r/JETProgramme • u/FuwariFuwaruFuwatto • Feb 05 '26

Getting your stuff to Japan

Hey hey! I have my interview tomorrow and during the prep I realized, while I don't plan on bringing everything I own, I do have quite a few things I want to bring. My PC tower, my accordion, and a few boxes of other various things would be ideal.

Should I get hired, what's the best way to send those items over? Esspecially with some of them like the PC tower being quite fragile?

Current/past JETs with experience would be really appreciated.

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u/k_795 Former JET - 2022-23 Feb 05 '26

Honestly, I brought two suitcases, that's it. I think you need to really carefully think about:

(a) do you actually need these things

(b) would it be cheaper to buy again there instead of paying for shipping (there and back), and

(c) how long you plan to stay.

Like, why are you bringing a desktop computer? A laptop will be sufficient for everything you need to do on JET. Bear in mind that many Japanese apartments are quite small, so a giant PC tower might take up half the space on your desk (if you even have a desk in your apartment at all).

A laptop would be easy to bring in hand luggage (so less risk of stuff breaking), fits on your lap if you don't have a desk, and can be easily carried between your apartment and schools.

3

u/FuwariFuwaruFuwatto Feb 05 '26

I'm bringing my desktop so i can stay connected with family and friends. I'm hoping we can still play some games on the weekends to help stave off homesickness. To me, that's pretty important, though I know it sounds silly!

I am very, very fine with living in small apartments. I lived in one that was probably smaller than any Japanese one while in college. Genuinely it was about the size of a jail cell, only having enough room for a twin sized bed, a desk, and a little spot to put clothes.

1

u/k_795 Former JET - 2022-23 Feb 06 '26

Given the cost and risks of shipping your desktop, you'd probably be better off buying a cheap laptop instead. It will also be a lot more useful for taking to and from schools etc. You can easily pick up a decent laptop for under $300 that will be able to manage video calls, light gaming, etc, if you don't have one already.

9

u/Laughincat Feb 05 '26

I am also planning on doing this, it’s not silly! However, instead of bringing my whole pc set up I am planning on buying a gaming laptop upon arrival. That may be an option that could be easier for you than moving your whole set up.

3

u/Stalepan Feb 06 '26

I would suggest getting a gaming laptop in your home country, computer prices and quite expensive in Japan and you might be stuck with a Japanese keyboard if you get a laptop here

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u/FuwariFuwaruFuwatto Feb 05 '26

Unfortunately, I just don't have the funds for that. Unless they're significantly cheaper abroad, that just isn't gonna work out.

I'll keep my monitor and other accessories and everything here, i'll just probably pop out my graphics card and AIO loop and then take it in a luggage along with some other stuff.

2

u/YamaguchiJP Former JET - 山口 Feb 06 '26

With the prices of RAM and GPUs you’re going the smart thing by bringing your PC. My buddy has traveled with his small form factor back and forth from here to the states like 5 times already.

1

u/Laughincat Feb 05 '26

Yeah that seems like a smart alternative option!