Top 5 Japanese schools in the greater Tokyo area for long-term students

Studying Japanese is very important for living, working and staying in Japan. J SELECT features Japanese language schools in the greater Tokyo area offering long-term courses mainly for students looking to attend university or work in Japan and are usually one to two years of full-time study. Here’s a list to find your perfect school in the greater Tokyo area.

Contents
◆YU Language Academy (Okubo)
◆Akamonkai Japanese Language School (Nippori)
College of Business and Communication (Kawasaki)
KAI Japanese Language School (Shinjuku)
◆UJS Language Institute (Roppongi)

YU Language Academy

Description

YU Language Academy school has been certified by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau. Students in this school come from over 18 different countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Malaysia, Philippine, China, America, France, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Iraq. They study Japanese, and enjoy themselves by experiencing Japanese culture at the same time. Their Tokyo campus is the only school in Tokyo with a tea ceremony room and traditional Japanese garden. They also arrange international exchange events and excursions to help students strengthen their Japanese skills through conversation and cultural experience. ‘Learning’ is not only limited to in-class lessons but also happens through life experience. YU Language Academy does all they can to support those who work hard to achieve their goals! In addition to Tokyo campuses, they also have a campus in Sapporo. “Study Hard! Learn Fun! This is what YU do!”

Features

They have various courses set up, well-equipped dorms within walking distance from the school. Moreover, they have a school scholarship system to aid outstanding students with financial difficulties. YU Language Academy also has a café “Yumeiro” nearby Tokyo campuses where YU students exclusively dine for only 400 yen.  If students have any difficulties, problems or questions regarding their study process and school or daily life, they are always welcome to ask school staffs, who will come to their aid as soon as possible. They assist students with their public health insurance application. It allows students to have obligatorily medical examinations and be able to deal with any illnesses or accidents with ease. YU Language Academy school arranges college and University visits, where students can choose among a variety of fields of study and tertiary education. Students can freely use School computers with internet access.

Curriculum

There are preparatory courses (long-term, student visa) and Short-term courses. Beside Japanese language lessons there are lessons for EJU, JLPT and job-searching measures. YU Language Academy school also organizes extra lessons, to help students who are falling behind and need the teacher’s help to catch up with the others and move forward with less difficulties.

Courses

YU Language Academy offers four intake periods as follows:
April intake: Preparatory course «1 year» / Preparatory course «2 years»
July intake: Preparatory course «1 year 9 months»
October intake: Preparatory course «1 year 6 months»
January intake: Preparatory course «1 year 3 months»

 

 

 

 

 


Yu Language Academy

Address: 2-16-25 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3209-0160
Contact: info@yula.jp

 


Akamonkai Japanese Language School

Description

Akamonkai was established in 1985. To date, they have educated more than 20,000 graduates from over 80 countries. After graduation, our students play an active role around the world, including Japan and their home countries. Currently, around 2,000 students from various countries are enrolled in Akamonkai.
 
As of April 2023, student nationalities were China 30%, Europe and America 19%, Hong Kong 11%, South Korea 11%, Vietnam 10%, Taiwan 10%, and 9% from other countries.

Akamonkai has four school buildings (Main Campus, Nippori Campus and two branch campuses). They are close to Nippori Station, Nishinippori Station and Mikawashima Station. These stations offer convenient access to the city center of Tokyo. It takes just 36 minutes from Nippori Station to Narita International Airport on the Keisei Skyliner express train.

Features

Akamonkai has a comprehensive support system for student life in Japan. Dedicated administrative on-campus staff offers multilingual (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and more) daily living guidance at all times. They can help with part-time employment and offer support for writing resumes, conducting mock interviews and more, including introductions and job-hunting assistance from our group‘s recruitment company. There are scholarships available that do not require repayment after graduation. They have many dormitories that are within five to 40 minutes from school buildings. They are safe, secure, easy to apply for, reasonable (¥40,000 to ¥60,000 per month) and are available to short-term students.

