“I really think so.” (Photo via 123RF)

Akamonkai
Nippori

Akamonkai Japanese Language School has two campuses and eight dormitories located around Nippori in Tokyo. Boasting approximately 1,200 students from over 45 different countries, Akamonkai offers a wide range of classes for various levels. From special university prep courses to business employment classes and short-term courses, no matter your goal or level they’ll help increase 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 from the day students enter school to the day they graduate. 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): ¥720,000-1,380,000
• Special University Advancement Prep Course
  (1 year): ¥770,000
• Business Employment Course (1 year): ¥770,000
• Short-Term (3 months) ¥150,000
• All courses include textbook fees

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

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Alpha Language Institute
Toranomon and Yokohama

Established in 1987, Alpha Language Institute is legendary for its direct method of teaching. Intensive group, one-on-one and Skype lessons are tailored to your particular needs, and all classes are taught by licensed teachers. For busy folks, the teacher can also visit your office or home. Two locations in Tokyo—Toranomon and Akasaka—provide convenient access, while the Yokohama school is situated in the beautiful neighboring bayside city. The school organizes three parties per year, providing plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle and practice your language skills. Choose Alpha now and take advantage of some fantastic limited-time offers. Group lessons cost less than ¥2,000 for 90 minutes. One of the best, most reasonable schools in Tokyo. Understanding Japanese will add richness to your life, and Alpha Language Institute can help you achieve this goal. Get in touch for your free trial lesson.

Special offer

• Free registration for Metropolis readers (a ¥10,800 value)

Course

• Group Intensive Course Mon-Fri, 10-11:30am or 1:30-3pm (¥36,720 for 20 lessons)

Toranomon: 22F Toranomon Kotohira Tower, 1-2-8 Toranomon, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3504-8080. Nearest station: Toranomon. alpha@alpha.ac.jp

Yokohama: 4F Yasda-1 Bldg, 2-21-8 Tsuruyacho, Yokohama. Tel: 045-316-8282. Nearest station: Yokohama. yokohama@alpha.ac.jp

www.alpha.ac.jp/japanese

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ARC Academy
Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama

Students from more than 40 countries study at ARC Academy, and lessons are held entirely in Japanese. You might wonder how this is possible when you hardly know any Japanese, but you’ll soon realize that it’s not only effective but also fun as you study with experienced teachers. The schools are conveniently located in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama, and offer various courses to meet students’ diverse objectives. The Intensive Course is designed to help people at any level learn Japanese systematically, focusing on speaking and listening. If you are too busy to attend a regular course every day, or if you have a particular request, private lessons with an individualized curriculum are available. Whether you are looking to develop basic conversational skills or business terminology, ARC Academy offers proven results. Friendly teachers and staff welcome your inquiries by email, telephone or in person.

Courses

• Intensive Course with flexible duration
• 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). Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, Sat, 10am-4pm, closed Sun & hol. Nearest station: Shibuya, Shinjuku or Yokohama. shibuya@arc.ac.jp. http://en.arc-academy.net

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College of Business and Communication
Kawasaki

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. Just a one-minute 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 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 commutation passes or discounts for long-distance JR tickets, and the school can help change your visa status to a college student visa. For details, please feel free to call or email the friendly, multilingual staff.

Special Offer

• Mention this ad for a free special kanji course
  (8-10 classes, 50 min once a week)

Courses

• Three-month course: ¥197,500
• 2015 spring semester: Apr 10-Jun 24
• 2015 summer semester: Jun 29-Sep 16

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

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Evergreen Language School
Yutenji

Evergreen Language School is located in the quiet residential area of Yutenji, just three stops from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko line. Established 66 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, lessons designed to prepare you for studies at a Japanese university and courses that will prepare you for future career interviews. 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 2015 the year you conquer the Japanese language!

