephone number of the United States Embassy and consulate in • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! a particular country. They also have details about health, immigration regulations, absentee voting, currency exchange, the Passport political stability of countries and known terrorist activities. You’re required to have a passport to go to most countries. This process alone can take a few months, though it is possible to Taxes expedite the process if it’s an emergency, just be prepared to pay All US citizens and Green Card holders are subject to US Federal for the rush. Passports are obtained through the US Department of taxation on their worldwide income for life, regardless of where their State, which can be reached at (202) 647-0518. If you’re a AAA income is earned. That means you’re paying US taxes on the member, AAA has passport applications and will do passport money you’re earning overseas if you’re a US citizen. The US is the photos, but the applications still need to be processed through the only country in the world to tax based on citizenship, not residency. post office or county courthouse. State taxes vary state to state, it would be a good idea to contact You will need these documents to obtain a passport: your state government to find out what your tax liability will be, if • Completed passport application. any. • Proof of United States citizenship or a passport issued in the You’re also going to be paying taxes in the country you’re United States. residing in, but there are a few ways to avoid double taxation on • Two identical passport-sized photographs. your income. • Passport Fee.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 31 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Foreign Tax Credit The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) states that you can What happens when your Foreign Earned Income is more than exclude the first $80,000 earned overseas from your income taxes. $80,000 plus the HE or/ and HD? You can still avoid double taxation This only includes wages (or income if you’re self-employed), not by applying for a Foreign Tax Credit with IRS Form 1116. A Foreign pension funds, US government payments, or anything else. IRS Tax Credit is a dollar for dollar reduction in tax owed if you’ve paid form 2555 enables you to apply for the exclusion. for the taxes in your host country (above and beyond the taxes paid To qualify for the FIEE, you must live abroad for the full year, and on the $80,000 you already excluded). the foreign country must be your “tax home,” essentially where you As you can see, there are a lot of methods to avoid being double operate for business either permanently or at least indefinitely. taxed by your host country and the IRS, but you’ll need to be Foreign Housing Exclusion (HE) or Deduction (HD) organized. An accountant experienced in tax preparation for In addition to the FEIE there is the Foreign Housing Exclusion (HE) expatriates is invaluable when tax time rolls around. See if you can for employed persons or the Foreign Housing Deduction (HD) for get recommendations through fellow expatriates or from your self-employed persons. In addition to the FEIE of $80,000, there is employers, and you’ll be able to save a lot of money and stress. an opportunity to augment this basic earned income exclusion by adding reasonable qualified foreign housing expenses. Even if your employer pays for your housing directly or reimburses you, you can still claim it as an exclusion or deduction. Moving expenses when you’re moving to the foreign country can also be included, but not the expenses when you return to the US.

32 ] Tokyo Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by  paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment, Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage. local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call. One Week Before  Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have  Confirm any travel plans or reservations. an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the Commerce in your new city for additional community move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats information. it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 33 34 ] Tokyo Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN AND PETS

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

et family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage Geveryone to ask questions and express feelings. Moving can be tough for children; its normal for children to feel like they don't have any control and that they were never part of this big decision. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. A growing number of international removal companies provide additional services for families with children, including workbooks, special packing boxes for children and procedures to show the children what is happening to their belongings. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. With the internet, tradition mailing address books may not be necessary for your children, but do encourage your child to create an “internet” address book where addresses of friends, teachers and coaches can be kept. Encourage your child to stay in touch, and assure them that their friends are just a mouse-click or postage stamp away. Choosing A School Schooling is an important issue for parents moving abroad. Many parents hesitate to accept an overseas assignment because they not want to risk their children’s education, but in general, being educated abroad is good for children, and not only academically. Most countries offer three choices when considering your child’s education - state, private and international - most people choose to enroll their child in an international school as they are the closest in curriculum and grading to their home educational system. Also, some countries will not allow foreign students to attend the local state school or in some areas the state school system is full. This choice will depend on where you are moving to and if you think you’ll be moving back to your home country before your child is ready for college. If this is the case, an international school will either follow the American system, with high school grades and SATs, or the British system of International GCSEs and A levels. This will make it easier for your child to reenter the school system back home if their grade system matches that of your home country. The choice will also depend on the age of your child. Younger children adapt more easily to a new culture and language; whereas older children may find it difficult. Older children will be more sensitive to standing out from the crowd, to leaving established friendships behind and having to adapt to a whole new set of circumstances. Most businesses limit an overseas posting to two or three years, so it becomes important to ensure that your third grader can make a smooth transition from his school abroad back to stateside schools.

