DSD-23

1. Document Information

Author:
The DSD-23 (“Document”) was prepared by Stan Shevtsov, Double Standards Division, Fireplace of Despair.

Intended Recipient:
This Document is created exclusively for ██████ █████ ████ and participants in the █████ ███████ program relocating to Izumo, Japan.

Purpose:
To provide practical, cultural, and logistical guidance in support of a smooth relocation and integration process.

2. Confidentiality & Use Restrictions

2.1 Confidential & Proprietary

This Document contains confidential and proprietary information of Fireplace of Despair and ██████ █████ ████ It is provided solely for internal use by authorized personnel of ██████ █████ ████, Fireplace of Despair and final participants in the █████ ███████ program, selected for the relocation process to the Izumo, Japan.

2.2 Prohibition on Redistribution

Any reproduction, dissemination, distribution, or disclosure of this Document, in whole or in part, to parties outside ██████ █████ ████ or the █████ ███████ program without the express, written consent of Fireplace of Despair’s Double Standards Division is strictly prohibited.

3. Declassification & Public Release

3.1 Request for Release

Requests to declassify or distribute this Document beyond the authorized recipients must be submitted in writing to the Double Standards Division, Fireplace of Despair.

3.2 Required Redactions

Prior to any approved release, all sensitive, proprietary, or private information — including but not limited to personnel names, locations, logistics routes, contact details, internal procedures, and company specific references — must be removed or redacted.

4. Intellectual Property

All content in this Document constitutes the exclusive intellectual property of Fireplace of Despair, except where expressly noted otherwise. No license or rights are granted by implication or otherwise under any patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights of Fireplace of Despair.

5. Accuracy & Disclaimer of Liability

5.1 Information Basis

The guidance herein is based on local knowledge and publicly available sources as of the date of preparation.

5.2 No Warranty

Fireplace of Despair makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, or freedom from errors of the information contained in this Document.

5.3 Limitation of Liability

Neither Fireplace of Despair, ██████ █████ ████, nor their respective officers, directors, employees, or agents shall be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of the use of, or reliance upon, this Document.

6. Governing Law

This Document and any dispute arising out of its content or use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

7. Introduction to Izumo

Welcome to Izumo (出雲市) City of Shimane Prefecture (島根県)!
It’s a nice place with lots of nice people! I hope we will become friends!

8. Weather and Seasons

8.1 Winter (December - February)

Cold season.
Temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C.
Heating is necessary, typically via air conditioning or electric heaters. Poorly insulated homes may require more energy.
Monthly electricity bills: approx. ¥8,000 – ¥15,000.
Snow is rare and melts quickly. Kei cars may be banned from leaving the city or going to the mountains during snow or ice warnings.

8.2 Spring (March - May)

Nice season.
Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C.
Mild and pleasant weather.
Cherry blossoms bloom; ideal time for outdoor activities.
Warm days, cooler nights.

8.3 Summer (June - August)

Not a nice season.
Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C.
Hot and humid; air conditioning is essential.
Poor insulation or top-floor apartments may raise cooling costs.
Monthly electricity bills: approx. ¥10,000–¥18,000.
Frequent heavy rains; sunscreen is mandatory; discomfort persists.
Local festivals, fireworks, and beach outings take place.

8.4. Autumn (September - November)

Nice and beautiful season.
Temperatures range from 26°C to 8°C.
Cool, clear weather and vibrant autumn foliage.
Comfortable climate as summer heat fades.
Considered the most scenic season.
That time of year when the mountains start to rust over, like some forgotten piece of iron left out in the rain for too long.

9. Natural Disasters

For weather or natural disaster warning and emergency information please refer to the Izumo City Hall Disaster Page

For Shimane-specific disaster prevention and instruction in case of a disaster please refer to the official Shimane Handbook

For the Evacuation Sites locations in Izumo please refer the official list

9.1 Strong Winds

Strong winds are common. In winter Kei cars may occasionally be restricted from leaving the city for safety reasons. Please be cautious with equipment, materiel, and personal belongings left outdoors, as strong winds can damage, displace, or cause harm with unsecured items.

9.2 Heavy Rain

Prolonged and intense rainfall can occur during summer and autumn. While drainage systems are effective, localized flooding or high-water levels may still happen in low-lying areas.

9.3 Earthquakes

Izumo experiences minimal seismic activity. Occasional mild tremors (magnitude 1–3) may be felt, but significant earthquakes are rare.