Courses

• 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 July term student visa registration open now)

1-21-18 Yutenji, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3713-4958. Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm, Sat, 10am-6pm. Nearest station: Yutenji. info@evergreen.gr.jp. www.evergreen.gr.jp

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Human Academy
Takadanobaba

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. Tel: 03-5348-8951. Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm. Nearest station: Takadanobaba. tjp22@athuman.com. http://hajl.athuman.com/e/

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Kichijoji Language School
Kichijoji

If you’d like to study Japanese in a truly fun, personalized and dedicated environment, look no further than Kichijoji Language School. Each day, you’ll 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. With various course levels, advanced electives and private lessons, you have the ability to choose the course that’s just right for your needs. At KLS, group courses consist of eight classes, ranging from everyday conversation to academic and advanced-level communication. Private lessons 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 that encourages students to ask any question and 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. Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm, Sat, 9am-1pm. Nearest station: Kichijoji. info@klschool.com. www.klschool.com

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Kincarn International School
Kawasaki

Kincarn International School does more than simply educate its pupils; it aims to teach kids who will go on to secure peace on earth. The school’s calm and enriching environment is born of a reputation for dependability and stimulating education. The fun, age-appropriate and engaging curriculum prepares students aged 2 to 6 for entry into well-known international and private schools in the Kanto area. Kincarn combines a kindergarten, a nursery school, enrichment classes, after-school care, primary education, a multicultural exchange circle and an international school. Energetic, individually-focused, structured courses focus on international themes and teach kids to take initiative. Equal emphasis is placed on Japanese and English to help children become truly bilingual.

Courses

• Kindergarten
• Nursery school
• After school care
• Primary education
• Enrichment classes
• Multicultural exchange circle

37-1 Tsutsumine, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki. Tel: 044-233-3970. Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm (half-day program 9:30am-2pm, full-day program 8:30am-5:30pm). Nearest station: Kawasaki. info@kincarn.com. www.kincarn.com

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Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin
Yotsuya

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. 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 business people, 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 which is backed by the Foreign Ministry and broadcast on NHK. IEC is now accepting applicants for the contest (see JLI’s site for further details).

SPECIAL OFFERS

• Free level-check interview
• Free trial lesson

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. Mon-Thu, 9am-7:30pm, Fri, 9am-5pm. Nearest station: Yotsuya. jli-info@nichibei.ac.jp. www.nichibei.ac.jp/jli

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Shinjuku Japanese Language School
Shinjuku

Visualize your Japanese. Now with 40 years in Japanese language and cultural education, the government-approved Shinjuku Japanese Language School (SNG) provides students a unique learning experience through the Ezoe Method. Variously-shaped and colored cards represent the different parts of Japanese grammar, allowing students to speak confidently, construct complex sentences and understand formal-informal speech. Courses range from total beginner to advanced, with various specialized classes to suit your needs. SNG has also launched a new visual learning program: Visual Learning Japanese. With VLJ, grammar is explained easily through corresponding videos and online exercises. With additional access to SNG grammar and vocabulary applications, you can preview or review lessons anytime, anywhere! This modern learning approach joins traditional classroom methodology for a whole new experience in language acquisition. So why not visualize your Japanese with us!

Courses

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

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

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THIS Japanese Language School
Kichijoji

If you want to expand your life in Japan, try THIS Japanese Language School, offering two different ways to learn Japanese. In the General Study Course you’ll study with a textbook to strengthen your grammar, vocabulary and Kanji knowledge, building a firm foundation that can be applied to your everyday life. In the Task Challenge Course, on the other hand, you go around town together with a teacher or talk with Japanese guests invited to class. This helps you learn to handle city life and to express yourself in Japanese. They can also help you with job-hunting or any special needs through the Special Focus Course. School events are organized regularly, so you can try many different activities together with other people. Visit THIS Japanese Language School for more information and a free 40-minute trial lesson.

Special Offer

• Bring Metropolis and receive ¥2,000 off tuition

Course

• General Study Course
• Task Challenge Course
• Special Focus Course

#603 Park Villa Kichijoji, 1-30-1 Kichijoji-Minamicho, Musashino-shi. Tel: 0422-29-8365. Tue-Sun, 9am-8pm. Nearest station: Kichijoji. info@thisjls.com. www.thisjls.com.

