The 2016 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme

The Government of Japan is calling for applications from young Australians who would like to spend at least
one year in Japan under a highly successful international exchange program for university graduates.

CLOSING DATE:
C.O.B. Friday, 20th November 2015
Applications must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan in Canberra.
Aim:
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme seeks to enhance internationalisation in Japan by promoting mutual
understanding between the people of Japan and those of other nations. The Programme aims to enhance foreign language
education and promote international exchange at the local level through the fostering of ties between Japanese youth and
foreign youth alike.
The objectives of the Programme are being achieved by offering JET Programme participants the opportunity to serve in local
authorities as well as public and private elementary, junior high and senior high schools in Japan.
The Programme is implemented by local authorities and other organisations who appoint JET participants (hereinafter,
Contracting Organisations) in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Council of Local
Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).
What is JET?
The JET Programme started in 1987 with cooperation from governments of participating countries. In 2015, there were 4,786
participants on the Programme from 43 countries.
As the JET Programme has achieved an excellent reputation over the last 29 years, it is of great importance that this
reputation be maintained. Participants are invited to Japan as representatives of their countries. As such, they are expected
to be responsible in all their activities, especially those concerning the promotion of mutual understanding between nations.
It is therefore desirable that participants be adaptable, mentally and physically capable of performing the job duties and have
a deep interest in Japan.
Generally, JET Programme participants are appointed by prefectures and municipalities, etc. as a member of staff for a oneyear period. The cost of transportation from the participants origin to Japan, as well as remuneration, will be funded by the
tax payers of Japan via the Contracting Organisation where the participant is appointed. Because participants serve as civil
servants of their Contracting Organisations, they are required to uphold behaviour befitting civil servants.

 Highlighted sentences apply to April Arrival Applicants only

1. TYPES OF POSITIONS AND DUTIES
1) Types of Positions
Applicants may apply for either the Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) position (CIR
applicants may be considered for the ALT position if they are deemed suitable for the ALT position and provide consent).
ALT:
Participants engaged in language instruction. ALTs are placed mainly in local boards of education or publicly run elementary,
junior high and senior high schools.
CIR:
Participants engaged in internationalisation activities. CIRs are placed in administrative offices of local authorities or related
organisations.
2) Duties
ALT:
Participants who are mainly assigned to local boards of education or elementary, junior high or senior high schools are to carry
out their duties as ALTs under the guidance of language teachers' consultants or Japanese teachers of the foreign language as
specified by the supervisor and/or principal of the board of education and/or school. The following is a general outline of duties,
though they may vary from one Contracting Organisation to another.
(1) Assistance in foreign language classes, etc. taught in junior and senior high schools.
(2) Assistance in foreign language activities, etc. in elementary schools.
(3) Assistance in preparation of materials for teaching a foreign language.
(4) Assistance in language training of teachers of a foreign language, etc.
(5) Assistance in extracurricular activities and club activities (see Note 1 below).
(6) Provision of information on language and other related subjects for people such as teachers' consultants and foreign language
teachers (e.g. word usage, pronunciation, etc.).
(7) Assistance in foreign language speech contests.
(8) Engagement in local international exchange activities.
(9) Other duties as specified by the Contracting Organisation.
CIR:
CIR duties are carried out as specified by the supervisor at individual Contracting Organisations. The following is a general outline
of duties, though they may vary from one Contracting Organisation to another.
(1) Assistance in projects related to international activities carried out by the Contracting Organisation. Such activities may
include: editing, translating and compiling publications into a foreign language; assisting in planning, designing and implementing
international exchange programmes including international economic exchange programmes; assisting in hosting official guests
from abroad; and interpreting at events for overseas visitors or for local foreign residents in the community.
(2) Assistance in language instruction of employees of the Contracting Organisation and local residents (see Note 2 below).
(3) Assistance with and participation in activities of local private groups or organisations engaging in international exchange.
(4) Assistance in exchange activities (including school visits) related to local residents' cross-cultural awareness and understanding
as well as in supporting activities for foreign residents in Japan.
(5) Other duties as specified by the Contracting Organisation.
2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must:
(1) Be interested in Japan and be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Japan after their arrival; be motivated to
participate in and initiate international exchange activities in the local community; and make effort to study or continue studying
the Japanese language prior to and after arriving in Japan.
(2) Be both mentally and physically healthy.
(3) Be willing and able to adapt to living and working in Japan, and responsibly complete the term of appointment.
(4) Both ALT and CIR applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's degree or obtain such qualifications by the designated arrival date
(ALT applicants may alternatively hold a certification of completion of a three-year course to teach at primary/elementary or
secondary schools or obtain such qualification by the designated arrival date).
(5) Be a national (not just a permanent resident) of the country where the recruitment and selection procedures take place by the
time they submit their application form. Furthermore, those who possess dual Japanese nationality must have submitted their
applications to renounce their Japanese nationality before submitting their Reply Form. Applicants who possess multiple
nationalities with countries other than Japan may only apply as a national of one of those countries.
(6) Be adept in contemporary standard pronunciation, rhythm and intonation in the designated language (see Note 3 below) and
possess excellent language ability that can be applied accurately and appropriately; and have the ability to form sentences in a
comprehensive and logical manner.
(7) Not have participated on the JET Programme since the 2013-2014 JET Programme year (inclusive of April 2013 arrivals) or for
more than five years in total.

