The Beautiful Seasons of Japan—Enjoying the Autumn Foliage

The autumn foliage turns whole mountains a beautiful crimson against the clear blue of the autumn sky, or reflects astonishing reds, brilliant yellows and bright oranges on still, mirror-like lakes. As autumn deepens with each passing day, the sun's rays are becoming softer and news of the arrival of the autumn colors is starting to be heard from various parts of Japan.

There are many different kinds of trees that have leaves that turn a beautiful color in fall. One is the Japanese maple, which starts changing color when the day's minimum temperature begins to fall to about eight degrees Celsius. From then, the "autumn foliage front" begins to move southward from the colder northern regions, or lower from the higher elevations of mountain peaks to the foothills. When the time is right for their favorite spot, it is time for many Japanese people to go on a Momiji Gari, or an excursion to go see the autumn leaves.

The Japanese people have been enjoying the fall colors since ancient times. In fact, the word "Momiji" or "maple" appears in the Man'yoshu (The Ten Thousand Leaves), which is Japan's oldest anthology of poetry. This seems to be an indication that enjoying the colors of the autumn leaves was a sentiment that was already held in the Nara period (710-784). For a long time, viewing the fall foliage was a pastime that was enjoyed only by aristocrats. However, it spread among the general population during the Edo period (1603-1867). From the Meiji period (1868-1912), people started going on Momiji Gari trips to enjoy the autumn tints.

Today, Momiji Gari is enjoyed in a variety of ways. One is to go on a drive through forest roads, close or afar, to enjoy the beautiful changing scenery before your eyes. Another is to go hiking to bathe in the gentle sunlight that rains down on you through the leaves, enjoy the mountain paths surrounded by brilliant reds or delight in coming upon red or yellow leaves floating gently downstream on babbling brooks. Spending time in an outdoor hot spring bath at a hot spring resort is also delightful. You will be sure to be able to relax, soaking in a bath with autumn leaves floating in it.

If temples and shrines are more your style, you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the green of a moss garden and the brilliant autumn hues. Many temples and gardens, such as the Rikugien Garden in Tokyo, Hase Temple in Kamakura and Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto, light up the trees at night so that you can enjoy the autumn foliage. It creates a serene atmosphere that differs from the view during the day.

There are many places famous for their autumn foliage, and here is a list of the top 10 locations according to a 2007 survey by the Japan Tourism Association which asked, "Which place known for its autumn foliage that you have visited left the biggest impression on you?

Why not take some time off from your busy schedule to be like the Japanese people and enjoy the change of the seasons by going on a Momiji Gari trip? We hope that you will make the most of your being in Japan during this beautiful season.

To find out when the autumn foliage are at their peak at sightseeing spots or in your area, visit:
2008 Nationwide Autumn Foliage Front (http://kouyou.nihon-kankou.or.jp/)
This is a site within the Japan Tourism Association website that uses a prediction formula devised by the Japan Meteorological Agency to forecast when the autumn foliage will be at their best at various famous sightseeing spots throughout Japan (in Japanese only).

To find convenient Momiji Gari bus tours, visit:
Hato Bus (http://www.hatobus.com/en/index.html)
Day and overnight bus trips in Tokyo and to vicinity areas can be found at this website. Pages are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish.

For a full-scale autumn trip in Japan, visit:
JAPANiCAN.com (http://www.japanican.com/index.aspx)
Information on best viewing times for autumn foliage, etc. can be read in English, Korean and Chinese at this website. It also introduces Sunrise Tours, which are trips designed exclusively for foreigners.

Why Not Enjoy Interacting with the People of Your Community?

Have you gotten used to life in Japan? How about Japanese friends; have you made some? Often times, the first friends foreign students make are people that they have met at their university. If you want to expand your circle of friends, come into deeper contact with the Japanese lifestyle and culture, or understand how the Japanese mind works, why not form a friendship with people in the community you live in?

