The Kyoto ALT Situation Is More Complicated Than That Viral Post Claims
I may not be certain about every accusation made by the OP of the post “Important Warning for Incoming Kyoto City JETs” or every claim of “power harassment,” but it’s still unfair and irresponsible to generalize the entire Kyoto City ALT community based on selective experiences and anonymous stories.
Could the ALT staff have handled some situations better? Probably. But at the same time, some ALTs also expect to be treated with excessive leniency and “royalty treatment” while refusing to adapt to the realities of Japanese workplaces and public institutions. Accountability goes both ways.
As a current ALT, I’ve heard from former and current JTEs and school staff themselves that some ALTs unfortunately perform poorly, avoid responsibilities, arrive late, leave work early, abuse leave systems, or create unnecessary drama in schools. Yet whenever they are corrected, suddenly everything becomes labeled as “power harassment.”
Not being granted every request, being reprimanded for workplace issues, or having a supervisor raise their voice during a conflict does not automatically equal harassment. Workplace disagreements happen everywhere, especially in stressful environments involving language barriers, cultural differences, and public education systems.
There’s also clearly a gray area surrounding medical leave and menstrual leave. Only the individuals themselves truly know whether those systems are always being used appropriately. Pretending abuse never happens is dishonest.
Another childish aspect of the original post is how it paints renewed ALTs as “favorites,” as if doing well at work, maintaining professionalism, building good relationships with schools, and being appreciated by students somehow makes someone part of an “exclusive group.” That mindset comes across more as resentment than evidence.
The reality is that many ALTs in Kyoto City quietly do their jobs well, enjoy their schools, respect the system, and complete their contracts without major issues. Those people simply don’t spend their time writing dramatic Reddit exposés because they’re busy actually working and contributing positively to their schools.
Criticism is important, but that post reads less like an objective warning and more like a one-sided attempt to emotionally rally people while dismissing any responsibility on the ALT side.