Glossary

公式文書
こうしきぶんしょ

Official Documents on the KobeJET website refer to the essential forms and paperwork required by the Kobe Board of Education, specifically for foreigners living and working in Japan as part of the JET Program. These documents are crucial for managing various aspects of professional and personal life in Japan.

Key Documents

1. Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo)
   • This card is issued to foreign residents in Japan and serves as proof of your legal status and visa type. It must be carried at all times.
2. Certificate of Employment (在職証明書, Zaishoku Shōmeisho)
   • Issued by the Board of Education, this document verifies your employment status and is often required for various administrative processes.
3. Health Insurance Card (健康保険証, Kenkō Hokenshō)
   • Provided by your employer, this card is necessary for receiving medical treatment under Japan's health insurance system.
4. Pension Book (年金手帳, Nenkin Techō)
   • This book records your pension contributions. It is essential for future pension claims and any inquiries related to your pension status.
5. Leave Application Forms (休暇申請書, Kyūka Shinseisho)
   • Required for applying for any type of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, and special leave. These forms must be filled out and submitted to your Kyoto-sensei or the administrative office.
6. Travel Notification Forms (旅行届, Ryokō Todoke)
   • For any travel outside of your designated area, especially overseas travel. This form ensures that the Board of Education is aware of your whereabouts for safety and administrative purposes.
7. Address Change Notification (住所変更届, Jūsho Henko Todoke)
   • If you move to a new residence, this form must be submitted to update your address with the local city hall and the Board of Education.

Submission Process

These documents must be printed, filled out accurately, and submitted either in person or through school mail (bunsho). It is crucial to follow the submission guidelines to ensure that all paperwork is processed correctly and on time.

Important Tips:

• Always keep copies of any documents you submit for your records.
• Make sure to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each type of document.
• When in doubt, consult with your Kyoto-sensei or the designated administrative officer for assistance.

By managing these official documents diligently, you can ensure a smooth and organized experience while living and working in Japan under the JET Program.

お土産
おみやげ

Omiyage is the Japanese word for 'souvenir'. It can be used for any kind of souvenir, but in the context of your school or workplace, it generally means those small mysterious snacks occasionally found on your desk when you arrive at work in the morning.

It's not expected for you to give out omiyage at all, but if you do go on a trip and manage to bring back some treats, it's a great way to start a conversation about your trip, talk to someone haven't had the chance to yet, or just generally make everybody think better of you.

Buying Omiyage:

Omiyage can be found at many places, but the easiest place to find them is the special omiyage store at major stations. The 7/11 omiyage store at the Shin Kobe Shinkansen Station is one such example. You can check on the back of an omiyage box to see how many are included (it will say something like ３０個入り), and remember some schools have 50+ staff members, so make sure to buy enough!

When giving out omiyage, don't forget the people in the admin office and maintanence rooms. They will love you for it!

鬼
おに

Oni are a type of yōkai (supernatural monster) or demon in Japanese folklore. Often depicted as hulking figures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns protruding from their heads, oni are traditionally portrayed with red or blue skin. They are known for their immense strength, ferocity, and fearsome appearance.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Oni typically have a terrifying appearance with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns. Their skin is often red or blue, and they wear loincloths made of tiger pelt.
• Weapons: They often carry large iron clubs called kanabō, symbolizing their brute strength.
• Behavior: Oni are known for causing mischief and destruction, and they often serve as punishers of the wicked in stories. However, some tales depict them as protectors or even benevolent beings.

Cultural Significance:

• Festivals: During the Setsubun festival, people throw roasted soybeans outside their homes while chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Out with the demons! In with the good fortune!") to drive away evil spirits.
• Folklore: Oni appear in many Japanese folktales, literature, and art, often symbolizing the dark side of human nature or the embodiment of evil.

Modern Depictions:

In contemporary culture, oni are featured in various forms of media, including anime, manga, video games, and movies. They are sometimes portrayed as fearsome antagonists, but they can also appear as comedic or even sympathetic characters, showcasing the diverse ways in which oni are integrated into Japanese culture.

公式英語教師
こうしきえいごきょうし

Acronym for Official Teacher of English.

Many JET contracting organizations refer to this as JTE (Japanese Teacher of English), however Kobe City uses the term OTE to avoid the assumption that all English teachers are Japanese.