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So, long story short, I hope to become a JET in the coming year and I'm trying to plan everything well in advance. I'll probably want to buy a TV ASAP when I touch down, but I'm not sure if I should just use amazon.jp, or wander around Shinjuku or Akihabara.

Or, I could buy a 19" LCD and try and get it into my luggage...

Any tips/ideas welcome.

How's your Japanese?
If it's poor, Amazon will be your easiest move.

It's ok, I guess. I'd say about 2-kyuu...?

just walk around akihabara. you might find something good. take down model numbers and do a little research though. most places will deliver free of charge if you need them too as well. i got a 21 inch hdtv without a tuner. you can buy a usb 1-seg adaptor for the pc which allows you to watch antenna programming at 320x240, but has subtitle/captioning (in japanese) built-in. tv is not very good overall, and i would say that a tv tuner should be pretty low on the list. but that's just me.

oh, cheapy has mentioned before that yodobashi (a chain) has a pretty good point system. if that's true, then they are the only place in japan with a decent point/reward system.

Hey good luck with JET!

I just signed up for a 3rd year this morning.

Anywho, I recommend you wait and see WHERE you will be living before you plan any trips to Tokyo to buy a TV.

Also, talk to JETs who are leaving and you can get a RIDICULOUSLY good deal on a TV.

I got a 27 inch Widescreen Mitsubishi with 2 D-Terminal inputs (the Japanese equivalent of Component cables) and a rotating base for 20,000 yen from a friend who was heading home. The TV retailed for 50,000 yen and its in perfect condition!

Yodobashi's (and I believe Bic Camera's is similar) point card system will get you back between 10-15% (sometimes 20%) store credit on most purchses.

Amazon Japan's prices (and selection) aren't as competitive as their USA equivalent. I believe they might have a point system too, but I am not sure.

Sakuraya has a point system that's about 10% if I remember correctly; I have a point card somewhere around here...

Originally Posted by Gameboy415 Hey good luck with JET! I just signed up for a 3rd year this morning. Anywho, I recommend you wait and see WHERE you will be living before you plan any trips to Tokyo to buy a TV. Also, talk to JETs who are leaving and you can get a RIDICULOUSLY good deal on a TV. I got a 27 inch Widescreen Mitsubishi with 2 D-Terminal inputs (the Japanese equivalent of Component cables) and a rotating base for 20,000 yen from a friend who was heading home. The TV retailed for 50,000 yen and its in perfect condition!

Thanks for all the info guys! (If I get into JET) I'll be sure to ask around for TV deals.

What is jet?

the JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching )Programme

the japanese ministry of education hires native (or at least highly proficient) english speakers from around the world to teach in japanese public schools (k-12).

good pay, great hours, workload and working environment range