A LADYS GUIDE TO LIFE IN JAPAN Presenters

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A LADY’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN JAPAN Presenters: Jess Mancoo Penny Woznicki Jordanne Elliott

A LADY’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN JAPAN Presenters: Jess Mancoo Penny Woznicki Jordanne Elliott

GIRL TALK! ● Professionalism and Workplace Relationships ● Daily Life ● Sexual Health ●

GIRL TALK! ● Professionalism and Workplace Relationships ● Daily Life ● Sexual Health ● Sexual Harassment

PROFESSIONALISM

PROFESSIONALISM

APPEARANCE ● Dress very professionally at first ● Look at those around you -

APPEARANCE ● Dress very professionally at first ● Look at those around you - SHS vs JHS vs ES ● Never underestimate the power of a first impression ● Remember that you will always stick out

APPEARANCE ● Co-worker comments ● Indoor shoes ● Tattoos, vibrant hair colors, nail polish,

APPEARANCE ● Co-worker comments ● Indoor shoes ● Tattoos, vibrant hair colors, nail polish, makeup, etc. ● Piercings, jewelry, and accessories Have you gained weight? Are you cold? I wish I could wear that! You look really tired today…

THE OFFICE Arrive at least 5 minutes early Greetings On time = late Be

THE OFFICE Arrive at least 5 minutes early Greetings On time = late Be polite and cheerful Remember people’s names Job title – sensei (teacher), koucho sensei (principal), etc. Communicate with co-workers But never complain or gossip

Work Related THE OFFICE Be productive at your desk ● Lesson planning ● Creating

Work Related THE OFFICE Be productive at your desk ● Lesson planning ● Creating materials ● English board Life Related ● Studying Japanese ● Familiarizing yourself with school Inappropriate ● Watching movies ● Playing games ● Excessively browsing Facebook ● Sleeping

WORKPLACE: STUDENTS Teachers tend to appear closer to students than in many other countries.

WORKPLACE: STUDENTS Teachers tend to appear closer to students than in many other countries. (SHS vs JHS vs EMS) ●Touching, clinging, confessions of love. ● There must be rigid boundaries set and maintained. Outside of school ● Students may live / shop near to your apartment. ●DO interact when you see them. Say hello, choose to challenge their English or practice your Japanese. BUT…. ● DO NOT go anywhere alone with them. ● DO NOT drive your students anywhere. ●DO NOT friend current students on social media STUDENTS ARE NOT CLOSE FRIENDS OR POTENTIAL DATES

WORKPLACE: TEACHERS l Situations vary greatly; frustration is natural. l People are busy, but

WORKPLACE: TEACHERS l Situations vary greatly; frustration is natural. l People are busy, but communication is key. l Try to socialize and get to know your co workers. l Don’t complain to your students or teachers. l Don’t complain ABOUT a teacher to OTHER teachers. Talk with your supervisor or an RA l You will be judged differently. l It’s a fact… you won’t get along with everyone l Remember that people rotate out every April.

WORKPLACE: YOUR SUPERVISOR Supervisors will come in all shapes and sizes: ● Helpful, disdainful,

WORKPLACE: YOUR SUPERVISOR Supervisors will come in all shapes and sizes: ● Helpful, disdainful, very competent, interested in your life, not available, etc. ● Try to establish what kind of relationship you can expect early on If you do not get along with your supervisor: l Try to become more independent from them. l Turn to other teachers or friends for advice. l Remember your supervisor may change in April. l If necessary, try talking to them after school. l Talk to older JETs or your PA for advice.

SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: Jet Ladies + l Is a great supportive community! l The

SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: Jet Ladies + l Is a great supportive community! l The admin offers to post on behalf of users. So you can post anonymously! l It has been running for 3 years so you can use the FB search function to find many answers. Blogs and vlogs l Be careful what you say about others in the community. l Do they want to be referenced online, even indirectly? l Don’t name schools , teachers or students. l Overall we advise against taking any personal photos and videos at school or at school events. l *Only upload videos / pictures that you have been given FULL CONSENT to use Facebook in genral l Check your privacy settings. You don’t want students to have access to drunken photos of you! l Like Blogs and Vlogs, be aware of what you post and the audience you have. Stranger danger! l If you meet up with an online friend in the real world, do so in a public place and tell at least one other person who you’re meeting up with and where you are meeting up.

RELATIONSHIPS

RELATIONSHIPS

SOCIALIZING l Japanese friends l Coworkers outside of work l JETs and other foreigners

SOCIALIZING l Japanese friends l Coworkers outside of work l JETs and other foreigners l AJET events l Local events l Act appropriately; students and parents are everywhere Remember you are a public servant and with that comes certain responsibilities

DATING ● It’s a normal part of life ● PRACTICE SAFE SEX!!! Dating another

DATING ● It’s a normal part of life ● PRACTICE SAFE SEX!!! Dating another JET: ● Small towns, big rumors ● There will be cultural differences ● Short term vs long term ● ALT relationships vs Japanese ● Can heavily affect the JET community ● Rumors and secrets spread fast ● You will DEFINITELY see this person again No matter who you date, keep in mind cultural and international barriers, and long distance.

