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日本語/Japanese  Sat 09/15 12:40 JST
A "Kairan Ban" [回覧板] is a folder that is passed among neighbors who are members of a Chonai Kai [町内会] or "town association." The members pay a monthly fee to the Chonai Kai leader. Paying money to the Chonai Kai is not enforced by law and the leader has no political leads - its all run separately from the government and is a tradition that goes far back.

Being a member of the Chonai Kai is voluntary but everybody ends up joining - its more of an obligation/tradition. The fee paid to the Chonai Kai is decided by you - we pay about a 200 yen per month which seems to be the norm.
Being a member means that you get passed one of these KaiRan Ban. "Kairan" [回覧] means "to circulate" and "Ban" [板] means board.
The Kairan Ban contains information relevant to the area that the members live in. It could be information on new constructions, events like matsuri, new rules on when to throw out the rubbish etc. Once you've read it, you pass it onto your neighbors who are usually members of the Chonai Kai.
What I do is put in eroge leaflets to let the neighbors know about the latest releases.
The first time I learnt of the Kairan Ban custom was in a manga - I think it could have been Ranma 1/2.

Having Japanese neighbors has been really nice since we moved in to our house - very different to the experience I had back in the UK. I used to have unemployed drug addicts living below us who would play loud music all day and night - I know they were drug addicts because the boys in blue came into bust them one day. They once stole the electric fuse from the fusebox that was located outside the house - leaving us without electricity.

Our Japanese neighbors are very different. They bring over food that they have cooked - cake or some pickles, noodles etc. They all seem to have relatives who own farms which is why they always bring us fresh vegetables etc. These are not just the neighbors next door but across the street and around the corner too.

Its important to get off on a good start with your neighbors and know the Aisatsu [挨拶] custom when moving into a new area. Basically you bring along a small gift and knock on your surrounding neighbors door to say hello and "Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu" - I am sure you have heard of this term in your anime watching. Its such a common greeting which has a meaning of "How do you do?", "please do me the favor", "lets get on together well" - its kind hard to explain Yoroshiku but just roll all the previous meanings into one. If you are staying with friends in Japan, the first thing you will want to say to the family is "Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu."

What are neighbors like in your region?
Categories
Polls
windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Registered on 2006/12/25 12:20
I haven't met the neighbours over at my friend's place. They seem to disappear whenever I'm around! ^^;

The neighbour here have a real friendly aura. No one blasts loud music or play any instruments that distrub the rest. Very nice place!
(ID #56941) Posted on 2007/09/15 13:06
iMM in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Publisher
Registered on 2007/07/08 14:32
They seem like friendly people, but most of the neighbours here seem to stick to themselves (that or they just try to avoid the only foreigner living in the appartment block). Most places do seem to have a strong sense of community.
(ID #56942) Posted on 2007/09/15 13:14
chraen in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/08/23 21:36
I rarely ever talk to my neighbours.

And no one blasts loud music here probably because you can report them for being a nuisance. At least, I think you can report them... =x
(ID #56943) Posted on 2007/09/15 13:15
Jyakai
In Australia, depending where you live you can either have the druggy/loud music/pricks. Or you have neighbours that keep to themselves.
(ID #56945) Posted on 2007/09/15 13:42
syrix in U.S.
student
Registered on 2007/03/21 09:30
I rarely talk to my neighbors, maybe small talk if we pass by each other but thats pretty much it.  People are nice though and I don't think they're drug addicts, across the street though...
(ID #56946) Posted on 2007/09/15 13:43
OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK
In my last year of High School
Registered on 2006/12/25 02:24
Some of my neighbours are fine. Some of them are real pricks who are constantly watching you.
(ID #56947) Posted on 2007/09/15 13:46
シャキー in カナダ
Student~
Registered on 2007/07/14 10:05
its fine with news on events etc.. but is it ok with ero game release? 0,0"
(ID #56948) Posted on 2007/09/15 13:58
nunks in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Programmer, Student
Registered on 2007/09/15 00:02
I seldom speak to my neighbors 'cause actually I have little time to be at home. They're OK, I think...

Just out of curiosity: what kind of small aisatsu gifts are usually given to neighbors?
(ID #56949) Posted on 2007/09/15 14:26
soonkiong in Kuching, Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:50
Neighbours here in Malaysia are usually quite friendly, and we do visit each other during festive seasons.

eroge leaflets on a publicly viewed board? wow... ^^|||
(ID #56950) Posted on 2007/09/15 14:26
terry in Singapore
=.=!
Registered on 2007/08/02 23:32
i rarely talk to my neighbours too.. though if we were to walk in the same path, basic greeting would be used..
(ID #56951) Posted on 2007/09/15 14:34
holybell84 in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:31
Some of my neighbours are good ppl, there are some jerks as well.

