Applications are now open for Sport Exchange Advisors for Hockey in Japan, through the JET Programme

What is the JET Programme

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme was established by the Japanese Government in 1987 to promote internationalisation at the local level and New Zealand was one of the four original countries invited to participate. On 1 July 2025, the Programme included 5,933 participants from 54 countries, including 171 (165 ALTs, and 6 CIRs) from New Zealand in locations throughout Japan. Since 1987, over 3,500 New Zealanders have participated in the JET Programme.

Most participants are selected as Assistant Language Teachers, mainly at public schools. Others join the JET Programme as Coordinators for International Relations (CIR) or Sports Exchange Advisors (SEA).

Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs) work for local governments, coaching and promoting internationalization through the universal language of sports. They are sports professionals whose role is to assist with sports training and the planning of sports-related projects.

Sport Exchange Advisors for Hockey

The JET Programme now has applications open for Sport Exchange Advisors for Hockey.

• Role: Community hockey coaching, international exchange activities through hockey, coaching (men and women) in conjunction with the establishing of an inter-university field hockey club, participation in municipal sports events.
• Placement: The successful applicants will be placed in Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture.
• Contracting Organisation: Akaiwa City Board of Education - Social Education Section

Application Timelines

• 13 March 2026 Applications close
• Late March 2026 Second stage of screening process (interviews)
• May 2026 Notification of selection (results announced)
• Late July - Early August 2026 Depart to Japan

General eligibility requirements:

Successful candidate must meet all the following criteria below.

• Be a New Zealand Citizen with a coaching certification/qualification or 3 years coaching experience
• Excel at and have practical experience coaching Field Hockey
• Have an interest in living and coaching in Japan
• Driver's license holder
• Be able to depart for Japan in early August 2026
• Conversational Japanese speaker
• Please check that there are further criteria in the guidelines below for more details.

How to Apply

Applications are now open, with a deadline of 13th March 2026. All applications must arrive at the Embassy of Japan in Wellington (by post or hand delivered) by this deadline.

Please use the links below for information regarding the application process and overall programme.