Brain Train

September 4, 2014

Brain Train

From language learning to sculpting pottery, these specialists will get you to the top in style!

By

A staff member smiling at the counter

Credit: maroke via iStock

Akamonkai Japanese Language School

Akamonkai Japanese Language School has two campuses and eight dormitories around Nippori in Tokyo. It boasts approximately 1,200 students who come from over 40 different countries. Akamonkai offers a wide range of classes for various levels, from college prep courses to business employment classes and short term courses—so no matter what your goal or level, they’ll help raise your Japanese ability in the most efficient way possible. In recent years, the college prep and business employment classes have developed into a specialized and customized curriculum that adapts to each student’s changing needs. Full support is provided for students from the day they enter school to the day of their graduation. The caring faculty at Akamonkai is dedicated to helping all students achieve their Japanese goals, and they look forward to meeting talented, global thinkers just like you!

Courses

  • General Course (1-2 years): ¥670,000-1,280,000
  • College Prep Course (1-2 years):
  • ¥720,000-1,380,000
  • Special University Advancement Prep Course
  • (1 year): ¥720,000
  • Business Employment Course (1 yr): ¥720,000
  • Short-Term and Auditing Course (3 months) ¥150,000
  • *All courses include textbook fees

6-39-12 Higashi Nippori, Arakawa-ku. Tel: 03-3806-6102. info@akamonkai.ac.jp. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, closed Sat-Sun & hols. Nearest station: Nippori. www.akamonkai.ac.jp

Arc Academy

ARC Academy, located in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama, was established in 1986 and offers various courses to meet students’s diverse objectives. The Intensive Course is designed to help people at any level learn Japanese systematically, focusing on speaking and listening. A cultural excursion is included each term, and afternoon activities are organized so that you can learn different aspects of Japanese culture. The course is available in flexible durations as brief as four days through to months and years. If you’re too busy to attend a regular course every day, or if you have a particular request for your lesson, private lessons are also available, and an individualized curriculum will be made according to your needs. Whether you’re looking to develop your basic conversational skills or business terminology, ARC Academy promises the best results. Friendly teachers and staff welcome your inquiries by email, telephone or in person.

Courses

  • Intensive Course: ¥18,000-170,000 (4 days-3 mos)
  • Private Lessons with a customized curriculum

2-14-7 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3409-0391 (Shibuya) / 03-5348-7671 (Shinjuku) / 045-312-5759 (Yokohama).shibuya@arc.ac.jp. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun & hol. Shibuya, Shinjuku or Yokohama. http://en.arc-academy.net

Azabudai Japanese

Azabudai Japanese Language Course offers practical lessons based on real-life situations to help students acquire communicative knowledge of Japanese, rather than just grammatical structures. Because an ability to use new language skills helps students experience the excitement of learning, class activities are based on developing oral proficiency. And because learners know their mistakes will be corrected, they gain the confidence to speak freely and naturally. Beginner students at Azabudai are given a three-month starter course that introduces hiragana, katakana and simple sentences. Azabudai Japanese Language Course was established in 1982, and students come from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. Lessons are conducted in large classrooms in a relaxed atmosphere. The school is located just six minutes from Kamiyacho station and ten minutes from Akabanebashi, Azabu Juban or Roppongi-itchome stations. For those with a car, there is also on-site parking.

Special offer

  • Free 30-min private mini-lesson (appointment necessary)

Services

  • Daytime, evening and private course
  • Registration fee: ¥5,000
  • Group lessons: ¥44,000 (120min x 20 lessons)/¥33,000 (90min x 20 lessons)
  • Private lessons: ¥25,000 (60min x 10 lessons)
  • Materials fee: ¥4,000-5,000

1-9-8 Azabudai, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5563-2537. azabudai@itf.or.jp. Open Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat 10am-8pm. Kamiyacho. www.itf.or.jp/azabudai

College of Business and Communication

College of Business and Communication (CBC) is a prestigious vocational school renowned as a pioneer in language and business studies. Thousands of its graduates have gone on to success both in Japan and internationally. Located just one minute’s walk from Keikyu Kawasaki station, the location is perfect for international students traveling to and from work or home. CBC’s curriculum is designed to balance and improve students’s reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Those at an intermediate level or higher can take courses to prepare for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 and N2, as well as courses in useful business Japanese. CBC also provides special kanji classes. Three-month and six-month courses are held for 22 hours a week. Students taking long-term courses receive commuting passes or discounts for long-distance JR tickets, and the school can help change your visa status to a study-abroad student visa. For details, please feel free to call or email the friendly, multilingual staff.

