lioness in japan

Alas, the shoebox adventures will be over soon. Nope, we’re not leaving Tokyo but we’re moving to a lovely apartment in the same neighbourhood. It’s more than thrice the size although it’s still a one-bedroom apartment with a spacious living area, which will double up as a guest room.

I try not to dwell on “I hate Japan” days but the last two weeks were annoying. It was a pain to go through all the paperwork just to apply for an apartment.

This tedious process is almost like a job interview — they pick you and not the other way around. We sent in documents for bank statements, visa, passport, alien card, a certificate from the Singapore embassy to prove that my scribble is indeed mine, my employment letter and a certificate to state my annual salary. Plus, we have to sign up with a guarantor service company — it’s like an insurance company for those who don’t have Japanese guarantors. The system seems so watertight, it’s impossible to run away without paying the rent. Most countries just need a deposit and you’re alright to go — who needs personal details?

But somehow it was worth it. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep when I got the news. I messaged the kangaroo and he called me from Sydney just to talk about our plans. It feels like a rush of relief and happiness that something is going right in Tokyo. Nothing’s terribly screwed up here but it’s just that the way things are done makes life so hard sometimes. People are tough to read or communicate with, and the culture constantly throws you curve balls, especially when you think you got them figured out.

I love Tokyo but I really don’t know if I can live here for 10 years. I suppose I’m going through my second downward slide on the “W” curve in Japan. Even though I’m comfortable with daily life, I am rejecting my adopted country’s values and attitudes. For now, I’m feeling up for a bit — we got a new home!

Related posts:

1. An encounter with an unhappy salaryman
2. Out of breath, but not moving
3. The W Curve

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