No, it is not permitted to come to Japan on any flight other than the one arranged for you. In very special, unavoidable cases it may be permitted under the condition that all relevant expenses are paid by the individual.

All new JET Programme participants depart for Japan on the day designated by the Embassy or Consulate from which they depart. You are not able to change your date of departure.

New participants are asked to designate a point of departure on the reply form. Once submitted, this cannot be changed.

Your Contracting Organisation, which will be your direct employer, will provide airfare to Japan.

If you complete the terms of your contract, the Contracting Organisation will provide airfare back to your home country (provided that you depart Japan within one month of completing the contract and are not entering into a new contract in Japan).

No, it will not be possible to change your placement after coming to Japan. There are a select few exceptions made to this rule, such as when it is deemed necessary for a JET participant to move due to marriage or to provide care for a family member, or if the participant is suffering from an illness and needs to move in order to receive treatment. However, even in these rare situations a transfer is not guaranteed.

Preferably not. Customs regulations for bringing animals into Japan are very strict. Pets may be quarantined for more than six months. In addition, most apartment buildings prohibit pets. If you plan on bringing a pet please discuss this fully with your Contracting Organisation.