9.4 Sun Exposure

Summer UV levels are high. Sunscreen, hats, and/or sun umbrellas are strongly recommended when outdoors. Please be cautious with equipment, materiel, and personal belongings left outdoors in the sun or heat — sensitive items may melt, overheat, or even explode under high temperatures.

9.5 High Waves

Due to strong coastal winds, high wave advisories are frequent. These are generally not a cause for concern but may affect beach access or sea-related activities.

10. Paperwork

10.1 Registration

Document: Registration
Place: Izumo City Hall, 70 Imaichicho, Izumo, Shimane 693-8530
You will need registration information in your Zairyu Card (在留カード). The procedure is simple and easy, and the City Hall have English speaking translators to help with paperwork. And if you ain't got a sharp-tongued sidekick who speaks Japanese, just shuffle up to the any counter with your papers in hand and wear a face like the rain never stopped and make a sad noise: they’ll get the picture — and they’ll help.

10.2 MyNumber card

Document: MyNumber card
Place: Izumo City Hall, 70 Imaichicho, Izumo, Shimane 693-8530
While filling in the papers for the registration, do not forget to check that you need a MyNumber Card. After some time, you will receive a physical letter with instructions on how to get it.

10.3 Hanko

Document: Personal Stamp
Place: Shop, 5 Chome-41 Enyaariharacho, Izumo, Shimane 693-0023
In Japan, personal seals (反抗) are commonly used in place of signatures on official documents. While not always mandatory, having one is highly recommended. There are two types you may consider:

• Mitomein (認印) – A casual, unregistered stamp used for non-official purposes such as internal company documents or package deliveries. You can choose any design or text on it.
• Jitsuin (実印) – A registered, legally recognized stamp using your legal name (as on your Zairyu Card). This must be registered at City Hall (approx. a few hundred yen). You will receive a certificate of registration and a card to request a replacement certificate if needed. You may rarely use it, but it is important for major legal or administrative processes (e.g., buying property, car registration).

11. Settling Into Your New Home

11.1 Understanding Japanese Housing

When renting in Japan, you may be required to pay refundable deposit (敷金), and non-refundable key money (礼金), depending on the apartment and management company, initial move-in costs can total more than 1–4 months’ rent.
Apartments are typically unfurnished, so expect to purchase all furniture and appliances yourself, especially in the first few months. For estimated costs, see section 11.3 Empty Apartment List.
Modifications to the apartment are not allowed without explicit approval from the landlord and management company. This includes drilling holes, fixing sinks, changing floors or fixtures, or removing wallpaper or walls. In case of emergency of serious problems, you must first contact the landlord and management company and not take any active measures.
Humidity is a serious concern in Japanese homes. It must be managed actively (air conditioning, ventilation, other mechanized means) and passively (dehumidifiers). Failure to do so may result in permanent damage to equipment, materiel, personnel and the apartment itself.

11.2 Polite Coexistence

Noise
Most Japanese apartments have minimal soundproofing. Please be considerate — avoid loud noises, especially during the evening and nighttime hours. Refrain from playing loud music, watching TV at high volume, hosting parties, or using noisy appliances (like vacuums or washing machines) late at night or evening.

General Garbage Disposal
Follow local rules for waste separation and collection schedules. Please refer to the izumo-econavi.com for details.

Garbage Disposal
Around the city and near or inside some grocery stores there are designated places for specific garbage: beverage cans, beverage plastic bottles, books and newspapers, big cardboard boxes.

General Smoking
Smoking inside apartments is strongly discouraged. If you smoke, use the balcony, but do not flick ash or throw cigarette butts outside.
In bad weather, I recommend smoking indoors (e.g., kitchen or bathroom), it’s not acceptable, but just turn on ventilation and never tell anyone.

Smoking
It's prohibited to smoke on the street outside of the designated areas. In the Izumo, some convenience stores have an ashtrays. You can also smoke on the outdoors parking lots, but never litter: you can buy pocket ashtrays on the Amazon or in the convenience stores.

Community Conduct
Greet your neighbors when you see them and maintain a polite and professional attitude.

11.3 Empty Apartment List

Refer to the table below for estimated prices of essential household items. Use the Amazon to check approximate prices.
Some materiel or equipment can be bought in local shops cheaper.

11.4 Utilities And Services

You will regularly receive usage notifications and bills for water/sewerage, electricity, and gas:

• Electricity: Billed monthly.
• Gas: Billed monthly.
• Water & Sewerage: Billed every three months.

