Jolly Julie in Japan

JET 2027 applicants, take a look!

Here is what the Statement of Physician form looks like.

Reminders:

1. You’ll need this form only if you declared a medical condition on your Self-Report of Medical Conditions.

2. This form was for 2026. Wait for the official form for 2027. There MIGHT be some changes.

3. If you find this post helpful, follow this page and comment “Follower here”. Arigathanks!

A Piece of Home

Around this time two years ago, I remember wearing my Filipiniana to work.

It was my school’s Opening Ceremony, and I was going to be officially introduced to everyone—students, teachers, office staff, Vice Principal and the Principal.

That Filipiniana was custom-made. I even contributed to its design. And coincidentally, it was my school’s color!

I was so proud to wear it.

It became a great conversation starter with my colleagues. And after being given five minutes to introduce myself, I felt really good about how I presented myself.

Then, on my way home, I ran into an ALT from a country I won't mention.

We were talking on the side of the road when she suddenly said:

“You should look more professional.”

I was stunned.

Coming from someone who had worn the same shirt and skirt to work every day that week and even weeks after that, I honestly couldn't understand the comment.

But more than the personal insult, what hurt me was that I felt my culture had been disrespected.

All the excitement, conversations, and kind words I had received from my coworkers that day were suddenly overshadowed by one unsolicited remark.

And honestly?

That was my first heartbreak on JET.

But looking back, I've realized something.

One person's opinion does not get to determine the value of what you bring to the table.

That Filipiniana represented my country, my culture, my creativity, and the pride I had in introducing myself to my new school.

And I would wear it again.

Maybe even more proudly.

So, to anyone aspiring to become a JET:

You will meet people who love your culture.
You will meet people who don't understand it.
And you may even meet people who make you question yourself.

Don't let one person's opinion make you smaller.

You are not coming to Japan just to teach English.

You're coming here to represent a piece of who you are.

Wear it proudly.

What part of your culture would you be proud to share with your future Japanese students and coworkers? Tell me in the comments.👇

Disclaimer: I am way heavier than this pretty girl in the photo. lol

LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER

When you move to another country, even the simplest things can suddenly feel unfamiliar. A new workplace. A different culture. A language you may not fully understand. New expectations. New routines. And sometimes, you can feel completely lost even when everything looks fine from the outside.

That’s why having a group—even a small one—that looks out for each other can make such a big difference. 🤝

To all incoming JETs, new ALTs, current JETs, and even former JETs who are still in Japan:

Look out for your fellow.

Send them a message.

Ask them:

“How are you doing?”

It sounds like such a simple question, but you never know how much that question might mean to someone who is struggling quietly.

The first few weeks and months as JET can be some of the most challenging. You're trying to adjust to a new school, new people, new responsibilities, and a completely different environment—all while being far away from home.

Some days will be exciting.
Some days will be overwhelming.
Some days, you might wonder if you made the right decision.

And sometimes, having just one person who checks on you can remind you that you're not alone.

We often talk about JET, but I believe we should also talk about helping each other survive it.

So if you're already here, reach out to someone who just arrived.

If you're new, don't be afraid to ask for help.

And if you see a fellow JET struggling, don't wait for them to ask.

Check in. Listen. Encourage. Share what you know.

We may come from different backgrounds and experiences, but we're all trying to find our footing in this unfamiliar world.

If you agree that no JET should ever feel like they’re alone, comment “TOGETHER.” ❤️🇯🇵

Photo: Button pins I made for my school’s open campus- bribe to make JHS recite. Special shoutout to my fellow JETs and danchi-mates. Thank you guys for your input on the design.

Self-Report of Medical Conditions 2026

Warning: This is for 2026. Wait for the 2027 form.

👀 CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT THE JET SELF-REPORT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS FORM LOOKS LIKE?

If you’re planning to apply for the JET Programme 2027, you may have come across the term Self-Report of Medical Conditions in the requirements.

But what exactly does the form look like? 🤔
What kind of information does it ask for?
And what should applicants be prepared to disclose?

The 2027 form is not yet available for download, so we’ll have to wait for the official release. It may be very similar to the previous version—or there could be some changes. Who knows? 👀

But if you're curious to get a sneak peek at what this document may look like, I might have something to show you… 😉

❤️ this post
💬 Then comment YES if you’re curious!

Let’s see how many future JETs want to take a look! 🇯🇵✨

Thank you!
Salamat po!
ありがとうございます!
Agyamanak!

Not my JTEs, at least!

I am, in fact, amazed by their teaching methods and styles. They each have their own creative ways of explaining things- even in English.

I’ve heard stories, however, that some Japanese English teachers are not very fluent, but “can’t speak English” is I think too harsh.

Any thoughts?

Lawmaker Taro Kono appeared on Nippon TV's variety show "Shabekuri 007" on August 10, joining comedian Atsuhiko Nakata, actors Ranmaru Kish*tani and Rina Kuroiwa, and comedians Kogaken, Toritsukatan Morimoto, and Anna Matsumoto as part of an "English elite squad" segment discussing practical English learning ahead of summer break, including insights into the world's most competitive universities.

Discussing Saitama City's English education initiatives, Kono noted a persistent problem: "There's this issue of whether English teachers can actually speak English — you'd never find a math teacher who can't do math, but there are still quite a few English teachers who can't really speak English." He explained that, several years ago, he pushed the Ministry of Education to require English teachers to take proficiency tests, publish results annually, and pressure underperforming schools to improve, adding that Saitama and Fukui's education boards have taken the lead, starting English education earlier and placing native-speaking ALT assistant teachers in elementary schools.

“Why don’t you show your face on this page?” 👀

I’ve been getting this question a lot.

No, I am not hiding from the authority.

Just camera shy, I guess?!

Do you think you’d feel more connected to a page if you could see the person behind it?

You are interested in becoming an ALT under the JET Programme. What do you think should your first step be?

❤️ Ask different groups what the requirements are.

👍 Check the JET Programme/ embassy website for guidelines.

😂 Ask JET vloggers/ fellow applicants “how to apply?”.