Mo money, mo problems:

Procedures and other information for recontracting JETs

Things We’ll Cover

Links will be provided for all information in this presentation

1. Pay Raise
2. Residence Tax
3. Visa Renewal
4. COVID
5. Senpai Advice
6. General Reminders

Pay raise

It’s exactly what it sounds like

Pay Raise!

With each year that you complete JET, your salary increases:

Source: JET Program Website FAQ

Japanese Residence Tax

Juminnei (住民税)

Understanding residence tax

As a resident in Japan, you are required to pay residence tax for the year if you meet the following two conditions:

1. You were a resident on January 1st of that year
2. You worked (i.e. received income) for any portion of the previous year

Payments generally begin in June for the current year; i.e. payments for the 2021 residence tax begin in June 2021.

Understanding residence tax

JETs do not pay residence tax for the year they arrived, since they arrive after January 1st of that year. In other words, 1st year JETs do not pay residence tax for 2020, but do have to pay for 2021.

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Understanding residence tax

Still confused?

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Here’s a table to explain! There’s more information about this on the wiki. (Link at the end of the tax section of this presentation!)

How does the government determine how much I owe?

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Am I exempt from resident taxes?

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How much you pay is determined by how much you made in the previous year. For that reason, this year’s 1st year JETs (and those paying taxes for the first time!) will pay significantly less 2021 residence tax than senpai JETs, since they only made ~5-months worth of income in 2020.

Due to a tax treaty, first and second year JETs from these countries MAY be exempt:

China (up to 3 years), Ireland, Korea, Germany, The Philippines, and France

JETs from the following countries are NOT exempt:

the UK, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, New Zealand, Barbados, South Africa and the United States.

***American ALTs who entered the country before August 30th 2019 can still take advantage of the exemption. ALTs arriving on or after August 31 2019 are not eligible.

So I’m responsible for taxes. Now what?

Find out which payment method your CO has arranged for you:

• Futsu Choshu (普通徴収)
• Bill arrives via mail, you pay directly at a municipal office or bank or convenience store
• Tokubetsu Choshu (特別徴収)
• Paid through CO / direct withdrawal from your paycheck each month

Both payment methods begin in June!

Futsu choshu

This is futsu choshu! You will receive 4 bills a year: June, August, October and January! This bill comes to you in the mail. Take the bill to your nearest municipal office, bank or convenience store to pay it!

Tokubetsu Choshu

This is tokubetsu choshu! Your CO automatically takes payments from your paycheck each month. Starting in June you will pay a small amount each month!

Taxes Questions

Which payment type I should use?

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Your CO decides your payment method for you when you arrive, so you don’t get to choose and you can’t switch methods. Ask your CO which type they selected for you.

There shouldn’t be any forms for you to fill out. If you know you’ve paid them and you get something tax-related in the mail, they should just be receipts.

Are there any forms I have to fill out in order to pay my taxes?

Your tax will be levied based on your income from August-ish of the previous year to December 31st (i.e. as if you were a first year, residence tax-paying JET.)

I was exempt from taxes for my first two years in Japan. How is my tax calculated since I’m a third year JET, but it’s my first year paying the tax?

How much will I owe?

It depends, but expect to pay around 25,000 yen as a 1st year and 150,000-170,000 yen as a 2nd-6th year..

One last thing..

Keep in mind that your tax liabilities must be settled before you leave Japan. You will be required to pay off your taxes in one lump sum. This could affect your final paycheck when you decide to leave.

Tax questions?

For more help →

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• Check the Akita Wiki
• Contact your PAs and senpai JETs for advice!
• Tokyo Wiki
• https://tokyojet.wikia.org/wiki/Residence_Tax#:~:text=This%20tax%20is%2010%25%20of,June%20of%20the%20current%20year.&text=If%20you%20leave%20Japan%20on
• Tax calculator
• https://juuminzei.com/keisan/city.php?pref=%E7%A7%8B%E7%94%B0%E7%9C%8C&city=%E7%A7%8B%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82

For more help →

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• A helpful article with more information and FAQs about foreigners paying residence tax
• https://www.tsunagulocal.com/en/11459/#:~:text=The%20Income%2Dbased%20Portion%20is,unrelated%20to%20a%20person's%20income
• Ministry of Justice tax information for foreigners** (page currently down)
• http://www.moj.go.jp/EN/nyuukokukanri/kouhou/m_nyuukokukanri10_00001.html

For more help →

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• Kumamoto Tax Guide (for Americans filing taxes back home)
• https://kumamotojet.com/reiwa/u-s-tax-guide/?fbclid=IwAR1A2X6RQDLwCd-K5zGp_O1gStliCnylZttWVlBH4S2BURP3_DkMS3fkAOM
• Tax Information for other countries
• https://ishikawajet.fandom.com/wiki/Money_Matters#Home_Country_Tax_Liabilities

If you’re an American who has to file their own taxes back home each year, try taking a look at the Kumamoto tax guide if you have questions.

