Have You Been Stationed In Japan?

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 18:12:29 -0400

Who has been stationed in Japan? What was the most challenging part of living there? Is it retirement friendly for Americans?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 6:32 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 18:32:51 -0400

Okinawa! 3 years there. Hot and humid. Great food, superb customer service. Just please, please, don't do anything stupid!

Response by Cpl Rick West made Sep 6 at 2014 7:45 PM

Cpl Rick West — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 19:45:15 -0400

I personally loved Japan. Wish i could go back.
Most of them are the best and most polite and most
honorable people I ever knew.

Response by SFC James C. Virella made Sep 6 at 2014 7:49 PM

SFC James C. Virella — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 19:49:34 -0400

To answer your question, Yes it a great place to live and work. It is American Friendly. I lived in Camp Zama, Japan for 3 yrs., I loved every moment of it. I worked at North Pier, Yokohama Terminal, But lived in Sagamihara, Housing area, near Camp Zama. I happened to experience all aspect of Japanese living. I commuted to work, using the train (until I wore out a couple pair of low quarter shoe), and I finally purchased a dependable vehicle. I eventually commuted by car with my coworkers. I worked with a great group of military/civilian and Japanese National. To tell you the truth I never experienced any issues or hardship while there. My command made sure that a very good Unit Sponsorship program was in place and all aspect of relocating to any oversea command could not of been, any better. Are you looking to retire there with no gov't ties except access to gov't facility and PX/Commissary. I left Japan in 1986, I am sure a lot of things have changed. Housing would always be a issue, if your were planning of living in the local community. The people of Japan were very respectful and the most memorable experience of living and working there. I had a few close encounters with rowdy (intoxicating) Japanese train riders but we kept our heads and exited the train before it could escalated. 99.9% of my life there was enjoyable. I lived a full and free life there with my family. We made a lot of life long friends. I hope this help.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 12:05 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:05:57 -0500

I go to Camp Zama from time to time on ADOS orders when I'm not working in Tokyo. There's a few of us on the Reserve side that are either TPU or DIMA. It's a great country, but it has its complications if you're working on the civilian side and still trying to serve. ESGR laws don't apply here so you can get fired for missing too many days of work due to military obligations.
As far as retirement friendly, the cost of living is not too bad. I make about the same as I did in the States and have been able to save better here. Probably not having a car and taking the train or walking to where I need to go has helped. Insurance is really good too. The Dollar is strong right now and can go a bit farther.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 6:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 06:11:44 -0500

I am currently in Okinawa....I would say the most challenging thing is the language. I would say at here on the island it seems pretty retirement friendly, there seems to be a lot of Americans who have stayed here. It is extremely humid in the summer, but this time of year is just great!

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Nov 16 at 2014 1:03 PM

PO1 Michael G. — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 13:03:08 -0500

My family was stationed in Japan when I was a kid (96-98 at NAF Atsugi, and 98-00 at Yokosuka). Personally, I am hoping to someday get orders there for my wife and I.

The most challenging thing that I remember was probably the language barrier when we would go out in town. Luckily, though, there always seemed to be people who spoke English around. I also remember that learning to read the transit maps was a little daunting. My parents say that driving on the wrong side of the road was a little weird, too.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Nov 16 at 2014 1:30 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 13:30:58 -0500

Camp Sheilds in Okinawa near Kadena AFB. Was there for 4 months, loved it. Little naval base at white beach, restraunt on the hillside, excellent fried rice. ( haven't eaten fried rice since, the Americanized version sux). Didn't have much trouble driving on the wrong side of the road. Be careful when you go to bc street. And take a friend with you to whisper ally. ( someone to hold your wallet.) other than that great place to visit but i wouldn't wanna live there.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 7 at 2015 2:38 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 02:38:22 -0500

I loved Japan. Iwakuni. No challenge as they speak English although they usually won't let you know they do.

The honor and discipline is awesome. Great people. Great place. If I wernt so set in my ways I could live there.

Retirement friendly? Just don't settle in Hiroshima. Also, beware of "the angry old ladies" as we called them. There seems to be a culture of short old ladies that are very angry and rude. Maybe they lived through the war and never got over it but we joked about them on base.
Most Japaneese are very open and friendly.

Oh, and let's not forget beer vending machines on the street!!!

