You can buy anything in Tokyo, but most JETs aren't in Tokyo. Some things you won't be able to buy, others are just too expensive or a bit too personal. Many JETs are unable to visit the big cities regularly but most now have reasonable access to the Internet at school or at the Board of Education. Shopping on-line and through mail order is the best way to get the things you need.

The following businesses have been confirmed as reliable. However exercise due caution when ordering via the Internet.

Amazon.com - 4000 yen for a paper back novel? No thanks. The availability and cost of English language books in Japan is one of the biggest problems facing JETs.

Amazon JAPAN - The website is in Japanese but you can search using English titles and authors. Shipping is cheaper and faster (around 3 days) than the US site. On the upper left hand side there is a search box (SA-CHI) with pull down menu that has three options, the the first is Japanese Books (WA-SHO), the second one is Foreign Books (YOU-SHO) the last is both (RYOU-HOU).

Foreign Buyers Club - Basically an American supermarket and drug store in Kobe that delivers to your door. Their most popular items are paper towels. Never noticed anything wrong with the local variety.

Tengu Natural Foods - Mail order health food stored based in Japan. Being a vegetarian in Japan can be difficult, Tengu will be a big help. English speaking staff, ask for a catalogue. Umehara 50-2, Hidaka-shi, Saitama-ken, 350-12, Japan.
Tel: 0429 - 85 - 8751, Fax: 0429 - 85 - 8752

Indian Plaza - An Indian online supermarket, includes spices and sauces, clothes, home decoration. ">Life Style Pharmacy - Full range of medicines available without prescription. Watch for what is illegal in Japan. Good prices.

Life Style Pharmacy - Full range of medicines available without prescription. Watch for what is illegal in Japan. Good prices.

Hard Bodies - Body building supplements. Much cheaper than buying in Japan.

Black Star - UK Video and DVD distributor that will ship to Japan. DVD region is 2 (Europe and Japan) and so is OK for Japan.

Smokey Cigars - Cigars are difficult to buy in Japan. Good supplier of non-Cuban cigars.

Eddie Bauer - American clothes, shoes and accessories distributor. Casual and business casual clothes.

L L Bean - American casual and outdoor clothes distributor.

Lands End - British casual and outdoor clothes distributor.

Eastbay - American sports clothes and equipment distributor. I wouldn't order dumbbells.

Shop Sports - American sports clothes and equipment distributor.

Uglies dot Com - Ugly boxer shorts. "Since 1998 we've been creating the boxers so ugly she'll beg you to take 'em off." Well that's the theory anyway.

Sock Guy - Images of a recent movie flood into mind. You can never have too many socks. Seriously big footed people may have problems in Japan.

Condom Country - Spike Milligan said these products "should be used at every conceivable occasion", the whole town will know if you buy them at the local drugstore.

Vintage Cellars - An Australian couple living in Himi, Toyama Prefecture, import Australian and New Zealand Wine, delivered to your doorstep at reasonable prices. No web site, you'll have to phone them toll free on 0120 106 876. English speaking staff.

Daily Yomiuri - By far the best English language newspaper in Japan. Very good international sports coverage and supplements from major international newspapers including Washington Post (USA), The Independent (UK), Chicago Tribune (USA). Delivery available in most areas. English speaking staff. Phone 0120-431159 (toll free) or email subscriptions. English speaking staff.