Studying in Japan is easy~: 「Japanese Language School Compass~」

“Ideals are a guiding light. Without ideals there is no solid direction. And without direction there is no life.” I once remembered this famous phrase when I was severely tortured by a teacher. From that moment on, I wanted to leave this suffocating teacher and see a wider world and more interesting cultures. Who wouldn’t want to do that if they could? Pursue your dreams even if you are covered in wounds. So I wanted to create a lighthouse that would light the way for warriors who are chasing their dreams. Maybe I could help warriors who are lost or don’t know which way to go.

To study abroad in Japan, you must first learn Japanese. I’ve written about tuition fees, courses, and recommended schools for those who want to study abroad in Japan. Maybe you’ll find something you like and a reason to keep going.

For more information on the application process and information on living in Japan, please see here.

「Study in Japan Guide: Student Life and Application Process」

It’s human, it’s free, it’s small, but remember that the process of taking risks is the real reward.

Japanese Language School

There are more than 600 language schools in Japan, and I would say that their quality varies greatly. For example, the responsible attitude of teachers, the teaching content, and the learning environment vary greatly. In addition, the school courses are also different, such as morning classes and afternoon classes, so if you study and work at the same time, you need to be careful with your time planning. Night shifts are paid more (hehe), but at least it’s just “torture” to quit work in the morning and go directly to school. There are also 6-month and 1-year/12-month courses, so you can choose according to your needs. The teaching content includes language courses, culture courses, business courses, Japanese Language Proficiency Test preparation centered on JLPY (Japanese N5-N1 qualification), and even university and vocational school entrance preparation courses.

Japanese Language Schools for Foreigners in Japan

There are many schools in Japan that are designed for foreigners who have just arrived in Japan, which is good news for newcomers who have no basic knowledge of Japanese and no understanding of Japanese society. They also offer special coaching courses for the JLPT exam, helping students obtain N5 to N1 certificates. Many schools also offer courses to experience traditional Japanese culture, such as tea ceremony, kimono, and calligraphy, so that students can understand Japanese society faster and more deeply. Friends who want to go to school don’t have to worry. Many schools offer special admission coaching to help students apply to schools and prepare for job interviews.

One year Japanese language course in Japan

I strongly recommend that you choose the one-year Japanese language course as a beginner village. You can improve your Japanese language skills in a short period of time. Generally, the number of students in the class is very small, so each student can receive enough attention. The most interesting thing was the culture course, and I still remember the beautiful older sister teacher wearing a kimono. The most important thing is that there is a special coaching course for JLPT, which can relieve a lot of pressure for those who want to go to school or work. By the way, if you enter a language school, you can also work part-time while studying. I also worked part-time to save money to buy a genuine model! !

Fees for a one-year Japanese language course in Japan

The average annual cost is about 600,000 to 80,000 yen, but don’t forget about living expenses such as rent. For information on living expenses in Japan, please see here~~~「Complete Guide to Living and Accommodation for International Students in Japan」

Is tuition free at Japanese universities?

I have heard many friends who have not studied in Japan say that Japanese universities are free, but I have many doubts. Japanese universities are divided into national universities, public universities, and private universities.

National universities: At national universities, tuition fees are about 540,000 yen per year. Tuition fees at each national university are basically the same, and there are also partial tuition exemptions and scholarship programs (unless you’re very smart).

Public universities: The cost is about 540,000 yen, just like national universities, but there are also tuition exemptions and scholarships (unless you’re very smart).

Private universities: Tuition is very high, ranging from 700,000 yen to 1.5 million yen. (To be honest, why don’t you go and rob them?) If you want to go into medicine or arts, the tuition is ridiculously expensive. Of course, there are policies such as tuition reduction and scholarships, but it’s just more difficult than the first two. (Unless you’re very, very good~)

The best Japanese language school in Tokyo

Tokyo has several well-known Japanese language schools known for their high-quality classes and extensive curriculum.