Visa Renewal

Updating your Status of Residence

Update your visa / status of residence!

When you first arrived in Japan, you were probably given a visa lasting 3 years. As a 3rd year JET, that 3 years is almost over. You now have to apply to extend your visa. You can do this at least a month before it’s due to expire (but no more than 3 months before).

To do this, you’ll need to visit an Immigration Bureau Office. It also usually takes two visits, so talk with your CO or schools about when you plan to go.

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Immigration Bureau Office

Paperwork for residents of Akita can be processed at the Immigration Bureau Office in Akita City

Akita Daiichi Joint Local Government Bldg. 5F,

7-1-3, Sanno, Akita City, Akita Prefecture

010-0951

Akita immigration paperwork can also be processed at these offices

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• Aomori City (Aomori)
• Morioka City (Iwate)
• Sakata City (Yamagata)
• Sendai City (Miyagi)

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However, we strongly encourage visiting the Akita City location and to avoid leaving the prefecture if at all possible.

For more information about hours of operation, visit the Immigration website: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/about/region/sendai/index.html

Before you visit

1. Gather your documents
2. Fill out the “for applicant” section of the Application for Extension of Period of Stay
• ALTS http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004092.pdf
• CIRS http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004094.pdf
3. Have your CO fill out the “for the organization” section of the application
• If your CO hasn’t given this document to you: ask your supervisor for it, or give them the blank form and request they fill it out for you ASAP.

Before you visit

4. Various certificates from your municipal office

• Resident Tax Certificate, Income Tax Certificate, Income & Earnings Tax Certificate
• 300 yen each
• Can be obtained from the Tax/Revenue Department (税務課; ぜいむか; zeimuka) or Promotion/Promote Department (振興課; しんこうか; shinkoka) of your local town or city office

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The Resident Tax Certificate needs to reflect that you paid your taxes. You need to do this before you get your "Resident Tax Certificate" or it won't reflect that you paid your taxes, which is what you need to prove for your new visa.

What to bring

1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請)
• Can be found online
• ALTS http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004092.pdf
• CIRS http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004094.pdf
• or at an immigration bureau office
2. Photograph
• 30mm x 40mm with your name on the back
3. Passport & Residence Card

What to bring

https://tokyojet.wikia.org/wiki/Visa_Renewal

4. JET Program Terms & Conditions (aka your contract) and/or Certificate of Appointment
• Documentation that clearly shows conditions such as work content, length of employment, and remuneration
5. Certification of Tax Payments (納税証明書)
• Obtainable at your local municipal office
6. ￥4000 revenue postal stamp (needed only on day 2!)
• Can be bought at a post office or the municipal office

7. CIRs must bring a certificate proving employment at a local public organization

Other documents you may need:

• Previous calendar year's Statement of Earnings.
• Certification of Employment (在職証明書; ざいしょくしょうめいしょ; zaishoku shōmeisho). Your CO should give this to you.
• Certification of tax payment
• Resident Tax Certificate (住民証明書; じゅうみんしょうめいしょ; jumin shōmeisho).
• Income Tax Certificate (納税証明書; のうぜいしょうめいしょ; nozei shōmeisho).
• Income & Earnings Tax Certificate (所得課税証明書; shotoku kazei shōmeisho).It is possible that with this sheet, the above two sheets are not necessary. But it's safer to bring them all.

My experience...

What I took with me / What they needed on the day I went

• Copy of my Statement of Earning
• Copy of my Tokubetsu slip
• 2019, 2020, 2021 contracts (in English)
• My application
• Photo
• Certificate of Employment (given to me from my BoE)
• Resident card and passport
• Income & Earnings Tax certificate (600 yen)
• Description of job duties
• Bank account information

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Don’t forget anything!

Wait times to take care of this may be long, so triple check you have everything you need before showing up at the Immigration Bureau. For more thorough information about what you need to bring to the appointment, consult the Sendai Regional Immigration website:

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https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-3.html

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Day One - What to expect

Bring all your documents to the office and submit your application. The documents you need for your visit can sometimes change, so bringing everything is a good idea. After you file, you will be asked to write your name and address on a postcard. Once your visa is approved, you will receive the postcard in the mail and have 10 days to pick up your new visa from the same office where you applied on day one.