Bills usually arrive by post and include a barcode for easy payment. You can distinguish bill from the notification by the barcode: if there is barcode — it’s a bill. Always check your mailbox frequently, as important mail may be delayed or damaged — especially during rainy weather.
Bills can be paid at any convenience store, typically at any time before the due date. Be sure to pay on time to avoid issues or service disruptions.
You can pay these bills at any convenience store or with PayPay or with direct bank transfer.
Note: Some gas / internet / electricity suppliers have an option to link your bank account for automatic bills payments. And for some of them this is not an option.

11.5 Furnishing Shops

Cross-check prices.
Sometimes you can buy brand new furniture or electrical equipment much cheaper on the Amazon / Edion than a secondhand one in the 2nd street.

• Amazon: Has almost everything. Recommend temporary subscription to the Prime membership for additional discounts.
• Nitori Izumo: Furniture and Home goods store. Do not have delivery.
• Edion Izumo: Electrical supply store. Have delivery.
• 2nd Street Izumo: Secondhand Shop. Have delivery.
• PLANT: Grocery and general-purpose shop.
• Juntendo: Home improvement store.

12. Daily Life Essentials

12.1 Supermarkets & Local Grocery Stores

• Good Day (グッディー): Grocery store.
• A-Price (Ａ‐プライス 出雲店): Grocery store.
• PLANT: Grocery and general-purpose store.
• AEON MALL: General-purpose mall.
• youme Town Izumo (ゆめタウン 出雲): General-purpose mall.
• Daiso: 100Yen Shop.
• Wellness: Non-prescription drug store / beauty and grocery store.
• 古着屋ファミリー: Secondhand cloth store.
• Shuzuai Land Izumoten (シューズ愛ランド 出雲店): Shoe store. Do not recommend.
• MEGA Don Quijote: Don-don-don-don.
• Nishiya: Alcohol and Tabaco store.
• Recollections: Plastic models and collectable toys store.

12.2 Banking & ATMs

After opening a bank account in Japanese bank, you will not receive a debit/credit card. You will receive a cash card and bank account. With a cash card you can only withdraw or deposit money from/to your bank account.
Not all shops or taxi drivers in Japan accept debit or credit cards, especially in small towns like Izumo. It's highly recommended to carry cash at all times.
ATMs are widely available in convenience stores and large shopping malls. However, small withdrawal fees may apply, depending on your bank and the time of day.
For online purchases, prepaid gift cards for popular e-commerce platforms and services can be bought at convenience stores.
If you need a more flexible option for online payments, consider using Revolut (or similar services). It offers virtual and physical debit cards and can be topped up directly from your Japanese bank account. Getting a Japanese or international credit/debit card can be complicated and will be covered in future documentation.

12.3 SIM-Card

To get a valid SIM card with access to mobile communications (like SMS and phone calls) and phone number you must have a bank account. To open a bank account, you must have a valid Japanese SIM card (with an ability to send/receive SMS and phone calls). Your employer, ████████-san or ███ █████ will provide their personal number for your bank account. After acquiring a legit Japanese SIM card, you can change the phone number linked to your bank account at any ATM.

12.4 Delivery Services

Most items in Japan are delivered directly to your doorstep. Larger retailers, such as Edion, often offer appliance installation as an optional service. If you didn’t request this service at the time of purchase or it wasn’t offered, feel free to ask for assistance — we can help with the installation of general electric appliances.
If your apartment has an option to put a delivery box (宅配ボックス) outside, small and medium-sized packages will typically be placed there when you're not home. Otherwise, you’ll need to be present to receive the delivery.
If the courier cannot deliver your package, they will leave a missed delivery slip with instructions for rescheduling the delivery or redirecting it to a pickup location.

13. Transportation & Getting Around

• Airport: Izumo Airport is small, charming, and convenient for domestic travel, offering regular flights to cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Tickets can be purchased online. A direct bus service runs between Izumo Station and the airport.
• Local Buses: Bus coverage is limited, and schedules are infrequent, making daily use impractical. When boarding, take a numbered ticket indicating your stop. Upon exiting, check the fare on the display screen and pay accordingly. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are accepted.
• Train Lines: Trains are available but are not always aligned with everyday schedules. Tickets must be purchased at station kiosks—select your boarding and destination stations. Expect long intervals between some trains.
• Biking: A convenient and popular option for short trips. Izumo is relatively flat and bike-friendly, making cycling ideal for local errands and commuting. Bike must be registered at the City Hall.
• Driving: Highly recommended. A car greatly increases your flexibility and access to stores, workplaces, and neighboring areas. Without one, daily travel can be inconvenient.
• Taxis: Available but generally expensive for regular use.