1、ARC日本語学校（ARC Academy）

Located in Shinjuku and Shibuya, these schools are renowned for their high rates of admission and rigorous teaching, making them ideal for students aiming to enter a Japanese university.

2、IS日本語学校（IS Japanese Language School）

Located in Shinjuku Ward, this school offers a wide range of cultural experience courses and daily conversation training suitable for students who do not require any basic knowledge or everyday language.

3、ヒューマンアカデミー日本語学校（Human Academy Japanese Language School）

With multiple campuses in Tokyo, we offer pre-exam instruction, business Japanese and intensive courses, perfect for students who want to improve their Japanese quickly.

4、東京中央日本語学院（Tokyo Central Japanese Language School, TCJ）

Known for its experienced instructors and comprehensive curriculum system, the school also offers university entrance counseling and JLPT exam preparation courses.

5、長沼スクール（Naganuma School）

Located in Shibuya Ward, this school is known for its systematic and interactive teaching methods, perfect for students wanting to improve their Japanese.

Japanese language schools for foreigners in Tokyo

There are many high-quality Japanese language schools in Tokyo that cater exclusively to foreigners, offering a wide range of courses and support. Let’s pick out a few villages for beginners~

1、新宿日本語学校（Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute, SNG）

Known for its diverse course design, it employs a unique “visual” learning method to ensure students master Japanese grammar and conversation. The school is located in Shinjuku, making it convenient for students to live.

2、早稲田EDU日本語学校（Waseda EDU Japanese Language School）

Located close to Waseda University, the school is renowned for its high-quality language education and support for entering higher education, making it ideal for students aiming to enter a Japanese university.

3、東京国際日本語学院（Tokyo International Japanese School）

We offer a wide range of courses from beginner to advanced levels, and also provide a wide range of cultural exchange activities to help international students adapt to life in Japan.

4、横浜デザイン学院日本語学科（Yokohama Design College Japanese Language Department）

Located in Yokohama, with easy transport links and just 30 minutes from Tokyo, the school’s Japanese language courses are combined with cultural experiences, making it a good fit for students interested in design and art.

5、赤門会日本語学校（Akamonkai Japanese Language School）

Located in Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, the school is famous for its rigorous training and high pass rate, and also offers business Japanese courses and JLPT exam preparation.

6、千駄ヶ谷日本語学校（Sendagaya Japanese Institute）

The curriculum is well-rounded, including academic counseling, business Japanese, and short-term training, and our strong teaching staff can cater to all types of students according to their needs for studying abroad or finding employment.

大阪日本語学院

This school is one that I highly recommend. It offers a wide variety of courses, including basic Japanese, business Japanese, and JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and EJU (Japanese Language Education Examination) preparation courses to prepare for further education in Japan, making it a very fulfilling program. Teachers interact frequently with students, so you will have more opportunities to speak with Japanese people and improve your Japanese conversation skills. (Most of them are cute). In addition, this school accepts students from many countries every year, and it is very interesting to work with students from different cultures and languages. There are also many extracurricular activities such as cultural exchanges, local visits, and language exchanges, which will help you integrate into Japanese society faster. Osaka Japanese Language School is the perfect platform to pursue your dreams.

Universities in Japan for English Speakers

If you have basic or sufficient English skills and want to compete with foreigners, going to a university established for English-speaking international students will definitely give you a lot of interesting and valuable experiences. I organized it for my friends.

1.早稲田大学（Waseda University）

  • Location: Tokyo
  • Features：
    • Waseda University is one of the top private universities in Japan offering multiple degree programs taught in English.
    • English programs offered include areas such as Business, International Relations, Law and Political Science.
    • Our school offers an excellent range of services for international students, helping them to successfully adapt to the academic and life environment in Japan.
    • The school has extensive on-campus resources, a strong academic reputation and extensive collaborations with universities and companies around the world.