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https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-3.html

Day Two - What to expect

Pick-up day is super easy, barely an inconvenience. Bring the following to the office where you applied:

1. Postcard
2. Passport
3. Residence card
4. ￥4000 revenue stamp**

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You can buy stamps at the shop on the 2nd floor. Follow the blue line to the correct room and get the stamp from the small booth in the back left of the office. Then proceed to the 5th to confirm the paperwork. Donezo!

Don’t wait until the last minute!

Standard processing time is two weeks to a month. Waiting too long to take care of this could mean that you can’t renew on time. This will make you an illegal alien which could result in deportation or denial of re-entry to Japan in the future.

Visa questions?

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For more help →

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• Check the Akita Wiki
• Contact your PAs and senpai JETs for advice!
• Tokyo JET Wiki
• https://tokyojet.wikia.org/wiki/Visa_Renewal
• Sendai Immigration Bureau English support
• 022-256-6076
• Immigration Services Agency 0
• https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html

COVID

Resources and useful information

• A collection of resources for people to look into and explore
• A very rough summary of the information on the links and resources provided

• A how-to manual for anything and everything COVID related
• An official document detailing specifics about COVID life or how the world will look post COVID
• Step-by-step tutorials for life with COVID

What this section is:

What this section isn’t:

COVID in Japan

NHK World updates regularly with reliable COVID related news and accurate statistics in English:

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/

The latest information - assistance

CLAIR provided resources for English speakers http://www.clair.or.jp/tabunka/portal/info/contents/115064.php�

• Financial support for those forced to take leave during COVID outbreak
• Immigration announcements pertaining to leaving/returning to Japan, as well as returning to home country
• Regional COVID consultation center information
• NHK information in 17 different languages

The latest information

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare also has an official website in English. There are periodic updates on Corona

https://corona.go.jp/en/

The tabs on this website will link you to content on other official websites. So this is really just a portal to a specific set of provided information, more than a place to find in depth and up-to-date information.

Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

Good points:

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Weak points:

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• Info on a variety of topics including call centers and visas
• Thorough FAQ sheet including how PCR tests are administered https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/June2021.pdf

• Vaccination locations only big cities
• Situation report isn’t always as uptodate as other sources https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/kokunainohasseijoukyou_00006.html#1-1

You can check out their website here: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000164708_00079.html

Reliable sources for staying uptodate

• Subscribe for updates from, or frequently check the website of, the embassy of your home country
• Sign up for email updates from CLAIR:
• http://jetprogramme.org/en/clairnews/
• WHO has world news related to COVID:
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Reliable sources for staying uptodate

• BBC has news and great visuals/charts to track a variety of different information:
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105
• CDC also has great current news and updates about the situation in the States(mostly useful for Americans or those planning to go to the States in the near future)
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Your embassy

• USA
• https://jp.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
• AUSTRALIA
• https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19
• THE UK
• https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
• NEW ZEALAND
• https://covid19.govt.nz/
• SOUTH AFRICA
• https://sacoronavirus.co.za/
• CANADA
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Your embassy

• IRELAND
• https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/
• THE PHILIPPINES
• https://doh.gov.ph/2019-nCoV
• SINGAPORE
• https://www.gov.sg/features/covid-19
• TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
• https://health.gov.tt/covid-19/covid-19-news-and-updates/update-trinidad-and-tobago
• KOREA
• http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/

I struggled to find official COVID websites for China and Russia. However, regardless of your country, please look beyond the links provided in this presentation. These are just to get you started!

Travel restrictions

• CDC provided information for travellers planning to go to Japan
• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-3/coronavirus-japan
• CDC recommendations for travellers according to their desired destinations
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
• Trip.com has a great guide about entry restrictions to a ton of different countries. As well as information about re entry into Japan from these countries
• https://www.trip.com/travel-restrictions-covid-19/

Travel restrictions

• Japan’s specific travel info. Including which countries Japan has banned entry from, quarantine guidelines and expectations, and information about reentry exemptions.
• https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/#visa_exemption
• Travel restrictions as reported by the International Ait Transport Association
• https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

Be sure to check this information before leaving the country! While travel exemptions for reentry exist, exemptions from quarantine/testing/etc and the associated costs do not. In the event that a problem arises, your government’s ability to step in to aid you is very limited so make sure you have your ducks in a row before traveling!

