Learning Special
Metropolis

Learning Special

Get educated at some of Tokyo’s best institutions

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(Photo via 123RF)

Akamonkai
Nippori

Akamonkai
Akamonkai

Akamonkai Japanese Language School has two campuses and eight dormitories located around Nippori in Tokyo. Boasting approximately 1,300 students from over 45 countries, Akamonkai offers a wide range of classes for various levels. From special university prep classes to business employment classes and short-term courses, they help improve students’ Japanese skills in the most efficient way possible, regardless of goal or level. 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 student’s first day to the day they graduate. The caring faculty at Akamonkai is dedicated to helping all students achieve their Japanese goals, and 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 Class (1 year): ¥770,000
  • Business Employment Class (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. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm; closed Sat-Sun & hols. Nearest station: Nippori or Mikawashima. E-mail: info@akamonkai.ac.jpwww.akamonkai.ac.jp


ARC Academy
Various

ARC Academy
ARC Academy

ARC Academy was established in 1986, and offers Japanese lessons to students from more than 50 countries. Lessons are conducted entirely in Japanese, which might make some wonder how it’s possible for those who hardly know any Japanese—but they will soon realize that it’s not only effective, but also fun. The Intensive Course is designed to help people at any level learn Japanese systematically, focusing on speaking and listening. For those too busy to attend a regular course every day, or for those with particular requests, private lessons with an individualized curriculum are available. The schools are conveniently located in the center of Tokyo, and students from different backgrounds study with motivated teachers. In October 2015, the Shibuya school will relocate to an eight-storey building in Iidabashi, Bunkyo-ku, for a better study environment. Friendly teachers and staff await and welcome inquiries in person or by e-mail or telephone.

Courses

  • Study Abroad Course (Student visa obtainable)
  • Intensive Course (1 to 3 months or longer)
  • Private lessons with customized curriculums

Shinjuku branch: 7F Nishishinjuku K-1 Bldg., 7-2-6 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5348-7671 (Shinjuku), 03-3409-0391 (Shibuya). Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm; closed Sat, Sun & hols. Nearest station: Shibuya and Shinjuku. E-mail: shinjuku@arc.ac.jphttp://en.arc-academy.net


College of Business and Communication
Kawasaki

College of Business and Communication
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. 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 on long-distance JR tickets, and the school can help change visa statuses to college student visas. For details, please feel free to call or e-mail the friendly, multilingual staff.

Special offer

  • One free special kanji course
  • (8-10 classes, 50 min once a week)

Course

  • Three-month course: ¥197,500
    • 2015 Autumn semester: Oct 7-Dec 22
    • 2016 Winter semester: Jan 7-Mar 17

22-9 Ekimae-Honcho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Tel: 044-244-3200. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm. Nearest station: Kawasaki. E-mail: jpn@cbc.ac.jpwww.cbcjpn.jp/english


Evergreen Language
Yutenji

Evergreen Language School
Evergreen Language School

Evergreen Language School is located in the quiet residential area of Yutenji, just three stops from Shibuya on the Tōkyū Tōyoko 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 students 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 students for studies at a Japanese university, and courses that will prepare them for future career interviews. Friendly and professional teachers help build confidence while laying the groundwork for continued learning. Evergreen operates in Jiyugaoka on the Tōyoko Line and can even dispatch teachers to the student’s home or company—which means fewer excuses not to make 2015 the year to 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*
  • Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1, N2, N3, N4 Saturday course (2016 April term student visa registration open now)
    *Plus tax

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


Genki Japanese and Culture School
Shinjuku

Genki Japanese and Culture School
Genki Japanese and Culture School

GenkiJACS is a revolutionary Japanese language school. With locations in Tokyo and Fukuoka, they believe that one cannot fully understand the Japanese language without also understanding Japanese culture. Therefore, lessons focus not just on what to say, but on when, how, and why to say it. The lessons are adapted to the needs of each student, and are kept practical and interesting to give students the skills and confidence for success. A full schedule of events and activities, both at school and outside the classroom, lets students master what they learn in class. The experienced and friendly teachers and staff provide individual attention and care. These are the reasons so many people return to study again and again at Genki Japanese and Culture School! Join the fun!

Students must be 18 years or older.

Special offer

  • 6 weeks of study for the price of 5

Courses

  • Standard Japanese (basic course, 20 lessons/week): ¥32,500/week
  • Plus Conversation: + ¥8,500/week
  • Plus Traditional Culture: + ¥8,500/week
  • Plus Pop Culture: + ¥8,500/week

Hanazono Building 3F, Shinjuku 5-17-6, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-6457-3554. Nearest station: Shinjuku. E-mail: info@genkijacs.comwww.genkijacs.com

Check website for Fukuoka school information.


Kichijoji Language School
Kichijoji

Kichijoji Language School
Kichijoji Language School

Those who’d like to study Japanese in a truly fun, personalized, and dedicated environment need to look no further than Kichijoji Language School. Each day presents students with the opportunity to practice Japanese with friendly teachers and fellow classmates, making 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, the student has the ability to choose the course that’s just right for his or her 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 students’ 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
  • 10-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. E-mail: info@klschool.comwww.klschool.com


Kincarn International School
Kawasaki

Kincarn International School
Kincarn International School

Conveniently located between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kincarn International School is also close to Haneda and Chiba. 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. E-mail: info@kincarn.comwww.kincarn.com


Music Joy
Various

Music Joy
Music Joy

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Miyaji music school Music Joy offers a wide variety of lessons in either English or Japanese. Skillful and well-trained instructors provide encouraging guidance to everyone from adults to children. Courses vary from familiar instruments such as piano, violin, and guitar, to traditional Japanese ones such as wadaiko drums. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire musical experience and learn about Japanese culture. Students without instruments need not worry; Music Joy has instruments and studios for rent, so they may fully practice what’s learned in lessons. English-speaking staff will help select the best course for those interested. Beginning and advanced players welcome!