14. Food & Dining

14.1 Local Cuisine

• Izumo Soba: A regional specialty made with buckwheat flour, known for its rich flavor and unique serving style. There are many local restaurants where you can try it, such as https://maps.app.goo.gl/4YK288LS8vB7MSoh7, https://maps.app.goo.gl/73qBTvmW5SMMQFzj9
• Shijimi Clam Soup: A traditional soup made with freshwater clams from nearby Lake Shinji. Commonly served in sushi restaurants and also available in grocery stores if you'd like to prepare it at home.
• Shimane Wagyu: Premium local beef known for its tenderness and marbling. Enjoy it at local yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants (like Yakiniku Yamato) or purchase it raw to cook at home.

14.2 Restaurants & Cafés

• Yakisoba: Yakisobaya
• Ramen: Karasaki-Shouten
• Burgers: Beatle Burger
• Yakiniku: Yakiniku Yamato, Bekoton, Shokudoen
• Kaitensushi: Shijaku, Sushiro, Hamasushi
• Bars: Coffee&Cocktail Culture, Ridere, TANBEE

14.3 Home Food

You can easily cook at home:

• Rice (white / brown);
• Instant miso-soup
• Ramen;
• Udon / Noodles / Other noodles
• Pasta;
• Fresh/Grilled fish / Chicken / Meat / Eggs / Tofu;
• Crabs / mussels / clams / shrimps;
• Vegetables / Pickles / Natto / Seaweed;

15. Healthcare

15.1 How to Find a Doctor or Clinic

The company-provided medical insurance will cover a big portion of your healthcare costs. If you experience any health issues, please reach out to a member of the ██████ █████ ████ team. They can assist with finding an appropriate clinic, making an appointment, and accompanying you if needed—most local doctors do not speak English.

15.2 Pharmacies & Medicine

Basic over-the-counter medications can be purchased at Wellness stores, large supermarkets, and some convenience stores. Prescription medications are available only at designated pharmacies and are dispensed in the exact quantity specified on the prescription.

16. Free Time & Community

16.1 Free Time

Izumo is a relatively small city, but it offers a wide range of options for spending your free time:

• Standard Activities: You'll find cafés, restaurants, small to medium-sized bars, gyms, karaoke venues, swimming pools, and billiards.
• Local Entertainment: Onsens, arcades, pachinko.
• Outdoor Activities: Izumo is located near both the ocean and Lake Shinji, making it a great place for fishing. The surrounding area also offers campgrounds and mountain hiking trails suitable for all levels.
  Most of these places can be easily found on Google Maps, or feel free to ask someone in the local community for personal recommendations or company.

Important Notes:

• Gyms, onsens, and some public facilities may have specific rules — tattoos are often not allowed, so check policies before visiting.
• Camping is only allowed in designated areas, each with its own rules (e.g., reservations, fire safety, or bans on open flames).
• If you go camping or hiking, always check the weather forecast and local warnings, and let someone from the community know your plans and expected return time for safety.

15.1 Annual Festivals and Events

While Izumo is a quieter city, it still hosts a variety of local festivals, fireworks displays, and seasonal events throughout the year. However, event information is often shared only through physical posters around town, rather than online, making it easy to miss.
If you spot an upcoming event, please share it with the local community — word of mouth is one of the best ways we stay informed.

16. Emergency Phones

• Izumo Police: 0853-240110
• Police: 110
• Ambulance and Emergency Services: 119
• Coast Guard: 118

17. Final Tips

17.1 Helpful Apps for Daily Life

Garbage Collection Calendar and Garbage Sorting Guide
iOS Android

Weather and Natural Disaster Warnings
iOS Android

18. Who to Ask for Help

If you need help or advice, feel free to reach out any time in ███ █████████ chat.
For more personal matters — or if you're simply feeling shy—you can contact ████████-san, █████-san, █████-san or ████-san directly. We're here to support you in any way we can, whether it’s answering questions, connecting you with the right people, accompanying you to appointments, showing you around the city, or just grabbing a drink together if you’re feeling a bit down.
You're not alone — we’ve got your back.