HOMOSEXUALITY ● Legally acceptable, protections for gay and transgender people ● No same-sex marriage;

HOMOSEXUALITY ● Legally acceptable, protections for gay and transgender people ● No same-sex marriage; international not recognized ● Some wards in Tokyo have recently recognized same-sex partnerships ● Hostility is rare, and understanding or acceptance varies ● Rarely spoken about ● Not as apparent to Japanese people ● NEVER out another person AJET Group: http: //stonewall. ajet. net/

ADJUSTING TO LGBT LIFE IN JAPAN l l l Japan is much more conservative

ADJUSTING TO LGBT LIFE IN JAPAN l l l Japan is much more conservative than you’re used to in your home country. It will be difficult to navigate at the start but it can be done You can use dating apps (OKCupid, Blendr, Spindle) and Stonewall to reach out to other members of the LGBT community. Annual Pride Parades are celebrated mainly in Tokyo/Osaka, check Facebook and Twitter! PDA is a huge no in Japan regardless of your sexual orientation Remember that you’re a professional public ambassador, please be mindful with your relationships.

DAILY LIFE

DAILY LIFE

DAILY LIFE: FOREIGNER ATTENTION “Gaijin” ● Opinions and feelings can be overlooked ● Dancing

DAILY LIFE: FOREIGNER ATTENTION “Gaijin” ● Opinions and feelings can be overlooked ● Dancing bear ● “Gaijin Smash” Stereotypes and racism ● “Jouzu Chopsticks” comments ● Misconceptions and microaggressions ● May be accidental or unintentional Staring and gawking ● You attract a lot of attention – mostly positive ● Comments about your body You represent foreigners and ALTs, so set a good example!

DAILY LIFE: HEALTH AND HYGIENE Diet - eat regular, balanced meals and have back

DAILY LIFE: HEALTH AND HYGIENE Diet - eat regular, balanced meals and have back up meals ● Watch the caffeine and alcohol Exercise – find something to keep you active, especially in winter ● Join a gym or ask teaches or JETs about sports leagues ● Work out at home Sleep – get well rested ● Create a regular sleep schedule ● The sun rises very early here Shower and Toiletries ● Japanese toothpaste and deodorant tend to be a little weak Remember to set aside time for yourself

DAILY LIFE: USEFUL LADY SPECIFIC MEDICINES THRUSH (shinkinsei chitsuen 真菌性膣炎 ) ●Candidiasis is “kanjita”

DAILY LIFE: USEFUL LADY SPECIFIC MEDICINES THRUSH (shinkinsei chitsuen 真菌性膣炎 ) ●Candidiasis is “kanjita” カンジタ ●OTC meds are available ● For pessaries, you will have to talk to the pharmacist. Usually they only work til 7 pm. ● 6 pessaries as opposed to one. BLADDER INFECTIONS (boko-en 膀胱炎) ● Go to the doctor.

The Lady Doctor ( fujinka) ふじんか (婦人科) Useful terms ● Mainly exist to deal

The Lady Doctor ( fujinka) ふじんか (婦人科) Useful terms ● Mainly exist to deal with all things “baby” as opposed to women’s health ● Mostly male doctors ● Go to clinics which others have recommended ● “Fun” chair ● “Shame curtain” ● Bring a friend for moral support if you are worried! physical check up – kenko shindan ( 健康診断 ) obstetrics and gynecology – sanfujin-ka ( 産婦人科 ) uterus – shikyu ( 子宮 ) vagina – chitsu ( 膣 ) menstrual cramps – seiritsu ( 生理痛 ) menstrual irregularity – seiri fujun ( 生理不順 ) yeast infection – chitsu kanjida shou ( 膣カンジダ症 ) vaginal discharge – orimono ( おりもの ) veneral disease / STD – seibyou ( 性病 ) hemorrhage – fusei-shukketsu ( 不正出血 ) morning after pill – moningu afuta piru ( モーニングアフターピル ) pregnancy – ninshin ( 妊娠 )

MENTAL HEALTH JET Mental Health Counselling Assistance Program ● Provides a partial subsidy for

MENTAL HEALTH JET Mental Health Counselling Assistance Program ● Provides a partial subsidy for counselling costs. ● Subsidy only available if treatment not covered through health insurance. Jet Online Counselling Service l FREE Counselling available through mail and skype. Tokyo English Life Line (http: //telljp. com) ● NPO dedicated to helping Japan’s international community gain access to the mental health care they need! AJET Peer Support Group ( Phone: 050 5534 5566 OR Skype: AJETPSG) ● Listening and referral service. Confidential and anonymous. ● Available every night of the year. 8: 00 pm to 7: 00 am.

