Bringing Medicine to Japan

Illegal Medicine This list is by no means definitive, and you should contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate nearest you to make sure any medication you plan on bringing to Japan is legal. Some associations such as the Epileptic Association of America have listings of comparable medications legal for import to Japan. Antipsychotics cannot be […]

Presents for Coworkers

When people in Japan travel, they often bring back omiyage (お土産) to share with their coworkers, friends, and families. Omiyage is often translated as souvenirs, though the connotation is slightly different, as while a souvenir is usually a small present you get for one person (a keychain, those snowglobes), omiyage is usually something that you will share […]

Japanese Etiquette

Workplace Etiquette Arriving & Leaving Work: When entering the teacher’s room in the morning, say “Ohayo gozaimasu” (Good Morning). You should also be punctual. Punctuality is viewed as part of being an adult member of society in Japan, so take the extra five minutes. When leaving at the end of the day, say “Osaki ni […]

Preparing for Winter

Seemingly overnight, office complaints in Japan turn from atsui! to samui! You may have your reservations about joining the choir of complaints right away, but eventually the charm of cool, fall weather will wear away and you’ll find that you can see your breath in your own home. You’ll learn to put certain items, such as olive oil, in the fridge to prevent them from freezing. There are plenty of these so-called “life hacks” to keep you on the side of sanity as you progress sluggishly through the long winter months.

Welcome! Your First Few Days

As one would expect, especially if this is your first time, things in Japan will be unfamiliar and different from what you may have been accustomed to at home. Don’t assume anything! Ask questions, heaps of them. Your supervisor and senpai JETs in your area are probably the best people to ask questions while you […]

Running in Hyogo

This page is a resource for running (marathons, etc.) across Hyogo. Running is quite popular in Japan and races tend to be well organized, heavily participated, and a lot of fun. Note that in Japanese the word “marathon” (マラソン) tends to be used to mean any length of race. Thus a マラソン could be anything […]

Buses

Whether you’re commuting or travelling a long distance, buses are a good way to get around especially if you want to save on cash. If you want to save on a hotel as well, you might want to consider an overnight bus (夜間バス – yakan basu). Get on the bus in the evening, and arrive […]

Visa Renewal and Status of Residence

Hyogo AJET provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Japanese visa laws and policies may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify information with official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a licensed immigration professional (行政書士). What is your Period of […]

Temporarily Leaving the Country

Most JETs, at some point during their stay in Japan, will want to take a break to either go back home and visit family, or explore some of Japan’s neighboring countries. Either way, if you plan on leaving the country, make sure you… Notify Your School/BOE Most Contracting Organizations require very specific itineraries when you […]