18.1 Who to Ask for Help With Caution

█████-san’s ███ █ ████ ██████ ███ ████████ ██ ███ logistics. █████ ████ ████ █████ █████ ██ ████ █████████ ███, ██ █████████ ██████████ █████████ ████ ██ ██. ████, ████ ██████ ██ ████ ███████████ ████ ████ ████ █ concept of time is? Or ████████? Or logistics? ██████████ ██ █ █████ ███ █ █████ ████ ███ ██ ███████ ███████ ███ Hinomisaki, ███ █ █████ ████ ████ ███ █████ ██. Logistics!
██████ ████.

19. Community

We have small yet vibrant community, with people bringing a wide range of skills and life experiences. However, we are shy and ████████ introverts when it comes to socializing. If you're looking to get involved in local activities like dining out, karaoke, hiking, █████████, or casual gatherings, we encourage you to take the initiative. Don't be afraid to be proactive in making plans.

Your enthusiasm will be remembered.

20. Unsorted Advice

• First Aid: Keep a basic first aid kit at home for minor issues—24/7 pharmacies are not available in Izumo.
• Emergency Preparedness: If you're concerned about natural disasters, consider building or buying an emergency kit. These are available at PLANT or on Amazon Japan.
• Cash & Coins: Japan is still very much a cash-based society.
• Always carry cash—many places don’t accept cards.
• A wallet with a coin pocket (or a separate coin wallet) is highly recommended.
• The ¥100 coin is essential—many vending machines and laundromats don’t accept paper bills.
• Laundry:
• Coin laundries are very useful if you don’t have a washing machine or can’t dry clothes due to the weather.
• To save money, you can wash at home and use coin dryers only.
• Shopping: Always compare prices — sometimes new items on Amazon are cheaper than second-hand ones in local shops.
• Utilities: Hot water typically runs on propane, which can get expensive if you take long baths frequently. Be mindful of your usage.
• Budgeting & Chaos: Expect your first year to be financially and logistically chaotic. Take your time to adjust.
• Humidity Control: Don’t underestimate the humidity. It's more cost-effective to regularly replace disposable dehumidifiers than to replace mold-damaged items (like shoes or electronics).
• Night Safety: Izumo lacks strong street lighting, and some rain drains are uncovered. If you're walking or driving at night, be careful—or carry a small flashlight for safety.

21. Dixi

The rain tapped against the window like a cheap drummer working a late-night gig. I leaned back in my creaky chair, and slid the folder across the desk like it weighed a hundred pounds. You looked at it like it was gonna bite. Maybe it would.

“I’m looking at this document and let me tell you — I don’t like it. Not one bit. It’s too stiff, too clean. Reads like it was written by a bureaucrat with a stick so far up their ass it’s poking out their hat. I tried to keep it short and professional — something you could skim on your flight to the Land of the Rising Sun or on a cigarette break. But it’s missing the soul.”

I tapped the folder like it owed me money.

“No one’s gonna read a hundred pages of rules and recommendations, even if their sorry life depends on it. If I could, I should have thrown in some of the good stories — like the time I damn near lost a finger, or the morning I found my pants in a rain drain a bit too far away from where I woke up. Or how…”

I sighed, a long one, the kind that tastes like old regrets and cheap smokes.

“Most of what’s in there is common sense — if you’ve got any. You’d think people know not to plant their chopsticks in a bowl of rice like they’re setting up a funeral. Or that ‘seiza’ aren’t medieval torture method, it’s just how you sit. But no — some folks fold and start twitching like they’ve never seen a washlet before.”

I leaned close.

“That’s when my eye starts twitching. 'Cause that kind of mistake? It isn’t just rude. It’s a red flag flapping’ in the wind, screaming’ you’re not ready. And out here, not being ready can get you more than embarrassed. It can get you dead. So, read it.”

I paused, the kind of pause that hangs in the air like a fog before something bad happens.

“Oh, and one more thing. If you happen to stumble past an Inari shrine — red torii gates, kitsune statues with smug little faces, smells like incense and old secrets — toss a coin or two for me. Just a little bribe for the lady fox goddess. I like to believe she’s watching my back… or at least smirking at me from the shadows.”

I leaned back.

“You’ll know the place. Red torii gates, kitsune statues with smug little faces, and the feeling you're being judged by something with a tail and too much time on its hands. Can’t miss it.”