MENTAL HEALTH Prefectural Advisors ● Confidential support from people you know! Professional Help; Niigata

MENTAL HEALTH Prefectural Advisors ● Confidential support from people you know! Professional Help; Niigata city ● Dr Naomi Kobayashi – Counselling Room Sakura. Phone 025 211 2570, Counselling Room Sakura, Nishi-ku, Sakaisunayama, 4 Chome-5 -17, 950 2044 Joetsu city ● Dr Toko Igarashi - Kawamuro Memorial Hospital. Phone 025 520 2021. Don’t forget – Other ALTs are usually more than happy to listen to you if you need someone to talk to!

SEXUAL HEALTH Condoms l Available at convenience stores, pharmacies, andドンキホーテ l Come in different

SEXUAL HEALTH Condoms l Available at convenience stores, pharmacies, andドンキホーテ l Come in different sizes - diameter is usually on the box l Western condoms - get shipped or buy online Birth Control Pills l Uncommon; your kind may not be available. l Need a prescription. l 1 or 3 month supply Morning After Pill ● Requires a prescription ● Might be different to what you are used to ● Few places have it in Niigata ●Clinics are listed at: www. jfpa-clinic. org/search/ ec-list. php? addr 1=14

SEXUAL HEALTH: STDs (seibyo 性病) Free confidential AIDS/HIV testing at most clinics Don’t panic

SEXUAL HEALTH: STDs (seibyo 性病) Free confidential AIDS/HIV testing at most clinics Don’t panic ●You will not be dismissed from the JET program ●Whether you tell your school or not is your choice ●Testing available in Niigata City ●Doctor patient confidentiality less strict in Japan ●If you get tested in your town, people may find out The Ueno Clinic is anonymous, next to Niigata Station, quick, and fairly cheap. Testing ranges from 12, 000 to 22, 000 www. ueno. co. jp Japan Healthcare Info offers testing by mail: ● ● Order your test Pay by bank transfer Receive your kit, test, and mail it back Receive an email with results in English http: //japanhealthinfo. com

SEXUAL HARASSMENT セクハラ (se-ku ha-ra)

SEXUAL HARASSMENT セクハラ (se-ku ha-ra)

Remember It is never the victim's fault. It is always the perpetrator’s fault.

Remember It is never the victim's fault. It is always the perpetrator’s fault.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: GENERAL Report it!! Foreigners stand out ◆Stay vigilant. ◆Take precautions. ◆Don’t be

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: GENERAL Report it!! Foreigners stand out ◆Stay vigilant. ◆Take precautions. ◆Don’t be afraid to tell someone to back off! ◆Don’t be embarrassed Verbal AND physical sexual harassment ◆ Don’t be afraid ◆ Don’t be ashamed Always consider reporting it If it goes unreported, there’s a high chance it will happen again and increase in severity

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: OUTSIDE WORK Example situations: ● Public transport /Crowded areas ● “Cycle grab”

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: OUTSIDE WORK Example situations: ● Public transport /Crowded areas ● “Cycle grab” ● Parties ●Stalking Contact the local Police and tell a PA. Tell your co-workers: ● They will support you and try to help ● Your superiors may have local influence ● School principals command respect.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: COWORKERS Harassment from another teacher or fellow ALT /CIR: Talk to your

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: COWORKERS Harassment from another teacher or fellow ALT /CIR: Talk to your PA!! ● You can talk to other coworkers and superiors aswell if you are comfortable Harassment from your Superior: Talk to your PA !! ● Talk to colleagues you trust to try and mitigate the problem ● Power harassment (パワハラ, pa-wa ha-ra) Verbal comments can sometimes be an issue of cultural difference The perpetrator may not realize his /her comments offend you.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: STUDENTS 1. Surprisingly many cases come from sudents of the same-sex 2.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: STUDENTS 1. Surprisingly many cases come from sudents of the same-sex 2. Child minds (EMS largely) lack filters but brim with curiosity. 3. Sexual comments from (male) students. 4. Body shaming comments Remember: ● Stay calm ●Be a mature and sensible teacher. ● Try to avoid shouting or showing annoyance. ● Explain purposefully and clearly why it is bad. ● Get another teacher to speak to them or act as a translator. ● If it persists, talk to a PA or supervisor.

QUESTIONS?

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT US Jess Mancoo (Joetsu City, 4 th Year Municipal ALT): jessicamancoo@hotmail. co. uk

CONTACT US Jess Mancoo (Joetsu City, 4 th Year Municipal ALT): jessicamancoo@hotmail. co. uk Penelope Woznicki (Joetsu City, 4 th Year Municipal ALT): pennywozhere@gmail. com Jordanne Elliott (Kashiwazaki City, 2 nd Year Prefectural ALT) jelliott. ja@gmail. com