Special offer

  • Mention this ad to sign up for a free special kanji class (50-min class once a week)

Courses

  • Three-month course: ¥185,000
  • 2014 fall semester: Oct 7-Dec 19
  • 2015 winter semester: Jan 8-Mar 20

22-9 Ekimae-Honcho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Tel: 044-244-3200. jpn@cbc.ac.jp. Nearest station: Kawasaki. www.cbcjpn.jp/english

Evergreen

Evergreen Language School is located in the quiet residential area of Yutenji, just three stops from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko line. Established 65 years ago, the school has seen more than 50,000 students from around the globe pass through its classrooms. Evergreen strives to create effective, enjoyable classes to help students learn both the language and culture of Japan. Private lessons allow you to choose special materials, and group classes offer the opportunity to learn Japanese while meeting people from all over the world. Evergreen also has an intensive kanji course as well as lessons designed to prepare you for studies at a Japanese university. Friendly and professional teachers help you build confidence while laying the groundwork for continued learning. Evergreen operates in Jiyugaoka on the Toyoko line and can even dispatch teachers to your home or company, which means fewer excuses not to make 2014 the year you conquer the Japanese language!

Services

  • Registration fee: ¥10,000
  • Tuition (2 days/week): ¥18,000
  • Tuition (3 days/week): ¥30,000
  • Tuition (intensive course): ¥60,000
  • *Plus tax
  • Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
  • N1, N2, N3, N4 Saturday course
  • 2015 April term student visa registration open now!

1-21-18 Yutenji, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3713-4958. info@evergreen.gr.jp. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm.Yutenji. www.evergreen.gr.jp

Human Academy

Since the Human Academy Japanese Language School founded its Tokyo classroom in 1991, thousands of its graduates have gone on to use Japanese in their work and daily lives. The goal of HAJL is not only to teach Japanese, but also to help individuals use their language skills to create a bright, new future for themselves. It’s the school’s mission to help students attain the skills and tools necessary to navigate life in Japan—and beyond. With this in mind, HAJL offers classes that are not only easy to understand, but also engaging in a way that encourages involvement rather than generating boredom in the classroom. Many of the school’s successful graduates have gone on to pass the JLPT and enter universities as well as graduate and vocational schools. So why not join Human Academy and start your own voyage beyond basic Japanese?

Special offer

  • Free level check

Courses

  • Regular course (student visa available)
  • Preparatory course
  • Practical Japanese course
  • JLPT N1-N4 preparation courses
  • Business Japanese course
  • Short-term intensive course

7F Waseda Yobiko Bldg, 4-9-9 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. 03-5348-8951. tjp22@athuman.com. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. http://hajl.athuman.com/e/

Ivy International Language School

Ivy International Language School is a top-tier language school specializing in high-level Japanese, Chinese, French and English classes. Our professionals are experienced in developing curricula for the various needs of our students, including improving business conversation and writing, examination preparation or simply regular practice. We can either provide you with one of our existing lesson plans, which have helped many of our students improve their Japanese and pass JLPT examinations in the past, or work together to customize something that fits you. We also tutor students going to international schools and help support expatriate children. Our one-hour or 40-minute sessions can be scheduled at a time that’s convenient for you at our Roppongi branch, Takanawa branch, or even in the convenience of your home—and the Tuesday-morning English yoga class at our Takanawa school is also popular. For students with busy lives and careers, Ivy International is the best choice.

Special offer

  • Free registration until September 30

Courses

  • Registration fee: ¥15,000
  • Private lesson: ¥3,500 (40 min)/¥5,000 (1 hr)
  • Group lesson: ¥10,000 (4 times/month) *Plus tax

Roppongi: 6F New Azabu Bldg, 4-1-18 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Nearest station: Roppongi or Roppongi-itchome.

Takanawa: 3-2-4-201 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Takanawadai. Nearest station: Shirokane Takanawa or Shinagawa.

Tel:03-3446-3787. takanawa.ivy@gmail.com. Open Mon-Sat 9am-10pm; ask for available hours Sun & hols. www.ivy-english.jp

Kichijoji Language

If you’d like to study Japanese in a truly fun, personalized and dedicated environment, then look no further than Kichijoji Language School. Every day in class you have the opportunity to practice Japanese with friendly teachers and fellow classmates, making your language study enjoyable and exciting. With a solid curriculum and highly experienced teachers, Kichijoji Language School strives to support each student’s individual learning style. And with various course levels, advanced electives and private lessons, you have the ability to choose whichever course is right for your needs. At KLS, group courses consist of eight classes ranging from everyday conversation to academic and advanced-level communication. Private lessons will help clarify points learned in class, and are tailored to your particular needs and interests. Enjoy learning Japanese at a school known for its cozy “at-home” atmosphere—one that encourages students to ask any question or voice their comments freely.

