Language schools are schools where you can learn a foreign language. Japanese language schools in Japan provide an excellent opportunity for you to earn academic credits for college, experience the Japanese culture, do something life-changing for a gap year, or improve your resume with language skills.
Japanese is the sole language of the country spoken by its 128 million natives. Although it has shown a connection with the Ryukyuan languages, its origin is still uncertain. However, one sure thing is the Japanese language is one of the most challenging languages to master. So if you’re wondering why you must attend a Japanese language school in Japan, you have your answer.
(Fun fact: Japanese is the 9th most spoken language worldwide but the 3rd largest language on the Internet)
Japanese language schools in Japan run school terms that start in January, April, July, and October every year. These schools use topics like vocabulary, grammar, kanji, reading, writing, listening, and speaking to improve your language proficiency. Your length of study depends on what you want to achieve, but fluency in Japanese is attained after 18 months to 2 yrs of study.
(Fun fact: you need to know about 10,000 words to be fluent in Japanese)
These schools offer different courses based on your primary reason for studying Japanese. The courses include general language study, cultural classes, preparation for the Japanese language proficiency test to enter university, business classes, and private lessons.
The cost of learning in a Japanese language school in Japan varies between 200,000 ($1,838) to 300,000 ($2,758) YEN for three months. Most schools charge a registration fee of about 5,000 ($45) to 20,000 ($184) YEN, and for long-term programs, an insurance fee of 10,000 ($92) YEN per year. An extra 20,000 ($184) is charged if a visa application process is involved.
Table of contents
- About Japan
- What’s the origin of the Japanese language?
- How many Japanese words must be learned to become functional in the language?
- Is the Japanese language tough to master?
- 10 Best Japanese Language Schools In Japan In 2024
- 1. Genki Japanese and Culture school (GenkiJACS)
- 2. International Study Institute (ISI) Language School.
- 3. JaLS Group.
- 4. Japanese Language Institute of Sapporo (JLI)
- 5. The JCLI Schools
- 6. Nichibei Kauwa Gakun Japanese Language Institute
- 7. Kai Japanese Language School
- 8. Shinwa Foreign Language Academy
- 9. KCP International Japanese Language School
- 10. Sendagaya Japanese Institute
- REFERENCES
About Japan
Japan has over 100 million people living in it, and it remains the only language that is officially recognized. Therefore, for one to enjoy his or her stay in Japan, for whatever reason that brought him or her there, one would need to pick up a little Japanese.
It’s no news that Japan has one of the richest cultures in the world and is the biggest city with robust nightlife.
The capital of Japan and the largest city in the world, Tokyo is the place to be if you love the big city life. There is always something to do, incredible festivals, museums to visit, and plenty of places to eat and drink (great for practicing your Japanese and meeting new people!). And for such a large metropolis, many areas can feel surprisingly quiet and tranquil.
Its world-class public transport system will take you anywhere you want to go in the city, from the dazzling lights of Shinjuku to the serene mountain ranges in Okutama. Or, go a bit farther afield and make day trips to the famous Mt Fuji, Hakone’s hot springs, or Nikko’s sacred temples.
The possibilities for experiencing Japanese life, culture, entertainment, history, travel, and food are limitless when you live in Tokyo.
Tokyo is also home to our most extensive selection of Japanese language schools, so you’re bound to find one that fits your needs and goals.
You’ll find opportunities to work part-time while studying. Once you’re finished with language school, you’ll be well-positioned to continue with higher education or find full-time employment in Japan.
What’s the origin of the Japanese language?
Lots of stories have been told about the Japanese language’s origin. Some think it has roots in Korea because of the similar grammar. However, Korean vocabulary is quite different from Japanese.
And while Polynesian languages can sound superficially similar to Japanese, and some believe Polynesians settled on the archipelago long ago, the theory of a linguistic connection has been discredited.
Others have postulated a connection with Tibetan, modern-day Myanmar, or even Tamil.
Only the Ryukyuan languages have a demonstrable connection to Japanese. Together they form the Japonic language family.
How many Japanese words must be learned to become functional in the language?
According to a National Institute for Japanese Language survey, contemporary Japanese magazines use about 30,000 words, but 90 percent of sentences are constructed from a pool of just 10,000.
The figure is much more prominent than in English and Spanish, each requiring knowledge of about 3,000 words. French requires only about 2,000 words, according to Kotobano Chishiki Hyakka (the Encyclopedia of Words), published in 1995.
The encyclopedia also explains that Japanese has a relatively large vocabulary because it has adopted many foreign words to create neologisms.
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Is the Japanese language tough to master?
A lot of people think that Japanese is a complicated language to master, with a whole lot of reasons to back it up.
However, contrary to these popular opinions, linguists agree that spoken Japanese is relatively easy to master compared with other languages, partly because it has only five vowels and 13 consonants. On the other hand, English has 12 vowels and 24 consonants.
According to professor Machida, Japanese verbs follow regular rules of conjugation with few exceptions, unlike English, Russian, and Greek.
“Overall, it can be concluded that Japanese is a language relatively easy to master once (learners) acquire rules because there aren’t that many exceptions,” Machida wrote in his book “Gengo Sekai Chizu” (“World Map of Languages”), published in May.
It is Japanese in its written form that presents the most difficulties.
10 Best Japanese Language Schools In Japan In 2024
Here’s our list of Japanese language schools…
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1. Genki Japanese and Culture school (GenkiJACS)
This is an internationally acclaimed Japanese language school. It is considered one of the best language schools in all of Japan. It was nominated annually from 2009 to 2018 as one of the world’s top language schools and won in 2016, 2018, and 2019.
