Japanese Language Course

Application (When is the deadline for applying?)

Are copies of application documents acceptable?

For certain documents copies are acceptable whilst for other documents the originals are required. Please refer to the application guidelines for more details.

By when should I submit the documents?

Applicants who need to apply for a pre-college visa should submit their application documents 5-6 months prior to the start of their course. Applicants who do not require a pre-college visa should apply 1-2 months prior to the start of their course.

Admission (Is the cost of educational materials included in tuition?)

How much do educational materials cost?

Educational materials cost between 4,000 and 8,000 yen per term (approx. 3 months). The price depends on the level of the class being taken.

Can tuition be paid in installments?

Those on a pre-college visa should pay for at least 6 months tuition. Other students should pay tuition fees for each term (approx. 3 months).

Is it possible to enroll midway through a term? How are tuition calculated in such a case? (Is pro-rata payment possible?)

Students may enroll midway through a term if there is space in the class. It is not possible to reserve a place if starting midway through a term. In such cases tuition will be calculated on a pro-rata basis at 4,200 yen per day.

Is it possible to quit a course midway through a term? How are tuition calculated in such a case? (Is pro-rata reimbursement possible?)

Tuition will not be reimbursed if students quit midway through a term.

Are compensatory classes available when a student misses a class? (Is it possible to take compensatory classes by attending morning/ afternoon classes?)

In such cases compensatory classes are not offered. It is also not possible to transfer between morning and afternoon classes.

Can I obtain a visa if I want to enroll in the conversation or private lesson course?

Only students who join the general Japanese language course are eligible to apply for a pre-college visa. It is not possible to obtain a pre-college visa if you enroll on any other course.

Approximately how much savings are required to be a sponsor?

As a general guide, savings equivalent to 2 million yen for one year's tuition and 4 million yen for two year's tuition (4 million yen) are required.

From what age can students enroll?

In order to apply for a pre-college visa, applicants must have high school or higher education in their home country. Ordinarily applications are only excepted from those aged over 18. Applicants on other kinds of visas may enroll in the school even if they are aged under 18 but since most students are aged over 20 such students may find it difficult to study unless they can relate to themes and to fit in with the atmosphere of the school.

Lessons (How are lesson taught?)

What is the direct method?

The direct method is a teaching method in which Japanese is taught using only Japanese.

Is English used during classes?

Explanations in languages other than Japanese are not provided in the classroom.

How long do classes last?

Morning classes are from 9:00 to 12:50 and afternoon classes are from 13:20 to 17:10. There are approximately 4 hours of classes a day.

Are there any examinations?

There are two exams per term (approx. 3 months) - a mid term exam and a final exam.

What kind of text books do you use?

At the beginners level students mainly use the school's original text book. At the intermediate level students use a combination of a number of commercially available text books. At the advanced level students use educational materials prepared by their instructor such as newspapers and videos.

Is there homework?

Yes. We also recommend that students spend 2 - 4 hours a day studying by themselves.

I cannot attend school every day - will I be okay?

We do not recommend that students who cannot attend every day enroll with the school since at the beginner and intermediate levels students study by accumulating their knowledge each day.

Do students from countries which do not use Chinese characters study together with students from countries which use Chinese characters?

Students with a knowledge of Chinese characters study together in the same classroom with students with no knowledge of Chinese characters but students study separately during certain Chinese character study periods.

I cannot read or write Chinese characters, will I be okay?

This is not a problem but you also should make an effort to remember Chinese characters whilst away from the classroom.

Classes (What kind of people are the instructors?)

Are all instructors Japanese?

Yes, all instructors are Japanese.

Do the instructors change every day? Are students always taught by the same instructor?

Between two and four instructors are assigned to one class.

Course Content

How many years is the course? (Duration?)

The longest course from beginner level to advanced level is two years.

Conditions / system for moving up to the next level?

Students must pass two exams each term and attend certain number of classes to move up to the next level.

Is there a preparatory course for moving to the next stage of education?

No. However, advisors will help students who are wishing to proceed with their studies in various natters such as selecting a university or filling out am application forms.

Is it possible to only study conversational Japanese?

The general Japanese language course does not accept such applications since it is not possible to reach a high level of proficiency by merely studying conversational Japanese.

Is there a preparatory class for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test?

We hold a Japanese language proficiency test preparatory class two days a week starting in October for the three months prior to the examination for those intending to take the advanced levels.

Is there a certificate of completion?

Yes. The level the student completed and the date of completion can be certified.

Is there a scholarship system?

A scholarship of 60000 yen is granted to maximum 3 students per term. Applicants must go through a selection process involving a letter of commendation from an instructor and an interview.Please contact us for more details.