You can buy many essentials in Saga. Prioritize items you absolutely can’t get in Japan, and things from home that will make you happy and comfortable!

What Will I Have?

• Your BOE should provide basic appliances (microwave, stove, washing machine, air conditioning unit, fridge/freezer) and potentially some furniture for your apartment. If you don’t know what you’ll have, ask them or your predecessor.
• Contact your predecessor and find out what they plan to leave for you. However you are under no obligation to buy or take things from your predecessor. Any items need to be agreed upon and paperwork filed with the BoE (for Ken JETs).

Before You Pack

• Confirm item and weight allowances with your airline/consulate – be prepared to pay for any oversized luggage fees yourself!
• You will hand over 1~2 bags at Haneda/Narita for shipping to Saga – be mindful of which case or bag you intend to take to the hotel, and what you’ll need while in Tokyo. Your domestic flight to Saga will have a much lower baggage allowance.
• Think strategically about your packing. FukuokaJET has some good tips on that.

Cash

• The first payday is usually in late August so bring enough money to cover initial expenses (rent, utilities, transport, food, shopping, etc).
• At least for Ken-ALTs, you will need to pay for personal effects and a security deposit on your apartment in cash on the day you arrive (exact amount will be confirmed by the BoE)
• A month or two after arrival you will be asked to pay for your domestic flight to Saga & any baggage fees from Tokyo. The flight fare will be reimbursed at a later date (once processed).

Important documents

• Make photocopies of important documents (passport, home health care number, BoE address and contact information, etc.) and leave at least one set with a trusted person in your home country.
• You also may not have internet access for a while so it’s a good idea to print out or save any information that you think you will need upon arrival.

International Driver’s Permit

• Even if you’re not planning to drive, this might be a good idea! After the summer heat and the rainy season you might change your mind about biking everywhere. It will also allow you to rent cars and explore more of Japan.
• Be sure to check your BoE’s driving policy as it might affect your ability to drive during work hours. You may also need to arrange paperwork to register a parking spot at your apartment building (etc.) and consider the associated costs of not only the vehicle but all of the accompanying paperwork/insurance.

Computer

• Your schools should have at least a shared computer and printer you can use to lesson plan, if not a dedicated machine. However, having your own computer can often make preparation of material much more efficient. You can also prepare materials from home if you so choose.

Materials for self-introductions

• Get creative and engage students’ senses: What smells, feels, tastes, and sounds like your hometown?  If you have any traditional clothing from your home culture, it can be a big hit in lessons.
• Small props: Things related to your hobbies, culture, country (flags, money, etc) you can pass around a class.

Omiyage

• Do NOT bring omiyage. It is not expected of you, and it will take up so much precious room in your suitcases. You may not know exactly how many schools you’re placed at (or how big they are) until you arrive, and so all the money you spend on snacks or local memorabilia might go to waste.
• It would be recommended to purchase a gift for your supervisor(s) once you are settled in (nicely packaged sweets often go down well!) to thank them for their help. And if you go on any trips while in Japan, then feel freee to go wild with omiyage – you might be surprised at how much your colleagues warm up to you!

Clothing

• An overview of what to wear can be found here.
• You will be arriving in the middle of a hot and humid summer which will last for a couple of months. Bring lots of light-weight, natural-fibre and appropriate clothes and footwear.
• Uniqlo will become your best friend and has all your work (and casual) clothing needs covered at a reasonable price. Their sizes are also slightly more foreigner-friendly.
• Your work wardrobe will depend on your schools – it’s a good idea to ask your predecessor what your schools’ expectations are and pack accordingly.
• In any case you should have a suit for your consulate events and Tokyo Orientation – this suit should be what you wear for all your self-introductions, orientations, conferences, and formal school events.
• Shoe sizes above 28 cm for men and 24cm for women can be difficult to find so bring some with you if necessary. You’ll need clean indoor shoes/slippers for school (it might be best to bring a set for each school to leave in your locker.)

Toiletries

• If you have a particular brand you like, be aware that it may not be easily available so bring enough to last a while.
• Toothpaste: Often weaker than what you might be accustomed to. Japanese toothpaste also often does not contain fluoride (neither does the water) and tooth brushes can be smaller than those in your home country.
• Deodorant: Japanese antiperspirants deodorant is not the best. You’re arriving in the summer and will be sweaty for most of the day. Amazon might carry brands you want, but this could cost a premium.

Medication

• Be aware: Some over-the-counter medicines from home (i.e. allergy pills and painkillers) may be prescription-only here, or the packaging may be different.
• Drugs: Tylenol/Advil/Aspirin/Acetaminophen don’t really exist in Japan. These are good to have handy, especially when you introduce nomihoudai (all you can drink) into your life. Though be sure to check your General Information Handbook about bringing drugs (especially quantity) to Japan.
• Contraception: Birth control pills are available, but specific brands or dosages may not be.
• Condoms: These are sized a bit differently, though you can order Western brands online.

Don’t pack! These things are available here

• Heat-Tech/Themals (UNIQLO has you covered!)
• Winter Wardrobe: you won’t need this for a few months – consider having someone at home ship it over after you arrive.
• Small electrical appliances: both the socket-prongs and voltage may differ from your home country – you’ll only fry the device!
• Teaching materials: Don’t buy any textbooks – each school will have a different curriculum and should provide you with copies.
• Basic household items: Unless you’re really attached to a particular cooking utensil, towel, or bedding – leave it at home.
• Food: There are foreign food stores in Saga and Fukuoka city centers and plenty of online shops. And you’ll arrive in intense heat that could melt or spoil any foodstuffs. Shop once you arrive or arrange for friends and family to send you care packages instead!