Of course, you cannot suddenly walk up to a total stranger and ask to become friends. It would not only be a hard thing for you to do, but imagine how surprised they would be! Then what is a good way? For starters, you could go to the ward office or city office to get information on services, such as foreign language conversation classes, exchange salons and various recreational events, provided by the ward/city office, related organizations or private volunteer groups as a way to promote exchange between Japanese people and foreigners residing in the community.

Here is an example of activities that may be of use to foreign students in Minato City (ward), Tokyo. There are 74 embassies and consulates located in Minato City, and foreigners from over 120 countries reside in the ward. With the objective of creating a truly internationally oriented community, the Minato City government established the Minato International Association (MIA), which is very proactive in its activities.

Examples of MIA programs with the objective of providing support

"Let's Chat in Japanese" (LCJ)
LCJ is a gathering of foreigners who want to use their Japanese skills and Japanese volunteers in which those present can enjoy conversing in the Japanese language. A seasonal topic is chosen each time as the theme of the conversation. The theme for October was "the taste of autumn" and everyone had a wonderful time chatting about their favorite fall food. [Held every third Saturday of the month from 11:00am to 12:30pm]

Japanese Conversation Partner
This is a service that refers a Japanese member to teach Japanese to foreigners who want to improve their Japanese conversation skills. A coordinator matches the student and teacher, so they can meet on days that are convenient for them. [Applications accepted every first Saturday of the month between 11:00am and 12:00pm]

Japanese Language Class
Beginners' Japanese language classes are taught by volunteers and are provided in two steps.
Step I: Participants learn basic conversation, beginning with greetings, as well as how to read and write Hiragana. The fee is about 6,000 yen for 10 classes.
Step II: Participants learn useful conversation such as asking for directions for getting somewhere or for talking with your doctor at the hospital, as well as how to read and write Katakana. The fee is 5,000 yen for 10 classes.
[Held every Saturday between 9:45am and 11:45am]

Examples of MIA programs with the objective of exchange

"Let's Rediscover Japan" (LRJ)
LRJ is a program in English for rediscovering Japan. The objective is for foreigners to learn about Japan so that they will be able to tell people about Japanese culture after return to their home country. The Q&A is also carried out in English. There may be times when you have an opportunity to hear Japanese musical instruments, such as the Koto, Shamisen or Shakuhachi, performed live. The social gathering held after the LRJ also provides a chance for people to make new friends. [Held every third Saturday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm]

Friendship Lounge
This is a chance to expand your outlook or make new friends from the perspective of international exchange. You might even learn how to use a Japanese Furoshiki cloth for wrapping things. No reservations are necessary and participation is free of charge on the condition that you bring about 200 yen's worth of snacks with you. People have a good time and enjoy each other's company every time the Friendship Lounge is held.
[Held every other month on the third Friday between 6:30pm and 8:30pm]

Other events include Presenting a Country Day held with the cooperation of various embassies, the Youth Roundtable Discussion in which people exchange their opinions and the Bus Hike that takes participants to famous spots in Japan, such as Mt. Fuji.

At the Minato Citizens' Festival, which was held on October 11 and 12, the Minato International Association set up a booth where visitors had a chance to experience wearing a Kimono, which is Japan's traditional dress.

These events are announced in advance through MIA's leaflet called Kawaraban, at the MIA website, etc. Participation fees are basically free or reduced to lighten the burden on foreign students.

Having friends and acquaintances outside of your university will not only give you a chance to come into contact with many different types of Japanese people but will also be assuring at times of difficulty, such as natural disasters like earthquakes or when you have problems in your daily life, since you will be able to help each other or ask for advice.

Why not start by checking the websites of your ward or city office or the international association of the area where you live? You will be sure to find useful information.

