The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the first line of contact for JET Programme participants. Based on the acceptance guidelines for each country, MOFA recruits and selects participants through overseas Embassies and Consulates.

Through these overseas Embassies and Consulates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold information sessions for interested applicants, review applications, hold interviews and notify successful candidates.

These Embassies and Consulates will also provide essential information for new JET Programme participants about how to embark upon the life-changing journey to Japan. Pre-departure orientations and Q&A sessions help to ease anxieties and to ensure that new participants can begin the Programme fully prepared.

MOFA's involvement does not stop there. When JET Programme participants return to their home countries MOFA will often sponsor a "welcome back" reception and work closely with the local JETAA (JET Alumni Association) to see that the friendships and ties made in Japan remain strong and true.

MOFA works together with the other ministries and CLAIR on the JET Programme in efforts to raise social and cultural awareness of Japan and things Japanese.