Too bad eroges are not allowed in sg, or I will circulate the leaflets as well.
(ID #56953) Posted on 2007/09/15 14:51
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
My experience with neighbors varies quite a lot. 

In London, where I work, I don't interact with my neighbours at all. There is zero interaction.
Back in South Wales, where my family is based, everybody knows everyone and we're all really freindly, although we still don't interact too much, but we all know what's going on with eachother and everybody knows your name.
(ID #56954) Posted on 2007/09/15 14:54
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
Design Consultant
Registered on 2007/08/23 04:44
It took me a while to get adjusted when I moved to USA from Canada. I knew everyone in town in Ontario, and everyone knew me, but here.. the most open and friendly people are from another country! My best friend is Dutch, the great neighbor around the corner is an Aussie, and the only other neighbor that goes out of their way to say hi is from England. Makes me feel like most people are just self centered. It sounds like this is the norm in the world from what I have read of these comments.
(ID #56955) Posted on 2007/09/15 15:12
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
Design Consultant
Registered on 2007/08/23 04:44
Does anyone even hang out with their neighbors in the USA? Im thinking only in small towns.
(ID #56956) Posted on 2007/09/15 15:13
BeLe in Davao, Philippines
.NET/Web Developer
Registered on 2007/01/03 16:36
Good/bad neighbors would depend on where you live and what type of environment you live in around here.  You can't say the same thing in my neighborhood to other neighborhoods.  my neighbors are actually pretty helpful and friendly.  

What would your neighbors say if you passed along those eroge leaflets? Just curious what they're reactions would be. :D
(ID #56958) Posted on 2007/09/15 15:45
Sergio in In my freaking job!! Aghhh!!
Boss hunter, really!
Registered on 2007/08/17 02:25
"Unfriendly and smell" definitely!! my neighbors are just like that or a worse version of "maison ikkoku" neighbors.....


damn!! 
(ID #56959) Posted on 2007/09/15 15:50
bolt in Tampa Fl.
security/student
Registered on 2007/04/17 14:53
it depended on who when we lived.  had 2 apartments and had a downstairs neighbor.. first one was quiet (old chinese family) second got along well with, 3rd.. basically the stoner crowd that we had to call the cops on a few times for the noise and banging

now at a new appartment where the roof and floors are concrete (thank you god) and no noise unless its REALLY loud..

i love the concreete floors and cielengs becasue of the noise, and hate the cheaper wood.. you can hear EVERYTHING...
(ID #56960) Posted on 2007/09/15 15:57
bob-san in Madison WI
Administrative Assistant
Registered on 2007/02/22 23:27
I can't really class our neighborhood under either. they're not really smelly, but they're not ones to go out of your way to greet you when you move in.

Poynette, the town I'm currently residing in, doesn't really have a samll town feel, but isn't a big town either.  There's a number of senior citizens there (About 3-4 retirement homes) and most folks in town are usually sports fans (Which I am not).

Yet at times, there are some small town charms to it (As my brother has commented on recently, having visited us from California).  

It can be nice and quiet at night.  No blaring car sounds and the like.  We do have a small Farmer's Market held during the weekends where my folks (Who I'm currently living with...again) sell benches and other nick nacks.  Some folks in town to have that small-town friendliness while others....don't 9To put it bluntly)
(ID #56961) Posted on 2007/09/15 16:02
Uradox in Nagoya / Perth
Procurement officer / Teacher
Registered on 2007/05/12 15:27
I got all sorts, its amusing at times.
I'm on the top floor of a apartment building and generally hear everything underneath.
Tonight for instance, someone a few storys down was bagging at a door demanding it open.
Right underneath me is a girl who loves to have partys on weeknights, you can normally hear some pissed off indian guy having a go at her.
Theres also a lot of creepy old people that just like to stare from their doors.
All in all its great :)
(ID #56962) Posted on 2007/09/15 16:14
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
lol on passing eroge leaflets to neighbors, I bet it wakes them up faster than a cup of coffee. 
(ID #56963) Posted on 2007/09/15 16:15
hendrik in jakarta,indonesia
student
Registered on 2007/06/01 04:39
i had a really bad neighbour, no not just one, i could said the whole area.

they put election on my house gate(house+warehouse= big gate), sprayed the gate, and never try to clean it

and when the plumbing season come, they put all those plumb mud in front of house.

i dunno why the hell they do that, but this is pissing me off all the year.

i believe the reason why they do that maybe because my home is near the road, and big enough for poster.

