Teaching English in Japan

A guide to the many and varied aspects of living in Japan. From finding a job and accommodation to learning the language and dealing with money, health and welfare etc.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan offers information for those interested in bringing animals into or out of Japan. Includes rules and procedures for dogs, cats, racoons, foxes, monkeys, skunks, birds and more.

Apartment Locator Service.

Support and information for women living overseas.

Japan uses the metric system. These conversion tables and calculators will convert distance, weight, temperature, volume, even mileage. Find out how many meters or centimeters in a foot. Convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit, centimeters and inches, meters and feet, kilometers and miles, kilograms and pounds, milliliters and ounces, gallons and liters, mpg and km per liter, tsubo and square meters.

Dial these numbers for medical or other emergencies. Ambulance: 119. Fire: 119. Poice: 110.

This comic strip offers a humorous look at life in Japan for JET Program Participants. (Click the Archive button at the top.)

Often called the International Driver\'s License by mistake, an International Driving Permit is not a driving license. You must have a valid driver\'s license from your home country in order to get an International Driving Permit. Permits are valid for one year (or until your driver\'s license expires, whichever comes first). You can apply from overseas, or from any Triple A (AAA) office in the USA. The cost is $10; other similar offers on the internet are most likely scams.

Whenever seismic intensity of 1 or more is measured, this site shows where and when the earthquake occurred, as well as how big it was.

The page introduction says, "You must have heard about taking off your shoes before entering a residence and not getting into a bath while still soapy, since others have already talked these issues to death. But there are a lot more items you may not know." Lists about 60 bits of information, such as "If you have to blow your nose, leave the room, or at the very least try to face away from other people--and use a tissue--not a handkerchief!"

A student project explains Japanese names. A good primer about Kanji names for those new to the subject as well as those who study the meaning of kanji characters.

A source of information for those planning to work in Japan long term.

The site devoted to debunking eikaiwa in Japan.

Official Japan Post guide in English. Mailing a letter within Japan costs 80 yen (though be careful using USA-size envelopes, which are slightly longer than standard and thus cost more). When sending packages internationally, ask about Economy Air [SAL], Small Packet Rates, you'll save money.

An extensive resource about modern and traditional Japan. Good advice and relevant information for a wide audience, including travellers to Japan and those interested in things Japanese.

"taima.org is a non-profit organisation researching and publishing information about all aspects of Hemp in Japan. As a taboo subject, little information is available about hemp in Japan", and this web site fills that gap. The Marijuana Control Law came into being in 1948 during the Allied Occupation, yet today its taboo status is well ingrained.

Vital info for anyone relocating to Japan, including visas, accommodations, transportation, survival, banking, shopping, driving, cultural tips, useful links, and much, much more.

A comprehensive guide to Japan and Japanese culture. Sightseeing info, profiles of famous Japanese, entertainment news, photos, language, food and more.

The first two chapers of a first-person account of getting started in Japan. The remaining chapters can be read in the paperback version; the site contains a link to an order form.

Learn more about the real Japan behind the stereotypes through the medium of translated opinion polls and other studies of Japanese public opinion.

A Report for Foreign Women Teachers and Anyone Concerned with Women's Safety. "Our students and other people often say that Japan is a safe country. Don't take this at face value. While it's true that theft and male-against-male violence are relatively rare, Japanese men are nevertheless extremely aggressive toward women. For women, Japan is not as safe as its reputation suggests." (WELL site, 1996)

Our focus it to facilitate people in Japan and those coming to Japan to get below the veneer of tourism and for the locals a break away from their daily grind, and to have genuine and new experiences with Japanese and other people, society and culture. This may be volunteering on farms in Japan, or working at a pension in one of the cities in return for food and boarding, or taking a part time job with one of our member establishments.