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UNITAS Japanese Language School
Shinjuku

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

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

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Atelier Soka
Roppongi, Setagaya, Yoyogi-uehara

IKEBANA Class Tokyo. Ikebana is the art of traditional Japanese flower arrangement, but it isn’t just putting flowers in a vase. It’s a strong means of self-expression through plants, the creation of a living sculpture from your own ideas and emotions that reflects who you are. “When set in Ikebana, flowers cease to be just flowers. Flowers become human.” You can learn this through one-on-one lessons with Mika, a certified professional teacher who has been studying Ikebana for 26 years. There are 10 lesson days in a month at three locations: Setagaya, Yoyogi-uehara and Roppongi. Choose the day, time and location that’s best for you. All tools are available in the classroom. Just bring yourself! Trial lesson costs just ¥4,000 and includes all flower materials. Certificates and diplomas are issued after completing the curriculum. Why not give this fantastic experience a try?

Special Offer

• Take a trial lesson for just ¥4,000
  (includes all flower materials)

Services

• One lesson takes about 60-90 min
• No admission fee
• ¥4,500 per lesson (includes all flower materials)

Setagaya: 5-17-16-105, Kinuta, Setagaya-ku. Nearest station: Soshigya-okura. Yoyogi-uehara: 1-25-7, Uehara, Shibuya-ku. Nearest station: Yoyogi-uehara. Roppongi: 4F 5-3-2, Roppongi, Minato-ku. Nearest station: Roppongi. Tel: 080-5099-4461. smile@mika-otani.com. www.atelier-soka.com/english

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Hisui Tokyo
Ginza

Hisui Tokyo provides the chance to learn and experience true Japanese culture firsthand in the heart of Ginza. Under the supervision of highly-skilled specialists, students can learn the traditional arts of waso (kimono), shodo (calligraphy), sado (tea ceremony) and batto (sword). The school offers both Experience Days for those who would like a taste, as well as annual and monthly memberships with a full curriculum for the serious learner. In particular, Hisui Tokyo offers an authentic batto course using real swords, giving comprehensive instruction in the art of swordsmanship. Unlike some other schools, Hisui Tokyo allows students the opportunity to not only draw, but actually cut. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to explore your spirituality or simply want to relieve stress, anyone and everyone is welcome regardless of experience. Enjoy complete, professional, friendly instruction at Hisui.

Experience Days

• ¥10,000 (1 art form)
• ¥15,000 (2 art forms)
• ¥18,000 (3 art forms)
• ¥20,000 (All 4 art forms)

Annual membership

• ¥15,000 enrollment fee
• ¥10,000 annual membership fee
• Starting from ¥3,990 per 90-min lesson

Monthly membership

• ¥15,000 enrollment fee
• ¥10,000 monthly membership fee
• Starting from ¥2,000 per 90-min lesson

Koizumi Building 5F, Ginza 4-3-13, Chuo-ku. Tel: 0120-666-107. Nearest station: Ginza. http://hisui-tokyo.com

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Music Joy Iidabashi
Iidabashi

“If I can freely play the sounds of the piano …” “If I can enjoy playing the violin …”
If you have such wishes, this is the music class to grant them. Skillful instructors will provide you with complete individual guidance in English, taking advantage of performance experience from overseas. Lesson rooms are fully soundproofed and instruments are neatly tuned. From beginners to experts, Miyaji Musical Instruments MUSIC JOY IIDABASHI has lessons that are enjoyable and satisfying for everyone. Piano and violin courses both include 40 lessons per year, and you can choose from either 30-minute or 45-minute sessions. Make 2015 the year you become a musical master!

Piano Course

• Monthly Fee: From ¥15,390 for 45-min lessons, from ¥10,800 for 30-min lessons
• Admission Fee: ¥10,800

Violin Course

• Monthly Fee: From ¥17,010 for 45-min lessons, from ¥11,880 for 30-min lessons
• Admission Fee: ¥10,800

Special Offers

Get a free Miyaji Instruments “Mois Card” when you register! http://roommist.jp/item/moiscard.php

1F Sakura Terrace, Iidabashi Grand Bloom, 2-10-2 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-6261-5455, Fax: 03-6261-5466. Nearest station: Iidabashi. iidabashi@miyajimusic.com. www.miyajimusic.com/school/iidabashi