Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolling with a Student Visa

• There are four enrollment periods per year (January, April, July, and October). *Nagano Campus enrollment periods are April and October only.
• For those who need to apply for a student visa, deadlines are set according to each enrollment period, so please contact us in advance.
• The enrollment periods and corresponding application deadlines are as follows. (If capacity is reached, applications may close before the stated deadline.)

• The maximum capacity per class is approximately 20 students.

• Class times are determined by class level, so students cannot choose their preferred class time.
• Generally, Beginner through Intermediate I level classes are held in the afternoon, while Intermediate II through Advanced level classes are held in the morning. *This may vary by term and class formation.
• Class Times *Whether a student is placed in a morning or afternoon class is determined by the results of the placement test.
  

• Students who are completely new to Japanese are welcome to enroll. That said, learning at least hiragana before arriving in Japan will help you approach classes with more confidence.
• You can enroll starting on the first day of each term, four times a year (twice a year at Nagano Campus), so we recommend timing your application procedures accordingly.

• Students who have already studied Japanese and are determined to be able to follow classes without difficulty even when starting mid-term may enroll partway through a term.
• A level check test will be administered; please contact our school for more details.

• Elective classes are, in principle, open to students taking Intermediate II level classes or above. After enrollment, the homeroom teacher will ask eligible students which elective classes they would like to take, and classes will be opened accordingly.
• Available elective classes vary by campus and purpose, so please keep this in mind when choosing which school to enroll at.

• In our classes, learners from various countries study together, and lessons are taught using the direct method, meaning teachers conduct classes in Japanese only. Picture cards, photos, and other visual aids are used extensively so that even first-time Japanese learners can follow along.
• As you get used to this style of learning, you'll develop the habit of thinking in Japanese, which helps you learn to speak faster. Since you've come all this way to Japan, we encourage you to embrace the challenge.

• Classes are divided according to students' Japanese proficiency levels, so students of different ages study together in the same class.
• Regardless of age, intended study duration, or visa type, you will study in the class that matches your level.

• If you enrolled on a student visa and wish to extend your course, please consult the administration office regarding your visa's validity period and associated costs.

• Yes, there are. Homework is assigned almost every day to help ensure students retain what they learn in class.
• Additionally, tests will be conducted every 2 to 3 chapters of the textbook, and kanji tests will also be held regularly.
• At the end of each term, final exams covering conversation, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing are given to assess proficiency.

• Aim to study at least 2 hours a day total: 1 hour of preparation and 1 hour of review.
• Studying at home further improves your Japanese ability.

• For students on a student visa completing a course of one year or more by March, a diploma will be awarded if attendance and grades meet certain standards.
• For students enrolled in short-term courses, a certificate of study will be awarded if attendance meets the required standard.

• Yes, Wi-Fi is available at every campus.
• Computers are also available at each campus building, so you can use school computers during breaks or after class.

• We accept applications for a minimum of 2 weeks, or 1 month depending on the location. We recommend applying for a maximum of 3 months.
• If you wish to extend your stay, you can consult with accommodation staff directly after moving in to extend your stay period.
• Please note that if you wish to move out before your application period ends, the unused portion of your accommodation fee will not be refunded.

• School dormitories and school-referred guest houses have Wi-Fi or internet access set up in each room.
• There's no need for troublesome procedures such as signing up with a provider or arranging installation work.

• Bedding, a desk, and a chair are provided in every room at all accommodation options.
• Facilities vary by accommodation, so please see the page below for details.

＞ Dormitories and Housing

• Our Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto campuses are each located in the center of the city, so commuting from accommodation is done on foot and by train. Punctual trains are extremely useful for getting around the city center. Japan's transportation system is very well developed, and once you get the hang of it, it's extremely convenient. (Approximate commute time: 30-60 minutes)
• Most homestays involve a one-way commute of 50 minutes to 1.5 hours. Please see the accommodation page for details on each option.

＞ Dormitories and Housing

• There are several furnished share houses in Tokyo and Osaka, and Guest Houses are one type of these.
• There is no requirement for a Japanese guarantor, making it an accommodation option where people of any nationality can rent a room long-term.
• Bedrooms are private, while the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area are shared, along with common spaces such as a dining room and TV room. Meals are self-catered.

• The homestay application form includes a section for noting any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Based on the information you provide there, we do our best to introduce a host family that matches your requirements.

• The Dormitory, Homestay, Guest House, and Weekly Mansion each have their own rules, and having other people stay overnight is not permitted.
• When family or friends visit and stay in Japan, we ask that you arrange separate accommodations, such as a hotel, on your own.

