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Tokyo Association of International Preschools

Greetings & Happy New Year to All,

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 and a great beginning to 2014.  We hope you found 2013 to be a productive and engaging year and that more innovative and exciting educational opportunities are planned for the New Year!

The 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.

In 2014, we will be bringing new elements to the organization broaden our horizons and be a more effective support network for the community.  Some of these elements include: a) informal “job-alike” sessions for teachers to exchange and discuss best practices; b) a dynamic TAIP website page of links to a variety of professional development videos and information aimed specifically at preschool education, along with archived and live streaming of our own conference presenters; and c) exploring our ability to extend future professional development opportunities to member schools outside the greater Tokyo area.

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

School Members

• 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
• Gregg International School
• Happy Days International School
• Hello Kids Myogadani
• 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 World International School
• Nishimachi International School
• New International School
• Ohana International School
• Poppins International Preschool
• Saint Maur International School
• Seisen International School
• Shikahama English Adventures International
• St. Albans Nursery
• Summerhill International School
• The Montessori School of Tokyo
• Tokyo International Kindercare
• Tokyo International School
• Tokyo YMCA International School
• Victory International Preschool
• Waseda International School
• Willowbrook International School

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Pottery Tokyo
Setagaya

Start off 2014 by unearthing your creativity. 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 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 can learn the philosophical elements of the art of pottery—an angle many have never before considered. Says one pupil:  “This experience changed my life in Tokyo. Now, I always think about my pottery projects even if I am in a coffee shop on a break from work—I draw on napkins! I love the moment when I touch clay with Eriko!”

Special offers

• One-hour private lessons only ¥3,900 until the end of February
• Free enrollment fee until the end of February

Courses

• Beginner group lessons: three two-hour lessons per month ¥9,000/month
• Private lessons (one hour): ¥6,300
• Materials for assignments: free
• Enrollment fee: ¥6,300

4-18-7 Sakurajosui, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 070-5424-1466. Email: soncho@pottery-tokyo.jp. Morning class: Wed & Thu 10am-noon; night class: Wed & Fri 7-9pm; weekend class: Sat 10am-noon & 2pm-4pm. Nearest station: Sakurajosui. www.pottery-tokyo.jp

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Bridgestone Museum of Art
Kyobashi

The Bridgestone Museum of Art, Ishibashi Foundation was opened in 1952 by Shojiro Ishibashi, the founder of the Bridgestone Corporation. The museum’s core collection features works by Impressionists, 20th century artists and modern Western-style paintings by Japanese artists. Its first exhibition for 2014 is “The Painters’ Eyes, The Sculptors’ Hands,” running January 18-April 13. The painter paints pictures, the sculptor creates sculptures, and some artists, such as Edgar Degas, find both sculpture and painting to be vital media for artistic expression. Viewing paintings and sculptures together makes the distinctive features of each stand out. One example is the 1889  “Monet-Rodin Exhibition at the Georges Petit Gallery,” where paintings by Claude Monet and sculptures by Auguste Rodin were exhibited side by side. Paintings and sculptures numbering 160 are the focus of this exhibition; all the works are from the collection of the Bridgestone Museum of Art.

Special offer

• Bring this issue of Metropolis and get ¥100 off entry fee for up to three people.
• The Painters’ Eyes, the Sculptors’ Hand. January 18-April 13. ¥500 (HS & univ)/  ¥800 (gen)

1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5777-8600. Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm; Fri 10am-8pm; entry until 30 minutes before closing, closed Mon. Nearest station: Tokyo. www.bridgestone-museum.gr.jp/en

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Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo
Marunouchi

The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo is one of the city’s newest important cultural institutions. The museum opened in the spring of 2010, a five-minute walk from Tokyo station. It holds three major exhibitions per year, focusing on late 19th-century and early 20th-century contemporary art. Its first exhibition for 2014 is “Art for Art’s Sake: The Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900,” running January 30-May 6. In late 19th-century Britain, avant-garde artists founded Aestheticism in search of what they called “the new beauty,” and their efforts developed into a major movement. This exhibition is the first of Aesthetic art created especially for a museum in Japan. It includes around 140 works featuring oil paintings, furniture and crafts, many on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The exhibition presents the world of ingenious beauty and pleasure created by the the Aesthetic artists.

