Ｓｕｒｖｉｖｉｎｇ　ＷｉｎｔｅｒWilliam Kennedy and

Jessie Giddens

How bad is it? Japanese schools do not warm their

hallways and some classrooms and offices.

Depending on the age of your home, it may not be insulated.

2007 18th November

2008 18th November

2009 1st November, but then it melted

and came back in December 2010

16th December

18th November, 2007

19th November, 2007

When will it come?

Layers Try to wear clothes that can be

removed or added to easily.

Heat packs 懐炉 (kairo) In pocket or stuck to your

clothes

Boots Waterproof High Traction

Jacket Put it on before you step outside

of the warmth. This way you don’t have to warm the jacket.

Keeping yourself warm

Kotatsu Try not to sleep under it

Kerosene Heaters Open a window

Radiating Heater Try not to set fire to things

Warming your house

Air Conditioner• Can be expensive

Heated Floor Rug

Humidifier

Jerry Cans (containers to store kerosene)

You must use the red colored Jerry Can if you want to put kerosene in it.

Self Pick-up You can take a jerry can to a

gasoline stand and buy kerosene similar to how you fill up your car.

Delivery Many people choose to have their

kerosene delivered. Ask your teachers to find out who delivers in your area.

From the Jerry Can to the Heater Funnel Hand pumps Battery operated pumps

(recommended)

How to get kerosene

How to fill a kerosene heater

Movie

Insulation Special bubble wrap can be bought and stuck on

your windows.

Try to only heat the rooms that you want to use. It is easier and cheaper to heat only a couple of

rooms.

Body Heat Two is better than one!

Keeping the heat

Shoveling

Road Heating

Road Sprinklers

Salt

Grading

Snow Spitters

Snow removal

The big one This slides really easily over snow and

is great for moving big amounts of snow.

The curved plastic one on a long pole This is good for smaller amounts of

snow and for cleaning under your car.

The metal shovel This is heavy but good for if you are

trying to lift ice or break up snow that is blocking your drain.

The pick axe This is for when you haven’t cleared

your snow properly and it has turned to ice that you want to move.

If the snow sticks If the snow sticks to the shovel, spray

wax on the shovel, like on a snowboard or skis.

Snow shovels

Gardens Most trees in gardens will either

be boarded over, or have supports under the branches so they do not break under the weight of the snow.

Houses Many people also board up the

weaker points on their houses to protect against the snow.

Some people board up their verandah so that they can still use the area.

Roof Many people also shovel the snow

off the roof of their house. This is because the weight of the snow can cause it to collapse. Every year many people die from falling off their roof. Please check if you are allowed to / have to shovel your roof, or if it is taken care of for you.

Protecting your house and garden

Get a snow brush This is inexpensive and can be

bought from most hardware / home improvement or car parts shops. You will need to brush snow off your car before you can drive.

Change to winter wipers This is pretty easy to do yourself.

Regular wipers tend to freeze and not work well with snow.

Preparing your car

• You must have snow tires on your car before the snow starts!Take your snow tires to a gasoline stand or a car parts shop. They will generally change your tires for around 2000yen. Check all of your tires before you leave! Your winter tires will have ‘Studless’ written on the side.Chains are an option/requirement in some places. You have to drive slowly with chains and can not use them in most areas.

• 4WDUse 4WD in the snow, if you have it. It does not mean you can drive any less carefully or any faster, it is just easier to maintain traction.

Traction Ice Wheel ridges High snow 4WD Snow tires Chains

Visibility Falling Snow Snow lifted by other traffic Snow wipers Demister

Driving in snow

Rice fields When a rice field is filled with snow, it

can be hard to tell where the road ends and the rice field begins. Be aware of your surroundings so you don’t drive your car in.

Drains Many people leave drains open in

winter. For the unsuspecting person, these are waiting to gobble you up with no warning.

Slippery roads Often look wet, but are more often

camouflaged and look no different to usual.

Gaijin traps

Winter Fun

Snowboarding / Skiing You can get second hand gear at really low

prices! Otherwise hire it.

Snowball fight Clear out snow the fun way!

Snow shoeing Many ski resorts offer guided events.

Onsen Loosen your muscles and warm up in a Rotemburo while snow is falling all around you

Fun in the snow

Festivals Snow festivals are held in most

regions of Yamagata and there is also the big one in Sapporo.

Buy a plastic sled Build snow men Make snow angels Have a snowball fight

Fun in the snow

Mt Zao Yamagata’s biggest ski resort and home to the Snow Monsters Take a bus from Yamagata Station

Jangle Jungle Free bus from Sakuranbo Higashine Station

Local Hills These hills may be small, but are great to learn on and are usually

cheaper than the big resorts

Discounts Often available if you purchase season passes before the season starts. Coupons are also available at many fast food outlets.

Warning DO NOT take your students Snowboarding or Skiing!!

For resort info check out www.snowjapan.com

Skiing and Snowboarding