When I learned that I was coming to Japan in 2003, I began looking for as much information as I could find. I wanted information on what it's like to live in Japan. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to track down information, and that there were no comprehensive sources. An important aspect of my Japan Journals page is this LINKS page. I hope that it's helpful in locating other sources of information for those interested in moving to Japan. Sites with "***" are highly recommended.

JET Program

*** AJET--Association of Japan Exchange and Teaching
CLAIR (New Site)
The JET Programme (English)
J.E.T. Program--U.S.
JETAA of New York
Big Daikon--UNofficial JET Discussions
JetsetJapan.com, Includes links to all local AJET sites in each ken.

U.S. & Japanese Gov't Info & Applications

US Embassy Tokyo
The Japanese Embassy in Seattle's FAQ Page
Passport Application
Japanese DL Acc. to Motoki
Japanese Visas
Post Office Account
Japanese Embassy in U.S.
International Drivers Lic
Yu-cho Post Office Account

U.S. Taxes

Exchange Rates According to US Tokyo Embassy:
2004: 108.15 yen/dollar
2005: 110.11 yen/dollar
Obtain Copies of Previous Tax Returns
IRS Contact Information
IRS Home Page
Tax Preparation Services in Japan
Average Exchange Rate for 2004
More Help from US Embassy
Download Forms
Mobile Phone Help
U.S.Citizen Services at Tokyo Embassy
Oanda.com, more on exchange rates
AJET US Nationality Group
A Lame TXT File describing all this stuff
Tochigi AJET's nice U.S. Tax Page
Jet Programme's Unofficial Tax Advice
U.S. Resident Tax Help--Saitama-ken
Tax Help from Roy Waite
Japanese Tax Help
U.S. Tax Help from Tokyo Emb.

Shopping

Foreign Buyer's Club
Orca International
Tajera.com (for Orca Int'l)
*** The Flying Pig (buy things from Costco)
Apple Store Ginza
Amazon.co.jp English
Apple - Japanese
Auctions Yahoo Japan
Mos menu
Natural Healing Center / National Azabu Supermarket

Japanese Language

Japan Educational Exchanges and Services
Joe's JLPT Page
Pretty good Flashcards with Hiragana, Katakana, and some Kanji1
Pretty good Flashcards with Hiragana, Katakana, and some Kanji2
*** The Best Kanji Site--Great Flashcards listed in order of usage
Excellent Katakana Page, including how to write them
Excellent Conversational Japanese Page--Use this one to study
Good Basic Phrases Page
101 Japanese Verbs
Japanese Verbs
*** KanjiSite.com
*** Translations at excite.co.jp

News Sources

Yen/Dollar Exchange Rate
The Daily Yomiuri Online
Japan Times Jobs
Japan Zone--Find a Job
The Japan Times
Metropolis
***Seldom Asked Questions

Geography, Maps, Transportation, & Travel

IDL International Driver's Licenses
JR
Fujikyu Train
H.I.S. Japan
HighwayBus.com
*** Hyperdia Train Schedules--click the "English" button
Chuo Kofu to Tokyo Timetable
Number One Travel
Travel Japan - Tohoku
Travelocity
Karens Tohoku Travels
Japan Tips
Virtual Tourist - Japan
Prefecture Demography
Randy Johnsons Japan Getaways
***Web Japan (Maps of Kens)
Japanorama
Jinjapan.org
Kayokan Hotel in Kakunodate
Japan Train Tickets
Shinjuku Map in English
Tokyo Subway Map in English

Teaching English

*** Genki English Curriculum

Webcams

Canon.jp Webview
Fujiyoshida Cam
Japan Webcams2
Web Cam Search.com

Yamanashi-ken

PDMZ's Nishikatsura Page
Yamanashi JET Group at Yahoo
Yeti Japan
Nishikatsura in Google Maps
*** Yamanashi in Yahoo Japan Maps

Miscellaneous

Fuji Rock Festival (July 29-31)
Summer Sonic (August 13-14)
Seahawks on Japanese TV
Gaora NFL Games
G+ Sports NFL Games
Roppongi Hills
Virgin Cinemas Roppongi
Yahoo BB
Frangipani (lots of photos)
*** Debito.org (very good stories about living in Japan)
Engrish.com
Movie Listings--Japan Times
Hey Hey Hey Episode Guide
Hey! Hey! Hey!
Linda Linda English
Time Server World
Akira's Seattle Page
Bill, Could You Give us an Introduction on Japan?
Chawan Mushi Recipe
JENS IP Phone
Japanese Netscape
Kofu City Site English
Metropolis Magazine
My Yahoo Japan
NHK BS Guide
NHK Guide2
NHK Guide3
Saitama Arena
Saitama Super Arena
Tokyo Lutheran
Tsuru Uguisu Calendar
Japander.com

Please let me know about out-of-date links as you find them.