Rural speed limits are officially 40km or 60km per hour, while highways and expressways are 70km or 80km. But the vast majority of Japanese drivers don’t adhere to these speed limits since they are ridiculously low. Most drivers follow the “practical/real world speed limit”, which is on average up to 30km/hour over the official speed […]
Driving in Japan rapidly develops your handling and emergency braking skills. It teaches your heart to beat faster than it previously could. It gives you newfound respect for the immense size and power of trucks. There are three kinds of car insurance in Japan. Types of Car Insurance Compulsory: This is included in shaken charges, and […]
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 K-cars or keijidosha (軽自動車) meaning ‘light cars’. They are the cheapest option, and are easily identifiable by their yellow license plates. The main advantages of K-cars are their […]
It seems that every year, at least one JET gets in trouble for driving illegally. You can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP), but there are a few things to pay attention to: Make sure that you have a legit International Driving Permit. There is usually a national automobile association that is […]
Sad as it may be, every now and then a JET member decides that they cannot continue their job, and that they need to break contract and leave the JET program. Many circumstances lead to this decision, and it is important to carefully consider the effect that your choice will have on your students, your […]
After you go back home, some programs in some countries will require that you get a police clearance certificate (犯罪経歴証明書). For example, if you want to become a teacher in New Zealand, you will probably need a police clearance certificate to become registered. If this is the case, make sure you get one before you […]
Note: The Alien Registration system was abolished in summer 2012 and has been replaced by a new Residency system.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: New Residency Management System Staying in Japan for sightseeing or arranging your affairs If you are a first or second year, you may stay in Japan […]
When you land in Tokyo, fresh-faced and blurry-eyed, as you fumble your way through customs and immigration, you will be given a Residency Card (在留カード, Zairyu Ka-do). It will have personal details such as your name, date of birth and photo, and you will need to carry it around with you at all times, for the rest […]
Illegal Medicine Tylenol Cold Nyquil Nyquil Liquicaps Actifed Sudafed Advil Cold & Sinus Dristan Cold (“No Drowsiness”) Dristan Sinus Drixoral Sinus Vicks Inhaler Lomotil Anything containing Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone etc This list is by no means definitive, and you should contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate nearest you to make sure any medication […]
The following lists are by no means complete and was taken in part from Consulate General of Japan at Chicago. If you have any question, contact your nearest Japanese Consulate or Embassy. Prohibited Weapons – Handguns, rifles, bullets, etc. Narcotics – Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, etc. Forged Goods – Including forged money and counterfeit items that violate […]