In the last ten years, the Japanese government made it part of their government mandate to increase the number of foreign students and skilled professionals in Japan. Although the 2020 Olympics have come and gone, the event has created an urgency for companies to increase the number of foreign employees to be able to compete on a competitive global scale. While going to school as a four-year undergraduate or foreign exchange student is often the most common way to study in Japan, the high cost of living and high tuition fees might deter many people from applying. Older non-traditional students might have a tougher time finding the time to study in Japan, and the expenses might prove difficult, combined with familial obligations. Thus, Japanese language schools are seen as an alternative for those who want to learn Japanese, experience Japanese culture, and explore Japan on a short-term basis.

Why Go to a Language School?

There are several benefits to attending a Japanese language school. Japanese language schools have fewer requirements to fulfill compared to a university program. They offer student visas to attendees, which can be a great way to experience life in Japan without worrying about upholding the rigorous standards of a work visa. For those who plan to attend a Japanese language-based university program, Japanese language schools have great preparatory courses not only to prepare you for the application process but also for the workload of your classes. Many companies in Japan, including foreign-founded companies, use Japanese for communication and building connections in the job market often require strong language skills. Therefore, a completion certificate makes you more competitive in the Japanese job market.

What is a Japanese Language School?

Japanese language schools are educational organizations established by private companies where non-native Japanese speakers can enroll to learn the Japanese language and culture through a structured program. Although the general goal is to learn Japanese, programs vary from school to school. Some heavily focus on business-level Japanese, while others focus on studying for JLPT to get JLPT certifications. The two types of Japanese language schools are private Japanese language schools and special courses at private universities.

Japanese Language School

Currently, there are over 600 different Japanese schools in Japan, with more than 60,000 students from many backgrounds studying Japanese. The types of programs can vary from language courses run by small companies such as Coto Academy or Kumon to larger yearlong programs. Larger Japanese language schools typically have their own campus and offer many subjects from conversational Japanese to business level and even college prep courses. These schools do offer visa sponsorship but only at schools specifically approved by the Japanese Ministry of Education. The requirements of the schools are simple, often just a copy of your most recent transcript and proof of financial stability for the duration of the program. The admission period usually starts in April and October, similar to the Japanese school system, but some schools also offer start times in January and July.

Special Courses for International Students at Private Universities and Junior Colleges

Some universities and junior colleges have their own Japanese language program, which doesn’t apply to a four-year degree. There are currently 60 universities and junior colleges today that offer such courses. These programs are typically more focused on preparing students for admission into university programs or junior college. Students enrolled in these programs can attend the sponsoring university through a recommendation of a Japanese professor. Enrollment periods for these schools are usually on par with the traditional Japanese school period in the spring and autumn.

Requirements of Japanese Language Schools

Japanese language schools often have very few requirements for enrollment. Often only an application must be submitted along with the proper documentation. It’s recommended that you only apply to the school you want to go to—being accepted by multiple schools could possibly affect your ability to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). While all language schools have similar requirements, be sure to consult with a program advisor about the specific document requirements and the financial costs of attending.

Required Documents

• Application form from the school

• Resume and CV

• Proof of graduation from the last school you attended

• Transcript from the last school you attended

• Proof of financial stability throughout the duration of the program

Restrictions to Consider

Although language schools have grown in popularity, there have been some recent changes in immigration procedures in 2019. Many people often visit Japan and look for work before their visa is processed, often on a tourist visa. However, now, visitors entering Japan under a tourist visa are no longer permitted to change to a student or work visa while in Japan. Visitors wanting to change their status must return to their home country to apply for a change of status with a new COE at the closest corresponding consulate.
 
Those carrying tourist visas are also not permitted to change from a working or student visa while visiting Japan. Previously it was common for people to come to Japan on a tourist visa to search for a job while their visa was being processed. Now visitors must return home and wait for a new COE from their local consulate before obtaining a new visa.
 
Adult students also have higher requirements when applying to study in Japan. Applicants over the age of 30 might be required to show three years of financial stability along with proof of studying Japanese in the past. This can include JLPT certification, other qualifying test certificates, or documentation showing at least 150 hours of formal coursework.

Good Japanese Language Schools

There are over 600 different language schools in Japan. While all the schools have the same general educational focus, some schools are more popular than others due to reputation, cost, and location.

ISL Language School

Founded in Ueda, Nagano, in 1922, ISI welcomes more than 2,000 foreign students worldwide yearly. The base school is in Nagano, with other campuses in Tokyo and Kyoto. The school offers accommodation on campus summer and winter programs and several scholarships for international students. The total yearly cost of attendance ranges from ￥700,000 to ￥850,000.

The Naganuma School

The Naganuma school was established in 1948 and is considered to be one of the pioneers of contemporary Japanese language learning. The school is located in Shibuya and offers a metropolitan setting to experience language and culture. Naganuma offers prep courses for graduate schools and summer and winter programs, along with evening courses combined with their regular communicative lessons. The fees range from ￥870,000 to ￥900,000 for a one-year program.

Japan Tokyo International School

Known as one of the most affordable schools in Tokyo, TIS aims to help students learn Japanese and transform into global citizens. Aside from classes, students can expect to attend intercultural events and field trips to help them acquire a deeper understanding of Japan. Their six-month course costs about ￥390,000, and their yearlong course costs about ￥761,500.

TCJ Language School

Located in Shinanomachi station, near Shinjuku station, the school offers a mix of online and in-person lessons to suit the needs of all its students. They provide career and educational guidance for students who hope to continue their education or career in Japan.