Life After JET

First steps back

Coming home after JET poses challenges for everyone, but New York after JET is it’s own kettle of fish entirely. We have resources to help make that transition as smooth as possible. Every alum who has made that transition knows how tricky it can be sometimes, so if you’re on this journey and need help, don’t be afraid to get in touch with us!

Japan Tax Refund & Pension Refund Info

One of the most important steps when your time on the JET Program finishes up is managing your pension money, which has been accumulating month to month while you’ve been living in Japan. Whether you’ve been on JET one year or the full five, it will have grown to a sizeable amount of money that you are entitled to. Though, please note, you may only claim pension for up to 36 months (3 years) worked in Japan. (Even if you worked 4 or 5 years)

There are many steps in the process, some of which you need to do before leaving Japan.

Before leaving Japan

1) Fill out a change of address form with your local city office. This is an important step when it comes to leaving Japan in general, but is also required for you to claim pension.

2) Designate someone you trust to be your tax representative after you have left Japan. This can be someone from your BoE, your supervisor, a Japanese friend, a teacher, and so on. Visit your local tax office and you and your representative will fill out the declaration provided. Don’t forget to bring your hanko, residence card, and blue pension book!

After returning home

Once you have returned home, you may complete the Application for Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment. Fill out the bank information for your home account, not your Japanese account. This is the account the money will be deposited into. You will need to attach copies of supporting documents including bank statements, your passport, residence card as well as your blue pension book itself.

Once your Lump-Sum Withdrawal has been successfully processd, you will also receive documents in the mail shortly thereafter. You can now proceed wth filing for the Tax refund on that lump-sum (20%). You will need to mail the “Notice on Payment of the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment (Entitlement)” to your tax representative. From there, they will be able to file an Income Tax Return (kakutei shinkokusho) on your behalf – becuase you assigned them as your tax representative before you left Japan!

Once that is processed successfully, your representative will receive the tax refund in their bank account, after which they can transfer it to your bank account. You did it!

Finding a Job

The job hunt after time on JET can be a daunting process, but it’s one every alum goes through. There are exhaustive sites out there with lists dedicated to making this easier. JETwit, created by JET alum Stephen Horowitz (Aichi, 1992-94) is the most comprehensive resource on the web. It is a source of job listings, especially related to writing, interpreting and translating, as well as freelancing in general, as well as a directory of JET alums who are doing (or have done) interesting things or are established in various fields. It also features articles, newsletters, and other links to items created by JET Alumni. We also receive job listings and when we do, we post them on our job board.

Career Forum

JETAANY hosts an annual Career Forum to advise JET alumni about effectively marketing their professional skills. You're able to hear from local JET Alumni working in a variety of fields, and have the opportunity to meet with organizations, recruiters, and companies interested in hiring JETs. Whether you want to stay in education, use Japanese in the workplace, or do something totally different from JET, this event is perfect for you.

Presentation Topics
Will include how to write effective resumes to make the best use of the JET experience, and how to give a successful elevator pitch.

The Industry Panel
Will include JET alumni with various professional backgrounds who will share their experiences job hunting, career changing, networking, and who have lots of tips for getting your foot in the door.

Recruiting Companies
Will introduce themselves and discuss possible open positions. There will be time for one-on-one discussions, so come prepared with questions and your talking points. Bring your resume!

Volunteer with JETAANY

JETAANY is a 501(c) non-profit run entirely by volunteers, and we are always open to any alum wanting to help out big or small! If there is an event you would like to know, get in touch and we can help organise, facilitate, and promote it to our membership. If there’s something you’d like to have on your resume, make it happen with JETAANY and we will help you along the way. It is a fantastic way to stay connected to Japan, The JET Program, and all the amazing memories you made along the way. We are always looking for help with our officers and other positions. If you are interested, email to learn more!