(8) Not have declined a position on the JET Programme after receiving notification of placement in the last JET Programme year
(excluding cases where it is accepted that the participant had a valid, inevitable reason for withdrawing).
(9) Not have lived in Japan for six or more years in total since 2006.
(10) Have a desire to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after completion of the Programme.
(11) Concerning entry into Japan for participation on the JET Programme, agree to reside in Japan under the status of residence
stipulated in Article 2-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
(12) Obey all Japanese laws.
(13) Applicants with a suspended jail term must have finished their period of probation by the time they submit their application
form.
In addition to the above, applicants from non-English speaking countries must:
(14) Have a functional command of the English or Japanese language.
In addition to the above criteria, ALT applicants must:
(15) Be interested in the Japanese education system, particularly foreign language education in Japan.
(16) Be interested in working with children.
(17) Be qualified as a language teacher or be strongly motivated to take part in the teaching of foreign languages.
The following are not part of the Eligibility Criteria, however additional consideration will be given to applicants who:
a) Have language teaching experience or qualifications.
b) Have teaching experience or qualifications.
c) Have a high level of Japanese language ability.
In addition to the above (1) through (13), CIR applicants must:
(18) Have a functional command of the Japanese language (Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 or N2 is desirable).
3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The terms and conditions of service will be determined by the Contracting Organisation which appoints the participant. The
following is a general outline of the terms and conditions, though they may vary from one Contracting Organisation to another.
(1) Length of Appointment Working Hours
In principle, appointments are for one year and commence on the day after the designated arrival date. The duration of the
appointment will be shorter in cases where participants are unable to arrive in Japan on the designated arrival date and arrive at a
later date.
Although the date of arrival is normally designated in July or August (July/ August arrival), applicants who indicate such on their
application form may have the opportunity to participate on the Programme from an April arrival date (10 April) or another date
designated after April arrival but before the designated July/August arrival, and be placed in Contracting Organisations which
need JET participants immediately. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, such applicants who cannot be placed for an April
arrival will continue to be examined as candidates for a July/August arrival or for an arrival after April but before July/August
arrival. However, applicants who indicated an April arrival or an arrival after April but before July/August arrival on their
application form and indicated during the interview that such an arrival was still possible, then rescind their request for such an
arrival without a justifiable reason, will forfeit their participation on the Programme for this year.
If a participant violates the rules determined by his/her Contracting Organisation, the appointment may be terminated prior to
the end of the one-year period.
If both the JET participant and the Contracting Organisation are in agreement, the Contracting Organisation may reappoint the JET
participant for an additional year, with two reappointments permissible in principle (allowing for a total of three years on the
Programme). Also, if after careful consideration the Contracting Organisation deems the JET participants work performance, level
of experience and ability to be of an exceptionally high standard, it may choose to reappoint the JET participant an additional two
times (altogether, five years). For April arrivals and participants who arrive after April but before July/August arrival, if both the
JET participant and the Contracting Organisation are in agreement, the participant may have the option to first be reappointed
until August, then be reappointed again for a period of one year starting in August, with three reappointments permissible in
principle (allowing for a total of three years and four months on the Programme). Also, if after careful consideration the
Contracting Organisation deems the JET Programme participants work performance, level of experience, and ability to be of an
exceptionally high standard, it may choose to reappoint the JET participant an additional two times (allowing for a total of five
years and four months on the Programme).
Early termination of the appointment on the part of the participant adversely affects school and local government administration
in addition to the overall implementation of the JET Programme itself. All participants are therefore required to complete their
term of appointment. Participants are expected to be at work approximately thirty-five hours a week, excluding lunch breaks. It is
likely that participants will be required to work during normal Japanese office and/or general school hours, which are from 8:30
a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, Saturdays, Sundays and Japanese national holidays are days off. However,
there are cases in which extra hours are required before/after usual office and/or school hours, or where participants are
required to work on Saturdays, Sundays and Japanese national holidays. The number of paid holidays per year differs among
Contracting Organisations, but all participants are allowed at least ten days.
(2) Remuneration
Remuneration per annum is approximately 3,360,000 in the first year of appointment, 3,600,000 in the second year,
3,900,000 in the third year, and, in case the Contracting Organisation reappoints a participant whose work ability is deemed
excellent more than two times, 3,960,000 in both the fourth year and the fifth year. This remuneration is a sufficient amount to