"Study in Japan – Comprehensive Guide," the website for foreign students in Japan, also publishes useful information on events, etc. being held at various locales in Japan, such as Japanese language classes, consultation services for foreigners and cultural exchange events. We hope you have a chance to check it out for the latest information.
URL: http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/inj/inj01e.html

Amber Khan
Age: 18
From Houston, Texas
First year student at Temple University, Japan Campus; majoring in Economics and International Affairs

Temple University, Japan Campus has an agreement for cooperative projects with Minato City, Tokyo, so there are many opportunities for us to interact with the people in the community. At the recent Minato Citizens' Festival, I was in charge of showing the 120 Japanese paintings that were donated to Zojo-ji Temple and cover the ceiling of the large hall in the temple's Koshoden lecture hall. It was not an easy job because I had to provide the explanation of the paintings in Japanese to many Japanese visitors, but I did manage to accomplish it.

What I enjoyed about the festival was that I got to wear a Kimono for the first time in my life. A lady that I met at a new year's party hosted by the Minato International Association recommended that I wear a Kimono, and she dressed me in one at the association's booth at the festival. The bus hike to Mt. Fuji hosted by the association was also a wonderful experience. I want to visit many different places in Japan, but it is hard to find an opportunity to go on my own.

What I like best is the interaction with Minato City's grade school children. I teach them English or play games with them after school. Interacting with children is always soothing to the heart.

I sometimes make unexpected friends through community events. When I first arrived in August last year, I went to visit the Summer Festival of Azabu Juban Shopping Streets and became friends with a young Japanese woman. From there, my circle of friends became bigger and bigger, and we have done things like going hiking at Mt. Tsukuba.

I think that there are probably many fun events taking place in the communities where foreign students live. I am sure that they would appreciate finding out more about events taking place in their area that they can participate in.

Support for Finding Employment at Japanese Companies: The Employment Service Center for Foreigners

Are there any of you who would like to work for a Japanese company after you complete your studies here as a foreign student? The trend among Japanese companies to proactively hire talented foreign students who not only possess specialist techniques, skills and knowledge but are also used to life in Japan and have thorough knowledge of both overseas and Japanese circumstances is starting to become more prevalent.

However, it is also true that are many obstacles, such as language, that a foreign student must overcome if he/she is to compete with Japanese students in their job search and land a job at a Japanese company of their desire. Furthermore, job hunting procedures in Japan begin the year prior to graduation. Therefore, it is necessary for the foreign student to have a good understanding of Japanese job-hunting practices and begin their job search activities at an early stage.

The Employment Service Center for Foreigners operated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, provides support for foreign students who are looking to work for a Japanese company. Here is a look at the center and its services.

The Employment Service Center for Foreigners provides job placement assistance for foreign students and other foreigners in specialized and technical fields who would like to work in Japan. There are three such centers in Japan: the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners, the Nagoya Employment Service Center for Foreigners and the Osaka Employment Service Center for Foreigners.

The primary assistance that the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners provides to foreign students is as follows. The two other centers provide similar services. (Please inquire with the relevant center for details.)

Provision of help-wanted information
Information related to the recruitment of foreign students is released and provided to foreign students. Furthermore, individual consultation services are provided to foreign students and recruitment interview meetings for foreign students are also held.
3,720 undergraduate and postgraduate foreign students enrolled in about 300 national, public and private universities in all 47 prefectures of Japan registered with the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners and received such job placement assistance in 2007.

Job placement activity assistance
Guidance regarding job placement activities is provided to foreign students. It includes individual guidance on how to fill in entry sheets or do job interviews as well as the hosting of seminars related to business etiquette and attire.

Consultation by specialist advisors regarding status of residence, etc.
To work for a Japanese company, it is necessary to switch your student visa to a work visa. The advisor in charge will carefully respond to questions from foreign students regarding residence status, etc.

