Just a little advise for those living, or soon to to be living, in Japan. Say "Thank you" when you buy something from a store clerk. This really isn't groundbreaking advise as it is mostly just good manners in most Western countries, though rare in Japan.

Phase #2: Say "Thank you ________ さん" to the clerk.
It has only been in the last of couple weeks I have felt confident enough to casually address a store clerk by the name written on their name tag. It is incredible the way clerks light up when greeted by their actual name!!!
Start studying today the ５００ most common Japanese surnames, just for the small spark of happiness it will give to those stuck in 700円/時間 Lawson's コンビニエンスストア　jobs.

I'm not living in Japan, but I had been debating this. I wondered if it was better to be overly polite and stand out, or do as the natives did and be less polite in Japan than I would be in the US. (Yes, I thank people often... They hand me the slip to sign, I thank them, they hand me my order, I thank them, etc etc etc. Heck, even if they wish me a good day, thank them and return the well-wishing.)

When I used to work at a konbini I was just creeped out when customers who weren't regulars referred to me by my name...

I had the staff chuckling a few times when I first came to Japan, by saying thank you too politely. These days, I'd rather just fit in.

If you're actually talking about using English to say thank you, then I don't see that causing any problems as the expression is well known in Japan - but you're not doing much to improve your own Japanese by doing so.

Edit: and yeah, I find using a stranger's name somewhat creepy too.

Jarvik7 Wrote:When I used to work at a konbini I was just creeped out when customers who weren't regulars referred to me by my name...

You worked at a konbini??? I am not sure if this is a joke or not on your part, but I have actually thought of taking a 50% pay cut just to experience being a konbini clerk for the cultural understanding angle (Yes, my Jap-sig-other thinks I am insane).

bodhisamaya Wrote:You worked at a konbini???

I too would like to hear more about this too! I've always wondered what it would be like. Part time of course, I could never support myself on a conbini wage.

Yes, in Canada

Jarvik7 Wrote:Yes, in Canada

bummed....
Almost a "Wow!!!" moment.

When I first got here, and actually for a few months, I would always thank the clerk.

It wasn't until I went somewhere with my girlfriend, and she paid and didn't say anything that I started paying attention, and have seen that most people don't say it.

I decided that since I already stick out, I may as well make myself stick out the least I can, so I've stopped saying it since. Although with people who are always working at the Seicomart I always go too--that's different.

I've been told something like "you don't say it, because you are implying that they went out of their way to give something to you. In reality, you're doing them a favor by buying their goods, so you have no reason to thank them"
But I can't remember who told me that.

Yes, I've heard the economic reasons for not being polite. The 17 year old girl behind the counter doesn't understand ECO101, why should I adhere to those theories?

Because she doesn't expect it and it just makes you look wierd.

I always say 'thank you', especially if it's at 'my usual' combini.
Maybe you stick out, but you stick out anyway for being gaijin, and hell I'd rather stick out for having good manners than not. Over here, in whatever small way, I'm representing England, and I try to represent the good parts.

edit: I should also point out that it's just -you- that thinks you're being 'rude' by not thanking the clerk. The clerk doesn't think you've been rude, and nor does anyone else observing. Everyone notices politeness though.

You could always get an evening job at a konbini bodhi. Since you're on a spousal visa you don't have the work-type limitations of a normal work visa. Also since iirc you're in Hirakatashi I'm guessing you're an ALT (I used to live in Hirakatashi and there isn't much else there to do unless you're commuting to Osakashi) so you have lots of time if you finish at 4:30. Just don't work at a konbini near your school

If would be a greater than 50% paycut though since I heard that Hirakatashi has switched to direct hiring instead of haken, meaning your pay is probably around 2000Y~2500Y/hr (higher than the typical 1700Y). Konbini normally pay 750Y or so unless it's nightshift.

I actually have an enormous amount of freedom since 人美ちゃん has offered to go back to her 美容師　job and let me be a stay at home dad and just do private students if I want. I actually love my job though. I work for GABA and they allow me almost 100% freedom to teach the way I feel is most effective.

resolve Wrote:Because she doesn't expect it and it just makes you look wierd.

Ｌｏｏｋｉｎｇ　ｗｅｉｒｄ　ｉｓ　ｐａｒｔ　ｏｆ　ｍｙ　ｃｈａｒｍ

Eww, Gaba.

It's good for work holiday, students, part time workers etc due to the flexibility, but the pay and treatment is easily the worst out of all eikaiwa. They did me a favor by not hiring me.

Maybe I put too much stress on full time employment during my interview, or maybe they sensed that I was just going to use them to get a visa and then ditch at the first opportunity.

Speaking of 美容師, I was looking at the website for the hair salon I goto to book an appointment earlier today, and I saw that they were hiring. Stylists make a LOT of money here. Full-time (5 days off per month) at the place that I goto pays over 40man per month. That's pretty much twice what a new employee makes at any top Japanese company.

I am still a new hire, but so far everyone has been kind. The pay is dependent on how popular you become with the students. They don't pay the teachers actually. We get a commission for every 40 minute lesson taught (1,500~2,200). The students request which teacher they want on their home computer prior to coming to class, so being genki at all times is a must.
Some teachers seem to be making over 300,000 per month judging by the schedules posted. The lessons are Man2Man so there is little stress and progress is quickly realized. On the down side, there are no benefits as we are viewed as independent contractors and periodic mandatory training is unpaid.