 

Curriculum

 

Akamonkai’s classes are carefully organized according to skill level (17 levels), allowing students to study at classes suitable for their Japanese level and learning speed. Proper mastery of the fundamentals is crucial to move on to subsequent learning phases smoothly. As there are many students with different mother tongues and varying degrees of Japanese language proficiency when they first enroll, having classes that cover a range of teaching speeds allows students from a wide variety of backgrounds to efficiently learn Japanese at the pace that best suits them.

For intermediate level students and above, curriculums and classes are organized according to the students’ goals (higher education, employment, etc.). They help students comprehensively expand their proficiency in Japanese, with a proper balance of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Courses

Akamonkai offers a variety of long-term courses to meet the needs of students. The General Course (one to two years) aims to help students find employment in Japan or move on to school. Curriculums and classes are organized according to the students’ goals and those students aiming to find work or attend school after graduation can receive support from their professional staff. The University Preparatory Curriculum (18 months or two years) is ideal for students who plan on attending university. This course is approved by the Ministry of Education and is approved at only about 20 schools. Business Employment Class ( six months to one year) is for those looking to work in Japan. In this class, students will develop high-level Japanese language skills, study business etiquette and business IT. We also assist them in finding employment at Japanese companies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Akamonkai Japanese Language School
Address: 6-39-12 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 050-1802-5901
Contact: support@akamonkai.ac.jp

 


College of Business and Communication

Description

The College of Business and Communication (CBC,) located just outside of Tokyo in Kawasaki holds the distinction of being a part of history as the only school in Kanagawa to join the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education as a member school during the association’s early days in May of 1989. This school has sent many of its graduates to colleges, universities and graduate schools throughout Japan, and also into the global business world as well. The success of graduates over the years has helped CBC demonstrate a long tradition of experience in Japanese language education.

Features

CBC boasts an accomplished history, as its predecessor institution was founded in 1948. As a pioneer in language education and as a provider of education, this school has earned high praise from professionals in a variety of fields.
In addition to its legacy, CBC is a hub for international exchange. CBC’s Japanese language courses give students from all over the world a chance to study together. There are even opportunities to engage with local residents and students. This gives students the opportunity to learn the language while also fostering cross-cultural understanding and building connections with locals.

Curriculum

Special kanji lesson for Beginner level
Elective subjects for Upper Intermediate level
22 hours a week
Field trips
Practice JLPT exam
・Practice EJU exam

Courses

Students acquire basic skills by making sure what they learn is continuously reinforced, step by step, using mini tests, summary quizzes and regularly scheduled tests every 3 months. Students can move from the Department of Japanese to Advanced Studies in Japanese and are able to study Japanese for up to 2 years.
Students in the long-term course also have the chance to enroll in a variety of elective classes. These include subjects such as TV Media, Current Topics in Japan, Business Japanese and J-Pop Lyrics among others. There are even free weekly kanji lessons for students who come from countries that do not use Chinese characters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

College of Business and Communication
22-9 Ekimae-honcho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-0007, Japan
Tel: 044-244-3200
Contact: jpn@cbc.ac.jp

 


KAI Japanese Language School

Description

Founded in 1987, KAI Japanese Language School is a highly reputable, immersive Japanese language school located in Tokyo, Japan. Since their foundation, they have attracted students from over 120 countries who find a fun and challenging learning experience at KAI. KAI Japanese Language school continuously strives to improve course materials, adopt and develop new learning methods and present their findings within the Japanese language learning community. We also value and protect diversity, discourage discrimination and support their students regarding health, continuing education and career guidance. Whether short-term or long-term, for fun or finding work in Japan, the staff and teachers at KAI welcome you and support your Japanese language learning needs!

Features

Located in Tokyo, and within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world, surrounded by great shopping, restaurants and entertainment. They are proud of their well-balanced international student body, always having students from over 40 nationalities at any moment, with more than half from Western countries. KAI  is accredited by IALC and Nisshinkyo (The Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education), as well as certified to meet the requirements of ISO 29991:2014. In 2015, KAI introduced the KAI DLS (Digital Learning System) using iPads and original digital teaching materials to provide classes with a focus on active learning. Thanks to their five years of experience in implementing a variety of digital education methods, They have been able to provide the same high quality education in online classes that they started due to the coronavirus, and this is what sets us apart from other schools by far.

