Once you move in, there will be lots of red tape to cut your way through:
| 1)Turning on your electricity, gas, and water |
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Contact each utility office in your city. Because most of these offices will not employ any English speakers, we suggest you to get a Japanese speaking friend to help.
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| 2)Application for a Certificate of Alien Registration and change of address |
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Go to the municipal office of the city you have just moved to and register for your Gaijin Card. You will be able to get all the information and materials for applying at the office.
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| 3)Opening a bank account and changing your address |
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Go to the bank of your choice, and take with you your passport, signet/seal stamp(if you have one), Certificate of Alien Registration, or Certificate of Items Stated in Alien Registration Original Slip. Some banks will allow you to sign your name instead of stamping your seal. However, if your bank does not allow this, you can buy and use a stamp which has any Japanese name. Be careful not to lose it, though, since it will be required whenever you withdraw cash (not including ATM) or when you close your account..
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| 4)Changing the address on your driver's license |
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This can be done at the local police office in the town you have just moved to.
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When you move in, it is common courtesy to greet your landlord. Especially in Japan, first impressions are very important.
When moving into a new apartment, introduce yourself to your nextdoor neighbors on both sides, and also those above and below you. When moving into a new house, you should introduce yourselves to your neighbors in the three nearest houses to your right, and the three nearest houses to your left. Traditionally, this area (three houses in any direction) was called the Muko Sangen Ryodonar. It was an organized group of neighbors who help each other in various ways.
It's best to introduce yourself to your neighbors on the day you move in. It's nice to bring a small offering or gift, such as postcards, or some sort of candy or sweets. The standard amount spent on this sort of token gift is \500～\1,000. Although gift giving in this situation is a Japanese tradition, if you fail to do it, your neighbors will probably understand considering you are a foreigner.
In case of emergency, it is your neighbors that help you most. Having a good relationship with your neighbors is important. If they like you, they are more likely to tolerate whatever you may do.
It's a good idea to send postcards to friends and relatives letting them know that you have moved, and telling them your new address and phone number. Try to do this sooner than one month after you move.
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Pronounciation
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English
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| konnichi wa | Hello |
| gomen-kudasai | Excuse me, is anybody home? |
| hajimemashite | How do you do? |
| yoroshiku onegai shimasu | I'm Pleased to make your acquaintance. |
| watashi wa ( ) desu | My name is ( ) |
| arigatou | Thank you |
| sayounara | Good bye |
| sumimasen | I'm sorry/Thank you/Excuse me |
| ogenki desuka | How are you? |
| genki desu | I'm fine, thank you. |
| dou itashi mashite | You're welcome. |
| hikkoshi te kimashita | I've just moved into ･･･ |