Japanese people have a penchant for saving money. According to Nikkei Asia, 30% of Japanese people's disposable income goes to health care and retirement savings. So it's no wonder that people know a few hacks and tricks on how they can stretch their yen.
As a newcomer to Japan, the first thing we usually do is find pieces of furniture and appliances. If you were like me, who came to Japan as an international student, the space you have is just a shoebox. Just enough for a bed, a small table, and a chair. If you are lucky, you have extra space for a cabinet.
It costs to buy those things brand-new, with just your monthly stipend of ¥80,000. So what do you do? You learn to know the various groups in your area. Back then, Tsukuba has an email group where one posts if they have items to give away or sell. Nowadays, you can find those groups on Facebook.
One group that I have personally used is Mottainai Japan.
In this group, people from different areas in Japan post items that they are giving away for free. The group's admin is quite strict. Selling items is prohibited, and not claiming reserved items might cause you to lose your membership. So be careful. This is something you can check when you are still new and wouldn't like to splurge on new things.
There are other similar groups on Facebook. Please check for your area.
The other group I use is Craigslist Tokyo. Some of my Saitama unit's furnishing is thanks to this site.
On this site, you can search per item. Or you can also browse through several posts. Mind you, there is free stuff, and some are for sale.
Back in 2014, I met an Asian-American guy who was leaving Saitama. I went to his place to get a sofa, a refrigerator, and other stuff. He told me his story about why he came to Japan and why he was leaving. Funny how sometimes we open up to strangers, right? I'm not sharing his story here; it's not mine to share. All I can say is that people still move mountains for love. I hope he is happier now.
With these two sites, I hope you can start your life in Japan on a positive note... with fewer expenses, a full room, and stories to encourage you in your new life.
日本へようこそ (Nihon e yōkoso)! Welcome to Japan!
#日本へようこそ #埼玉 ＃さいたま ＃craigslist #mottainaijapan ＃もったいない #facebook #newinjapan #newbieinjapan #savemoneyinjapan #japanhacks
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