A Tour of my Japanese Apartment, Part 1

[FeeLtheHertZ]

So you speak JAP or what's it like living in JAP if you can't speak any JAP or anything like that? And with the terrible crysis meltdown reactors are you still living there? and where your at is it by any technology parts of Japan or the exciting life? like any good stores arou nd etc?

[theblessedlunatic]

@FeeLtheHertZ I do not speak much Japanese, no, although I picked up enough to get by while I was there. I don't live there anymore, was only there teaching for like eight months or so from the date of this video. I was in a pretty rural area, but I liked living in Japan a lot actually.

[FeeLtheHertZ]

@theblessedlunatic Really, that's a bummer but cool you got to live there just though sans the reactor tragedies I'd have loved to live there (still do)

[DemstarAus]

You're in the Iwate prefecture yeah? That could explain why rent is so cheap...

[theblessedlunatic]

@DemstarAus It's true. Iwate is full of good-hearted, salt-of-the-earth people, but is not a place people typically choose to live in if they can help it. It's cold and isolated and hard. Hence my ability to live in that sprawling, palatial apartment for the price of a large-sized McDonald's Value Meal.

[AnUnexplainable]

You could put the shower head on the top one and wash your hair there when you're in a hurry.

[GimmeKitty]

I am curious to know about the little things: Rent, food expenses, heat expenses, electricity expenses, clothing costs, eating and entertainment costs, etc.

I am terribly curious as to the costs of everything.

And, how could you do without the internet?

Where do you wash your stuff?

I couldn't live without a laundry or washing machine.

[buzzard5000]

I suppose if you were pressed for time you could wash your hair and face with the detachable faucet at least.

[theblessedlunatic]

I would later learn that washing one's hair is, in fact, exactly what that detachable faucet is used for. Good call.

[buzzard5000]

I'm curious if they've considered putting the heat pumps down near the bottom and hide it using a table with some guides designed to direct the air out.

[theblessedlunatic]

Maybe, but most everyone just uses a portable kerosene heater and a kotatsu rather than any kind of central heating to keep warm.

[theblessedlunatic]

It varies a lot, but in Iwate prefecture it cost me 50,000 yen per month for rent, 2500 yen or so for gas, and 2500 yen or so for electricity. In winter I used more electricity, 6000 yen per month's worth sometimes. Food really depends, it's generally more expensive in Japan than in the US. If you live in like Tokyo or some other big city, the cost of living will be a lot higher. Expect trains to cost 200-300 yen each way for short commutes, which does add up.

[entrailsgalore]

Wow to around $700.00 a month for rent and utilities for that apartment? That seems like a pretty good deal. That is a pretty nice 1 bedroom apt, I have seen other apartments in Japan renting out for around $2000 USD the size of one of those rooms.

[theblessedlunatic]

What?

[trogdor7]

Cool! Can you post more videos of your life in Japan?

[HunterORL23]

Tell me, does the school pay for the apartment or are you paying for it?

[theblessedlunatic]

I have to pay for rent and utilities by myself, which is the main reason I am somewhat nonplussed that I had no say in the selection of the apartment.

[HunterORL23]

But the school already had the apartment for you so you didnt have to pay like a deposit or anything you just have to pay the utilities and rent right? Does it come included with anything? Also how much do you make and how much is the apartment and utilities per month on average if you mind me asking?

[kriseskra]

the faucet comes off and has that holder so you can wash your hair in it.

Have you figured out your laundry situation?

[theblessedlunatic]

I did finally get a car and so can do laundry now by driving to the coin laundry.

[AngelicAuryn]

Ahahahaha, your apartment is so cute! Thanks for putting the videos up!

[CaffeineChipmunk]

The second character in the shot of the toilet thing is the kanji 大 (dai), which means big... hope that helps with the flush thing.

Also, maybe you could wash clothes by hand in your giant tub.

...My mom works with your dad (and we've boxed exams together), and since I'm taking Japanese she thought I'd like to see your Japanese apartment.

Best of luck,

Katie Russ

[owenlars2]

put the faucet on the top holder thing and you can just wet your hair with out having to use the shower or stick your head under the faucet awkwardly. get your damn clothes washed also. i can hear the crunch of your undies from here.