Life in Japan:Guide for new arrivals Part 2

Apartments:

In my opinion, Japan has one of the most integrated society in developed countries.
In USA minorities are concentrated in slums. Same as in France and Great Britain.
But in Japan, your neighbors are likely to be Japanese people. Like in every
society, there are some rules to follow:

1. Don't be noisy
Lots of foreigners tend to chat with loud voices; it is a free society but think
about the timing and the place

2. Garbage disposal
Tokyo is one the cleanest city in the world. Why?
Because you just cant throw garbage whenever and wherever you want.
Throwing garbage has special rules and are classified into 3 categories:
- combustible garbage
paper, remains of food, etc ... to be put separately and to be thrown out at
specific days( usually 2 or 3 times a week depending on the area you are living )
- non combustible garbage
Plastics, metal, cans, bins, etc ... to be put separately and to be thrown out
at a specific day ( usually once a week )
- Big size garbage
TV, Stereo, tables, chairs, Fridge
You cant throw those. You need to call a special service and pay for their disposal

3. Be polite and friendly
It is your choice. If you want to live comfortably with your neighbors, it is an easy task

4. Greet everyone you meet in the apartment
Great way to make friends. You will learn and experience lots of interesting things with your neighbors.
Your neighbors are likely the one to invite you to special events like Festivals, Fireworks, Japanese dancing festivals, ...

5. Be a gentleman to the ladies
Well, like in every society

6. Be courteous to the 'Oya-san'
The apartment's owner. He is the one who will take care of things, like
broken doors, broken taps.

RedSpider