RT(neigbourhood leader) never help this problem, they still feeing my family instead.
(ID #56964) Posted on 2007/09/15 16:32
toxicmind in SF, USA
cg artist
Registered on 2007/02/06 21:53
Dude, I hate "chonaikai" or "jichikai".  It is pain in butt tradition in Japan unless you have very good honest neigbors.

Bad neighbors in U.S. are like playing music so loud or something.

Bad neighbors in Japan are something more nasty in different way.  It's kinda hard to explain, but basically everything get very personal.  You wanna have good relationship with you neighbors, but you don't have to be so close to them.  But you do in Japan.  They get into your life.

When I read some forums, there are usually topic about chonaikai or jichikai(they are basically same) that people have problem with.

I prefer U.S. One thing is we don't have to take gifts to neighbors when you move to new place, but in Japan you do even inside apartment community.  Watch an episode of Crayon Shinchan when their house burned down and move to an apartment, or one of episodes in Takahashi Rumiko Gekijo.

They are anime, but not so far from reality.

(ID #56965) Posted on 2007/09/15 16:35
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
Design Consultant
Registered on 2007/08/23 04:44
My neighbor behind my house had people over all the time when he first moved in. They would make so much noise (at 2am) that I would have to open my window and ask them to be quiet. After this happening 3-4 times a week, I finally told them to shut the F*$k up! They said I was being rude (it was 2:30 am)so I got dressed and went over there. Now my neighbors behind my house are nice and quiet and quite respectful.. and afraid to look me in the eye. 
(ID #56966) Posted on 2007/09/15 16:50
lu-k in Bayonne, France
Software Developer
Registered on 2007/01/07 21:55
My neighbors are friendly but useless ^^;
Those are all retired people, always want to talk about all and nothing especially when you don't want to be bothered, and make noise during week-ends or hollidays, only early in the morning when they decide to use their lawn mower, or the afternoon when they host their families (grandchildren are the worst).
But they are very kind... so...
(ID #56967) Posted on 2007/09/15 17:32
kurz in Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/09/04 00:58
"What I do is put in eroge leaflets to let the neighbors know about the latest releases."

u really did this?? ^_^;
(ID #56968) Posted on 2007/09/15 17:40
Zeroblade in Manila, Philippines
Student
Registered on 2007/04/10 21:47
""What I do is put in eroge leaflets to let the neighbors know about the latest releases."

u really did this?? ^_^;"

Yes, I want to know too ^^;

And my neighbors are mostly not really interacting with us. They just live *there*, and we live *here*.
(ID #56970) Posted on 2007/09/15 19:17
Sean in San Francisco / Tokyo / London / Dublin
Video Editor / Sound Designer / DJ
Registered on 2007/01/23 17:06
Interesting - our neighbors in Tokyo never asked us to be part of the Chonai Kai - probably because we were gai-jin who they thought couldnt speak very good Japanese.

The neighbors were VERY nice to us though, we had some young people on one side - they were cool designer types. The other neighbors were a young family which actually kind of sucked because we felt we could never be loud past 9:30. This was in Kichijoji mind, were young people and families often live in the same apartment buildings.

Have to say Kichijoji / Inokashira-koen is my favorite place to live in Tokyo. This is one part of Tokyo many musicians, DJs, artist , hippies (!) and stoners (weed smokers!) live.

A breath of fresh air if you have only seen the "normal" (aka : boring) part of Japan and it's society.

Many times I would DESPERATELY miss those "loud & irritating" neighbors I had back in the U.K. or San Francisco. At least there some sort of feeling of youthfulness or some activity going on.

If you are ever considering moving to Japan - remember this its almost impossible to find a place that has thick walls between rooms- sometimes you can can EVERYTHING your neighbors do. This sucked very badly for me as a sound designer / DJ - could only play decent volume music during the day!

