>>461162Hey,
>>461145here again, just a few other things I learned that might help:
It might be good to learn some phrases while on your flight, that's what I did at least, such as a simple introduction, you can google how to do it: a simple "nice to meet you, my name is etc". I even learned how to use chopsticks while on my flight over hah.
MOU ICHIDO KUDASAI - "Please once more" really helped me through a lot when trying to translate. The first day is going to be very awkward because of the language barrier, in my case my host family didn't speak a word of english while my friend's host family spoke english fine. They ended up learning off me while I learned off them (although I tried speaking as much Japanese as I could). I'm sure you know the obvious like buying a pocket translation dictionary ahead of time.
Sometimes writing out something or drawing a simple sketch will help communicate issues. It was frustrating trying to explain something that I couldn't communicate so I'd draw a crude sketch to get my idea across. My host mother was kind enough to write out a note that explains I was lost and my address. I put it in my wallet just incase, although I never had to use it. Getting around is really easy in city areas of Japan, I never went to Osaka so I'm not sure about your situation.
I'd also recommend bringing along a box of mechanical pencils and, if you like to use them, a three ringed binder. I couldn't for the life of me find one in my area. Japan loves stationary, so many stationary stores there, compared to America at least, but I found you'd be buying individual things like pencils one-by-one rather than in bulk.
Can't think of anything else atm, its been a while since I've been there(going again for the second time to a different area in June). I'm not sure how helpful it is but I hope it helps at least a bit.