Hey, I'm thinking of applying for JET for 2009 as well! It sounds quite difficult to get into from what I've been reading though, and seeing as they make you wait so long it makes it a bit difficult to fully explore other options if you don't get in. I'm a bit worried about my complete lack of teaching experience (only help train kids at kung fu, and even then only a bit...), but I'm hoping having a couple of years of Japanese and general enthusiasm and flexibility will make up for it.
If I get in I'm hoping to be in a semi-rural kind of place with a good, close community and public transport to larger cities for an occasional weekend away, but I think I'd be happy anywhere really. Hyogo is an easy option for me since it's WA's sister state or something like that, and Kansai-ben sounds fun to learn.
We have a looooong wait until we can even start applying though, plenty of time to chill