Special offer

• Bring this issue of Metropolis and get ¥100 off entry fee for one person.
• Art for Art’s Sake: The Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900. January 30-May 6.
• ¥500 (elem & JHS)/ ¥1,000 (HS & univ)/ ¥1,600 (gen)

2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5405-8686. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; Fri 10am-8pm (10am-6pm if Friday is a hol), entry until 30 minutes before closing, closed Mon (open if Mon is a hol). Nearest station: Tokyo. http://mimt.jp

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Mitsui Memorial Museum
Nihonbashi

The Mitsui Memorial Museum has a close relationship with the Mitsui family, wealthy Edo period merchants and the Mitsui Group. In 2005, this museum opened at the Mitsui main building, an important cultural property. The Japanese and Oriental art has been collected for over 300 years—started by the Mitsui family during the Edo era—and contains many precious cultural objects of Japan’s heritage. The collection features tea utensils, paintings, calligraphy, swords, Noh masks, costumes and furniture. There are six items designated national treasures, 71 important cultural properties, four designated important art objects, 4,000 artworks and 130,000 stamps. The exhibition is not permanent—it’s only held five times a year, exhibiting items borrowed from other museums and private collectors as well as the museum’s own collection.

Special offer

• Bring this issue of Metropolis and get ¥100 off entry fee for one person
• Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family / An Elegant Setting: Dishes for Entertaining. February 7-April 6
• ¥500 (elem & univ)/¥1,000 (gen)

Mitsui Main Building 7F, Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-1-1, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5777-8600. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, entry until 30 minutes before closing, closed Mon except March 3. Nearest station: Mitsukoshimae. www.mitsui-museum.jp/english/english.html

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Akamonkai Japanese Language School
Nippori

Akamonkai Japanese Language School has two campuses and four dormitories around Nippori in Tokyo. The student body boasts approximately 1,200 students who come from over 30 different countries. Akamonkai offers a wide range of classes for various levels, from college prep courses to job hunting, business Japanese and short term courses, as well as internship programs—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 job hunting courses 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 are looking forward to meeting talented, global thinkers like yourself.

Courses

• Regular course (1-2 years): ¥670,000-1,280,000
• Three-month course: ¥120,000
• Business classes (1 year): ¥720,000
• All courses include textbook fees

6-39-12 Higashi Nippori, Arakawa-ku. Tel: 03-3806-6102. Email: info@akamonkai.ac.jp. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, closed Sat-Sun & hols. Nearest station: Nippori. www.akamonkai.ac.jp

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ARC Academy
Various areas

ARC Academy offers a spring program that not only includes Japanese lessons in the morning, but also afternoon and weekend activities, allowing learners to experience various aspects of Japanese culture. The program is held in centrally-located Shinjuku, which is easy to access from anywhere in Tokyo. For those who are simply interested in the language, the intensive course is available in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama, and has a flexible duration. If you’re new to the language, the ten-lesson  “First Japanese Course” teaches the minimum conversation skills required for life and getting around in Japan. Company training lessons use a custom-made curriculum to meet individual schedules and needs. Whether you are looking to develop your basic conversational skills or business terminology, ARC Academy offers the best results. Friendly teachers and staff welcome your inquiries by email, telephone or in person.

Courses

• Spring programs: ¥90,000/¥98,000 (2 weeks)
• Intensive course: ¥18,000-¥170,000 (4 days to 3 months)

7F Nishishinjuku K-1 Bldg, 7-2-6 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5348-7671; Shibuya, tel: 03-3409-0391; Yokohama, tel: 045-312-5759. Email: shinjuku@arc.ac.jp. Mon & Wed-Fri 10am-6:30pm, Tue 10am-7:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun & hols. Nearest station: Shinjuku. http://en.arc-academy.net

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Azabudai Japanese Language Course
Azabudai

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’s also on-site parking.

