Covering the economic and industrial might of Japan

Can I be reimbursed for training when teaching ESL in Japan?

Reimbursement for training expenses must be established up front. It should be written in the contract. This sort of thing is no different in Japan than perhaps any other country or when working for any other company.

Smaller schools are less likely to be able to pay such expenses. Larger schools may be more inclined to encourage the instructor to get out and learn.

There is no cut and dry rule to speak of.

Indeed, it makes good sense to check BEFORE you spend the money as opposed to AFTER, even in Japan.