Traveling to or from Japan

Japan currently has very strict entry policies barring entry for people from most countries unless there are extreme circumstances.

Based on the information I could find, these circumstances are outlined but still remain vague and ill-define. Essentially, in spite of a blanket definition for the “exceptional circumstances”, it seems the exemptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

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For more information on current restrictions and visa processes:

https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html

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You can read more about the “exceptional circumstances” here:

http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001347332.pdf

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Check reentry permissions from other countries into Japan here:

https://www.trip.com/travel-restrictions-covid-19/

COVID Travel Requirements

Information provided by Jody Frye

Table provided by Jody Frye

PCR Locations

Information provided by Jody Frye

**was designed as mass marketing and may not administer to international travelers

PCR Testing

• What does a negative PCR test certificate look like?
• https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page25e_000334.html
• Who does the testing?
• https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/trade_and_invest/tecot/index.html
• Where can I get a valid PCR test?
• https://www.tecot.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/pdf/tourokubo_english.pdf

There are different types of tests available. If you have to get one done, make sure you are getting the correct one to meet any requirements!

Travel and cost impacts

If you’re thinking not to recontract for the next school year, or if you plan on travelling when we have the freedom to do so… don’t forget to consider the extra hoops you could potentially still need to jump through:

Paying for your own quarantine �Travel exemptions and vaccination contingent visas�PCR tests and vaccination

For more about Japan’s approach to COVID vaccines:�https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/vaccine.html#vaccine06

vaccines

WHO guide to vaccines:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines

Information about the different types available:

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-race-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-explained

Foreign residents registered in Japan are eligible for vaccines.

vaccines

A short article explaining Japan’s projected schedule:

https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/heres-the-tentative-timeline-of-japans-covid-19-vaccination-programme-012021

A Q&A about foreigners receiving vaccines in Japan:

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210212/p2a/00m/0na/046000c

Breakdown of vaccines and components (very science):

https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/sites/default/files/documents/Status_of_COVID-19_Vaccines_within_WHO_EUL-PQ_evaluation_process-16June2021_Final.pdf

Potential Future Impact

Prepare for the following:�

• Quarantine or mandatory negative PCR test certificate
• Cancelled/Rescheduled flights
• Unexpected costs (PCR/antigen test, quarantine)
• Changes in requirements for travel
• Shipping delays/price increases
• An increase in Anti-Asain thoughts, actions and hate crimes
• https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/asian-immigrant-experiences-with-racism-immigration-related-fears-and-the-covid-19-pandemic/

For more information about what to do in a hate crime situation, check out this presentation from the 2021 Leavers Conference: https://akitajet.com/wiki/Akita_Leavers_Conference_2021

Covid questions?

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Senpai Advice

And how to act on it now

A big thanks to the Senpai who provided feedback! As well as:

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Aaron Kern for making the senpai survey happen!

Jody Frye for the information on the Senpai Advice slide of this presentation and the beautiful tables in the COVID section!

Caitlin Wilcox for the information provided on the Get Rid of It and Shipping slides!

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The information provided on these slides is entirely their own.

I am only using my presentation to show it!

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Please check out their entire presentations from the Leaver’s 2021

Conference for TONS more information and details!

Senpai Advice

Information provided by Aaron Kern�And Jody Frye

What did you wish you knew before leaving jet?

• Start getting rid of what you don’t need ASAP
• Check, and constantly double check, shipping dimensions and costs
• Be sure to get memorabilia and keepsakes from your placement
• Moving is easy to research, but always more expensive than you think…
• Start saving NOW

Get rid of it

Information provided by Caitlin Wilcox

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• Uniqlo / GU donation boxes at most stores
• Do not have to be Uniqlo/ GU brand
• General Clothing Donation Boxes
• Check local community centers for donation boxes
• There is a clothing donation box outside of Mansaido (near Katagami city)
• H&M Clothing Recycling Program
• For every bag you bring in, you’ll get a coupon for 500 yen off a purchase of 3000 yen or more
• Your local city clothing recycling program
• There may be a recycling program that picks up clothes as part of your monthly trash schedule, so ask around!

