The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[112]

cool man, out of curiosity how hard is it to catch a sumo match when over in Japan? Is it expensive?

112

[Darwock]

You have to be there in the right month, I think the tournaments are on every 2nd month (each time in a different part of the country) so if you time it wrong, like I did, there won't be anything to see.

[mementoman]

cool man, out of curiosity how hard is it to catch a sumo match when over in Japan? Is it expensive?

112

You can check tournament details on here http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/

I went to the May meeting in Tokyo back in 2004 and we turned up a few days before to book our tickets for the penultimate day. I toook a printout of the day and type of seats I wanted and pointed them out. There is an English Speaking window so it's pretty easy. There are various prices witht he floorside seats sold out months in advance and very expensive. The ones on the upper tier were fairly reasonable I seem to recall.

It's definitely a good experience although we didn't know what the hell was going on in between bouts when lots of people came into the ring with banners and stuff I think it may have been sponsors etc.

[mementoman]

I could do with some help myself :-

I'm returning to Japan between the 20th and 30th of Sept this year and will be in Kyoto for the second week. During my time there I was wondering if it would be possible to go check out an English class at a school somewhere in that area.

I'm interested in getting a TEFL or joining the JET scheme to go and teach English in Japan and would like to get a bit of a taster while I am there if possible.

If anyone can help point me in the right direction that would be great.

Cheers.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

I could do with some help myself :-

I'm returning to Japan between the 20th and 30th of Sept this year and will be in Kyoto for the second week. During my time there I was wondering if it would be possible to go check out an English class at a school somewhere in that area.

I'm interested in getting a TEFL or joining the JET scheme to go and teach English in Japan and would like to get a bit of a taster while I am there if possible.

If anyone can help point me in the right direction that would be great.

Cheers.

You dont need TEFL to teach Engrish in Japan, just a Degree.

Look back about 20 pages, it has been discussed before

[mementoman]

You dont need TEFL to teach Engrish in Japan, just a Degree.

Look back about 20 pages, it has been discussed before

Yeah I understand that but I thought a TEFL wouldn't do any harm and would let me brush up on my English a bit as it's been 13 years since I did my A Level

I'm mostly after anyone who can point me in the direction of a school in the Kyoto area who would be happy for me to turn up and observe/participate in a class.

[dave heats]

Most classes wouldnt let you sit in a watch tbh. You may have to put in a formal request to sit in on a class, and even then it may not be granted, as it will ultimately be the students decision. And Japanese students are notoriously self concious when speaking English, even in classroom surroundings.

I can point you in the direction of some classes in Osaka, from which i know some teachers. But it may be difficult!

My experience of teaching is by no means complete, but from the limited experience Ive had, i think it might be difficult. I hope a more experienced forumite can help you more mate.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Yeah I understand that but I thought a TEFL wouldn't do any harm and would let me brush up on my English a bit as it's been 13 years since I did my A Level

I'm mostly after anyone who can point me in the direction of a school in the Kyoto area who would be happy for me to turn up and observe/participate in a class.

No it wont hurt, but also it wont help you either. So whats the point in paying for it?

[saif]

TEFL will help you in terms of pay and stuff. At my company, those with TEFL get paid more than those without. It will make it easier to find work and also open doors later on. I personally have been teaching here for 3 years without it but it does help from what I have seen. Won't necessarily make you a better teacher in Japan though. Also, it will allow you to go to other places too or find work in the UK even.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Can anyone here tell me how they "proved" they had the necessary funds when applying for a working holiday visa?

Would a print-out of my online balance be acceptable?

Did anyone have to provide any additional proof of anything?

Cheers

[Richard.John]

Just ask your bank for a balance on their headed paper, not from the ATM.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Just ask your bank for a balance on their headed paper, not from the ATM.

Problem is that it is a a doctored balance using mozilla's html editor..........

With all the correct logo's intact

[Darwock]

Hmm.. forging documents to be handed over to consulates and embassies... great idea.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Hmm.. forging documents to be handed over to consulates and embassies... great idea.

Its been done before, but thanks for your help anyway

EDIT: Actually ive just thought of a better way, 0% Credit Card purchase 3 grands worth of travellers cheques, show them to the embassy, then redeem them back as cash, paying off the CC.

I would loose a few quid with exchange rates, however

[Richard.John]

I don't know what to suggest then. TBH they ask for a reason so if you haven't got enough to get by maybe should consider making sure you do before you get on the plane.
I am not trying to be critical but it's in your own interests to enure that you can survive.