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Tokyo Information Guide [ 35 REINFORCE THE POSITIVE

International schools are generally run to U.S. or at least to school and over 40% from university or junior college. At universities international standards. However many international schools have a the percentage of male students is higher than that of female waiting list, so register your child as soon as you can to ensure their students while the opposite is the case at junior colleges. The spot. To find out more about international schools, do your number of graduate university students is relatively low. research. Try to find a school that is associated with a larger The Japanese school year starts in April and consists of three organization that regulates standards and ensures the school meets terms, separated by short holidays in spring and winter, and a one strict requirements. Begin with the US Department of State, Office month long summer break. of Overseas Schools. Their website: www.state.gov/m/a/os A characteristic of the Japanese school system are entrance You will need to research and decide upon a school before you exams, and with them a high competitiveness among students. go! By doing the essential groundwork before you relocate you will Most high schools, universities, as well as a few private junior high be doing the absolute best you can to ensure your child has a schools and elementary schools require applicants to write smooth transition and settles into his new school abroad with the entrance exams. In order to pass entrance exams to the best least stress possible. institutions, many students attend special preparation schools (juku) International schools are private schools that cater mainly to besides regular classes, or for one to two years between high children who are not nationals of the host country, often the school and university (yobiko). employees of international businesses. They typically are more The (04) 2234-5300 expensive than other forms of elementary education. 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi Tokyo 182 www.asij.ac.jp Hailing from approximately 40 countries, the vast majority of our students and their families find themselves in Tokyo on temporary assignment. Our school community provides a multicultural haven, one rich in the arts, athletics, and academics.Classes are conducted in English, following a curriculum largely drawn from the United States. Our Japanese host culture enriches our school and provides opportunities for learning, both in language classes and through academic and experiential learning opportunities. From pre-school through grade 12. Gregg International School (03) 3725-6495 1-14-16 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku Tokyo 152-0035 www.gis-j.com/ Serving the community since 1986, Gregg International School provides a quality education for children aged 2 through 12 in a caring family-oriented environment. The spirit of Gregg is embodied in its emphasis on the development of strong personal values and nurturing cross-cultural relationships. Our large outdoor play area surrounded by trees provides ample space for children to develop motor skills and to interact freely with each other. Nishimachi International School (03) 3451-5520 2-14-7 Motoazabu, Minato-ku Tokyo 106-0046 www.nishimachi.ac.jp/ Nishimachi International School is a private, nonsectarian, co- educational day school founded in 1949 for children between the ages of 5 and 15 (K-Grade 9). The school's educational philosophy After the Second World War, the Americans reformed the is rooted in a spirit of internationalism and humanism, which allows Japanese education system which consists of six years of children to learn in an environment accepting of differences. elementary school, each three years of junior and senior high school Although the curriculum is taught in English, Nishimachi requires its and four years of university or two years of junior college. 440 students from 26 countries to study the Japanese language daily. Compulsory education includes elementary school and junior high school. Over 90% of all students also graduate from high

