CLAIR extends its deepest concolences to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and we wish for the prompt reconstruction of affected areas and a return to a safe and normal life as soon as possible. We continue to receive warm messages of support from all over the world. Thank you.
Below is information regarding the disasters for JET participants and related organisations as it became available.
Wednesday, 15 June, 2011
We have put together information regarding the earthquake and nuclear accident for incoming JET Programme Participants. Please click here to download the file.
Messages from current JET Programme participants.
Thursday, 24 March, 2011
Tohoku Area Pacific Offshore Earthquake Multi-Language Support
Monday, 21 March, 2011
More than a week has passed since the devastating Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. We hope for rapid recovery in the areas most affected and we thank you for your patience as we work together through this tragedy.
The following is information for JET participants from CLAIR, the Ministry of Internal Communications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
1. The damage resulting from the earthquake and tsunami is unprecedented, resulting in extensive damage and loss of life. The Japanese government is calling upon its people, the Japanese Self Defense Force, police, firefighters, the Japan Coast Guard and the cooperation of the international community for rescue efforts, support for victims and restoration of lifelines.
2. Relentless efforts to stabilise the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant are underway, and the Japanese government is working hard to release accurate information in the timeliest manner possible to not only the Japanese people but also the international community. The Japanese government is rigorously cooperating with the IAEA, other international organisations and countries to secure the safety of the nuclear reactors, and is receiving the necessary aid.
3. Detailed information in English about the earthquake and the nuclear reactor situation can be found on the following webpages:
- Prime Minister and His Cabiet: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mofa.go.jp/index.html
- IAEA: http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html
- Nuclear Regulation Authority (former Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency): http://www.nsr.go.jp
- MEXT: http://www.mext.go.jp/english
- Japan Meteorological Agency: www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/2011_Earthquake/2011_Earthquake.html
- Radiation Levels by Prefecture: http://eq.wide.ad.jp/index_en.html
4. The Japanese government is working hard to prevent further explosions and increases in radiation exposure from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The current evacuation radius (20km radius) and call to stay inside (20km-30km radius) is a precaution in the event that the situation worsens, and has been put in place to protect residents in the area. Please keep an eye on the news and the above-mentioned websites to follow the progress of the situation.
5. Specifics regarding the future employment and related conditions for JET participants in areas directly affected by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis will be dealt with on a case by case basis depending on circumstances in respective contracting organisations and the wishes of respective JET participants. JET participants in areas other than those seriously affected will be treated as usual.
6. A number of embassies have issued advisories for their citizens to evacuate within a range wider than the radius specified by the Japanese government. The Japanese government respects the advisories set by other countries and CLAIR has asked contracting organisations to be flexible when responding to JETs who wish to heed the advisories set by their governments. Please contact your home country's embassy for more information.
7. We ask JETs who decide to evacuate to another area in Japan or to their home country to communicate clearly with their contracting organisations so that both are in agreement for what the course of action should be and that the required procedures are taken care of. We also ask that the JETs who evacuate leave their contact information for where they will be with their contracting organisation.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your contracting organisation, your Prefectural Advisor or a Programme Coordinator at CLAIR on the JETLINE (03-5213-1729) or by emailing jet [at] clair.or.jp.
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Monday, 14 March, 2011
A large-scale earthquake and ensuing tsunamis have resulted in wide-spread damage, particularly in the Tohoku and northern regions of Japan.
CLAIR is currently working with local governments in the affected areas to confirm the safety of JET participants and gather as much information as possible. As we confirm the safety of each JET participant, we are providing that information to their home country embassy in Japan.
If you are in the affected areas, take precautionary measures by avoiding low-lying areas and shorelines of rivers and coastal regions for the next 24-48 hours, or more if instructed by local authorities. Follow any safety instructions issued by the local municipalities. If you have not already, try to contact friends and family, supervisor and contracting organisation to let them know whether you are safe or not. Telephone service is affected in many areas, so please keep trying if you cannot get through, use email, texting, Facebook, etc.
For additional information, refer to the Japan Meteorological Agency website: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/joho.html.
Additional References
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html - Official Cabinet Office Releases
http://www.npa.go.jp/english/index.htm - Information from the National Police Agency (NPA)