cover average living expenses in Japan. This remuneration amount is for participants who complete a one-year appointment in
full. If the first year appointment is less than one year, the remuneration will be less than the above-stated amounts. In cases in
which income and resident taxes are imposed (see Note 4 below), fist year participants whose appointment is less than one year
will be deemed as non-residents and will be subject to approximately 20% income tax under Japans Income Tax Act.
Remuneration will be made in monthly payments. Participants paying taxes in Japan must pay the remaining portions of resident
taxes, etc. for the full year in one lump sum before leaving Japan upon completion of the JET Programme. In Japan, joining the
national social (health) insurance, contributing to the pension fund programme and paying employment insurance are mandatory.
A part of these costs are borne by the participant and deducted from the monthly post-tax remuneration each month on payday.
(3) Side-Job Prohibition
As a general rule, participants are prohibited from taking on any work other than that of this Programme for the duration of their
appointment.
(4) Driving
Participants with a driving licence may be required to operate a motor vehicle as part of work duties.
4. SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
(1) The Japanese Embassy will conduct screening and selection of applicants based on the first stage of screening (written
applications) and the Japanese Embassy and Consulates General of Japan will conduct the second stage of screening (interviews)
to determine recommended candidates.
(2) The Joint Conference for International Relations, consisting of MIC, MOFA, MEXT, and CLAIR, will decide short-list candidates,
alternates, and unsuccessful candidates out of the recommended candidates selected by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
General (hereinafter, interview office). Applicants will be notified of the results via the interview office no sooner than March,
2016.
(3) CLAIR will assign Contracting Organisations to short-list candidates who agree to participate on the JET Programme (i.e. those
who have submitted their Reply Form).
(4) Those who have been assigned a Contracting Organisation are deemed successful candidates, and will be notified of the name
of the Contracting Organisation by the interview office no sooner than May, 2016 (no sooner than March, 2016 for April arrivals).
(5) The Contracting Organisation will then initiate direct contact with the successful candidate, sending him or her documents
including a notice of appointment, a letter detailing the workplace and working conditions, and other materials introducing the
Contracting Organisation.
(6) Alternates will be upgraded to successful candidate status accordingly as openings for alternates become available until the
second week of December, 2016.
5ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACTING ORGANISATION
Participants must sign terms and conditions with the Contracting Organisation assigned by CLAIR. Participants with special
circumstances such as those listed below will be given special consideration. However, the assigned Contracting Organisation may
differ from that requested (requests from April arrivals, those who arrive after April but before July/August arrival, or alternate
candidates may be especially difficult to accommodate). Only requests for special consideration indicated on the application form
will be taken into consideration. Changes to requests after application, even in special circumstances, are not possible.
Special requests may be considered for instances in which:
a) A spouse applies to the JET Programme at the same time.
b) A spouse or other immediate family members already reside in Japan, and a move would be impossible or cause great
hardship.
6USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
The use of personal information submitted by applicants is limited to necessary use by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
General, MIC, MOFA, MEXT, CLAIR, and Contracting Organisations including host prefectures/designated cities (see Note 5
below). Personal information will be used for such matters as placement, orientations, etc. It will also be used after the arrival of
JET participants in Japan for any administrative matters (*) in cases of emergency or early termination of appointment.
(*)Specific details about the administrative matters are listed below
(1) Replacement of participant in the case of early termination of appointment
(2) Settlement of insurance matters and financial discrepancies
(3) JET Accident Insurance contract and management-related matters
(4) Amendment of the list of JET Programme participants
(5) Response to an emergency situation
(6) Other procedures necessary for the smooth management of the Programme
7. TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM JAPAN
(1) Travel and Other Expenses Related to Coming to Japan
Participants must arrive in Japan on the designated date and flight except in the case of (2) below. Participants who do not board
the designated flight will be disqualified from the Programme. The cost of domestic transportation to the designated airports in
the participants home countries will be the responsibility of the participants. Participants Contracting Organisations will provide
airline tickets from the airport designated in their home countries to Narita International Airport or Tokyo International Airport

