Well, I'm sure they get lots of people coming in through JET and all, so they would know what to expect and what they are doing in terms of helping you guys out, experience from past people coming in of what kind of little things you might ask about and such.

I'd say seeing about transferring the payments to your Japanese account is worth looking into at least. I don't see why free tele would not at least have the option of opting out of paying/getting it but however they want to work it there, I guess. I'm sure your supervisor will sort it out.