JET Program Vlog #7c - Clothes - pt 3

[undergroundalcoholsi]

I hope this hasn't been asked but... I have red hair. It's dyed a deep red, but it's naturally auburn. Is it ok to have my hair the wine colour it is or should I let it go back to my natural colour? And how will Japanese people react to red hair (natural or dyed)? I'm not sure if I should just go brown to fit in...

Thanks, I really appreciate your videos!

[myargonauts]

@undergroundalcoholsi Red is a very popular color for Japanese women to dye their hair, so I doubt it will be a problem unless it's a very "bright" red and just looks really unnatural. More conservative is always better, but I've known JETs with colored hair and it was fine.

[edwinzanpaku]

how about hair styles? can i have my spiky hair like usual or no?

[myargonauts]

@edwinzanpaku if you get into the programme, you can have just about any hairstyle you like as an ALT. But there will be some subtle pressure to be a bit more conservative when working, as none of the other adult teachers will have overly styled hair

[edwinzanpaku]

@myargonauts

ok thankyou ^_^ because i plan to get into the program after college, but now im still a senior at highschool =(...

[mailee0515]

I don't know if someone has asked this but can you do a VLOG about your interview before getting accepted or maybe what to expect at the interview? thanks.

[myargonauts]

@mailee0515 check out my playlist on this channel about "Applying to JET" I have 6 or 7 vlogs in there about the JET interview

[BlanFan2O]

this is a concern for me. I want to bring my viola, I likely couldn't stand to ship it and I think maybe I could fly it with me? in case you don't know a viola is I think a couple inches longer than a viollin and at least a half pound heavier. I would hate to ship it because as an orchestra instrument it's fragile and very valuable.

[Soheki]

Could you please tell me the policy for female ALT's wearing make-up in the classroom? Is subtle and natural okay or is make-up in general a no no?

[myargonauts]

I think you'll find that female Japanese teachers wear less make-up than say, American adult women, but of course you, as an adult, can wear make up.

I've heard bizarre stories about teachers not wearing a watch in class, cuz the kids are not allowed to wear any wrist jewelery, but I've never actually confirmed this and other stories. I wear a watch everyday. :)

[mostawesomestjes]

This is my major concern! I love to play guitar and want to bring it with me... any clue on how this will work? I know I have to check it, but it costs more than a new guitar to ship it. I just don't want the hassle of trying to buy a new one when I am there. T-T

[nwdrrn]

Hey thanks again. What is the policy on bringing a computer? Did JETs usually bring laptop? And are they easily accessible once your out there to purchase? Thanks you

[myargonauts]

yep - many JETs (including me) bring a laptop with them. And yes, you can easily purchase one here too - many electronics stores everywhere, even in the rural areas. But your laptop purchased here will have a Japanese warranty and a Japanese operating system at first. Also, Apple is less available here than PC.

[devtin]

send clothes by ship. takes months and is really cheap compared to plane

[elginbabe]

our bag weight can be 19-21 depending on the airport you leave from and the airline you're with. Extra baggage charges for the UK are extortionate! So thanks for the heads up Jason. These vlogs are invaluable!

[myargonauts]

thanks!

[42317]

I shall remember that "second flight dress up" advice. Thanks a lot.

You should consider making this series a book.

[calliesorensen]

thanks a lot for the advice!!! i don't have that much to bring - so i plan on having one of the 50lb bags for my winter clothes (im in hokkaido)... so can i send both of my 2 big bags to my CO and just pack the carry on for tokyo? thanks again!

[o0HoneyBee0o]

So, if I heard you right. Facial rings aren't okay, but ear rings are? I've just heard some things that they don't really wear earrings over there.

[myargonauts]

yeah - many girls don't get their ears pierced until after high school.

If you're an adult, you can definitely wear earrings. :)

[nerdynoodle]

Hey Jason, thanks for making these vlogs. They're very informative! You talked about how one of our suitcases will be whisked away when we get to Tokyo - do we need to indicate on the suitcase which one we want to keep with us?