Courses

  • Piano, violin, cello, guitar, drums, Japanese drums “Wadaiko”, and more.

Locations

  • Ochanomizu, Iidabashi, Kanda, Shinjuku, and Shibuya

Ochanomizu: 1F Surugadai Bldg., 1-2-5, Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 0120-515-382. Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm; open for classes every day. Nearest station: Ochanomizu. E-mail: engdesk@miyajimusic.comwww.miyajimusic.com/school/en/


Shinjuku Japanese Language School
Shinjuku

Shinjuku Japanese Language School
Shinjuku Japanese Language School

Visualize your Japanese. With 40 years in Japanese language and cultural education, the government-approved Shinjuku Japanese Language School (SNG) provides students with 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 students’ 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, students can preview or review lessons anytime, anywhere! This modern learning approach joins traditional classroom methodology for a whole new experience in language acquisition. Textbook provided free for the first term.

Courses

  • Weekdays
  • Sundays
  • Evenings

2-9-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5273-0044. Weekdays, 9am-5pm, weekends, 9am-3pm. Nearest station: Takadanobaba or Nishi-Waseda. E-mail: jimu_sng_1975@sng.ac.jpwww.sng.ac.jp/english01


Tokyo Cook
Roppongi

Tokyo Cook
Tokyo Cook

Tokyo Cook is a Japanese cooking school located in Roppongi inside Restaurant Sougo, one of Tokyo’s premier shōjin restaurants. All cooking classes are conducted in English, and taught by professional chefs and food coordinators who are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing their knowledge of Japanese cuisine. Tokyo Cook offers a wide range of classes for all skill levels, covering everything from Japanese home cooking basics like okonomiyaki and oyakodon, to professional-grade traditional cuisines such as kaiseki ryōri and shōjin ryōri (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine). There’s something for everyone, as students can partake in the popular sake-tasting and food-pairing class, or learn to make soba noodles from scratch. After every class, students will get to enjoy that lesson’s dish along with complimentary drinks. Join Tokyo Cook to learn and experience the joys of Japanese cuisine first hand.

Special offer

  • ¥2,000 off first lesson (classes ¥8,640 and above).
  • Seventh class free with six-class package.

Roppongi Green Building 3F, 6-1-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5414-2727. Mon-Sat; see website for class schedule. Nearest station: Roppongi. E-mail: info@tokyo-cook.comwww.tokyo-cook.com


Unitas Japanese Language School
Shinjuku, Kofu

Unitas Japanese Language School
Unitas Japanese Language School

Founded in 1983 by the Teikyo University Group, Unitas Japanese Language School welcomes all levels of students for group classes (Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm or 1:30-4:30pm) and private lessons. The two locations in Tokyo and Kofu—in Yamanashi Prefecture, near Mt. Fuji—have highly competitive class fees, and students are sure to get exactly what they’re looking for! The one-year Tokyo student visa program is ¥680,000, while the Kofu student visa program is ¥600,000. Students from China, Vietnam, Korea, the United States, Finland, Indonesia, Thailand, Italy, Russia, and others fill the school. With more than 20 countries represented, students are sure to meet interesting people of all levels in the classes. For those who want to study Japanese in Japan, Unitas Japanese Language School is the place to do it!

Short-term Courses

  • 1 month: ¥53,500 (Shinjuku), ¥51,000 (Kofu)
  • 2 months: ¥102,000 (Shinjuku), ¥97,000 (Kofu)
  • 3 months: ¥150,500 (Shinjuku), ¥143,000 (Kofu)

Student Visa courses

  • 6 months: ¥390,000 (Shinjuku), ¥350,000 (Kofu)
  • 1 year: ¥680,000 (Shinjuku), ¥600,000 (Kofu)

Business course

  • Free entry fee
  • 1 month: ¥41,040 (Shinjuku & Kofu)

Tokyo Branch: 22 Sankyo Bldg 3F, 2-2-9 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5287-5636. Kofu Main Branch: 3-6-11 Marunouchi, Kofu, Yamanashi. Tel: 055-233-3835. E-mail: japanese-tokyo@unitas-ej.comwww.unitas-ej.com


YIEA Tokyo Academy
Asakusabashi

YIEA Tokyo Academy
YIEA Tokyo Academy

After years of having to turn away many applicants who wish to study at YIEA Tokyo Academy, the school has finally moved to a larger building in Asakusabashi. The new school is a 15-minute walk from Akihabara, one of the must-visit places in Tokyo. Because of this move, the school is now able to welcome more students who want to study Japanese. The curriculum maintains a more formal structure, with the majority of students striving for either the EJU or the JLPT levels N1 or N2. Anyone who wishes to systematically improve their overall Japanese skills should benefit from YIEA Tokyo Academy’s structure and careful instruction. Presently, students hail from more than a dozen countries, and the school boasts a very open and lively atmosphere. Strive for the best and join YIEA Tokyo Academy.

Special offer

  • Special offer available for students who are permanent residents, or hold a long-term visa.

Courses

  • Standard Japanese (student visa): 1-2 years: from ¥710,000
  • Standard Japanese (other visa): 2 weeks-1 term: from ¥58,000

2-20-5 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku. Tel: 03-5823-4596. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Nearest station: Asakusabashi. E-mail: info@yieatokyo.comhttp://yieatokyo.com/en/