Even Driving is a Culture Shock

In Japan, they drive on the left-side of the road. The steering wheel being located on what I commonly think of as the passenger side. The interesting thing about the US is that (and forgive my generalizations, but work with me here): a) we like our vehicles big and powerful, b) our vehicle is something to personally identify us as a person, and c) we will go $20k or above in debt (heck, some people even rent their cars) to prove to the world that we're an important VIP in our black BMW...

While in Japan, I'm not trying to say that "impression via vehicle" doesn't exist, it's just less common. Their public transportation system is very good, very fast, very clean, and very much used. It's my plan to live within walking distance of a train station. There's trains that go directly to base, Yokohama, and Tokyo...what more could you need?

Back to the cars....my plan is to get something small and sensible. Something I can pay for out of my pocket and be done with it. Even upon my return to the US (if that ever happens), I never want to make a car payment again. My car will from here on be just a car in which to transport me from Point A to Point B.

So, browsing the web to get a feel for price and availability, I found this cutie:

This little guy is called a Dihatsu Mira Classic Parco. It's from 1997 and going for $800. The yellow license plate denotes you as a foreigner and also allows you access to the Navy base. Besides Navy base access I'm not sure if there's any advantage. Do the police leave you alone if you have a yellow plate? Things to figure out.

While I won't get this exact car, I do want something similar. Additionally, before any military personnel can buy a car in Japan, we must go through a week long "cultural understanding" course. It covers driving, to eating out, to house etiquette. After you complete the course, you can apply for your international driver's license on base. Then you're cleared to own a car.

We also will have to purchase Japanese insurance, which functions very similar to American insurance. The only difference is, it will not cover a driver who is not listed on your policy. Sometimes in the US, your car is covered regardless of whether or not it was you or your best friend who was driving the car. In Japan, your friend should absolutely not drive your car unless they're on your insurance policy.

That's all for today....tomorrow..I get my tuberculosis test and tetanus shot...hopefully I can also start collecting my medical records.