Public Libraries in Japan: A Treat for English-Speaking Foreigners

I am a reader. Until I came to Japan. I used to finish 1-3 books in a week. Until I came to Japan. And until I came to Japan, my reading has been limited to Yahoo News with its abundance of Kardashian news. There are e-books of course, but with my eyesight problems I don't want to make it worse. There are bookstores in Japan but the English materials are expensive. I bought 3 books and if I'm gonna buy more, I'll be broke in no time.So, you can just maybe imagine what a treat it was for me when I learned about public libraries in Japan.

photo credit: http://clancy.jppss.k12.la.us/clancy-library/

(For more places in Japan, click here)

A Jamaican friend mentioned it to me when I commented on the stacks of books she has. I thought she bought all of them. In no time, we arranged a library date. The public library was within walking distance from our apartments. Amazingly, there are also a lot of English materials. There are the classics- novels of Charles Dickens, Bronte Sisters, Jane Austen, etc. There are the Newberry Awardees, the New York Times Bestsellers, contemporary novels, unknown ones even trashy ones. It was heaven with my Jamaican friend as the angel messenger. 

(Click here to access Chuo Central Library in Hamamatsu)

It was easy to access the library collection. I just filled-out a short form with my name, phone number and address. Then I showed my residence card to the registration counter. The lady typed my info and issued a library card. . In a few minutes, I can already borrow books. I can borrow 15 books at a time but I must return them within 15 days. The library also has audio-visual collections which I can freely watch from the numerous computer stations. There are a lot of animes and some movies. 

The library lady also handed me a brochure. I learned from it that I can use my card to other libraries within Hamamatsu. Also, I learned that Japan has more than 3,000 public libraries all over the country. Most of these libraries have English materials. All a foreigner need to present is his alien card. The lady also mentioned that most public libraries are near city offices. So the key is to find a city office and most probably, a public library is nearby. 

(For more on Living in Hamamatsu, Japan, click here)

So for those stuck with Yahoo news (and its Kardashian articles), grab your alien card and go to the nearest public library out there. Happy reading!

Brush, Brush, Three Times a Day: Personal Hygiene in Japan

I remembered a TV commercial jingle that goes "Brush, brush, three times a day. Brush, brush to keep the cavities away..." This jingle popped in my mind while staring (covertly) at a teacher brushing his teeth. In the staff room. Yes, he was brushing his teeth in the staff room where all other teachers are. And, he is talking to three students. So to give a complete picture, a male Japanese teacher is brushing his teeth while in the staff room while talking to three students.

photo credit: http://bestclipartblog.com/22-teeth-clip-art.html/teeth-clipart-5

I was grossed out the first time I saw this sight. Then I eventually got used to the sight of teachers brushing their teeth while on their desks, along the hallway and even in the classroom.Teachers with toothbrushes in hand is a common sight after lunch in school. For people of other cultures, this may seem odd- brushing one's teeth in public. Ironically, for the Japanese people who are very reserved, brushing teeth in public is no big deal. 

Teachers would check papers while brushing, they would talk to students while brushing, they would walk in the hallway while brushing, they would give instructions while brushing. It seems that time is too precious for a few minutes of brushing teeth in private. 

And this is not only in brushing, cutting nails and cleaning one's ears are acceptable things to do in public. In the school where I work, each class has their own nail cutter. It is proudly displayed on a hook near the door. Students can use it whenever they think they need a cut.

Then there's ear cleaning.  There are two teachers in my school who always clean their ears on their desks.I don't know why they can't do in their homes or in the toilet. So far, I haven't seen any student clean their ears, thank God. 

I'm not the type of person who is not easily grossed out. I'm just puzzled why these Japanese do their personal hygiene in public. So far, I haven't heard about people from other countries that are like this.It must be a cultural thing. If it is, it's not really very pleasing. 

Indoor Shoes Craze: Footwear in Japan

In Japan, any footwear used outdoors is not welcome indoors. This helps minimizing dirt from the outside.

I have two indoor shoes in the school where I worked. As soon as I enter the school building every morning, I have to take of my outdoor shoes and changed to my indoor ones. Then a different pair of shoes should be worn in the gym. In some schools, toilet slippers should be worn when using the - toilet. In fact, all schools have a "shoe changing" section for students and for teachers. 

Office workers wearing leather shoes and heels also change to comfortable indoor footwear once in the office.

indoor house slippers
Photo Credit: http://www.toboc.com/qdsunchic/company-products.aspx

In every Japanese home, you'll find lots of indoor slippers for guests. It is certainly disrespectful to wear outside footwear inside a host's house. 

Even in the fitness club where I work out regularly, I have to use my sports shoes exclusively indoors. Repeatedly wearing outdoor shoes indoors is a ground for membership expulsion. 

Most shopping malls do not allow outdoor shoes in the fitting rooms. Some malls provide "fitting room" shoes while others would simply advise you to remove your shoes. 

There were even a few restaurants that do not allow outdoor footwear. Customers must change to the slippers provided by the place. 

Even in footwear, the Japanese reflects their very "specific" mind-  that there is a particular thing for every particular situation.