SURVIVAL JAPANESE

One of the biggest fears of some JETs is that they will not be able to communicate (or be able to shop at the grocery store with confidence).  There is no language requirement for being an AET so most AETs have little or no ability in Japanese.  If you have the time and motivation it is a good idea to hit the books before getting on the plane.  The two publications sent to you from CLAIR really provide a nice base to build on later.  It is also good to remember that language is not only speaking - bring your dictionary, use your body, point, and draw pictures if you have to.

Here are three ways to approach learning Japanese:
1. No serious study of Japanese.  If you are not going to seriously study Japanese, then at least learn katakana.  Katakana comes in handy when reading most menus (so you won't starve) and signs in and around Japan.
2. Semi-serious Study.  Learn katakana, hiragana, and a few kanji.  Do a language exchange with someone.  Learn the simple things like greetings, numbers, counters, days of the week, time, and months.  This will especially help you out if you decide to travel in Japan.  If you live in the rural areas, you can organize private lessons along with other JETs.
3. Serious Study.  There are classes available in the larger cities of Gifu-ken.  Ogaki, Gifu-city, and Kakamigahara all have learning centers.  The Kumon Japanese language course is available around Japan, and there are also many evening courses and intensive summer courses available in Nagoya, Kyoto, Kanazawa, etc.  The foreign bookstores have tons of language books, but the best way to start is by talking to your co-workers, students, neighbors, etc.

You might also want to check your apartment thoroughly for any Japanese language books left by your predecessor and also check with your office/school library.

Here is one thing you will definitely want to learn while you are in Japan (and you can practice it on the train to Gifu)…your self-introduction with proper bowing technique.

(bow, then say)  Hajimemashite.
Watashi-wa (NAME) desu.
(Your country) no (state, city, town, village) kara kimashita.
(School/office name) no (AET/CIR) desu.
Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.  (and bow as you say the last line)

Translation:  It is a pleasure to meet you.  I am (name).  I am from (country, state, city, town, village).  I am a(n) AET/CIR in (school/office).  Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu is used for many, many things…in this case, it means something along the lines of `I am looking forward to good relations with you` or `Please take care of me`.  Both of these are not literal translations though.  It adds politeness to your introduction too.