Staying in Japan for sightseeing or arranging your affairs If you are a first or second year, you may stay in Japan on your current visa (as long as you do not engage in other employment). As for third year JETs, your visas will expire on the same day that your contracts come to an […]
Sad as it may be, every now and then a JET member decides that they cannot continue their job mid-contract, and that they need to break contract and leave the JET Programme. Many circumstances lead to this decision, and it is important to carefully consider the effect that your choice will have on your students, […]
Last updated: October 2025 Driving in Japan really resolves a lot inconveniences and does become a massive lifeline especially those living in the rural areas. As such like anywhere else in the world, it does however come with its downsides, notably getting your car damaged and/or getting into an accident. This is why it is […]
Last updated: September 2025 In Japan, there is the usual assortment of cars you’d find in any country, but there is also a range of vehicles only available in Japan called kei cars or keijidosha (軽自動車) meaning ‘light cars’ (cars with an engine capacity of 660cc or less). They are the cheapest option, and are […]
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 […]
Whether you need to extend your period of stay or change your status of residence, at some point you will probably need to head over to one of the joint government buildings (合同庁舎) in Hyogo. You have two places to choose from: Kobe and Himeji. In addition, if you live up in the Tajima region, […]
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 […]
The following information has been taken from CLAIR’s 2014 After Jet Guide. CLAIR is not responsible for Visa issues and the following information should be useful only as a guide. To ensure that the following information is correct for your own situation, we suggest that you contact the Kobe District Immigration Office at 078-391-6377. If you […]
What is your Period of Stay? Your period of stay should be written on your alien registration card or residence card. It is the period of time that you are legally allowed to live and work in Japan. Most JETs receive a three-year period of stay. Who needs to extend? If you are staying on […]
Note: The Alien Registration system was abolished in summer 2012 and has been replaced by a new Residency system. Please view the following Ministry of Justice pamphlet for more details: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/pdf/NewResidencyManagementSystem-%28EN%29.pdf For most third year JETs, the last day on your visa is also your last day of work. That means that, unless you leave […]