Courses

  • Registration fee: ¥16,200
  • Ten-week group course in January, April, July and October: ¥145,800
  • Private courses: Please contact for prices

701 Valore Bldg, 2-3-15 Kichijoji Minami-cho, Musashino-shi. Tel: 0422-47-7390. info@klschool.com. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm. Nearest station: Kichijoji. www.klschool.com

Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin

If you’re keen on studying practical or business Japanese, Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Japanese Language Institute (JLI) is the place to be. At the basic level, you’ll practice intensive drills for practical conversation skills. At the intermediate and advanced levels, more sophisticated conversation and speech drills are an essential part of the program. Newspaper articles, TV news and JLPT preparation—as well as Japanese corporate-culture studies—are also covered. Students include businesspeople, corporate trainees, diplomats, family members of working expats, spouses of Japanese nationals and more, all with various cultural backgrounds. Founded in 1967 by the International Education Center (IEC), JLI is conveniently located in central Tokyo, a three-minute walk from Yotsuya station. In addition to Japanese lessons, IEC provides a variety of international exchanges such as the International Speech Contest in Japanese broadcast on NHK. Everyone is welcome to sit and observe classes.

Courses

  • Regular program (5 days/week)
  • Part-time program (1 or 2 days/week, early mornings, mid-mornings, evenings and Saturdays)
  • Private lessons (custom-tailored)

1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3359-9600. jli-info@nichibei.ac.jp. Open Mon-Thu 9am-7:30pm, Fri 9am-5pm. Nearest station: Yotsuya. www.nichibei.ac.jp/jli

Pottery Tokyo

Fancy getting your hands dirty and enriching your life with a new hobby? Then it’s time to enroll in pottery school. Instructor Eriko Kuroda’s lessons aren’t just about molding clay—the whole process is fun and relaxing. You’ll be surprised by her knowledge of Japanese history, culture and traditions. She believes students should also learn the philosophical elements of the art of pottery—an angle many seldom consider. As one pupil says, “This experience changed my life in Tokyo. Now I always think about my pottery projects even if I’m in a coffee shop on a break from work—I draw on napkins! I love the moment when I touch clay with Eriko!”

Special offer

  • Beginner one-on-one lessons (1 hr) only ¥3,900 until the end of September

Services

  • Registration fee: ¥6,600
  • Beginner group lessons (three 2-hr lessons/mth): ¥9,500/mth
  • One-on-one lessons (1 hr): ¥5,400

4-18-7 Sakurajosui, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 070-5424-146. soncho@pottery-tokyo.jp

Group lesson: Wed-Fri 7:10-9:10pm; Thu 10am-noon; Sat 9-11am, 11:10am-1:10pm. One-on-one lesson: please ask. Nearest station: Sakurajosui (Keio line). www.pottery-tokyo.jp

Shinjuku Japanese Language School

Approaching 40 years of educational experience, SNG provides its students with a unique learning experience through the Ezoe Method. Differently shaped and colored cards represent the different parts of speech, enabling students to speak with confidence, construct complex sentences and understand formal and informal conversation. Our programs range from total beginner to advanced levels, with various specialized courses and class times to suit your needs. SNG has also launched a new digital learning program: Visual Learning Japanese. Grammar is explained with help from corresponding videos and online exercises using the Ezoe Method. With additional access to SNG grammar and vocabulary study applications, you can preview or review lessons and study anytime and anywhere! This novel teaching technique, combined with our traditional classroom methodology, creates a whole new experience in language acquisition.

Courses

  • Weekdays
  • Sundays
  • Evenings
  • Textbook provided free for the first term

2-9-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5273-0044. jimu_sng_1975@sng.ac.jp. Open weekdays 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-3pm. Nearest station: Takadanobaba or Nishi-Waseda. www.sng.ac.jp/english

Tokyo Academics

Tokyo Academics is a private tutoring group whose tutors come from top global universities such as Harvard, Princeton, Oxford, Stanford, UPenn, Cornell and UC Berkeley. We aim to help students in Japan who want to enter American universities by providing SAT, ACT, SSAT and ISEE tutoring and admission consulting services. Our tutors have been teaching for more than ten years (including more than six years in the U.S.) and our extensive collection of teaching materials includes more than 60 different practice tests. Aside from our numerous resources and thorough teaching experience, our tutors have all gone through a rigorous selection process to ensure that we are not only qualified to teach but also pleasant to learn with. For the past few years in Tokyo, we have been consistently assisting students in getting into their school of choice, including Harvard, Yale, Brown, NYU, Amherst, UC Berkeley, Phillips Academy Andover and Exeter, among others.

Special offer

Bring a copy of the Sep 5-18th issue of Metropolis and receive ¥10,000 off any one service or class.

