Packing for a whole year or maybe three is not too easy. It is wise to pack a couple of times to really work out what you need. Of course you will want to be comfortable in Japan, it is after all you new home, so try and bring a few personal effects and enough clothes to feel as though you have real wardrobe and not a suitcase cum wardrobe. If you have far too much for your baggage allowance then consider shipping some of your clothes and property. It will be far cheaper than paying the excess weight at the airport. Here are a few packing tips:

It will be very hot when you arrive in Japan (July/August) so primarily only bring summer clothes. If you have limited space have your winter clothing mailed to you later in the year, around October/November. You will need a few formal outfits for the Tokyo and prefectural orientation but do not waste too much packing space. You will need a smart outfit for the office or school, cotton pants and a shirt are acceptable. Your schools will not have any air-conditioning so bring something light and breathable. Also bring swimming trunks, to cool of in the many pools there are in Japan. Socks without holes in them are also a must as you would not wear shoes in people's houses. You will meet rainy season in early summer when warm rain falls on and off for a week or two. You will also be walking or cycling to school in this rain so bring waterproof rain gear to wear over your work clothes to save considerable discomfort. Bring a small bag for school and a larger bag for travelling around Japan.

If you have large feet, bring shoes for the whole year as it will be difficult to find your size in Japan. Shops will stock up to US size 8 for Women and US size 10 for men. Bring a pair of sandals or shoes that slip off easily, firstly for the heat and secondly as you will be taking your shoes on and off around 15 times a day, suddenly those boots don't seem so practical any more. Bring a pair of shoes for use in your school. You will need to change into them when you arrive at school every day, they must be clean and should not be worn outdoors.

You will be able to buy books in Japan (see below) but they are relatively expensive. So either bring or send over a stack to keep you amused and occupied. Teaching books may be of limited use as you will usually be expected to use the text book or your own resources. When you arrive in Tokyo you will be given a Resource Materials Handbook which has game ideas and teaching tips. The best things to bring, which will see you through a month or two of self introductions at your schools are pictures of your home, family and friends, a map of your country, music, food, basically anything of interest from your home country. The children will be able to relate to your introduction much more easily.

You will be able to find most items you need in Japan: shampoo, mouth wash, razors, hair spray, nail polish etc. Western brands are increasingly available but do bring your own if you prefer a particular brand. Bring deodorant as it is not available here, especially stick deodorant. Toothpaste in Japan does not contain fluoride, nor does the water, so it is wise to bring your own (five tubes for a year should do the trick). Japanese makeup is made for Asian skin tones so bring a years supply if you can. You may also want to bring your own tampons because they are slightly different here.

The birth control pill is available in Japan but it is advisable to bring your own. Having only recently been made legal in Japan, only very strong varieties are available and doctors are not experienced in prescribing them correctly. Added to this the first month's supply will set you back 30,000 yen followed by 15,000 yen a month. Despite the advice to only bring a month's supply with you and send the rest, many JETs have brought a year's supply and have encountered no problems at customs. The morning after pill is not widely available so, if you think it necessary bring a supply for emergencies.

Condoms, again are slightly 'different' (frankly, smaller) so bring your own with you or have them sent to you. Cold medicine and painkillers should be brought with you as Japanese dosages are lighter and of course the labels are in Japanese. Take heed of the import regulations on certain types of medication to avoid confiscation at the airport.

You will probably have been told that you need to bring gifts for everyone and their mother's brother's dog. Whilst giving gifts is a good move and a custom in Japan, do not go overboard and waste valuable packing space. Smaller items are ideal, preferably representing an aspect of your home country or hometown. You do not need to give a gift to everyone you meet and several items should be enough.