Japan and home ec

This week, Bloomberg reports that Japan may be slipping into deflation, and we’re starting to see wages and consumer prices decreasing. I didn’t get a raise this year, some local friends are hanging on to get paid late, and we’re seeing businesses in the region going.

I’m so glad that Dreamer found just the right place for now. She’s living in a guest house two towns over. The rent is very reasonable and includes utilities and ‘Net connection. Besides, she’s got lots of roommates to get to know. A new resident in Kashiwa found cheap digs next to the local Buddhist temple. Japanese people are generally leery of cemeteries and won’t live near one, so he’s got low rent and quiet neighbours.

I’m not moving anywhere soon,  but I’ve been thinking how to keep overhead low. There are lots of people finding ways to keep to budget. Thomas at Nihon Hacks gives tips on how to find cheap steaks, get the most out of your pot of rice and warm your toes in winter. The Frugal Japan website has lots of practical advice for keeping costs down and living more efficiently, too.

And this year I learned about all the free economy in Tokyo. Between FreeStuff Japan and Tokyo Freecycle, you can unload good stuff you no longer need and acquire new old stuff. The Freeconomy is just catching on in Japan, and Nagareyama resident G and I are registered in the local area. I love the categories they allow you to choose from, allowing you to become a lender of tools – I’ve got knitting needles, gardening hand tools and a sparsely equipped toolbox – and list all the strengths and abilities you didn’t realize you had but could share with others.