36 ] Tokyo Information Guide

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©Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company www.dow.com SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Before/After School Programs to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to These programs give children additional time and opportunity to expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework persistent phoning and visits. assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, programs are often provided through local schools, child care and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and Types of Child Care parental involvement. You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or Choosing Child Care maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after account the following factors: school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program • Age and personality of your child. that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in • Child care needs of all the children in your family. your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. In home • Hours you need child care. Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home • What you can afford. care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask background check, which is usually done by most placement about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what agencies. is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or are at the same level of development; each child has unique director. character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and developmental differences and creates a program to meet each In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given child’s needs. priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background Center-Based Care checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members The most popular type because there are so many options for should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, of infection. before/after school programs. Preparing Your Child for Child Care Day Care Center Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older you should spend some time observing the center and talking to infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave Preschool Programs like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as child care, just be sure to monitor. a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part of a full day program at a child care center. continued on page 40

Tokyo Information Guide [ 39 SELECTING CHILD CARE

You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children child care home that you have chosen with your child before grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking that supports you as a parent. to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a other children and adults. The child learns and grows from parent and child) experience, often times a major step in establishing independence After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new leaving them. caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your For more information you may want to visit the following website: child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

At the higher education levels, both British and American only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. systems exist. In particular, the Tokyo University of Science and Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to Technology was established on the American model of higher Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from education. The has traditionally been based on Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some the British model but has switched to the American model in recent programs require students to attend some campus classes or years. There are eight public universities in Tokyo, and a number of orientations, but many are delivered completely online. private institutions. Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband Liberal Arts Colleges connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the Public vs. Private humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small residents. They get most of their money from the state or local and personal attention is available. government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and Online Learning other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace Universities from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution size and some classes may taught by graduate students. can be much less. If all the institutes of higher learning were counted they would There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance number over 200. Tokyo University is the most respected state learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to university and Waseda and Keio are two private universities held in research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their high regard. system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online University of Tokyo (03) 5841-2089 classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku online universities out there. Tokyo 113-8654 Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes www.u-tokyo.ac.jp at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That The University of Tokyo consists of 10 faculties, 15 graduate number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually schools, eleven affiliated research institutes, 21 university-wide all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of centers and various other large and small research and educational private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, facilities promoting diverse advanced research and educational

40 ] Tokyo Information Guide DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES activities. It has about 7,600 teaching and administrative staff on Waseda University (03) 3207-1454 three campuses at Hongo, and Kashiwa. As of May 2005, 4F 1-7-14 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku The University of Tokyo had 2,144 registered international students, Tokyo 169-0051 which correspond to about 7% of the total number of Japanese www.waseda.jp/top/index-j.html students. In the year 2007 Waseda University will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its founding by Shigenobu Okuma, scholar and (03) 5427-1611 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku government leader. Waseda is one of Japan's top private, co- Tokyo 108-8345 educational institutions of higher learning. Founded as a college www.keio.ac.jp/ with three departments under the old system of Japanese higher Established in 1858 by intellectual visionary and leader Yukichi education, it has grown to become a comprehensive university with Fukuzawa, Keio University has been a source of innovation in two senior high schools and two Art and Architecture Schools. Japanese society for nearly 150 years. The university was founded Upper Division on the principles that an international perspective is essential for students to succeed as leaders in society, and that education Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate should be made available to anyone with determination and a study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s sincere desire to learn. An innovative place of learning that degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division encourages intellectual independence, self respect and academic college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a excellence, Keio is home to an exciting community of scholars from second year of study at a four-year college. around the world. Researchers and alumni are making major contributions in such diverse fields as education, politics, economics, medical care, science and technology.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 41 RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a is 70 degrees outside with an expected high of 75. Your company crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian doesn’t even have to gave you a raise to move here. before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly be prepared. and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? The best place to begin is simply the NewMarket Services Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don1t know Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she don’t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. factor in receiving timely treatment. Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their yourself and at least have a first impression to help you make your pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. choice. What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and have gathered some information on which to base your decision. ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find Remember to NEVER leave your pet in a car in hot weather, as out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, heat conditions in cars can quickly become fatal to animals. people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can There’s a new system and basically four steps to take, starting recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether several months before your planned move. or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not 1. Have your pet fitted with a microchip for identification. as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from 2. Vaccination against rabies with an inactivated vaccine, then someone you trust. given a booster shot more than 30 but less than 365 days later. 3. A blood test at a Japanese approved lab that shows a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. At least 180 days but less than 2 years should have elapsed since the blood test upon your arrival in Japan; plus your pet should be given periodic booster shots, and not appear ill when it arrives. 4. Notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days prior to your arrival. People coming from a designated rabies- free area have a bit looser regulations, as well as animals of US military personnel. If you satisfy all the requirements the quarantine time for your pet will be less than 12 hours. If your pet must be quarantined, the costs are typically 2500-3000 yen per day for a private company to hold and feed your pet, which will be done at your port of entry, not your final destination. Unless you live a stone’s throw away and can feed your friend yourself, the costs can grow quite high. Your airline may also have other regulations or surcharges such as cage type and weight, especially with regards to taking the pet with you in the cabin (PETC) or stowing it in the aircraft belly (AVIH), so be sure to contact them a few weeks before your flight. It may cost several hundred dollars to take your pet. For additional data or other animals, please go to the Japanese Consulate in New York, Misawa Japan or the Japanese government’s quarantine page. Be aware though that in Japan most apartment owners do NOT allow cats and dogs.

