You know, everyone goes on about how shopping here in Japan is fabulous, and the stuff here is so cool… And I have to agree. There are things here that I certainly wish we had back at home. Their summer items are really cool. Like the dry ice in a spray can, so you can freeze your clothes on hot days. Or the morning wipes because showers and baths are generally something to be had at night here. I like the different mosquito things they have as well, and despite the fact I haven’t had a problem withmosquitos yet (but I have had a beetle or two) I at least know exactly what I’ll buy if there is a problem. 
However. There are some things this country just doesn’t sell. And some times, I can not understand why. Such as deodorant. And to those of you who speak to me often, yes, I am still going on about this. They have sprays here. And they have their powder wipes. Which are decent. But seriously, it’s hot here. The subways aren’t the nicest place to be at times. And hot dogs. I don’t know why they don’t have hot dogs here. I like hot dogs. They show up in my flashcard sets, and my kids know them. But I can’t find them to buy ANYWHERE. And sometimes, there are just a few comforts you want from home. Likekool aid, or any kind of juice at all. They love soda here.And sure, I could go to import stores. Which I have a few times. I have peanut butter and nutella and it’s wonderful.
However, sometimes, I just don’t have the time to go to a million stores to find a few simple things.
And this is when the internet becomes amazing.
Since teaching in Japan is such a huge industry, many companies have realized that we’re a group of people who are paid very well, and are use to paying high prices for even normal food here (you should see the price of rice, it’s ridiculous) and cater to our needs. And sure, some people LOVE Japanese food. I? Do not. My tastes are very basic. Or, as my co-workers like to call it, bland! (>.>); Whatever, I’m simple, not bland. I like rice, and pasta, and potatoes, and…. generally, white and red foods. I’m happiest when my dinner is some kind of tomato and some kind of cheese covering some kind of carbohydrate. And then chicken. In Japan? They like taking perfectly good food, like salad, and soaking it in vinegar or something. I don’t get it. I’ve finally found a few things I like here, but it’s nothing like what I’m use to. And I’m not the only one like this. So there are sites like The Foreign Buyer’s Club and Canada Only so I can order some comforts from home. And really, the prices are about the same as here. And they all offer free shipping if you order a certain amount. Which makes it all worth it.
But. Food isn’t the only difficult thing to get here. As I was listing as examples, the whole bathroom situation is completely different here. While I like some of the things here, there are some things I miss. And for all that, there’s drugstore.com. Another thing is that Japanese people are tiny. I’m considered shortish over in Canada, but here, I’m on the tall side of average. But my feet are massive (Yay size 9.5!) so I know that, soon, I’ll find myself at the mercy of ShoeBuy. Though, boy shoes here aren’t all that bad! I like loafers, which are standard shoe for all school uniforms. So I know I’ll find those in a size I need, even if I have to get boys sizes.And many stores are beginning to offer international shipping. Hopefully, Old Navy will pick it up soon.
So, even though I’m a world away, I can still feel at home. And, of course, there are two places I know in Japan that will be an instant fix for home: Ikea and Costco. I’ve been to Ikea, and it’s glorious. And huge. And just like home. Costco is something I’m waiting until I have money.
So, now, just for my own reference, and for anyone who might be in the same situation as me, here are some great websites I’ve found, or been referenced to, for ordering things that aren’t easy to get in Japan:
Foods
The Foreign Buyers Club (US food)
Canada Only (Canadian food)
The Meat Guy (Meats and cheeses)
Expat Direct (British food) – Shipping seems ridiculous, people should just mail me Jaffa cakes and chocolates so I don’t have to deal with it. 
The Flying Pig (Costco Japan) For those of you not close to one of the Costcos in Japan, and needing your imports in cheap bulk. Sometimes, I don’t blame you.
Other Necessities
The Drugstore (American Drugstore goods)
Shop In Private (American Drugstore goods) In case you’re not wanting everyone to know what you’re ordering. Like if you live in a guest house, or know you’ll be picking the box up from the post office.
Garden (British drugstore goods)
Clothes
ShoeBuy (Shoes) Because Japanese womens shoes go to size 8.
Victoria’s Secret (Under garments) Japanese women aren’t known for being well endowed. Their underwear selection proves this.
Clothing isn’t all that bad, unless you’re really tall, or plus sizes, or something like that. Then… well, you just have to check on the web for something that fits your tastes.
can you tell that it’s been raining all day and I’ve had little to do? Oh well. This is something that I think is actually useful. Hopefully people get some use out of it!
