I consider myself to be well educated, having a strong command of the English language (both in reading and writing) and the skill/desire to teach English to children. I am also very interested in Japanese culture and becoming fluent in Japanese. I understand that they receive a great number of applications, but how difficult is it really to be granted an interview?

It is very easy. As long as you have a degree in any disciline, just make an appointment. Here is all the information you need: http://www.jetprogramme.org

You are the kind of person they are looking for, so I think your chances of getting the interview are good. I would suggest being specific when you say you are interested in Japanese culture. Everybody they interview is going to say they are interested in Japanese culture. Then they are going to be asked what aspect of Japanese culture they are interested in. "I like anime and sushi", is the wrong answer. "I enjoy Jun'ichiro Tanizaki's literature" is a better answer.

There seems to be a massive variation depending on where you take the interview. Some cities are teeming with people dying to get on this programme. All the universities stock the latest applications. It's just one of those "rights of passage" that some people do. Vancouver, Canada would be an example of one of these places.

Other places nobody even knows about it. You could go to your university career centre and they won't know what you're talking about and won't know where to point you.

You sound like you'll get an interview. Just write your application form neatly. Pay attention to details.

Once you get the interview it's just a matter of showing that you have what it takes. They basically just want people like you, who are educated, interested in Japan, fluent in English, and can basically take care of yourself in a foreign country.

Go to the interview dressed and groomed well. The grunge look doesn't cut it in Japan (unless it's extremely well executed).

if you're socialable person who likes working with kids and have a solid background then it should be relatively easy.

there's a lot of people applying so the competition is still fierce.