Thanks for the info Ganguro.
I've actually already participated in the JET Programme Pre-departure orientation and got lots of info there and was looking for any extra tips from people familiar with Japan.
It's true you have to pack light, since you are only allowed one large piece of luggage + carry-on for the post arrival orientation in Tokyo. Anything else will be shipped at your charge to your designated prefecture. Also, if I'm replacing a JET, my apartment will probably already be furnished, so I can buy whatever's offered straight from him/her and see what's actually given to me by the school. You have no idea how badly I want to know where I'm going! You see, I was initially an alternate, but I've been bumped to the short list of people who are actually going.
I'm taking the Japanese classes offered by the JET Programme, but I'm gonna do some studying on my own, especially writing kanji/hiragana/katakana script, which is not covered in the class (who focuses more on conversational aspects). Upon meeting my superiors, I'm supposed to say:
Hajimemashite. / How do you do?
Watashi-no namae wa J-F desu. / My name is J-F
Dozo yoroshiku-onegaishimasu. / It's a pleasure to meet you.
My teaching methods for English will be different than the ones I'm used to, since Japanese learn languages by using set phrases, instead of breaking them down into subject/verb/object and focusing on each part. Ah well, I'm sure it's still gonna be a great experience.
BTW, thanks for the tip on jeans, Ganguro! I've got a few old pairs that I don't wear anymore, but how many Japanese guys can fill a 36' waist? Maybe skaters...