42 ] Tokyo Information Guide Tokyo Information Guide [ 43 FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

Starting with Thanksgiving, turkey is an important part of many holiday meals. We all look forward to the smell of the turkey roasting for hours in our homes. It is very Swelcoming for guests, and puts everyone in a festive mood. Most of the fat in turkey is within the skin and most of the fat within the meat is in the dark meat. The white meat with the skin removed is a good food source for people on low- fat or low sodium diets. The meat fiber is easier to digest than other types of meat, which makes it a good choice for individuals that may have digestive problems.Turkey is an excellent source of several important vitamins and nutrients such as iron, niacin, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins. And what about blaming the turkey for your after dinner lethargy? Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that has a sleep inducing effect. However, L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy. There’s lots of protein in a serving of turkey and it's probably not the only food you are consuming at the meal. The truth is that you could omit the bird altogether and still feel the effects of the meal! The day after the feast is equally anticipated for those wonderful leftovers. But you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches and may need another use for the scraps. Try the chili recipe below. And after the first of year when all of the treats are gone and the waistband needs shrinking, try the recipe with ground turkey for a low-fat, satisfying meal. Simple Turkey Chili Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 (16 ounce) cans canned kidney beans - 2 onion, chopped drained, rinsed, and mashed 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 1/3 cup chili powder, or to taste 4 cups water 1 teaspoon paprika 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 pounds ground turkey 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 (28 ounce) cans canned crushed 1 teaspoon ground cumin tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Direction Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until tender. Pour water into the pot. Mix in all remaining ingredients except kidney beans, and garlic.Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Add kidney beans. Serves 16.

Please visit our website, www.NewMarketServices for more recipes. Be one of the first 25 people to enter a recipe this month and receive $10 and automatic entry into our $2500 semi-annual best recipe contest. See website for details.

44 ] Tokyo Information Guide CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Seek information and advice from your doctor. Be sure all The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides immunizations are up to date before leaving. If your child has a information on inoculations, disease outbreaks and health hazards history of illness at home, be prepared for a reoccurrence while in foreign countries. It has an international travelers’ hot line (877- abroad. Seek advice from your doctor in advance of travel and 394-8747 or autofax 888-232-3299). The CDC’s home page on the consider bringing an emergency supply of medication. Internet is www.cdc.gov. Moving abroad is certain to cause a disruption in the schedule of Once you arrive, Get references for pediatricians, pediatric routine preventive health care. The yearly growth check-ups, eye dentists and other specialists from the U.S. Embassy. They may and hearing tests, teeth cleanings and vaccinations—not to also be able to supply you with a sheet of emergency phrases in the mention reminders in the mail from the doctor or dentist—may fall local language. And be sure to find out whether the local water by the wayside during the move. In many countries preventive care supply contains adequate fluoride. If not, follow a dentist's is not emphasized—either for cultural reasons or for lack of money recommendations on fluoride supplements. in the health care system. It is recommended to be up to date on these routine preventive trips before you leave.