(Haneda Airport). Transportation costs from these international airports to the Post-Arrival Orientation venue, accommodation
costs during the Post-Arrival Orientation, and transportation costs from the Post-Arrival Orientation venue to the Contracting
Organisation will be borne by the Contracting Organisation according to their travel expense regulations. Furthermore, travel
expense regulations are based on the most logical route and means of travel.
It is for these reasons that in the case a participant withdraws his/her intent to participate on the Programme, or is disqualified,
after receipt of placement, except in exceptional cases, such as on humanitarian grounds, he/she must pay related cancellation
fees accrued (including fees for travel within Japan and for housing in cases in which the Contracting Organisation has already
made arrangements). Cancellation fees for airline tickets will differ depending on the date that the cancellation of the ticket has
been confirmed; the cancellation fee will be half the price of the airline ticket for a cancellation confirmed 15 to 30 days or more
prior to the designated departure date and will be the full price of the airline ticket for a cancellation confirmed 14 days or less
prior to the designated departure date. Participants may be required to submit documents accordingly to prove exceptional
cases, such as on humanitarian grounds.
(2) Participants Who Already Reside in Japan
Only successful candidates residing in Japan prior to participation on the JET Programme who already hold a status of residence
other than Temporary Visitor and are able to change their status prior to the designated arrival date are permitted to
participate from within Japan. It is the responsibility of the participant to change their status of residence by confirming with the
relevant Immigration Bureau of Japan office whether a change will be permitted. If permitted, participants must complete their
Reply Form and send it back to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General where their interview took place. Furthermore, those
residing in Japan with a Temporary Visitor status are not permitted to change their status of residence within Japan and
therefore must return to their home country, carry out procedures to obtain a proper visa with the Japanese Embassy or
Consulate General and enter Japan on the designated flight in order to participate on the Programme. For participants who
already reside in Japan, transportation costs from the designated airport or railway station to the Post-Arrival Orientation venue
will be borne by their Contracting Organisations only in cases where costs are for transportation, etc. on the designated arrival
date. However, expenses incurred from the participants home to the designated airport or train station will be borne by the
participant. Participants who live within 100 kilometres of the Post-Arrival Orientation venue will be responsible for all
transportation costs, etc. to the orientation venue. With regard to transportation from the orientation venue to their Contracting
Organisations, participants must travel in a group with other participants who will be working in the same host prefecture or
designated city. Travelling separately is not allowed. These costs will be borne by the Contracting Organisation according to their
travel expense regulations.
(3) Return Travel Expenses
All participants not seeking further appointment with their Contracting Organisations or employment with a third party in Japan
after the conclusion of their appointment, who depart within one month from the day after completion of their appointment, will
have their return travel expenses from their Contracting Organisation to an international airport in Japan, and then to the airport
designated in their home country from which they originally departed paid for by their Contracting Organisation according to the
travel expense regulations of their Contracting Organisation for the most reasonable and standard route. Participants residing in
Japan prior to participation on the Programme will also be eligible for their return travel expenses from their Contracting
Organisation to the airport designated in their home country paid for by their Contracting Organisation if they meet the
conditions above.
(4) Repayment of Travel Expenses
JET Participants who violate terms and conditions during their term of appointment, such as by returning to their home country
without due reason, or become disqualified through committing inappropriate acts, etc. after arriving in Japan, will bear the full
cost of travelling home. In addition, there are cases where other expenses will have to be repaid.
(5) Obtaining a Visa
JET participants must obtain a working visa from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General before the date of travel to Japan,
and must enter Japan under the said status of residence that permits work. Family members accompanying participants (spouse
or children) must submit official documents which prove legal marriage or parent-child relationship, apply for and obtain a
dependents visa from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General. Please note that only legal spouses and children are eligible
for dependents visas. A fianc (e), common-law spouse, etc. is not eligible.
8. ACCOMMODATION
In principle, the participant will be responsible for the accommodation arrangements and, as such, will subsequently be
responsible for all associated costs incurred. The participant may have to pay the equivalent of two to six months rent
immediately after arriving in Japan in order to move into housing. Also, the Contracting Organisation may designate the
participants housing arrangements and therefore, participants should consult with their Contracting Organisation in advance.
9. ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
(1) Pre-Departure Orientation
Prior to departure for Japan, successful candidates will receive written materials on the JET Programme along with Japanese
language textbooks. Pre-departure orientations will take place at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General prior to departure
for Japan. All successful candidates must participate in these orientations.
Please note that there will be no Pre-Departure Orientation for those participating from within Japan.