CLOTHING

Get rid of it

Information provided by Caitlin Wilcox

• Hard-Off / Off House / Second Street / Mansaido
• Different shops accept different things
• Second street won’t accept kitchenware
• Hard off won’t accept large furniture
• Even if you don’t get any/much money, it could be cheaper than taking it to the refuse center
• Akita JET Facebook Group
• Mottainai Facebook Groups
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/199219816907550/

HOME GOODS

For more information about getting rid of things you don’t need, visit the wiki and check the garbage guidance sheet: http://akitajet.com/w/images/7/76/Akita_city_gomi.pdf

Get rid of it

Information provided by Caitlin Wilcox

• If you don’t want it, and no one you know wants it: Get Rid Of It.
• You can schedule a time with your city to put out a larger volume of trash
• Call your city’s bulk waste hotline to schedule pick up for larger items (Akita City Hotline:018-839-2002 (Mon~Fri 9:00~16:00)
• Look into other trash disposal services (018-866-2943)or ask your coworkers! �

• Take things to your local refuse or convenience center
• Price is calculated by weight (vehicle is weighed before you enter and as you leave)
• You sort the items yourself

Shipping

Information provided by Caitlin Wilcox

• The postal situation can change at any time, so please make mailing arrangements ASAP. For the most up to date information: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/index_en.html�
• Check the Japan Post website for more information about services available for each country: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/overview_en.html�

Don’t ship anything you can’t live without! Especially now, there’s a chance you’ll never see it again.

shipping

Information provided by Caitlin Wilcox

Japan Post

• Surface, Economy Air (SAL), M-Bags
• Check weight / size restrictions!
• Take items unsealed
• Keep an inventory of all items

Shipping Services

• 2-3 months’ notice
• Weight/size not as restricted
• http://akitajet.com/wiki/Shipping_items_home

Kuro Neko

• “Moving from Japan” packages
• English speaking
• Can provide packing materials and pick-up
• TA-Q-BIN and YAMATO-BIN for bulk and oversize items
• Can request an estimate

Private freight options (Shipmates. Jp, Nippon Express USA)

• Moving services
• Bulk shipments
• Potential discount for JETs
• Can request an estimate

Shipping

The shipping situation changes so frequently. In the event we are able to accept new JETs into the country later this year, we ask that you do not allow incoming JETs to ship items to you in advance of their arrival. Instead, we ask that you have them direct their concerns to:

• Their contracting organization via whoever their point of contact may be
• Any member of the PA team via the mailing list contact

Should you act against this advice, you could be held personally responsible for lost or damaged items.

�

If you feel you’re being pressured to do something you don’t feel comfortable with, please reach out the PAs any time!

For more information

If you would like to learn more about senpai advice and getting rid of stuff, I HIGHLY recommend looking at the presentations from this year’s Leavers conference on the wiki. Jody and Caitlin’s presentations are much more thorough and organized than this one. Check them out:

https://akitajet.com/wiki/Akita_Leavers_Conference_2021

Senpai Surveys: Leaving Wisdom from Previous JETs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-4-w_CCJJg-0owr9SrM7e0PWj9DvUgV2/view

Moving Out & Preparing for Successors: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BxpWeAL4EM-S9Juws7CX3uFmskHNytstQgxbrlGdmBI/edit

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�

General Reminders

A few parting thoughts and ideas

Register your contact information with clair

If you haven’t already registered, follow the link to do so:

https://www6.webcas.net/db/pub/jet/course/update/login

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Your login ID is your full JET number beginning with 20 and your password is your birthday (YYYYMMDD).

Register for the safety confirmation system

This is different from the general contact information survey. We are entering typhoon season and there is always a chance of earthquake and tsunami. In the event of an emergency, simply respond the emergency email you receive to confirm your safety. If you haven’t already registered, follow the link to do so:

https://asp2.emc-call.jp/clair/index_en.html

​

​

Your login ID and password are both the final nine numbers of your JET Number, omitting the first two digits (20).

Clair mental health subsidy

CLAIR now offers a small subsidy to those who seek mental health counseling in Japan which isn’t covered by insurance.

• Mental Health Counselling Assistance Programme
• Covers 50% (up to 30,000 yen) per year of “counselling costs incurred through consultation with mental health professionals in Japan not covered by health insurance.”
• Coverage period for this year is April 1, 2021- March 31, 2022
• Apply before April 8, 2022

Clair mental health counseling service

• Skype counselling service
• Limit of 7 for the year (April 1, 2021- March 31, 2022)
• https://www.service-fismec.net/inquiry-eng/login/
• Password: jet2021mental

• Web mail counselling service
• Unlimited
• https://www.kokoro-soudan.net/en/
• Password: jet2021mental

Final

Questions?

Register with your embassy!

https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/protocol/index.html

ENJOY YOUR LUNCH!