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Tokyo Information Guide [ 45 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority will be to find a club that meets your • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete needs. Or a new move may bring the perfect time to implement - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams those healthy lifestyle changes that were on your New Year’s of the right standard for your competencies? Resolution list for the past several years. • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs good that you will be able to transfer your membership. for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics When visiting a club use your own observations and question the classes, at the time that you would be using the club? staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs • IIs the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be rooms and the shower areas? sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always no extra charge. someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is child care available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out near where you live or work. for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term certifying agencies? commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the • Are new members provided with a club orientation and hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of instruction on how to use equipment? what the club environment while you are there. • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club the facilities. requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job want and need to achieve your fitness goals? transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for you. • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

46 ] Tokyo Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient’s family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand.

• Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 47 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are more stress you experience. satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a Self-Image comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image more stress to the change itself. and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image system. When these changes are not made through your own through the risks of taking positive action. choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes because of their parents. They need special help and understanding getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and loneliness. Creatures of Habit Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route every day. We do this in order to reduce stress.

The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive habits, we save our energy for new events that are either unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others other familiar patterns. feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or Management of Change to whom to turn. To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or patterns in your life. you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by within the first few weeks. change. • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional next. transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within Stress yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period. When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to

48 ] Tokyo Information Guide VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

Tokyo Information Guide [ 49 50 ] Tokyo Information Guide HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent. continued on page 52

Tokyo Information Guide [ 51 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially Financial in a high-rise building. Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space back into the home some day? that is not adjacent to the unit? Rental Tips Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like use. for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of airport, freeway or train tracks? the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the maintenance? apartment: Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to the dining room adjoin the kitchen? complete.

52 ] Tokyo Information Guide

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also about the cons associated with each house and determine to be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely Neighborhoods want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better shot at them accepting a lower price. If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, Style and Substance churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor your commute to work be? plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like The House carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house match your tastes. to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house measures up to each need on your list.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 55 HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Termites and Carpenter Ants dryers and ranges? Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement Exterior wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood adequate drainage away from the house? products. Heating & Cooling Water Damage How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused give you an idea of its energy efficiency. by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, Insulation which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

56 ] Tokyo Information Guide HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Heating and Cooling Systems products. Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty inspection and cleaning of these systems. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling and responsibilities are from the outset. water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific systems in your new home. A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 57 SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo information without your permission to commit fraud or other /television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

58 ] Tokyo Information Guide TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

Tokyo Information Guide [ 59 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

60 ] Tokyo Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate and reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This continued on page 62

Tokyo Information Guide [ 61 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to balance in one lump sum. accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying to make sure the terms are reasonable. more points at closing. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage home mortgages on the secondary market. broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a fixed office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan rate mortgage as specified in the contract. is being processed and once you are an established customer. FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures its Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes a payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point periods. equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender financing expenses. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long mortgages. you plan to keep the loan. Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional loans. Helpful Mortgage Terms Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to market how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the contract. mortgage. Adjustment Index Ii a guide lenders use to change ARM interest rates Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your ARM amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can expires within 60 days. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative programs. processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the mortgage financing charges and fees. loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment.

