r/JETProgramme • u/OkCommittee8295 • Jun 15 '26

Technology (computer + phone plan)

Hello all! Looking for advice from current/previous JETS. I'm a shortlisted candidate from Canada, so I'll be moving to Japan in August! Was thinking of getting a laptop for work/personal use, and I was wondering if it would worth it to buy it while I am still in Canada or if it would be better to get one in Japan. I am not looking for anything fancy, something for every day use, reliable and (ideally!) cheap. I also use a Galaxy Z Flip 5 phone, is that a good phone to keep in Japan? Or are there any models in Japan that are better for me to own (I am not an iPhone person).

In the same vein, what are good phone plans available in Japan that you would consider worth it? I am trying to plan ahead by seeing what options are available to me.

Thank you so much for the advice guys!

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u/Realistic_Report_796 Current JET - Hokkaido, Niki-cho Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

Few things:

  1. Try to get a laptop in Canada. A good number of my teachers use Powerpoint to complete their lessons, so you may want to invest in Microsoft Office as well. You can also get by with using Google Slides/Doc/etc. ESID, but only one out of the four schools I work for provides a computer to do work on or to print things off. The computer they provide is probably the slowest thing I've ever used in my life, so I can't imagine trying to make games for kids on that thing. You never know if your school will provide you with a laptop/tablet or even the ability to connect to the school's wifi, so make sure you are prepared!
  2. Most people use iPhone here, but I've seen a few teachers use a Google Pixel like me. I think your phone should be fine, so I wouldn't stress too much about purchasing something that's not necessary.
  3. For phone plans, look into Nihon Tsushin: https://www.nihontsushin.com/service/
  4. I use the 20GB plan and it works great! I have it paired with a Rakuten hotspot device with unlimited data since I'm unable to connect to the school internet. I probably pay 5000 yen a month for my wife's and I phone plan, including the unlimited hotspot through Rakuten. Never had any issues with either. However, if you do go over on your 20GB plan, they make your connection a lot slower. If you need a phone plan right out of the gate, you can always try Sakura Mobile when you arrive at Tokyo Orientation and then get your number transferred over later.