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jan 7 at 2015 7:40 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:40:12 -0500

I was stationed at Kadena AB for three years, it was an enjoyable time. Food, people, and weather were great for the most part. Typhoons can be a little nerve wracking for the first couple times you ride them out, but overall not a problem since most housing is built to withstand the aggressive winds and rains.
Probably the largest negative that I recall was the traffic, lots of moped/scooters and reckless driving.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 8:24 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:24:39 -0500

I was stationed at Camp Hansen Okinawa from 84-85, it was beautiful and would not mind going back. This time do a lot more than hitting the bars and beaches the whole time.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 8:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:36:32 -0500

Lived there twice as a dependent, 8 years total. Lived in Atsugi but went to school on Camp Zama. I think it is a great place to live and a great cultural experience. It was difficult as a kid not having much to do and not having many friends to choose from. I think if you are older there is actually a lot more freedom to travel and do things i.e. climb Mt. Fuji, visit Tokyo nightlife, etc.
The closer you live in proximity to American bases, the greater the chance people in the area speak a little bit of English which makes things tremendously easier especially if you need to ask for directions or if you are trying to buy things.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 12:17 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 00:17:54 -0500

I wasn't stationed there, but in '98 we pulled into port at Yokosuka for a slightly extended stay (maintenance) when I was on my first boat. I'm sure my experience is not the same as everyone else's, but I will just say that the only country besides the US that I ever got into a fight (and one of the VERY few that have happened since I've become an adult) was Japan. (Most people that know me would say I'm pretty level-headed, so read into it what you will...)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 10:39 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 10:39:42 -0500

Man that is beautiful!!! Love those pics.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 8 at 2015 6:42 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 18:42:07 -0500

SFC Mark Merino, I have not, but we will someday. However, my wife tutored a young Japanese boy when he lived here, c.1995-6. His father works for Bridgestone and the family lived here for awhile. He graduated from Waseda University in Tokyo (Japan's MIT) in Advanced Science and Engineering and played violin for Waseda Symphony Orchestra, which actually toured Europe! He coming to stay with us in February while he visits the U.S.! Photos of him then and now!

Response by Sgt Vince P made Jan 17 at 2015 8:17 PM

Sgt Vince P — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 20:17:47 -0500

Stationed Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Japan, from April 1972 to Sept 1974, enjoyed my entire tour. People very friendly. Also spent some time in South Korea, enjoyed time there ,too. Wouldn't mind taking a short trip there now.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 17 at 2015 1:17 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 13:17:21 -0500

Early-mid March! We are going to go AMC to Misawa! Can't wait! I'm not leaving till I hook up with my brother MAJ Private RallyPoint Member and get some good RallyPoint worthy pictures. RallyPoint sake call TBD!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 4:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:53:22 -0500

I was stationed in Kure, Japan (near Hiroshima) for about a year and a half and absolutely loved it. The most challenging part for me was just trying to read the language. Learning to speak enough Japanese phrases to get around wasn't terribly hard. Many Japanese know some English basics as well, so communication isn't always as difficult as you might expect. But trying to read food labels, a menu or do grocery shopping could be a challenge. I kept a small map with directions to my apartment in Japanese in my wallet for taxi drivers. The people are typically extremely polite and friendly on the mainland (in my experience this wasn't always the case in Okinawa) and I had many people go out of their way to help me if I attempted to speak at least a little Japanese. I worked with American civilians who had been living there for 20 or 30 years in some cases and they never seemed to have any difficulties. Most all of the people I met loved Americans (and baseball), with the exception of a few grumpy old-timers. If you hear someone calling you a ganjin, it means something like "foreign devil" but I only heard this once or twice (usually from a grumpy old lady). If you go climb Mount Fuji! And get the stamp to prove it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 17 at 2015 8:18 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 20:18:55 -0500

I wish.....closest I got was Korea....which wasn't bad either....

One observation: I took some leave to Tokyo my last tour in Korea. You could tell that there was a lot of cross pollination between Korea and Japan. In fact, Tokyo just seemed like a cleaner, more organized, mirror image of Seoul. However, I found that Korea has made a bigger effort to be more foreigner friendly. All street signs and mass transit stations are labeled in Korean and English. Subways are labeled in Korean, English and Chinese (I think). They also put a huge emphasis (and spend a lot of money) on learning English. I didn't get that sense in Japan.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 8:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 20:43:56 -0500

SFC Mark Merino You can learn a lot of their culture and tradition from watching Anime... =) You should cosplay at an Anime convention and have some OJT.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 17 at 2015 10:51 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:51:25 -0500

With all respect to you and Hitomi.

"HI", "don't touch my mustache" and avoid commuter trains. Arrigato! Enjoy the best rice in the world!

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 16 at 2015 1:54 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 13:54:27 -0400

16 years between Yokosuka and Atsugi. I think that hardest part back in the 1980's was the kerosene heaters, the smell was just irritating. And believe it or not I actually preferred living off base because my neighbors were not nosy or complaining about every little thing.
Two of my Senior Chiefs retired there and got decent jobs on base. I know their wives were Japanese and that they preferred it over moving back to the states.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Oct 2 at 2015 9:36 AM

SGT James Hastings — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:36:17 -0400

A beautiful picture of the Golden Pavilion.