• By 2 weeks before your arrival in Japan, we will provide you with your accommodation details along with an email address and phone number, so you can get in touch before you arrive.
• Please note that replies from your accommodation may take some time. However, in the case of flight delays or cancellations for your arrival in Japan, please contact the emergency contact line rather than the host family directly.

Including rent, food, and utilities, please budget approximately 110,000-180,000 JPY per month in Tokyo. In Osaka, approximately 100,000-160,000 JPY. In Kyoto and Nagano, approximately 55,000-130,000 JPY per month.


(Unit: Japanese Yen)

Approximate dining-out costs are as follows.


Unit: Japanese Yen

• Those with a student visa can sign a mobile phone contract if they have a residence card and a Japanese bank account.
• Those coming to Japan on a short-term stay visa can only purchase a prepaid mobile phone. Please see the link below for details on mobile phone contracts. For short stays, a rental phone picked up at the airport can also be a convenient option.

• At many financial institutions, you cannot open a bank account in Japan until 6 months have passed since your arrival.
• The simplest method is to open an account in advance with a bank that has branches in Japan, such as Citibank, and withdraw cash at Japanese branches or ATMs.
• Many students from mainland China obtain a UnionPay card in their home country and withdraw cash using Japanese ATMs.
• As a precaution, we also recommend bringing a credit card. Cash can be withdrawn at ATMs in Japan that display the "Plus," "Citrus," or "Visa" logos.

• Japan stretches from north to south and has four distinct seasons, so climate and temperature vary significantly by city and season.
• You can check the climate in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagano using this site as a reference.

• In Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, trains, buses, and subways run throughout the city, and it's common to get around using a commuter pass or a rechargeable IC card.
• For those enrolling at Nagano Campus, the main modes of transportation within the city are train and bicycle.
• Rechargeable IC cards can be used on many public transportation systems throughout Japan, so we recommend getting one as soon as you arrive in the country.
• A 500 JPY deposit is required to obtain a card, but the deposit is refunded when you return the card.

• By law, anyone staying in Japan for 3 months or more on a student visa is required to enroll in National Health Insurance.
• Once enrolled, you are responsible for 30% of medical costs out of pocket when visiting a hospital for illness or injury.
• After arriving in Japan, you must complete enrollment procedures promptly at the municipal office of your area of residence. Premiums vary depending on the municipality and income.
• However, those coming to Japan on a short-term stay visa cannot enroll in National Health Insurance. To prepare for illness or unexpected events, please be sure to purchase overseas travel insurance before arriving in Japan.

• Students on a student visa can work part-time up to 28 hours per week, after obtaining a " Permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted " status at the airport upon arrival.
• However, there are restrictions on the types of jobs allowed, so please contact the school for details.
• If you have not applied for this permit, or if you are on a short-term stay visa, you are not permitted to work part-time.

• The student visa application process takes approximately 6 months. Please contact our school as early as possible.

Please see the page below for details.

＞ For Those Wishing to Apply for a Student Visa

• Application forms and required documents differ depending on whether or not you are applying for a student visa.
• Those applying for a student visa, please see the page below.

＞ For Those Wishing to Apply for a Student Visa

• Those coming to Japan without applying for a student visa, such as on a short-term stay visa or working holiday visa, please fill in the required information on the online application form and submit your application.

＞ For Those Who Do Not Need to Apply for a Student Visa

• The class you will be placed in is announced by the school the day before classes begin, after enrollment.
• Class placement is determined by the level check test taken before enrollment.
• If you do not take the test, you will be placed in the zero level classes, so please be sure to take it.
• Your assigned teacher will use the level check to determine the class level that best suits you.

• Yes, this is possible. Please consult with a representative at the Overseas Admissions Consultation Center.
• We will arrange a schedule for your tour and class visit at your desired campus.

• Please arrange your flight so that you arrive in Japan by the day before your first day of enrollment (orientation).
• Once you have booked your flight to Japan, please send your e-ticket to your contact at our school right away.
• If you have applied for airport pickup service, please be sure to email your e-ticket at least 7 business days before your arrival date. Please note that if you notify us of your arrival late, we may not be able to arrange the pickup.

• Even if you arrive on a weekend, you can withdraw cash from an ATM, but opening a bank account takes 6 months.
• We recommend bringing at least 200,000 JPY to cover things such as train fare upon arrival, about a week's worth of daily necessities, and food expenses.

• Classes are available even for complete beginners, but preparing by studying hiragana and katakana before arriving in Japan will help you follow classes more smoothly.
• Hiragana and katakana are equivalent to the alphabet in English. Simply being able to read and write hiragana and katakana will be extremely helpful, so we recommend learning them before arriving in Japan.