I just collected a stack of books from the Embassy regarding the JET program, which is great because I now have answers to many of the questions I’ve had.

The Stack, as we’ll call it, includes a General Information Handbook (In Japanese and English) that covers everything from preparing to leave to returning home. I’m busy going through it now in preparation for the Q&A session in June. The second book is Japanese for JETs, a book I’ve been able to go over for a few months thanks to the friendly staff at the embassy. This book includes the poster I have on my study door and two CD’s of language lessons. Japanese for JETs specifically targets JETS by using common situations as examples. The last book is an insurance policy guide, at 71 pages, so we’ll hopefully be covered if things get shaky.

So the task now is to read and learn like there’s no tomorrow. Luckily I finished my role-playing module writing commitments for the year yesterday, so I can now focus on preparing for Japan. I’ll still be blogging and you can follow my role-playing blog here.

WORD FOR THE DAY

Nihon: The Japanese word for Japan. Also “Nippon” if you want to be more formal. The fact that there is a formal and less formal form of the countries name should tell you a great deal about the country and the levels of formality and etiquette.

LINK OF THE DAY

The Embassy of Japan is most helpful and friendly and I’ve had many opportunities to deal with them, both through Iaido and the JET program. You can find out more here: www.za.emb-japan.go.jp/.