(2) Post-Arrival Orientation

Participation in the Post-Arrival Orientation is mandatory for all new participants. JET participants will receive training necessary
for carrying out their work duties in Japan. Please note that there will be no Post-Arrival Orientation for those participants who
arrive after the April Arrival date but before July/August.
(3) Training
After arriving in Japan, participants can enrol in the Japanese language courses offered by CLAIR to improve their Japanese
abilities as well as promote understanding of Japan through Japanese after returning home. Participants are also required to
participate in training designated as mandatory by the Contracting Organisation and CLAIR.

10. AFTER COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAMME

JET participants are highly expected to play a role as a bridge between Japan, their place of appointment, and their home
countries after their participation on the Programme. Former JET participants have founded alumni associations in their home
countries/areas and in Japan, named JET Alumni Associations (JETAA). JETAA carries out various activities at grass-root levels to
promote friendships between Japan and the home countries of JET participants. JETAA members are involved in activities such as
exchanging information about Japan, welcoming participants back to their home countries after completion of the JET
Programme, introducing Japanese culture and providing educational information about Japan. Before completion of the JET
Programme, participants are expected to refer to the Terms of Consent Related to Personal Information requested by CLAIR. After
completion of the JET Programme, participants are strongly expected to share their post-JET Programme contact information with
their nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate General (CLAIR for those in Japan), join a JETAA chapter and be actively involved in
introducing Japan and promoting education.

11. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All applicants must submit the following documents (1) (8) to the Embassy of Japan in Canberra by 20th November, 2015. Early
submission of applications is encouraged. The submitted documents will not be returned.
Document
Original
Copy
1) Application Form
1
2
2) 2016 JET Programme Applicant SelfReport of Medical Condition(s)
1
2
3) Letters of Reference
From two referees in Japanese or English. If you have not graduated yet, one of the referees must be
2 2 each
someone related to your university and must contain a reference to your expected date of graduation.
References should be from a professional source. Personal references are strongly discouraged.
4) Certified Record/Transcript
1
2
of all college/university courses
5) Essay (Statement of Purpose)
Typed, single-sided, double-spaced on A4 paper (210mm x 297mm) or letter-sized paper (8.5in x 11in),
1
2
not exceeding two pages. This page limit must be strictly observed.
6) Certification of Graduation
From college or university. If you have not graduated yet, you must submit a certificate of expected date
1
2
of graduation.
7) Document which shows your nationality (passport, etc.)
0
3
8) Teaching or language proficiency qualifications (TEFL/TESL/TESOL/JLPT) (Only for applicants with
0
3
these types of qualifications)
For applicants who indicate an interest in April Arrival, or arrival after April but before July/August (9) (10)
9) National Police Check
In the case the applicant is unable to obtain his/her National Police Check by the time of application; it
must then be submitted by 29th January, 2016.
Please see 12 in regards to obtaining a National Police Check.
1
0
10) Certificate of Health (form provided)
1
0
th
Applicants who stated they have a criminal record in the application form must submit their National Police Check by 29 January,
2016 at the latest (if possible, at the time of application).
For all applicants who have not indicated an interest in April Arrival, please see 12 for further details.
12. SUBMISSION OF NATIONAL POLICE CHECK AND CERTIFICATE OF HEALTH
(1) In principle, all successful candidates (including short-list candidates) and alternates must obtain and submit their National
Police Check and Certificates of Health to their interview office by 3rd June, 2016. However, those who stated they have a criminal
record at the time of application must submit their National Police Check by 29th January, 2016 (if possible at the time of
application). Alternate candidates upgraded to short-list candidates may be required to resubmit a Certificate of Health.

