The first week can be a very hectic time as you meet new people, experience strange tastes, and see peculiar sights, but with the aid of your supervisor this list should give you an idea as to what issues you will tackle at the beginning of your Japanese sojourn.

100 Yen Shop

This amazing store stocks everything from food to gardening shears and toys to kitchen utensils that you might need. And all at an extremely low price. Don’t spend too many hours strolling through the aisles to decorate your new home!

Bank Account

Or better yet, a Post Office account. Post Office accounts can be accessed anywhere in Japan, whereas prefectural branches usually tend to just service that prefecture. Also, P.O. accounts have lower charges, more accessible ATMs, and easily do international transfers.

Calling Home

You’ve made it safely to Japan and now you want to call home, but how? JETs usually agree that a BRASTEL phone card gives some of the best international rates and are easily obtained at most convenience stores. Later on if you purchase YahooBB or Asahi Internet, you might use their rates. Using your computer, Skype is the cheapest way to call landlines at about US 3 cents/minute.

Car Insurance

If you’re driving then this is a must. Check with your school/office first, otherwise some places have union deals which are really cheap.

Direct Debits

Pay all your bills the easy way by setting up a direct transfer from your bank account. Paying manually isn’t difficult (take the bill to any convenience store) but in comparison to a direct debit it sure easier.

Inkan/Hanko

This is the ink stamp of your name, which is used to validate all official documents. It’s like a signature so it’s important not to loose it or allow your school to keep it. Upon your arrival, there is a chance that your supervisor will have it ready and waiting for you.

Internet

Broadband is the fastest and cheapest but only if it is available in your area. YahooBB is the most commonly used by JETs and they also offer a great “2 months free deal” (look for deals at orientation). Other companies and choices are available and all require a landline, usually through NTT.

Installing a Phone Line

If your predecessor offers you their phone line, then buy it. Phone lines are traded between persons in Japan and are installed under the owner’s name. It is cheaper to buy a phone line off of another person. You need one for internet access. Sometimes when installing internet, you might find the company offers a package LAN and phone line deal.

Keitai (Mobile Phone)

There are three major companies here: Docomo, Softbank (previously Vodafone) and AU. Docomo is the most expensive but it has the best coverage. Vodafone offers the middle ground, while AU is usually used by students because of discounted rates (but sketchy service in some areas). These companies are all patroned by JETs, so it depends on your personal choice. You need your “gainjin (foreigner) card” before you can get a phone, although sometimes a receipt to prove you are getting one will be enough. Otherwise, marvel at how cool the phones are here as compared to home and figure out those price plans to see if you really need one! Also, make sure your handset comes in the bilingual version.

Newspaper Subscriptions

If needed, you can subscribe to one of the two national English newspapers: The Daily Yomiuri or The Japan Times. These are delivered to your home or workplace daily and can be cancelled at any time - even for short holidays.