MEXT SCHOLARSHIP 2026:COMPLETE GUIDE 06.
The Scholar's Survival Guide-Saving Money and Finding "Home".
Living in Japan requires a mental shift in how you handle money. In Nigeria, we often buy in bulk at open markets; in Japan, you win by understanding the "System." This chapter details the specific hacks successful Nigerian scholars use to save thousands of Yen and where to find the ingredients for a proper pot of Jollof or Egusi.
6.1 The "Supermarket Strategy"
Convenience stores (Konbini) like 7-Eleven or Lawson are tempting but are the fastest way to go broke. To save money, you must shop at Discount Supermarkets.
Gyomu Super (業務スーパー): This is the "holy grail" for international students. It is a wholesale-style store where you can buy bulk bags of rice, frozen vegetables, and large bottles of oil for a fraction of the price of regular stores.
The 7:00 PM Rule: Japanese supermarkets mark down fresh "Bento" boxes and perishables as the day ends. Look for the yellow or red stickers (値引き - Nebiki). A 50% off sticker can turn a ¥600 meal into a ¥300 bargain.
100-Yen Shops (Daiso, Can-Do, Seria): Never buy kitchenware, stationery, or basic cleaning supplies at a department store. 100-Yen shops sell almost everything you need to set up your room for roughly ₦900 to ₦1,000per item.
6.2 Finding "Naija" Flavors in Nippon
You don't have to live on ramen alone. Japan has a growing community of African entrepreneurs providing authentic ingredients.
Physical Stores (Tokyo & Osaka Areas)
Shinjuku Halal Food / Al-Flah (Tokyo): Located in the Ikebukuro/Shinjuku areas, these stores are famous among Nigerians. They stock Red Palm Oil, Gari, Pounded Yam flour, and Nigerian spices.
African Home Touch (Roppongi): If you are too tired to cook, this is a well-known spot for authentic Jollof rice and Egusi soup.
Online Delivery (The Pro Move)
The easiest way to get African food is via online stores that deliver nationwide to your dorm.
OsiAfrik & Shinjuku Halal Online: These sites allow you to order beans, stockfish, and even scent leaves.
"Cash on Delivery" (Daibiki): Many Nigerians prefer this. You order online and pay the delivery man in cash when the food arrives at your door—no credit card needed.
6.3 Transportation: The "Chari" Life
Train fares in Japan are efficient but expensive.
Buy a Bicycle (Chari): This is the single best investment you will make. Most students buy a secondhand bicycle for about ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 (approx. ₦45,000). It eliminates the cost of short train trips and keeps you fit.
Commuter Pass (Teikiken): If you must take the train to school, buy a "Student Commuter Pass." It gives you unlimited travel between your home station and your school station for a flat monthly fee—often at a 50%–80% discount for students.
6.4 The "Kakeibo" Mindset
Adopt the Japanese art of Kakeibo (budgeting). Successful scholars keep a small notebook or app to track every Yen.
The Goal: Try to save at least ¥20,000 (₦180,000) from your stipend every month. By the end of a 2-year Master's program, you could have over ₦4 Million in savings to jumpstart your life after graduation.
Step 06 of 06 Modules Completed
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