[myargonauts]

Nope - as long as you know, it's all good. You'll claim both your checked bags after clearing customs in Tokyo, and then head out to the buses waiting to shuttle all the incoming JETs to the hotel in Tokyo central. Before you board the bus, the helping JETs will ask which bag you'd like to send on to your prefecture, and give you a small tag to fill out, etc. And then you'll keep one bag with you to take to the hotel.

[attrition2113]

Thank you so much for posting all of these vlogs they have been so helpful and informative. You've answered so many question I had and even some I didn't know to ask!

Could you talk a bit about what types of gifts you gave, when you gave them, and to whom (was there anyone unexpected, like a neighbor)?

[WhiteMatrix2006]

Thanks for the info on the packing and on what to expect when getting there. This was something I was not really thinking about but it is very good that you covered that cause I would've been very unprepared then. When do you give the gifts away and who do you give the gifts to? What are some ideas for gifts?

[mafurock33]

Good advice on the winter clothes! I am heading to Japan myself very soon, not for JET, but to study.

[SimonAbraham1989]

I have heard something that one should only wear white socks in Japan is this true?

[myargonauts]

ummm.. NO - I've never heard this. :)

I wear grey and black socks all the time and I'm still alive, so my guess is it's fine. :D

[Dominilucy]

You're awesome! Thanks!!!!!!!

[Dominilucy]

Weight limit that we were told per bag here in NY are 50lbs per suitcase. I wish it were 70lbs, I would be able to pack so much more. Thank you so much on your suggestion of sending winter clothing separately, I am going to start looking at the rates. I didn't think of it, and its a very smart thing to do.

I was wondering of the food in Japan, I am originally from the Caribbean and my diet consist of mainly root vegetables, and plantains, Are those available over there? Arigatou for the Vlogs!

[myargonauts]

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll be doing a video about grocery shopping and eating, etc.

[Dominilucy]

you're awesome... Thanks!

[Senoska]

Hey Jason, you said you were getting comments on videos to do, I figured I would toss in my suggestion as well. I'm in college right now and intend to apply for JET soon as I finish. I was wondering if you could comment on what to expect from the JET Interview, I hear horror stories and others praising the interview, what was your experience like?

[myargonauts]

After early August, when the new JETs have arrived, I will turn my attention to potential JET candidates and helping with the application and interview. Thanks for the suggestion.

[ballinjosh03]

Great work man, I apperciate you taking time out to do this. Something else would be cool is showing us around your school.  Thanks

[myargonauts]

OK - I'll keep it in mind.

[rtobin7]

My weight limit was 70 pounds when i went, keep making videos, you're the man!

[myriah96]

It depends on the airlines you fly with on weight restrictions. I fly a lot and I have had bags from 50 to 80lbs before.

Thanks for the info Jason. Glad to hear you had a good time. Are other ALTs hard to find in Japan? Do you guys get together often to talk about your experiences?

To Chazy1000: The Genki textbook series from The Japan Times is a good one, but there is no easy way to learn Japanese or any language. Tough luck.

[stinachristina]

I think weight limits are around 50lbs for U.S., not 70

[myargonauts]

yeah - it's important to check. I also thought that I might have a problem with my one heavy bag on my domestic flight from Tokyo to Shimane, since the Japan weight limit is less than the US one. But it turned out ok.

[Margeriepoobaker]

20kg sucks balls, you can only pack clothing.

[chazy1000]

a question jason: IS THE LIFE EASY IN JAPAN? WICH BOOK OR STUDY MAGAZINE DO YOU RECOMMEND ME TO LEARN JAPANESE?

HOW CAN I LEARN JAPANESE IN A EASY WAY?.

THANK YOU.  CHAZY1000._

[majormicro]

You could get a pen-pal from the japan-guide website or some other site. I made a really good friend who helped me with my Japanese. Also do flashcards and quiz yourself a bit each day. I also try to identify stuff around me in Japanese and if I don't know it I write it down and look it up. Just stay committed.