Curriculum

KAI Japanese Language School offers both comprehensive Japanese language courses for long-term students and conversation-based Japanese language courses for short-term students year-round. KAI summer Japanese language courses include Grammar & Conversation, JLPT Preparation, and their Teen Program to give younger students (aged 13-17) an immersive Japanese language learning experience in Tokyo. Private Japanese language lessons are also available for both individuals and corporate clients. For those who are unable to come to Japan, KAI Japanese Language School offers an “Online Study Abroad” option, which allows you to take the general course online (by Zoom) from abroad. In addition to learning Japanese intensively from your home, you will also study in the same class as other students living in Japan, so you can simulate studying in Japan. Also, when you come to Japan, you can seamlessly continue your studies from the previous level of the online study abroad program.

Courses

The General Japanese Course is a comprehensive and intensive Japanese language course for students who wish to master the Japanese language. It includes a strong focus on learning kanji for students from countries which do not use them, digital learning with iPads and a balance of the four skills of language: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Advanced level students conduct community-based learning (CBL) through collaboration with local schools, libraries, universities and other institutions. Through CBL, students learn to communicate and interact with others in Japanese society, moving beyond the confines of a language classroom. They also have the opportunity to take the NBJ Business Japanese Program.

 

 

 

 

 


KAI Japanese Language School
Address: Miyuki Bldg., 1-15-18, Okubo, Shinjuku-ku
Tel: 03-3205-1356
Contact: admission@kaij.co.jp

 


UJS Language School


Description

Since its establishment in 1986 in Roppongi in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, students of all nationalities study in the same classroom surrounded by internationally famous icons, such as Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown. UJS considers speaking, reading, listening and writing the cornerstones of communication ability. To improve their students’ communication skills efficiently, UJS follows a well-balanced curriculum and teaching strategy at all times. Due to the development of global economics, student goals have become highly diversified.To maintain the high satisfaction of all students, UJS provides not only qualified Japanese education, but also individualized career support. UJS opens the door to all learners from all counties.

Features

UJS is a long-established language school in Tokyo. As a pioneer of Japanese language schools, UJS always has continuously tried new things, such as training Japanese language teachers and offering private lessons, as well as Japanese lessons for corporations. UJS possesses considerable knowledge and experience relating to Japanese language education. Although one of the largest schools in the Roppongi area, UJS takes special care in looking after its students. All UJS staff are enthusiastic and friendly, and always thinking about their students’ future goals. Additionally, UJS conducts school events, including field trips and speech contests. Through these events, students are able to learn Japanese culture and customs and build lasting relationships.

Curriculum

UJS bases its curriculum on its teaching philosophy. Developing global human resources for the real world is the school’s mission. Therefore, the curriculum is designed for proceeding to higher education and the real business world. Over the last 30 years, UJS has maintained the belief that the most important part of learning a new language is improving communication. To improve Japanese proficiency quickly and efficiently, UJS provides a well-balanced curriculum to improve the four pillars of communication: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Teaching not only Japanese knowledge, but also encouraging students to put their language skills to use in Japanese society. There are four entrance periods each year for long-term courses. Other courses are available year-round. You can study any course that matches your level.

Courses

Long-term courses are suitable for learners who aim for higher education or a career in Japanese. Students are able to enroll in April, July, October and January. The length of the study periods depends on admission periods. Classes are adapted to suit the needs of the students and cover various topics, including preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is often a requirement for Japanese universities and colleges. Many companies also look at JLPT scores when hiring non-Japanese employees. UJS also offers preparation courses for the EJU (Japanese University Entrance Exam), covering social studies, science and mathematics. Furthermore, UJS offers career development, as well as living assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

UJS Language Institute
Address: 3-3-29 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5545-6941

Contact: ujsli1986@ujsli.jp
You Tube Channel

 

 

Index
◆YU Language Academy (Okubo)
◆Akamonkai Japanese Language School (Nippori)
College of Business and Communication (Kawasaki)
KAI Japanese Language School (Shinjuku)
◆UJS Language Institute (Roppongi)