If you want a decent, thick wall seperating you & you neighbors - expect to pay big $$$$$...
(ID #56971) Posted on 2007/09/15 19:35
skankywonders in California
Student
Registered on 2007/08/09 05:36
I have neighbors that rarely talk to each other, even with us. But they would help us if we asked them. 
(ID #56972) Posted on 2007/09/15 20:40
Timerswing in Mexico
Student
Registered on 2007/08/25 10:37
My neighbors are really cool...other neighbors just dont like to help other people
(ID #56973) Posted on 2007/09/15 21:23
FateT in Canada
College Student
Registered on 2007/09/05 06:31
My neighbor is an ass! 
His pitbull is vicious, house unclean, yard covered with weeds and the jerk has the balls to tell us that all the stuff his dog broke was because of a skunk!!!
Luckily, the idiots dog got sprayed and  kinda shut that thing up for a little while!

Everyone else in my neighborhood is luckier since they are useful and considerate ppl.
(ID #56974) Posted on 2007/09/15 21:29
nightman in California
student
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:45
My neighbors are nice but somewhat rude. They walk into the house like its no big deal God i hate that! they should Knock
(ID #56975) Posted on 2007/09/15 23:27
silent1134 in California
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 14:33
My neighbors are nice, when we ever cook some special dish we make extra to share. They also have two little kids...cute but make a ruckus but oh well...

Off topic, is that a spare Queen's Blade Tomoe figure or the same one a few posts ago?
(ID #56976) Posted on 2007/09/15 23:45
kippei in Singapore
Operation
Registered on 2007/09/01 10:17
Not so bad here. At least everything is neutral. But I seen neighbour fight once in a while.
(ID #56977) Posted on 2007/09/15 23:50
V1lt R in US
Honda technician, baby.
Registered on 2007/01/05 13:22
Our neighbors are pretty good. They bring over bags of what they grow from time to time.
(ID #56978) Posted on 2007/09/16 00:28
CyruzDraxs in Kelowna, BC, Canada
Web Design & Development
Registered on 2007/09/11 09:43
Where I'm from we never really talk to our neighbors. I've lived here 8 years and I've never met them. I don't even know what they look like. :S
(ID #56979) Posted on 2007/09/16 00:53
jorweeck in Philippines
Lackey, Sycophant
Registered on 2007/07/18 10:20
I've gut f*%$tards living about me. Got a few retarded kids with an out of work father $shiting about my parking area, I've got a drug dealer around and a wheteng lord about that no one dares bust or they'll get themselves shot. yeah... can't wait to move out of my place
.
(ID #56980) Posted on 2007/09/16 00:53
Sotb in Malaysia
Manufacturing
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:29
I think the attitude of the neighbors depend on the location and wat type of person!

Like my neighbors are Malays and there are quite friendly, every time have any event they will invite all those living near by to come.

But this does not mean all are the same. Like my friends neighbor always come and borrow thing with him and no return.  
(ID #56981) Posted on 2007/09/16 01:36
lanie-emon in Keldabe, Malaysia
Mandalorian in training + Otaku...
Registered on 2007/06/05 11:28
Its almost the same here at my neighbourhood. Maybe due to that older folks live in my area. Everyone is looking out at each other, which is kinda nice. Though no one has forwarded 
us an eroge leaflet yet ^^.
(ID #56982) Posted on 2007/09/16 01:39
doggit in Austin, Texas
Student
Registered on 2007/08/19 13:52
My neighbors aren't like that :(

They only come over is they need something or to get away from someone(like a wife).
(ID #56983) Posted on 2007/09/16 02:28
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
Neighbors (and at a larger extent roommates) can be a blessing or a curse.
It's really like lottery when you find a place to live in. You don't choose them, and if you can, it's really limited.

Sometimes you have to make compromises. Other times, you have to stand for yourself (but try not to make yourself unnecessary enemies).
Some people are definitely nice, others do it to not create problems and remain silent (if not egoistic), some others are darned hypocrites and last but not least, there are a number of them who enjoy to regularly spoil your day (and night).

My first experiences with roommates were horrible. Right now I am with much better people; with one I try to communicate often and befriend him as much as I can. The other is a lazy, lousy guy, but is not a mean one... so I'm rather glad.

You can't get along with everyone and we are all humans. With some compromises, things can turn for the best (hopefully).
(ID #56985) Posted on 2007/09/16 02:45
Sgt Beavis in Dallas, TX, USA
Overpaid Computer Nerd
Registered on 2007/07/23 22:59
I've got some pretty good neighbors here.  One neighbor is my age and we share the same interest in music and cars (we both work on our Mustangs) my other neighbor is a little older with three pretty good kids that like to play with my dogs.

