Every situation is different. However, there are a few common threads that run through the various lists of recommended items to bring with you when you first come on the JET Programme. Please review our list but also check with your predecessor and other ALTs or CIRs already in your area to make sure these recommendations fit.
Money
When you arrive in late July or early August, you’ll have at least three weeks or so before you get your first paycheck from your contracting organization. In those few weeks you will have various expenses that MAY need to be covered. Possibly costs can include: apartment costs (possibly key money, rent, buying your successors furniture or new furniture), utilities (water, gas, electricity), phone and internet contracts, groceries, a car, insurance, and any unforeseen costs.
If possible, we recommend having access to at least 300,000 yen. This amount should be enough to keep you afloat until that first JET paycheck arrives. Please keep in mind that your personal situation may vary. Please refer to the information you receive from your individual contracting organizations.
Work Clothes
This will be dependent on your workplace. Elementary and Junior high school ALTS are allowed to usually wear more casual clothes. However, those who work at high schools, especially academic high schools are usually expected to wear more professional clothing. CIRs usually wear business casual, but it’s best to check with your predecessor or supervisor.
For ceremonies you are expected to wear a suit but you should already have one packed because you also needed one for Tokyo orientation!
Please refer to work attire for extra details.
Shoes
ALTs will need a pair of indoor shoes for work. As soon as you enter any school you must change your shoes and leave them in your assigned locker.
If you do not bring indoor shoes to Japan, you can use the guest slippers, although they are not very comfortable. Some ALTs choose to purchase their indoor shoes once they arrive in Japan.
For those who have many schools, you can either buy multiple pairs of shoes, or you can bring your shoes to/from school everyday, which is the popular choice for multi-school ALTS.
As for CIRs, at city hall or the prefectural office, you do not need a pair of indoor shoes.
Laptop computer
Unless you speak and read Japanese really well and are interested in a Japanese keyboard, we recommend that you buy your computer in your home country before coming to Japan. A laptop will be your lifeline to your surrounding JET community as well as your family and friends back home. For ALTs, It may also prove to be an asset in the classroom, depending on how much technology will be provided to you at your schools.
Chances are you won’t have internet at your apartment for the first little while so loading up your hard drive with some tv shows and movies might not be a bad idea either.
Self-introduction materials (ALTs)
Introducing yourself to classes will take up a lot of your class time in your first month of actual classes. In order to better engage the students, we recommend bringing any kind of props or articles you like that can be passed around during these lessons. Popular things to bring include money, flags, sports team jerseys, post cards of famous things from your country or hometown. Stuffed Koalas from Australia or any stuffed animal that is representative of your home country is always a hit especially for those working with younger students. If you like to play guitar, that would be a good thing to bring as well. If you can learn to play a song that the school kids will recognize, you’ll blow their minds. Telling your students and teachers about your hobbies is always a great ice breaker and if teachers learn about your hobbies they may have advice on how to continue that hobby in Japan or you may make a new teacher friend!
Omiyage
Omiyage (お土産) means “present” or “souvenir”. It is customary to bring omiyage to a new workplace in Japan. Bringing an omiyage for each of the employees of the places that you work will be a great way to start on the right foot. If possible, get an estimate of the number of people you would need to buy for from your predecessor.
Good things for omiyage:
- edible
- small
- individually wrapped
- can survive the trip to Japan in your suitcase
Less ideal things for omiyage:
- bulky
- must be shared
- expensive
- won’t fare well in international travel
Although omiyage is always appreciated, you are not required to bring any. Especially for ALTs who have multiple schools, do not feel pressured to bring enough for all your teachers at all your schools.
Here are a couple of suggestions for omiyage:
- Reese’s, Starburst candies (USA)
- Fejoa lollies, Cookie Time Cookies or mini Whittakers chocolates (NZ)
- Bushells Tea (AU)
- Rooibos tea, Champion toffees, Fizz pops, Cadbury eclairs, mini fizzers (SA)
- Maple Candy (CA)
A small sweet from your home country that won’t get mushed on the trip is perfect. It’s important to keep in mind when shopping for the right omiyage that most of the candy brands in your home country are not available in Japan. So while you think a certain candy might be boring, it may be very exciting to a Japanese person that has never seen it.
International Drivers Permit
You may be required to drive a vehicle to your work place. However, if you are not required, depending on your placement and personality, you might still want one.
Regardless, Kyushu is a beautiful island and a great way to explore it is via car. Rental cars can be affordable and are very convenient for a weekend road trip. Having an IDP will open up a world of travel beyond the routes of planes, trains and buses.
An IDP is valid for one year but if you stay a second year, be aware that you’ll need to convert your home country’s license to a Japanese one.
You cannot get an IDP while in Japan, you must do it in your home country prior to departure. So it’s a good idea to get one just in case.
Personal Products
There are certain things that are either unavailable or difficult to find in Japan. Amazon is an amazing resource to get most things but the most common thing for people to stock up on and bring with them are the following:
- Toothpaste – this is because it is difficult to get toothpaste which contains flouride in Japan.
- Antiperspirant – as it is difficult to find it is best to bring your favourite one to get you through the first few months you are here. Since you will more than likely be arriving in summer I would consider this an absolute essential.
- Tampons – if you use them it is a good idea to bring a small stash. They are available in Japan at combinis but the range is small and they are not of the same quality as is available in other countries.
- Wax – unless you are going to a large city then waxing will be either difficult to find or unavailable. A personal wax kit may be an acceptable option for some people.