62 ] Tokyo Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment. You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance (100) = $600 12% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600= $60,000 $60,000/.90 (Loan to Value) =$66,667 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7% 7.5% 8% 8.5% 9% 100,000 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 150,000 750 825 900 975 1050 1125 1200 1275 1350 200,000 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 250,000 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750 1875 2000 2125 2250 300,000 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100 2250 2400 2550 2700 350,000 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450 2625 2800 2975 3150 400,000 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 450,000 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150 3375 3600 3825 4050 500,000 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 550,000 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850 4125 4400 4675 4950 600,000 3000 3300 3600 3900 4200 4500 4800 5100 5400 650,000 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550 4875 5200 5525 5850 700,000 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900 5250 5600 5950 6300 750,000 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250 5625 6000 6375 6750 800,000 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600 6000 6400 6800 7200 850,000 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950 6375 6800 7225 7650 900,000 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300 6750 7200 7650 8100 950,000 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650 7125 7600 8075 8550 1,000,000 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000 7500 8000 8500 9000

Tokyo Information Guide [ 63 AIRLINES NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Airlines Diamond Award-winner Picasso. AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. American Airlines • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of Reservations call (800) 433-7300 fusion of water, dance and aerobics. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried Flights at your fingertips. For passenger • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin reservations and information call us or your most sophisticated boutiques from Giorgio Habitat. travel agent. Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and Hermes. • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons and tumbling waterfalls. Continental Airlines • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Reservations call (800) 523-3273 charms guests with its natural beauty. • Dive into interconnected lagoon and Want to be treated with respect, fly the • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage safe and courteous skies with Continental acre lake. pool. Airlines. Fairmont Hotels New York-New York United Airlines Toll Free (800) 527-4727 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South Reservations call (800) 241-6522 www.Fairmont.com Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 740-6969 Serving more of the nations top 100 Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New Orleans, business centers than any other airline. New York, San Francisco & San Jose The best of New York City meets the best Small package dispatch, same-day airport America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. of Las Vegas in one exciting location. Be a to airport. part of it. Hilton Hotels Education 6-12 Worldwide Reservations • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and Toll Free (800) 845-8667 entertainment. Florida Air Academy www.Hilton.com • Live performances nightly from the 1950 South Academy Drive Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. Melbourne, FL 32901 Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. (321) 723-3211 • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller www.flair.com MGM Grand Coaster. At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have the 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon opportunity to get a first-rate education Las Vegas, NV 89109 and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at Times geared to the learning styles of young men (702) 891-1111 Square. and make friends from around the world. Searching for non-stop action and pulse- • New York City’s original Gallaghers The school accepts young men in grades pounding excitement? “The City of Steakhouse. 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- Entertainment” awaits your arrival. • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple student average class size and college • La Femme-the sensual French sensation Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, direct from the original Crazy Horse in Greatest City in Las Vegas.” many with advanced degrees. Cadets at Paris. Florida Air Academy receive leadership • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du • Tabu’- The ultra hip lounge designed to training and an emphasis on community Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, stimulate and arouse your senses. service. Other programs include an humanity and art. excellent sports program, extensive • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. computer curriculum and optional flight Pan Pacific Resort Hotels • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants training and SCUBA certification. Worldwide Reservations including celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s Toll Free (800) 327-8585 Florida Air Academy is located on Florida’s Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North Space Coast and is fully accredited. • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion America, Japan, Southeast Asia. Contact our Admissions department for Habitat. more information on Fall, Spring, and Treasure Island Summer enrollments. For additional • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South Information contact: Donna Stratford Theatre feature top name entertainment. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Director of Communication (321) 723- Mirage Hotel & Casino (702) 792-5627 3211, Extension 30028 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South Enjoy the adventure and romance of this engaging resort filled with new-world Nationwide Travel Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 791-7111 amenities. Bellagio The Resort Immerse yourself in this tropical South Sea • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South oasis filled with luxury and excitement! resort. Las Vegas, NV 89109 • Experience the elegance and (702) 693-7223 • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle sophistication of our newly redesigned between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and Experience a world unto itself at “the most guest rooms. the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the romantic hotel in the world.” • Dive into interconnected lagoon and middle of the Buccaneer Bay. • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a • Nine world-renowned restaurants pool. mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Ten international restaurants including circus skills and dance.

64 ] Tokyo Information Guide NATIONWIDE TRAVEL NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

• Eight exciting dining options including Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and salon.

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