Welcome

 As your day of departure draws near you are beginning to wonder exactly where you will be living once you arrive in Fukuoka. Unlike in other prefectures, ALTs employed by Fukuoka prefecture are allowed to live in the Kyoshokuin Jutaku that are scattered throughout the prefecture. ‘Kyoushokuin’ means teaching staff and ‘Jyutaku’ means apartment, so although the title may seem like a mouthful it simply translates as Teachers’ Apartments.

 The good news is that the apartments are cheap, spacious and available. The rent for most apartments stands at around 14,000 yen per month, which is only a small fraction of your salary. Each apartment comes with three rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom and is considered big enough for a family of four to live in (as some do). As for availability, when you arrive in the sweltering heat of the Japanese summer, you’ll be glad you won’t have to go looking for a house.

One Point of Advice! The best way to keep your futon clean is to hang it over the balcony rail and beat it. You’ll be amazed by the amount of dust that flies off.

Although many of the  buildings were built when the Japanese economy was booming, the economic decline of the past 16 years has meant that  there hasn’t been much money to spend on new apartments. As a result, the remaining Teachers’ Apartments are beginning to show their age. Although they may not be penthouse apartments, they are still livable and have their own peculiar quirkiness. With a little effort most ALTs manage to make a comfortable home that becomes the source of many unique memories.                                                

Of course you don’t have to live in a Teachers’ Apartment if you don’t want to, but it makes economic sense. Rent in private accommodation may be as much as 5 or 6 times what you would pay for a teachers’ apartment for a place only half the size. Also you would be required to pay ‘key money’ (a non-refundable deposit) equivalent to four months rent in advance and also find a guarantor to vouch for you (teacher’s apartments don’t require such deposits). Due to some Teachers’ Apartment buildings being demolished recently, the number of available apartments has shrunk. Choosing not to live in the apartment allocated to your school may mean that the school and its future ALTs will lose the right to live in that apartment. It would be nice to keep these apartments available for future ALTs but at the end of the day the choice over whether or not to live there is up to you.

One Point Advice! Introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors, preferably with a small gift.

Living room and Bedrooms

One Point Advice! A plug in mosquito killer is far more effective and more comfortable than the old fashioned burning coils.

The two main things that differ between a Japanese apartment and a western apartment are the floors and the doors. The floors are covered in tatami mats which are made from reeds. The doors are fusuma doors which are made from paper. Tatami mats can be damaged very easily so it’s a good idea to follow the Japanese style and take off your shoes as you enter your apartment (it can be very expensive to replace tatami mats). Fusuma doors are made from paper and while they are not as expensive to replace (or repair) as tatami, it’s probably a good idea to take good care of them, since it would be your responsibility to pay.

 Kitchen

 The kitchen might not be exactly what you are used to. Your kitchen will consist of a stove, sink and refrigerator. You’ll want to keep the hood over the stove and the electric fan free from grease to avoid any fire hazards when using the gas stove. A net or trap over the kitchen sink drain should stop your drain from becoming blocked.

 Toilet

 Some apartments are fitted with a western style toilet but many are fitted with the traditional, squatting Japanese toilet. If you can’t stand to use the traditional style (or if your leg muscles aren’t strong enough), you can always buy an attachment that will convert the toilet into western style.  The drains aren’t very big so only toilet paper should be flushed.

 Bathroom

The baths in the apartments are old Japanese style baths (deep and narrow, not shallow and long). You have to fill the bath first and then heat the water in the bath. Some, but not all, come with a shower attachment so you might have to get used to bathing Japanese style. Whether or not you choose to wash yourself first before you get in the bath, as the Japanese do, is up to you. After all, it’s your apartment and your bath. Keep the window open and the drain clear to discourage mould and insects.

One Point Advice! If you use an oil stove in the winter be sure to put a kettle on top to put some moisture back into the air.

Garbage

 Trash is separated into two categories in Japan, burnable and non-burnable. The days on which each type of garbage is collected and the specifics of what actually constitutes ‘burnable’ garbage vary from area to area, so please check with your neighbors after you arrive.

 Pets

 Pets are not permitted, since they might disturb your neighbors. You might be able to get away with a goldfish or two though.

 Social Responsibility

 The majority of JETs are coming to Japan straight out of university.  Living in a Jutaku may remind you of your university days.  While there may be 5 JETs living in your building please bear in mind that could be twice as many Japanese people living there too (many with families). Also, remember that your individual actions will reflect upon the whole JET community. Please keep the noise levels down after 10 o’clock at night and be courteous to your neighbors. It’s unlikely that your Japanese neighbors will ever disturb you, so please do your best not to disturb them.

Money

Your financial responsibilities will include rent (which may be deducted directly from your salary, or you may have to make a payment at the school office), utilities (gas, water, and electricity), and telephone. You may also be expected to pay a monthly ‘neighborhood association’ fee collected at most Jutakus.  This is done by placing money in an envelope provided by the Jutaku leader and returning the envelope by the specified time.

Keys

 If you lose your key you’ll have to pay to have a new lock fitted. Keep a spare with a friend or neighbor.

 Name Card

 It’s common practice in Japan to have your name on the door or mailbox. Whether you put your name on there or not is up to you, but it will help to ensure that your mail gets to you.

 Weeding

 Certain Jutakus have weeding sessions every few months. This is a great way to get to know your Japanese neighbors.

Fire Prevention

 In addition to keeping the kitchen free of grease you might want to keep a fire extinguisher at hand in case of emergencies. Also take care when using your gas appliances.