My husband has to check in to Futema by July 1st and I guess we're set to live on Kadena. I was wondering about how long we'll have to wait for a house. We have two young sons and I can't imagine having to stay in TL for a long time. We've never lived anywhere but San Diego; are we in for a huge shock? I've never lived on any military base, any advice? Thank you in advance

Okay Futema is aways away from Kadena so double check where you are getting housing. As you can not move off base until base housing is 95% full you have to live on base. I'm sure you have been hearing it but people come here and are still shocked.
So if you are getting housing on Kadena you will probly be put in the Sho Gunn Inn. Its as bad as say a few of the navy lodges I have run into but its not the greatest. And how long you stay really is going to depend on you. The housing office is going to offer you houses some you will be about to look in because they are empty, sometimes they let you know of one that will be availble in a week or so. When I got her 3years ago you got offered two houses on base one you could see, one you couldnt. I hear that has changed. What you get offered is random. I know E3 living in E5 and above housing. There is no ryme or reason to it. They might offer you nice new housing. You might only get offer the older stuff they have on the block to be re-done. It doesnt make a whole lot of sense really.

As for living on base go to the new commers breif and tour. They have important information such as : Yes the Island has snakes! Yes 3 out of 5 of the species are extreamly deadly. The most deadly being Habu you dont have to provok these for them to strike either.So dont mess with the snakes there are lots on base because there is lots of veggitation on base. Or there are trees on base and off base that produce a fruit that kinda looks like a funny pineapple. Its posinous to dogs and humans make sure your kids dont eat it.Really its for the giant fruit bats that are harmless, just annoying. There are also wild packs of dogs that run loose on island. The japanesse goverment has been doing alot to get rid of these packs of wild dogs since I have lived here. But they do run through base. If you have a dog or get a dog never leave it outside alone. Also your in for a shock when you see how the general population of nationals treat or think about animals. This is not the states you can't start trying to reem people a "new one" these are traditional belifes and it takes alot to change tradition if you can in Japan. If you really feel for these animals please get involved with OAARS. Thats Okinawa American Animal Rescue Socity.

These are just some common dangers of living in Okinawa that most people are shocked to learn. Okinawa really is a lovely place to live and I have never seen a snake in the 3years I have live here or seen a pack of wild dogs. Im telling you this just to be aware. Please dont be that person who goes on a rant about the snake under your lawn mower you left in the yard and had to have your husband kill. Its very dangerous to do so just call PMO. Also dont be the moron who sees a Habu slinky around their shed and close it in said shed so you can sell it. Yes the locals make Saki out of Habu but leave the cauthcing the snake part to them. If you dont it ends the same said moron gets bit and the rest of us have to hear the announcements on the radio and tv for the next 6months about leaving the Habu alone. FYI they never sell the snake either.

Other than that I came from SanDiego as well. Your in for a big shock on the roads. They are very tiny compared to anything in SanDiego. Also the only people here that drive aggresivly are other americans. When I put my blinker on to get into the next lane the guy Im passing actually slows down not speeds up. That still gets me. So dont get too comfortable with the japanesse way of driving, some american is bound to come along and hit you( I actually seen that today too so I have to mention). Also the summers are hot hot and humid. Humid like you have never known. But we do get a cold snap in the winter so bring light jackets and sweaters. On the subject of clothing. Japanesse clothing sizes ......run small very very small, alot of the shirts look like potatoe sacks too. So be prepared to shop online because the Bx here usually on has old lady cloths. Sometimes they get normal stuff in but it goes so fast. I can't think of anything eles right now.....but if you have any other questions let me know.

Wow... wild dogs, killer snakes, ravenous bats, poisonous fruit and bad drivers. It's a wonder anyone survives their 3 years in Oki!

JMB, rest assured your time on the island will be wonderful for you & the kids. Please spend some time browsing this website and getting 2nd opinions on the pros and cons of living overseas. It is overwhelmingly a positive experience. Come with a spirit of adventure, be accepting of the different ways and try not to ask "why" too much. The culture is what it is and just enjoy it; don't compare to being better or worse than the US but just different. That's what makes the world so much fun. Get off base, enjoy the local food & culture and you will have a lot of great stories to tell when you get home. If your kids are old enough enroll them (and yourself) in some Japanese lessons and they can develop a lifelong skill. Have fun!

Try to learn the language or at least the basics. The library offers free online language training with Rosetta Stone so be sure to check it out. If you live off-base and get DSL, go with MajicJack for a phone line. On base DSL is much slower and I've heard the MajicJack doesn't work as well, but I don't have first-hand experience with it. I have Vonage myself for now, but it costs $35/month and I think that's too much. Have you sponsor get you a mailbox asap to get your mail forwarded. Also, for off-base....utilities are expensive based on the size of your family and home, and it can be quite expensive at first when you arrive on island. Stay in TLF and take your time looking around. The cell phone companies here are Softbank, AU, and Dokomo. To each his own....but AU gets better reception and Softbank is cheaper.
I've got lots more.......but will anyone even read it?

I am coming to Kadena next month!!! Right now we live in Yokosuka. Even though it is in the same country I know lliving there will be totally different!! Any info will be very helpful