Special offer

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

Courses

• Daytime, evening and private course
• Entrance fee: ¥5,000
• Group lesson: ¥44,000 (120min x 20 lessons), ¥33,000 (90min x 20 lessons)
• Private lesson: ¥25,000 (60min x 10 lessons)
• Material fee: ¥4,000~¥5,000

1-9-8 Azabudai, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5563-2537. Email: azabudai@itf.or.jp. Open daily 10am-8pm; closed Wed & Sun. Nearest station: Kamiyacho. www.itf.or.jp/azabudai

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Cooori

Have you ever dreamed of mastering Japanese? Meet Cooori, a completely mobile, web-based Japanese learning app. With Cooori, every user gets their own unique and fully individualized learning experience. With every task you complete, you take another step in your personal learning journey. Cooori then uses that data to give you useful and well-timed challenges for incredibly effective learning. You can finally study without committing to a time or location as with traditional classes. You have the option to study in quick, five-minute bursts or longer sessions, and a variety of different tasks and activities will keep you engaged and motivated. With Cooori, there’s an easier and better way for you to learn Japanese. Take a few short seconds to sign up for a free trial and learn Japanese the smart way.

Services

• Learn Japanese online
• Mobile browser support
• Minna no Nihongo supported
• Genki supported
• JLPT learning materials

Email: wecare@cooori.com. www.cooori.com

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Ebisu Japanese Language School
Ebisu

Ebisu Japanese Language School hopes to change your impression of Japanese language study. Beginners can focus solely on developing natural-sounding daily conversational ability. By learning the difference between similar grammar points, intermediate students who lack confidence when speaking can eliminate their anxiety while continuing to develop syntax. Those with advanced skills can learn and practice business Japanese, job interview techniques and how to craft a proper Japanese resume. EJLS offers online lessons in Japan—and many other countries around the world—meaning you can learn anytime and anywhere. If you’re in a hurry, EJLS offers an intensive course including ten days of comprehensive private lessons over a two-week period. The teachers at Ebisu work together with students on individual learning plans, ensuring there’s no drop in motivation and that students are always on the path to language success.

Special offer

• Mention Metropolis and receive one free lesson

Courses

• Private courses: ¥3,800/50 min
• Intensive lessons: ¥3,800/90 min

4F Hiroo Stone Bldg, 1-3-17 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3441-4713. Email: ebisujls@aol.com. Open daily 8:30am-9pm. Nearest station: Ebisu. http://ebisu-jls.com

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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 64 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 two other campuses on the Toyoko line and can even dispatch teachers to your home, which means fewer excuses not to make 2014 the year you conquer the Japanese language!

Services

• Registration Fee: ¥10,000
• 2 days – a week – Tuition: ¥18,000
• 3 days – a week) – Tuition: ¥30,000
• Intensive course – Tuition: ¥60,000 (Tax not included)

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

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Human Academy Japanese Language School
Takadanobaba

Since the Human Academy Japanese Language School founded its Tokyo school in 1991, thousands of its graduates are using Japanese in their work and lives. The goal of HAJL is not just to teach Japanese, but also help individuals use their language skills to create a bright, new future. It’s the school’s mission to help  students attain the skills and tools necessary to navigate life in Japan—and what lies ahead. To achieve this, the school offers classes that are not only easy to understand, but also engaging enough that the students will feel involved rather than bored. Many of their successful graduates have gone on to pass the JLPT and enter universities, graduate and vocational schools. Why not join Human Academy in a voyage beyond basic Japanese?

