| When you relocate to Japan, you can apply for an | | | | customary to say "Itadakimasu" before your meal |
| International Driving Permit. You are required to have | | | | and "Gochisoama deshita" after your meal; especially |
| a valid driver's license from your home country. | | | | if someone else is paying for it. "Konnichiwa" means |
| They're valid for one year or until your license | | | | "Hello" when you greet someone face to face but |
| expires. You can apply when you arrive in Japan or at | | | | "Moshi moshi" means "Hello" when you answer a |
| any AAA Travel office, it will cost about $10. | | | | phone. |
| The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of | | | | One of the most important tips I have for you when |
| Japan regulates the transfer of animals into and out | | | | you relocate to Japan is to learn Japanese manners |
| of Japan. You should check with the Japanese | | | | and etiquette. Here are some do's and don'ts for not |
| Consulate in your country for the rules, regulations | | | | offending your hosts: remove your shoes before |
| and procedures required to bring your pets with you | | | | entering a residence, don't use your chopsticks to |
| when you relocate to Japan. | | | | point at somebody, there is no "help yourself", wait |
| Another thing you'll need to learn before you relocate | | | | until the host offers something, DON'T be late for |
| to Japan is that they are on the Metric System; | | | | appointments, don't eat or drink while walking the |
| kilometers instead of miles, liters instead of gallons, | | | | streets, your companion pours your beverage & |
| meters instead of feet, Celsius instead of Fahrenheit, | | | | you pour theirs, if you're done drinking; leave your |
| etc. You should search the internet for conversion | | | | glass full. |
| tables, print it and of course, use it. | | | | Oh, here are two more Japanese phrases that might |
| Speaking of learning; you should also plan on learning | | | | come in handy occasionally: "Arigatou" means "thank |
| Japanese. Try to get at least a working knowledge | | | | you" and "Gomen nasai" means "I'm sorry". If you |
| of the language, it's the polite thing to do and to the | | | | have done your homework, hopefully you won't |
| Japanese, politeness is very, very important. It is | | | | have to use these two phrases. Good Luck! |