Paying Up Front

Imagine these scenarios. There’s an upcoming work conference and your school takes care of your shinkansen ticket and hotel room reservation, and then asks you for money. Or, without giving you a single yen, they ask you to take care of it all yourself. Or perhaps one day someone at your school comes up to […]

Contracting Organizations: Explained

Although JET participants are members of the JET Programme, each JET is actually employed by a local contracting organization and not by CLAIR or the JET Programme. Think of CLAIR and JET as the middlemen, where they are the organizations who set up the framework to introduce us to our bosses. And since different JETs […]

Airports and Air Travel

Last updated: October 2025. Kansai International Airport 関西国際空港 Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international airport for western Japan. Opened in 1994 to alleviate the demand experienced at Itami Airport, it’s become the third busiest airport in Japan. It provides both domestic and international flights to many destinations. The airport was completely renovated for […]

Find English Medical Services and Resources in Hyogo

Last updated: October 2025 The following resources should assist you in finding an English speaking doctor, dentist or specialist. Hyogo Prefectural Medical Facilities Information System The Prefectural Medical Facilities Information System provides an extensive list of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, drug stores, and midwifery centers in Hyogo with staff that speak foreign languages. The medical facilities […]

Getting Car Insurance

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 […]

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 […]