Courses

  • Free trial lesson
  • Sunday SAT classes: ¥48,000/4-week class
  • SAT/ACT, SSAT/ISEE tutoring: ¥10,000/hr
  • Other tutoring subjects: ¥6,000-8,000/hr

4F, 4-5-48 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 050-5891-9076. info@tokyoacademics.com. Open 9am-9pm daily. Nearest station: Hiroo. www.tokyoacademics.com

Tokyo Association of International Preschools

Greetings,

The Tokyo Association of International Preschools (TAIP) would like to take this opportunity to wish all preschool students, families and educators in the greater Tokyo area and Japan a warm welcome. We hope the summer months have proven to be productive and engaging, and that more innovative and exciting educational opportunities are planned for your school year.

TAIP is honored to be serving the preschool community here in Tokyo! We are looking forward to extending our continued support, professional development, public relations and networking opportunities to our member schools. We are excited to provide our community with various workshops for preschool teachers throughout the year. We will also continue to organize tours of international schools aimed at providing preschool/kindergarten directors a chance to visit and develop valuable connections within the international school community. Additionally, we will continue to offer other valuable elements for members, including informal “job-alike” sessions for teachers to exchange and discuss best practices; a dynamic TAIP website page of links to a variety of professional development videos and information aimed specifically at preschool education; and archived and live streaming of our own conference presenters.

TAIP will continue to develop the association in the best interests of supporting international preschool education. We are always open to suggestions from member schools, and anyone interested in working more closely with the association as a member of our board of directors!  Please feel free to visit our website and contact us directly.

Warm regards,

Kevin Maxfield

President / TAIP

Member Schools

  • ABC International School
  • Aoba Japan International School
  • ASIJ ELC
  • Ayla International School
  • The British School in Tokyo
  • Canadian International School
  • Central Forest International School
  • Chateau School
  • Columbia International School
  • EtonHouse International Preschool
  • Gregg International School
  • Happy Days International School
  • Hello Kids Myogadani
  • Honey Tree Tots Cooperative Preschool
  • Horizon Japan International School
  • International School of the Sacred Heart
  • Jingumae International Exchange School
  • Joy to the World American International
  • J’s International School
  • Kailua International School
  • K. International School Tokyo
  • Keiki Intercultural Preschool
  • Kincarn International School
  • Komazawa Park International School
  • Kunitachi Kids International School
  • Learning Tree
  • Makuhari International School
  • Mitsui Gardens International Preschool
  • New International School
  • New World International School
  • Nishimachi International School
  • Ohana International School
  • Orange International Preschool
  • Poppins International Preschool
  • Seisen International School
  • Shikahama English Adventures International
  • Saint Alban’s Nursery
  • Summerhill International School
  • The Montessori School of Tokyo
  • Tokyo International Kindercare
  • Tokyo International School
  • Tokyo YMCA International School
  • Waseda International School
  • Willowbrook International School
  • Yoyogi International School

Associate Members

  • Cezars Kitchen K.K.
  • International Society of Educational and Cultural Exchange
  • Keyshots.com/East-West Photography
  • National Geographic Learning
  • Organization of Bilingual Parenting
  • RACH Inc.
  • RIC Publications
  • Scholastic Japan
  • Tokyo Bees
  • Tokyo CPR & First Aid
  • Yanagi Educational Group

http://tokyopreschools.org/

Unitas

Founded in 1983 by the Teikyo University Group, Unitas Japanese Language School is just a ten-minute walk from Shin-Okubo station or a three-minute walk from Higashi-Shinjuku station. All levels of students are welcome, from beginner to advanced, for group classes (Mon-Fri 9am-12:30pm or 1:30-4:30pm) and private lessons. Be sure to get exactly what you’re looking for! Unitas also has highly competitive class fees: group lessons start from just ¥41,080 per month. A student visa course is available for ¥380,000.

For prospective students from Spain:

Si estas con visado de turista y decides quedarte a estudiar, se pueden realizar los tramites del cambio de visa sin necesidad de regresar a tu pais. Si tienes cualquier duda, no dudes en preguntar, te asesoraremos en todo lo que necesites.

Special offer

Say you saw this ad in Metropolis and get free registration

Courses

  • Registration fee: ¥10,800
  • Group lessons: From ¥41,080/month
  • (Course materials fee not included)
  • Private lessons: From ¥3,402/hr
  • Student visa course: ¥380,000/6 months or ¥660,000/1 year

3F, 22 Sankyo Bldg, 2-2-9 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5287-5636. Japanese-tokyo@unitas-ej.com. Nearest stations:Shin-Okubo or Higashi-Shinjuku. www.unitas-ej.com