GenkiJACS is one of the few Japanese language schools in the world accredited by the International Association of Language Cent.
This GenkiJACS has three schools in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, Japan.
GenkiJACS Tokyo was founded in 2013 and is located in the heart of Shinjuku, Japan’s most exciting place. It is known to have small classes with a maximum of eight students.
GenkiJACS Fukuoka has by far the smallest group of classes compared to all accredited Japanese schools in Japan and is close to Hakata station. GenkiJACS Kyoto is the newest addition to the Genki group.
2. International Study Institute (ISI) Language School.
ISI Group Language school is one of Japan’s most prominent Japanese language schools. Under the group are four language schools located in different areas of Japan. The first ISI language school was founded in UEDA City, Nagano, a prefecture, in 1992.
The second and third schools are in Takadanobab, founded in 2006, and Ikebukuro, founded in 2002, in Tokyo, Japan. A new center was opened in Kyoto, Japan, making it the fourth school under the ISI group.
ISI Nagano: This center is perfect for you if you feel more comfortable in a small town surrounded by rich nature and history. There are also plenty of job opportunities in Nagano, especially if you’re on a student visa. The school also assists in finding you a job.
ISI Ikebukuro: This is located in one of the busiest areas in Tokyo and is, therefore, great if you want to enjoy the big city but study in a small school.
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3. JaLS Group.
Under the JaLS Group are two language schools, the Hokkaido Japanese Language school located in Sapporo, and the Kyoto Japanese language school located in Kyoto, japan
Hokkaido JLS, founded in 2012, offers seasonal courses, six weeks at a time, and features small classes. Kyoto JLS, founded in 2018, offers courses all year round and allows you to attend three social activities per week.
Both Schools by location allow for easy access to popular tourist attractions.
4. Japanese Language Institute of Sapporo (JLI)
JLI Sapporo is one of the oldest language schools in Japan, with over 30 years of experience teaching Japanese as a foreign language. It was founded in 1986 on the North Island of Hokkaido, Japan.
The school has good transport links close by and is there fabulous if you plan to explore the city.
Short-term courses and Long term courses are available, as well as a 3-week intensive course for the summer months.
5. The JCLI Schools
This school was founded in the year 1980 in Tokyo, Japan. Its exact location is North of Tokyo in the Kita City District. An interesting thing about this school is that it is located near many train lines: it is right next to Ojikamiya station, 11 mins away from Utena station, and 14 mins away from the cultural center, Akihabara.
JCLI offers short-term Japanese classes ranging from a couple of weeks to a couple of months all year round. They also offer you housing assistance, support, and guidance throughout the school. Classes are held only in Japanese.
6. Nichibei Kauwa Gakun Japanese Language Institute
This school focuses on Japanese conversation skills for both business and daily situations. It is located in Tokyo’s center at Yotsuya in Shinjuku city and was founded in 1967. The school offers regular part-time and private lesson programs.
If you’re looking for the ultimate flexibility in Language and Learning, Nichibei is for you.
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7. Kai Japanese Language School
It is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and was founded in 1987. This Japanese Language school in Japan offers courses for short-term learners and three months to 2-year general courses for advanced classes and a summer class. The International Association of language centers accredits it.
8. Shinwa Foreign Language Academy
This is an experienced Japanese learning Centre founded in Shinjuku-ku city, Tokyo, Japan, in 1990. The Centre provides an environment where you can familiarize yourself with the Japanese Language. The School offers long-term courses and short-term courses. The school has a multilingual staff and is close to the Takadanobaba station, which is well-connected to all areas throughout the city.
9. KCP International Japanese Language School
This is a non-profit organization that also provides opportunities for cultural excursions. There are two language centers, one in Tokyo and one at the University of Idaho. The program offers homestay placement or dormitory options and local transportation. It is open to all English-speaking students and is ideal for you if you want to gain proficiency in the Japanese language quickly.
10. Sendagaya Japanese Institute
The school, founded in 1975, is situated in the Centre of the popular Shinjuku city in Tokyo, Japan. It offers an experience of cultural immersion and learning the Japanese language. Also, the school provides top-quality courses, care, and tuition
Learning Japanese and studying at a Japanese language school in Japan means that you’d be fully immersed in the language, culture, and society. You would have various Japanese language learning options with flexible class and accommodation options. By living in Japan, you’ll have a better understanding and be able to use the language all the time, leading to a more rounded experience.
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REFERENCES
- Vidalingua. 12 Best Language Schools to learn Japanese in Tokyo. 2024. Available from: https://vidalingua.com/blog/best-language-schools-learn-japanese-tokyo
- Lutz S. E. Top 10 language schools in Japan. 2019. Available at: https://www.goabroad.com/articles/language-study-abroad/top-language-schools-in-japan
- LanguageCourse.net. Best Language Schools in Japan (Ranked based on student reviews). 2024. Available from: https://www.languagecourse.net/schools–japan.php3
- Japan-guide.com. Japanese Language Schools. 2024. https://www.japan-guide.com/school
- The foreign rational. Is Japanese Language School worth it for western students? 2020. Available from: https://theforeignrational.com/2020/09/15/is-japanese-language-school-worth-it-for-western-students
- Gogonihon. Japanese Language schools FAQ. 2019. Available from: https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/how-japanese-language-schools-in-japan-work
- Language International. 12 Best Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo in 2024. Available from: https://www.languageinternational.com/japanese-schools-tokyo-202
- The Japan Times. How hard is it really to learn Japanese? 2008. Available from: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/06/17/reference/how-hard-is-it-really-to-learn-japanese
