https://www.city-cost.comCity-Cost is an interesting new way to find and share useful financial and living information in Japan. Make your life easier and help others with City-CostenCopyright © 2015 - 2026 City-Cost All Rights Reserved.webmaster@city-cost.com (CC Team)https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wrejg-education_saitama_outside_of_japanFor as long as I can remember my son's dream was to go to school abroad for a year. I say "was" because he has just fulfilled that dream. Last week I brought him back to Japan after a year in secondary school in Ireland. Secondary school is the equivalent of Japan's Junior and Senior High School combined.I have alluded to the fact that I had a child studying abroad in posts over the last year. But for security and privacy reasons I was purposefully vague. Now that he is home, I can share information more openly. This post is about the experience of organizing a place for him in 4th year, the equivalent of Japan's Senior High School (SHS) Year 1, in a school in Dublin, Ireland.The key takeaways:make sure the school in Japan allows students to do a year abroad and also check what conditions they have for such an experience.start contacting schools well in advance and if necessary, appeal any "no" decision!organize any necessary PPS numbers or equivalent social security type numbers in advance.make sure they have an up-to-date passport.First and foremost, if you are interested in sending your child abroad to study during Senior High School, it is important that they chose a school that allows it. My son had chosen the Senior High School he goes to in Japan purely on the basis that he knew they allow students go abroad for a year. The only condition was that he provide school reports from his school in Ireland to the school in Japan on his return.There are schools that actually organize a year-long exchange, but they are not common. It is more common for schools in Japan to host an exchange student from abroad. Moreover, the few schools that do offer the service, usually have a fixed country they use. Most often the United States or Australia. There is a school in our area that sends students to England, but my son was determined to go to Ireland.As such, I had to organize his placement and accommodation myself. And at exactly this time last year I was under a lot of stress trying to find a school in Dublin (Ireland) that would take him. This involved me literally contacting dozens of schools directly. Ironically, it was the very first school I contacted that eventually offered him a place, after initially letting me down gently!An important thing to note. My son has a personal public service (PPS) number for Ireland. It wasn't about (not/) having an Irish passport. Anyone living in or coming to Ireland is entitled to apply for a PPS number, but it takes time and paperwork. It is most useful to have it in advance. Without that number, it would have been a lot harder, more time-consuming and cost a lot more money to send him to school in Ireland.I was lucky to get him a place just two months before the school year started. The school year starts in August in Ireland, and I was contacting schools in June. Most of the schools I contacted shut me down straightaway because it was too close to the start of the school year. What you can learn from mistake is to start contacting the schools a year or more before your child hopes to attend them.But I would also say, don't take "no" to mean "no!" As above, the school that took my son had initially said "no" to me, but when I followed up, with a more personal email about his dream and my connection to the area in which the school was, they surprised me and said "yes"! There is a chance if you appeal the decision the school will surprise you too.It was the only school that I appealed their "no" decision, because it was our first school of choice. But I feel, that if I had also done it with the other schools that said "no" too, there may have been another that also reconsidered. The point is - don't give up too soon if your child has their heart set on doing a school year abroad.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wrejg-education_saitama_outside_of_japanMon, 08 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wrejg-education_saitama_outside_of_japanhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/G6X4Q-livingMy husband is oddly fascinated with Antonio Inoki. If you haven't heard of him before, he was a wrestling world champion, but also had an interesting career in Japanese politics. Quite the fusion, right?Anyway, if you have any interest in him (or would like to learn more!) there's a free exhibition at Niigata Isetan right now which has a bunch of his wrestling-era paraphernalia on display, and limited-edition merchandise available for purchase.It's running until June 15th, so you still have a week to drop in! There's more information about the event online here.