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want to meet at fmd_good Brew Lab
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Shinjuku Banking Woes
tbh the biggest thing nobody mentions is the hanko vs signature thing can vary by staff, so if one person insists on hanko, just ask for a different counter, it's not worth arguing. also, they'll prob ask for your employer info even if you're a student or freelancer, so have something ready like "part-time" or "self-employed" written down, they just need a box filled. and the branch's ground floor atm is actually a separate company, so if u need to withdraw after opening, use the one inside the main hall upstairs, it's less likely to glitch. oh and if u get stuck on the tablet, don't be shy to wave down a staff member, they'll literally come over and tap the screen for u, it's faster than fighting the translator app.
honestly, the scariest part isn't the paperwork, it's the wait. that branch gets slammed around lunch, so go right when they open at 9 or after 3pm. bring your residence card and a hanko if you have one, but they'll let you sign instead if you don't. also, they'll ask for your phone number and address in Japan, so have those written down in Japanese on a piece of paper, saves you typing it into their tablet with a translator app that keeps glitching. and don't stress about the "meltdown" part, the staff at that branch are used to foreigners, they'll switch to slow English or point at a laminated cheat sheet if you look lost. just double check they don't hand you a "no ATM fees" card by accident, that happened to a friend and it was a pain to fix.
go when they first open, like 8:50, and you'll beat the salary crowd. that branch's morning rush is mostly office workers doing transfers, so if you're there at 9:05 you're already behind a line of suits. also, the staff will hand you a form asking for your "occupation" even if you're just opening a personal account, don't leave it blank, they'll make you fill it again. write "freelance" or "unemployed" if you have to, they just need a box checked, not a career plan.
the real trick nobody mentions is the branch's second floor has a separate waiting area with actual chairs, the ground floor is standing room only. if you walk in and see a mob, head up the stairs and tell the receptionist you're opening an account, they'll route you to a quieter desk. also, bring a small water bottle, the AC is aggressive and you'll be there longer than you think, dry mouth plus a tablet that wants your address in katakana is a bad combo.
one more thing, the branch gives you a temporary card on the spot but the actual bank card takes about a week to arrive by mail. don't lose the temp one, they'll charge you a fee for a replacement and the process is way more annoying than the initial setup.
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Where can I find crispy, pan-fried bacon similar to a certain international style?
if u have a costco membership the kirkland thick cut is the move, 4 packs of 500g for around 2500 yen and it crisps up proper in a cold pan. for smaller runs, precce in azabudai hills & the basement at isetan shinjuku both carry imported US & danish brands in the chilled case, just read the label for "thick cut" or "smoked" and not "loin". also worth knowing japanese bacon is often wet-cured so pat it dry before frying or it steams instead of crisping
kaldi coffee farm is hit or miss but their smoked bacon from denmark shows up pretty regular, the 200g pack runs about 600 yen. what actually works better for me is asking the butcher counter at peacock or life to slice the block bacon thick, like 5mm, they do it for free and it crisps way better than the pre-packed stuff. also fwiw cheap bacon crisps faster, the fatty supermarket kind at 300 yen a pack works fine if u cook it from cold in a dry pan and pour off the fat as it renders.
tbh the gyomu super store brand bacon is surprisingly decent for crisping up, its not thick cut but if you cook it low and slow it gets pretty crunchy. the key is the dry cure vs wet cure thing, wet cure steams. also check hanamasa if you have one nearby, they sell big packs of american style bacon thats actually smoked and firm.