Top 3: Cities or Prefectures?

[u/Same-Seaworthiness86]

I'm applying for 2027, and am struggling with how I should select my top 3 placement locations. I know I'm unlikely to get them and have accepted that, so I am hoping to at least not chase away any possible acceptance with my answers. Is it safer to list my top 3 as general prefectures, or as cities? Will cities show that I've put a lot of thought into where I wanna be, or bite me in the butt because its too specific?

I and my husband will be going (he's not an applicant, just a dependent), if accepted, so we're hesitantly hoping for places with some international schools for his work (Hokkaido, or Sendai maybe), low cost of living, and access to public transpo.

[u/Panda_sensei_71]

You can list prefectures or designated cities (for a full list see Google).

List your reasons. I listed 2 prefectures and a designated city and was placed an hour away from the city, within the same prefecture.

[u/Inside-Cream6997]

Same applying for 2027.

Prefectures or entire block. Can't list cities.

Most flexible = most likely to receive placement.

If you have no preference you might have a higher step above those that specify certain prefectures.
Interviewers will ask you why you chose your preferences.

[u/Panda_sensei_71 → u/Inside-Cream6997]

You can list designated cities!