Dormitory and Neighbors

Dormitory and Neighbors

Many workers from Indonesia live in a company dormitory or an apartment arranged by the receiving company. You will share space with coworkers and live close to Japanese residents. Good relations with your neighbors make life more peaceful. They also protect the good name of the Indonesians who come after you.

Read the dormitory rules from day one

Every dormitory has rules, usually called 寮のルール (ryou no ruuru, dormitory rules). They may cover curfew, visitors, electricity and water use, and the cleaning duty schedule. Ask your supervisor or support staff to explain anything that is unclear. It is better to ask once than to break a rule without realizing it.

Genkan and slippers

At the entrance of a Japanese home there is a 玄関 (genkan), a small area for taking off your shoes. Take off your shoes at the genkan, line them up neatly, then put on indoor slippers. Toilets often have their own slippers. Do not walk out of the toilet wearing the toilet slippers, because this is considered unclean.

Noise and nighttime

• Apartment walls are often thin. Phone calls, music, and laughter can be heard in the next room.
• Keep the volume down, especially at night. Use earphones when you video call your family.
• Avoid doing laundry, vacuuming, or walking with heavy steps late at night.
• Coming home late from work? Close the door gently and speak quietly in the hallway.

Sharing the kitchen and bathroom

• Wash cooking utensils right after you use them. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Put your name on your food in the shared refrigerator. Do not take other people's food without permission.
• Wipe the stove and table after cooking. Strong cooking smells, such as salted fish or sambal, can bother others. Turn on the range hood fan (換気扇, kankisen) and open the window.
• Take turns using the bathroom, especially in the morning before your shift.
• After bathing, dry the floor and remove hair from the drain.

Keeping your room clean

The dormitory manager may inspect rooms from time to time. Keep your room tidy and open the window to let fresh air in. During the rainy season, watch out for mold (カビ, kabi) on walls and mattresses. If something breaks, such as a leaking faucet or a stuck door, report it right away. Damage that is left alone can get worse, and residents may have to pay for it.

Greeting your neighbors

A simple greeting goes a long way. When you meet a neighbor, say こんにちは (konnichiwa, good afternoon) or おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu, good morning). If a neighbor complains, do not argue. Apologize with すみません (sumimasen, I'm sorry), then tell your supervisor so the problem can be solved together.

Summary

• Learn the dormitory rules and ask about anything unclear.
• Take off your shoes at the genkan and keep toilet slippers separate.
• Keep the noise down, especially at night.
• Tidy up the kitchen and bathroom after use.
• Report damage and complaints to your supervisor.

Rules may differ between dormitories and companies; ask your supervisor.