What is the opinion exchange
Our Chance to Connect with CLAIR
CLAIR holds a yearly meeting that gives JETs the chance to air their grievances and have their voices heard, with CLAIR replying to our issues directly. It’s a chance to not only bring out common problems but learn why things are done the way they are.
The AJET Opinion Exchange is usually held in December or January, and is attended by representatives from AJET National and the JET program sponsors: the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).
Opinion Exchange Topics
Orientation & Training: Pre-Departure Orientation and Prefectural Orientation & Skills Development Conference.
Role-Specific Working Conditions: Detailed analysis for ALTs, CIRs, SEAs, and Prefectural Advisors (PAs).
Welfare & Policies: Leave policies and job security/continuity.
Health & Wellness: Mental health support and sexual/reproductive health.
Living in Japan: Housing and the general cost of living.
Program Transitions: Resources for non-Recontacting JETs.
Education & Exchange: Japanese Language Teaching & Translation Program.
National AJET
Past opinion exchanges
Results
January 2026 Opinion Exchange
In January 2026’s Opinion Exchange, we discussed accessing Mental, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Housing Issues, ALT, PA, and CIR Duties and Professional Support for JET Program participants. The data presented was collected through a survey answered by 469 participants across 43 prefectures.
Results
January 2025 Opinion Exchange
In January 2025, we discussed arrival support, housing disparities, and disaster preparedness. While participants felt well-supported by CLAIR and their BOEs upon arrival, many reported inconsistent housing costs and a lack of Japanese language skills for emergency situations. Data was collected from 360 participants across 40 prefectures.
Results
December 2023 Opinion Exchange
The December 2023 exchange focused on pre-departure support, PA roles, and Women’s Health. While JETs valued interactions like PDOs and JETAA activities, findings highlighted a need for better role clarity for Prefectural Advisors. Additionally, respondents noted inconsistent experiences with Women’s Health, citing a lack of policy clarity and confidentiality. Data was collected from 477 participants across 47 prefectures.
Results
2022 Opinion Exchange
The main topics discussed with the three ministries and CLAIR in 2022 were harassment, assault, discrimination on the program, overtime work, compensatory time off, and the effects of COVID-19. Based on the results of the survey, AJET recommended guaranteed access to sick leave, a reporting system for overtime, and more resources for PAs and ALTs.
Complete The Survey
The AJET Opinion Exchange is a valuable opportunity for JET participants to have their voices heard and to make a positive impact on the JET Programme. AJET uses the feedback from the meeting to compile reports and recommendations, which are shared with the JET Programme sponsors. AJET is an important advocate for JET participants, and the AJET Opinion Exchange is a key way for AJET to fulfill this role.