Matt, the neighbor my age, is a very light sleeper and has been responsible for nabbing vandals on more than a couple of occasions (mainly on Halloween night)  Joel, the older one likes to watch Football with me.  Me, I'm the neighborhood handyman.  

We mow each others yards when we're out of town.  We help each other fix up the houses and we are generally considerate of others.  

Yes, I am lucky.
(ID #56987) Posted on 2007/09/16 03:37
AK-kun in Singapore
Writer.
Registered on 2007/06/19 22:48
We in Singapore are quite conservative people. While I do greet neighbours as they walk down the common corridor past our gate and comment about the weather, that's pretty much it. Would be nice to have neighbours coming over and bringing gifts.
(ID #56990) Posted on 2007/09/16 05:57
Hatori in Florida,USA
Student
Registered on 2007/08/20 14:54
I used to have one neighbor that my family and I got along with but he passed away a few years back. Not really that close with the other neighbors, I mean if we see each other we say hello, talk for a little bit and stuff. We have a few neighbors that we are closer with than others so we bring them fresh fruits on some holidays and stuff.

Rant/
However I do have these annoying Jamaican neighbors that live diagonally across from me and all they do is sit in their garage (sometimes with more of their friends probably doing some puff puff) and blast really loud Reggae music from a 2 stack set (1 expensive amp x head and 1 expensive bass amp x head and probably a gigantic subwoofer somewhere) so annoying sounds (especially the bass) can be felt in my house. This happens often which destroys my quiet time when I'm reading/watching anime/relaxing. /rant
(ID #56994) Posted on 2007/09/16 09:23
notfair in Malaysia
Student, ACG Fans
Registered on 2007/08/14 16:34
erm, not say not helpful, just half half, my area neighbors just like like don't bother their neighbor(us), but soome do, usually is those beside us, some i mean...
(ID #56996) Posted on 2007/09/16 09:33
hendrik in jakarta,indonesia
student
Registered on 2007/06/01 04:39
my neigbourhood doesn't seem have respect to my family.
they insult my race, and sometime kid are acting really rude by blackmail-ing me. tho i just ignore them.

got some rough childhood in my neigbour, never came out to my hood unless school, and private teacher in the hood

now they don't seems to be that bad, or i'm getting some respect.

though those spray guy are still irritating 
(ID #56998) Posted on 2007/09/16 11:30
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
In the past I have always been lucky to have great neighbors.  A lot like the kind you have there in Tokyo.  Always bringing back goods, coming over to lend a hand in the yard, or taking me our to dinner or lunch.

Now I guess I have to pay for all those years of good neighbors.  I think I could drop dead in the yard and no one would check on me.  Haven't talked to a single one of them and have lived here for almost two years now.  They avoid each other as if it would be a real pain to talk to each other.  How different Michigan has become...
(ID #57026) Posted on 2007/09/16 17:23
Aya Kyunik in Melbourne, Australia
Hobby Store clerk guy thing...
Registered on 2007/05/22 16:38
Unfortunately, I live in a fairly ...grimey environment. There are some nice neighbours but the others aren't so nice. 

I sure wonder how it'd feel like to have a neighbourhood like yours~ 
(ID #57040) Posted on 2007/09/16 21:10
Boris in USA
Interactive Media Design and Graphic Design
Registered on 2006/12/26 00:12
well, we rarely talk to our neighbors, and we have high changing rate since I live in a rental apartment. However, we had this one neighbor who was a policeman and he was very nice. Always chated with me about my college and etc. He locked himself out fo his apartment ALL THE TIME, so weird since he is policeman. So he would use our phone, or sometimes even our comp to type and print some stuff. He was nice and his wife too. He got bad neighbors who would play laud music at night out of there. We also have this sweet old lady who watches children from the apartment complex I live in. She is nice.
(ID #57046) Posted on 2007/09/16 23:39
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
neighbors here in our area are really friendly and nice just like the neighbors you have there in japan danny ^^

if you need some kind of help, they won't hesitate to help and assist you ^^
(ID #57074) Posted on 2007/09/17 13:48
仁葉工芸
何て事をするのですか!WWW
その地域でダニー氏は「不審者」として認知されてしまいますよ!!
(ID #57088) Posted on 2007/09/17 16:51
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
Neighbours here are really nice, we give gifts during special occasions, so do they... Sometimes we also lend each other salt and pepper and such... 
Danny, I think you must feel really happy to be living in Japan now and not Hackney huh?
(ID #69478) Posted on 2008/01/13 02:19
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