Courses

• Regular Course (student visa available)
• Preparatory Course
• Practical Japanese Course
• JLPT N1-N4 Preparation Course
• Business Japanese Course
• Working Holiday Course

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

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Kichijoji Language School
Kichijoji

If you’d like to study Japanese in a truly fun, personalized and dedicated environment, then look no further than Kichijoji Language School. Everyday 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, the 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 questions or voice their comments freely.

Courses

• Enrollment fee, ¥15,750 (¥16,200 from April)
• Ten-week group course in January, April, July and October, ¥141, 750 (¥145,800 from April)
• Private course (please contact for prices)

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

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Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Japanese Language Institute
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 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 business people, corporate trainees, diplomats, family members of working expats, spouses of Japanese 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 (five days per week)
• Part-time program (one or two day per week, early mornings, evenings and Saturdays)
• Private lessons (custom-tailored)

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

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Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute
Shinjuku

With 39 years of experience, Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute provides a unique learning experience via the Ezoe method. Using differently shaped and colored grammar cards, which represent different parts of speech, students will learn to speak with confidence, construct complex sentences and understand both formal and informal conversations. The school has launched a new digital learning program allowing students to view grammar explanation and conversation video, and do all exercises online. They can also use the school’s smart device offline applications for grammar and vocabulary study to prepare in advance, review lessons and study anywhere, anytime. Students from more than 38 countries attend the school, and the common language is Japanese. There are opportunities to enjoy extracurricular activities such as a Mt. Fuji bus tour, Okutama hiking and a ski tour, among others. If you feel passionate about learning Japanese, why not start today?

Courses

• Full-time weekday courses, evening and Sundays classes
• Examination preparation classes (EJU and JLPT)
• Beginner to advanced levels
• Specialized courses: business, tourism and Japanese language teacher training

2-9-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5273-0044. Email: jimu_sng_1975@sng.ac.jp. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-3pm. Nearest station: Takadanobaba, Nishi-Waseda. www.sng.ac.jp/english

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TCC Japanese Institute
Nakano

TCC Japanese Institute is conveniently located in the center of Tokyo, just a one-minute walk from Araiyakushi-mae station on the Seibu Shinjuku line—just ten minutes from Shinjuku station. Classes are conducted in a homey, comfortable environment. Former and current students find the teaching style natural, considerate and friendly as well as effective. The regular course runs 9am-12:30pm and 1-4:30pm in four terms. New classes start in April, July, October and January. TCC offers short-term lessons (two weeks to three months) that are perfect for those on working holiday and tourists visas—and if you want to change those visas to “student” status, the school will happily provide the necessary support. TCC also offers private lessons, group lessons and corporate classes. Non-student visa holders can register and start whenever they want if their level fits an appropriate class.

Special Offers

• 3-month class lesson discount: ¥10,000 (one time use only)
• Student visa course: ¥100,000 enrollment fee exemption
• Free trial lesson

2F 5-28-4 Arai, Nakano-ku. Tel: 03-3388-6728. Email: tcc-ji@tcc-ji.com. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm. Nearest station: Araiyakushi-mae. www.tcc-ji.com

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Tokyo Central Japanese Language School
Shinjuku

Want to learn “real-life” Japanese with friends from 30 different countries? Established in 1988, the Tokyo Central Japanese Language School (TCJ) promotes cross-cultural communication through Japanese language study. Each year, students from over 30 countries come to the school to study, and over the past five years people from 80 countries have studied at the school. TCJ is a place where people with different values and opinions can communicate and cross-cultural friendships are formed. The Japanese Teacher Training Course is held at the same location,  providing opportunities to communicate with its Japanese students. The school is conveniently located just a one-minute walk from Shinjuku station. With several choices of courses and curricula designed to match a variety of needs, there’s no reason not to get in touch and arrange a trial lesson and level check—both of which are free.

Courses

• Daily course
• Short-term international course
• Business Japanese course
• JLPT special prep course
• Private lessons

1-17-1-7F Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3342-8001. Email: info@tcj-nihongo.com. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. Nearest station: Shinjuku. www.tcj-nihongo.com