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/G6X4Q-livingMon, 08 Jun 2026 15:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/G6X4Q-livinghttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wXaox-living_saitamaAs I introduced earlier in the year, the 8th of every month is Toothbrush Replacement Day. An anniversary created to remind people to replace their toothbrush every month. But what do you do with the old toothbrush - which bin should it go in?Toothbrushes, even though they are made of plastic, are supposed to go into burnable waste in Japan. The reason is because they are not only made of plastic, but also many different materials. Such as nylon bristles and rubber grips. Thus, they cannot be separated easily for recycling. Municipalities across Japan instruct residents to toss used toothbrushes into regular household burnables, where they're incinerated at high temperatures.As today is also "Stehaji Day", a day that encourages people to rethink under-using items, may I also suggest that you give your toothbrush a "second life" before throwing it away. Used toothbrushes are great for cleaning. Their small size and firm bristles make them perfect for cleaning grout, taps, window tracks, bicycle chains, and the tiny corners that sponges can’t reach.Do you use your old toothbrushes for cleaning? Or have you any other suggestions of what to do with toothbrushes before they end up in burnable waste?Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wXaox-living_saitamaMon, 08 Jun 2026 15:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wXaox-living_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wmJkd-food_ome_shi_tokyo_kawasaki_shi_kanagawaToday, and June 8th annually, is H&F BELX Rooibos Day H&F BELXルイボスの日 in Japan. It's a bit of a mouthful! Essentially - it is a day promoting Rooibos Tea. The anniversary was created by H&F BELX Holdings, a company based in Kawasaki City that specializes in rooibos tea, herbal tea, and non‑caffeine black tea.The date comes from playing on the date. The letter "R" resembles the number six in Japanese, and "B" looks like the number eight. A bit of a stretch in my opinion, but the company thought that there was enough of a connection to link 6/8 to "Rooibos". Rooibos itself is a caffeine‑free herbal tea made from the leaves of a South African plant known for its rich antioxidants and gentle sweetness.Rooibos Day encourages everyone to slow down, care for their bodies, and choose drinks that support well‑being. Rooibos tea, with its reddish color, mild aroma, and relaxing qualities make it a suitable choice for everyone, including children and pregnant women.Pictured: a choice of Rooibos Tea at a cafe in Ome City, Tokyo.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wmJkd-food_ome_shi_tokyo_kawasaki_shi_kanagawaMon, 08 Jun 2026 14:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wmJkd-food_ome_shi_tokyo_kawasaki_shi_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z87oa-living_food_saitama_osakaToday, and June 8th annually, is Fireside Cooking Day 炉ばた焼の日 (Robatayaki no Hi) in Japan. Robatayaki, often called "robata" for short, literally means fireside grilling. In English, some people call it fireside cooking.It refers to a rustic style of cooking where chefs grill fresh seafood, vegetables and skewers over charcoal right in front of guests. Diners sit around a counter, watching ingredients and being served directly from the grill. The grill is really a a raised square hearth, called an "irori" in Japanese. Traditionally, "irori" were on the ground, like the one in the photo, where I got to experience "robata" like in the days of yore!Robatayaki Day is a celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and the joy of gathering around the grill. The anniversary was created by the company behind the Rikimaru group of robatayaki restaurants. They chose June 8th as the anniversary because it 6/8 reads as "ro (6) ba (8) ta", making a fitting day to honor this traditional style of Japanese dining.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z87oa-living_food_saitama_osakaMon, 08 Jun 2026 14:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z87oa-living_food_saitama_osakahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GRdjk-living_osaka"Stehaji", or sute-haji, is a "ryakugo" or abbreviation for "tsukai‑sute wa, hazukashii", which means "disposable use is embarrassing." It is the concept that to use something once (or a few times) and then throw it away is something to be ashamed of.Today, and June 8th annually, is Stehaji Day「ステハジ」の日 in Japan. An anniversary created to encourage people to rethink their everyday habits that create waste and, thus, move toward more mindful, sustainable choices. The anniversary was created by an Osaka-based company that make water purifiers and hygiene-related products, to spark awareness and encourage small but meaningful behavior changes.The company chose June 8th as the date, because it can be read as "ro (6) ha (8)" which means “loss” and “shame,” symbolizing the waste created by disposable culture. The day aims to spread the “stehaji” mindset across households, companies, and communities, turning awareness into action.