Mental Health, Counseling and Support Groups

Last updated: September 2025 In times of serious stress it can be good to contact a professional counsellor or the peer support line. Sometimes isolation, physical or linguistic, can make simple problems very stressful, and sometimes very disheartening. Rather than letting problems get on top of you, have a look at these options and find […]

Recontracting and Transfers

In autumn, your school/BOE should give you a form with the title “JET Programme Re-contracting Procedures.” This is the form that you use to indicate if you want to recontract, apply for a transfer, or apply for a type-change. If you want to apply for a transfer and you haven’t received this form, talk to […]

Natural Disasters in Hyogo – Important Apps to have

Last updated: September 2025 Natural disasters happen all year round right across Japan. Although some areas do have it lucky to not experience tsunami due to it’s inland location, other disasters such as earthquakes and flooding will occur no matter where you are. A notable weather event in Japan is the rainy season (梅雨), which […]

Volunteering Opportunities in Hyogo

Last updated: September 2025 For those who are interested in volunteering whilst on the JET Program, here are some opportunities for you! The organisations or initiatives currently listed are friendly for English speaking people, so don’t be afraid to participate! If you would like to feature a particular volunteer initiative in Hyogo/Kansai – please comment […]

Certificate of Participation

Another document that you might need to get is a Certificate of Participation. Essentially, this is a bilingual document that certifies that you worked for your contracting organization on the JET Programme for your contract period. If you need one, contact your Contracting Organization and ask them for a Zaishoku Shoumeisho (在職証明書) If you want […]

About the Apartment

Last updated: August 2025 With burdens like language barriers and “key money”, finding an apartment in Japan is not a pleasant business. One of the blessings of the JET Program is the Contracting Organizations (CO) usually arrange housing for participants. Of course, that means we get plenty of questions about housing. My friend’s apartment is […]

Banking in Japan

Hyogo AJET provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Banking regulations, account requirements, fees, services, and policies in Japan may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify information directly with financial institutions or official regulatory sources before making any banking or financial decisions. Credits to Jason Yang for providing […]

Getting a Driving License in Hyogo

If you’re intending or decided to stay for more than a year, getting a Japanese driver’s license is mandatory after 12 months. You cannot renew your international driver’s permit (IDP) and is only valid for a year from the date it was issued. It is illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license and the […]