Execution of internships for foreign students
Internships, in which foreign students actually work at a Japanese company, allow them to get a feel for the business climate and customs of Japanese companies. At the same time, it enables them to get practical training as well as acquire business etiquette, such as greetings and answering phones, at companies that are related to their major. The center matches foreign students with trustworthy companies. The next internship opportunities are scheduled for about a week between February and March 2009 (during school spring break). Please inquire directly with the center for further details.
See: Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners website, "About foreign student internships!!" (This information is available in Japanese only)
http://www.tfemploy.go.jp/jp/topics/Ryuugakusei_Internship20080908.pdf

When starting your job search activities for working in Japan, why not utilize the services provided by the Employment Service Center for Foreigners near you?

Employment Service Centers for Foreigners

Tokyo:

Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners
Address: Roppongi Job Park B1, 3-2-21 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3588-8639
Website: http://www.tfemploy.go.jp/index_en.html

Aichi Pref.:

Nagoya Employment Service Center for Foreigners
Address: Chunichi Bldg. 12 F, 4-1-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Pref.
Phone: 052-264-1901
Website: http://www2.aichi-rodo.go.jp/gaikokujin/en/english.html

Osaka Pref.:

Osaka Employment Service Center for Foreigners
Address: Osaka Ekimae Daini Bldg. 15F, 1-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Pref.
Phone: 06-6344-1135
Website: http://www.osaka-rodo.go.jp/hw/gaisen/E_webpage/e-toppage.htm

Truong Ngic Quynh Anh From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Ms. Quynh Anh arrived in Japan in April 2004 after graduating from a university in Vietnam. After spending two years studying Japanese at a Japanese Language Institute in Ibaraki Prefecture, she enrolled in a junior college in Ibaraki Prefecture to study bookkeeping, etc. at the school's department of economics and information science. Ms. Quynh Anh registered at the Tokyo Employment Service Center in 2007 and later joined Lawson, Inc., which was one of the companies she was referred to by the center. Lawson is a leading convenience store in Japan with the second largest number of stores in Japan (as of the end of March 2008). Ms. Quynh Anh was hired by the company after taking the same test as Japanese job applicants and undergoing two interviews. She was among 116 people hired by the company that year, of which 10, including Ms. Quynh Anh, were foreigners. She was the only person of Vietnamese nationality hired that year. Today, Ms. Quynh Anh works at one of the convenience stores owned directly by Lawson. At Lawson, new employees are required to work at a store to get firsthand experience on store management. They aim to become the store manager next, followed by becoming a supervisor who provides management guidance to franchise stores. Various other career options then open up according to the person's effort and abilities.

I wanted to work for a Japanese company after graduating from the junior college. One of the professors at my school told me about the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners, and I registered there. There were also many companies that were recruiting foreigners over the Internet, and I sent many applications, but I did not get a single response from them. I also participated in many recruitment interview meetings held by companies and sent many applications but did not hear back from these either.

The Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners referred me to Lawson, Inc. and one other company - a travel agency - and I received employment offers from both companies. In the end, I decided to work for Lawson because of its large scale as a company. I also thought that I wanted to open a convenience store back home in Vietnam some day. I didn't know about convenience stores until I came to Japan, but I found them to be very convenient.

About six months have already passed since I started working at the current store. I like serving customers, so I enjoy my work. What makes me the happiest is when a product that I had suggested they stock in the store is purchased by customers. Being a foreigner, supervising part-time workers or, at times, interviewing prospective part-time workers can be a bit challenging. However, I am doing my best while consulting with and getting advice from the store manager. If I am having a difficult time or need help, I call a female Vietnamese staff member in the Human Resources Department at the head office. She is like a dependable older sister to me, and sometimes, just being able to speak to her in my native language comforts me.

I think the most important thing for a person who will be looking for fulltime work in Japan is to start the job hunt early. In my case, I started my job search around the end of my first year at the junior college, and I received an offer in July of my second year for employment beginning in April. You will have a wider selection of companies to choose from if you start early.

It is also important that you take a test of your Japanese proficiency. I had taken Japanese Language Proficiency Test and passed Level 1 and that turned out to be very useful for me. I wish everyone good luck!