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GRdjk-living_osakaMon, 08 Jun 2026 14:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GRdjk-living_osakahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MYa1o-living_osakaToday, and June 8th annually, is LOHAS Day ロハスの日 in Japan. I have heard the term 'Lohas' many times over my years in Japan, but I did not know until today that it is an acronym for "Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability". Seemingly, the term originated in the United States in the late 1990s.Super Hotel in Japan created the Lohas Day anniversary. They are a company that are reportedly known for eco-minded hospitality. They promote the philosophy through thoughtful design and operations in their hotels. For example, greenery that softens building exteriors, paperless check-ins using tablets, calming aromas and the use of natural materials.They chose June 8th as the date for the anniversary using "goroawase", a type of Japanese wordplay on numbers. Because June 8th, 6/8, can be read as "lo (6) has (8)". Their aim is simple, to invite us to consider Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MYa1o-living_osakaMon, 08 Jun 2026 14:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MYa1o-living_osakahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zKnJV-food_kawagoe_shi_saitama_tokyoToday, and June 8th annually, is Gapao Day ガパオの日 in Japan. Gapao is a flavor-packed herb, known as Thai Holy Basil in English, that is central to one of Thailand's most beloved meals, Graprao Gai aka Pad krapao. Both the herb and the dish are known as Gapao in Japan. The dish is also sometimes called Gapao Rice.A Tokyo-based Thai restaurant group, Gapao Shokudo, who helped popularize the dish in Japan, created the "Gapao Day" anniversary. They chose June 8th for the anniversary as it is also the anniversary of the founding of Gapao Shokudo, the restaurant chain that operates authentic Thai eateries in Aoyama and Ebisu. They created the anniversary to further raise awareness of gapao.Gapao Rice is a vibrant stir-fry of minced chicken or pork cooked quickly with gapao leaves and seasoned with fish or oyster sauce. It is served over rice with a fried egg on top. The herb itself, Thai holy basil, is known in Japanese as kamimebōki. It isa fragrant plant native to tropical Asia and widely cultivated around the world today.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zKnJV-food_kawagoe_shi_saitama_tokyoMon, 08 Jun 2026 13:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zKnJV-food_kawagoe_shi_saitama_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/Gyjx9-living_tokyoJune 8th is World Oceans Day, an anniversary established by the United Nations. Each year the day has a theme. This year it is “Reimagine – Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean.” Within in that "Blue Economy" is a buzz word."Blue Economy" refers to an economy that depends on maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Promoting the idea that a thriving ocean is the foundation of long-term prosperity. It is particular true in Japan, an island nation with a huge Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a deep reliance on fisheries and coastal communities that depend on marine resources.Japan applies the Blue Economy concept by investing in sustainable aquaculture, protecting marine biodiversity, expanding its offshore renewable energy industries and pushing for a circular marine economy. In addition, Japan is active in blue carbon research, especially of seagrass meadows, kelp forests and tidal marshes.World Oceans Day provides an opportunity for everyone, not just people in the industry, to consider and rethink how we relate to the ocean. The 2026 World Oceans Day challenges us to think past the present and imagine what our future relationship with the ocean will be, and how we and the ocean can advance together.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/Gyjx9-living_tokyoMon, 08 Jun 2026 13:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/Gyjx9-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/z1Ka5-livingI caught up with a friend a couple of days ago, who was super keen to watch the Michael movie. It doesn't official come out until the 12th, but one of the Aeon cinemas here in Niigata had an advanced screening of it, so we decided to go!I think in my home country a lot of Michael Jackson fans are probably older -- I'm in my early 40s and I definitely remember some of his songs growing up. Others were a bit before my time but still have the cultural sway that a lot of people know them regardless.From the number of people at the advanced screening, it seems like MJ is still pretty big here. Even if you're not a huge fan, the music alone makes it a worthwhile film to check out if you have the time!Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/z1Ka5-livingMon, 08 Jun 2026 10:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/z1Ka5-living