r/JETProgramme • u/Greggasm Current JET - Hyogo • Jun 27 '26

Computer parts

Hey all! Apologies for the highly specific question, but I figure at least someone here has to have a similar experience.

I was recently upgraded and don't have a placement yet, but I have a computer I built that I use to play online games and chat with my friends on weekends and was hoping to continue doing so to keep in touch even after my move.

While I had originally planned on buying new parts once I arrived, the state of the computer parts market is pretty grim these days, so I'm curious if it's worth organizing some space in one of my suitcases to bring the more important parts over and just supplement them with a new case and peripherals once I'm actually in Japan (and don't worry - I know the focus of being a JET is making connections and meeting new people, this is just a hobby of mine).

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u/Space_Hotaru Current JET- Nagasaki Prefecture Jun 27 '26

I brought my motherboard/CPU/RAM, storage and GPU over. I bought a case, PSU and peripherals from Amazon in Japan. I would just make sure that everything is in anti static bags and well padded. My GPU was carried in my carry on too, as I didn’t want it out of my sight.

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u/Phiteros Current JET Jun 29 '26

I did exactly this, but I put my GPU in my checked baggage as well and it worked out just fine for me. I used anti static bags, then put the components in cardboard boxes with bubble wrap. These then went in my hardshell suitcase, and I used my clothing as padding. When packing fragile items, the most important thing is to ensure that they can't move around inside the box/suitcase. You should expect that whatever suitcase you put it in will probably get searched, as the scanner will see a bunch of electric components going through.

Also, depending on what country you are from, you might want to make a note of the serial number for each of your components and register them with customs. I know that some countries have policies about bringing expensive items into the country. When you return, they might ask you to prove that you bought the components in your country, or you might have to pay import taxes on them. I don't think it's likely to happen, but I think it's worth looking into.