Marrisa wrote:
> I know very little about Japan, and my daughter is going there for a
> year to teach English. I apologize in advance for my ignorance. I am
> concerned since she is a vegetarian, and she will be teaching in a small
> town about 40 minutes outside of Kyoto. Should we get her a year-supply
> of supplements? I am sure that Japan has vitamins, etc, but my concern
> is that she wont be able to read the labels. Plus, will she have access
> to phone? And if she does, will I have to call her? I realize that many
> Japanese in larger cities have contact with Westerners but what about
> the smaller towns in the rural parts of Japan.
>
>
> Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on the subject. Plus, if you
> can recommend any book on Japan that might provide more information to
> calm my nerves that would also be appreciated.
>
Well, for starters 40 minutes outside of Kyoto might be rurarl, but
it's hardly the sticks so she'll be able to get everything Western and
more. There are only two things that I have trouble getting in Japan:
good peanut butter and good blackberry jam. She shouldn't have any
issues about being a vegetarian. If she's a vegan that might be a
different story; but otherwise she'll be fine. Tons of fresh fruits and
vegetables along with rice. There's also a vegetarian culture
(Buddhism) that should appeal to her. She'll probably want to find
other vegetarians to help her get adjusted, learn to read labels, etc.

As for calling, you might explore one of the many Web services; not
sure how they'll work internationally, but might be worth looking into.
Or ask your long distance carrier what plans they have available. Email
is probably the best option.

John W.