a) A National Police Check covering a period of at least five years must be submitted. If, due to institutional restrictions, a fiveyear National Police Check is not obtainable, a National Police Check covering as many years as possible must be submitted.
b) Applicants must submit a National Police Check issued by the Australian Federal Police.
c) Applicants who have lived in another country for at least twelve consecutive months during the preceding five years must
submit a Police Check from that country as well.
d) Applicants who have lived in Japan in the preceding five years are not required to obtain a Police Check issued by the Japanese
government.
e) Applicants who have not indicated an interest in April Arrival are encouraged not to submit their National Police Check or
Certificate of Health at the time of application. Successful candidates may apply for their National Police Check and Certificate of
Health after receiving notification of their short-list candidate status.
(2) Applicants indicating an interest in April arrival or arrival after April but before July/August arrival, in accordance with 11, will
need to submit their National Police Check and Certificate of Health to the Japanese Embassy in Canberra at the time of
application. Those who are unable to submit these documents together with the application form must submit them to the
interview office at the time of their interview. For applicants who indicate an interest in April Arrival, or arrival after April but
before July/August and have submitted all required documents, will receive notification of short-list candidate status and
assignment of Contracting Organisation through the interview office (applicants may receive both notifications at the same time).
Short-list candidates and successful candidates must submit the Reply Form as soon as possible to interview office after receiving
this notification. Additionally, any changes to a candidates physical or mental health or to his/her criminal record after
application that may affect his/her suitability for the JET Programme must be promptly notified to the interview office.
13. DISQUALIFICATION
Successful candidates (including short-list candidates) and alternates may be disqualified without warning for any of the following
reasons:
a) When a participant has committed an inappropriate act or there is substantial reason to believe that a participant is likely to
commit an inappropriate act.
b) When the candidate's application documents contain false statements.
c) When it is determined that a candidate's National Police Check renders him/her unsuitable for participation on the JET
Programme. In principle, this includes conviction for such crimes as DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs), as
well as actions related to DUI that may occur after submission of the application. Additionally, other actions related to drug or sex
crimes, crimes against children, including those for which the applicant has not been found guilty, may be grounds for
disqualification (inclusive of crimes committed after application submission).
d) When the Reply Form, Certificate of Health, or other required forms are not submitted by the set deadlines.
e) When those who possess dual nationality with Japan have not renounced their Japanese nationality before the Reply Form
submission deadline (excludes alternates, however when alternates become successful candidates, they will need to submit their
applications to renounce their Japanese nationality as soon as possible).
f) If it becomes clear at a later date that the candidate or participant does not meet the eligibility criteria due to some reason
attributable to the candidate him or herself.
14. SCHEDULE FROM APPLICATON TO DEPARTURE
20 November 2015
Application deadline
December
First stage of screening process (written applications)
January February 2016 Second stage of screening process (interviews)
March
Announcement of short-list candidate status for April arrivals
Notification of selection and assignment of Contracting Organisation for April arrivals
April
Announcement of short-list candidate status
10 April 2016
April arrivals arrive in Japan and start appointment (11 April 2016)
AprilJuly
Arrival on designated date in Japan for those arriving after April but before July/August
May
Notification of selection and assignment of Contracting Organisation
May December (second week) Notification of alternates being upgraded to short-list candidate status
June July
Pre-Departure Orientation, preparation, etc.
24 July 2016
Arrival in Japan and start of appointment (25 July 2016)
Withdrawal from the Programme after receipt of placement or early termination of appointment should be avoided as it causes
many problems for Contracting Organisations, in addition to severely impacting the administration of the Programme itself.
15. COURT JURISDICTION AND GOVERNING LAW
With regard to the recruitment and application procedures, the Tokyo District Court has exclusive jurisdiction for all legal matters.
The governing law will be Japanese law.

NOTES:
1. Extracurricular Activities
These may include class activities or homeroom, student council activities, club activities (only in elementary schools),
and school events.
2. Language Instruction
Language instruction of local residents refers to foreign language lessons and foreign culture classes for local resident children
and/or adults.
3. Designated Languages
In the case of English-speaking countries (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, South Africa,
Singapore, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, etc.) it is English, for France it is French, for Germany it is German, for China it
is Chinese, for Korea it is Korean, and for other non-English speaking countries it is the principal language spoken in that country.
However there may be cases where English is required as well.
4. Tax Exemption
JET Programme participants exempt from taxes in Japan based on a tax treaty between Japan and the participants home country
are not necessarily exempt from tax obligations in their home countries. It is the responsibility of individual participants to clarify
such obligations prior to their departure for Japan. Each participant is responsible for the payment of any obligatory home
country taxes.
5. Designated Cities
These are cities designated by the government with populations of 500,000 people or more. At present, there are twenty
designated cities which consist of: Sapporo, Sendai, Niigata, Saitama, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Sagamihara, Shizuoka,
Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Sakai, Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kita-Kyushu, Fukuoka and Kumamoto.