2. 慶應義塾大学（Keio University）

  • Location: Tokyo
  • Features：
    • Keio University is one of the oldest private universities in Japan and offers several degree programs taught in English.
    • The Faculty of International Studies (Keio International Programs) offers undergraduate and graduate courses taught in English in areas such as business, social sciences, and international relations.
    • Keio University’s global network and strong ties with industry provide graduates with a wide range of career opportunities.

3. 東京大学（University of Tokyo）

  • Location: Tokyo
  • Features：
    • The University of Tokyo is one of Japan’s top public universities and offers a number of English-taught graduate programs, particularly in the fields of science, technology, economics, and international affairs.
    • The Komaba English Program (PEAK Program) offers undergraduate courses taught in English, including economics and international relations.
    • The University of Tokyo has an excellent international reputation and is an ideal choice for scholars and students from all over the world.

4. 大阪大学（Osaka University）

  • Location: Osaka
  • Features：
    • Osaka University offers many English-taught programs, especially in fields such as engineering, medicine, science, and social studies.
    • The school’s “Global 30” project and “Asia Pacific Program” offer all-English courses for international students.
    • We have a comprehensive support system in place to help students adapt to the Japanese learning and living environment.

5. 国際基督教大学（International Christian University, ICU）

  • Location: Tokyo suburbs
  • Features：
    • ICU is a university with a strong focus on internationalization, with a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses taught entirely in English.
    • Our educational philosophy is based on a global perspective and intercultural communication, and we provide classes that cultivate critical thinking skills and a global perspective.
    • ICU’s English language programs include humanities, social sciences, and international relations. The school emphasizes small class sizes and provides individualized learning support.

6. 北海道大学（Hokkaido University）

  • Location: Sapporo (Hokkaido)
  • Features：
    • Hokkaido University is one of Japan’s top public universities and offers several English-taught degree programs, especially in science and engineering.
    • The school’s “Advanced Molecular Chemistry” and “Global Program” courses are all taught in English.
    • The beautiful campus, surrounded by the nature of Hokkaido, offers a comfortable learning environment.

7. 立命館大学（Ritsumeikan University）

  • Location: Kyoto
  • Features：
    • Ritsumeikan University has a number of English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs covering areas such as international relations, business, information technology, and social sciences.
    • Most of the English courses we offer are in the International Studies department, and the course content emphasizes a global perspective and focuses on developing students’ leadership and intercultural communication skills.
    • Ritsumeikan University has an extensive international cooperation network, providing students with ample opportunities to participate in international exchange.

8. 名古屋大学（Nagoya University）

  • Location: Nagoya
  • Features：
    • Nagoya University is one of Japan’s leading public universities and offers several English-taught degree programs, especially in the fields of technology and engineering.
    • “Nagoya University International Programs” allows international students to take graduate school classes in English
    • Nagoya University has a strong academic atmosphere and strong scientific research capabilities, attracting scholars and students from all over the world.

9. 上智大学（Sophia University）

  • Location: Tokyo
  • Features：
    • Sophia University is one of Japan’s top private universities, offering a number of degree programs in English, especially in the fields of humanities, international relations, business, and law.
    • The school’s Department of International Studies offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English, with course content aligned with international trends.
    • Sophia University is highly internationalized, with students from all over the world gathering on campus, creating a diverse learning environment.

10. 東京外国語大学（Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, TUFS）

  • Location: Tokyo
  • Features：
    • Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is a university with an emphasis on language and international culture, offering a wide range of courses in English, particularly in the areas of international studies, linguistics, and intercultural studies.
    • Our “Global Studies Program” is specially designed for students whose native language is English, with the goal of cultivating students’ international perspective and intercultural communication skills.

Finally, I hope you all find your own direction, never give up, grit your teeth and do your best. Finally, I want to say that Japanese N1 is really important. If you pass, you will be the best kid in the village and the rising star of the school, hahaha, everyone, do your best!