Study Japanese in Japan

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Why Study Japanese in Japan

Learning Japanese in Japan gives you full immersion—daily practice in classrooms, on the street, and at part-time jobs—so you progress faster and retain more. Modern language schools use communicative, career-focused curriculum with JLPT preparation, business Japanese, and cultural modules. For Indian students, Japan offers safe cities, predictable costs, strong attendance-to-visa policies, and clear pathways into higher education and work.

Key Benefits

  • Intensive JLPT-focused study (N5 → N1) with native teachers
  • Faster progress through real-life immersion and practice
  • Work part-time (up to 28 hours/week) after permission
  • Clear pathways to diploma/degree admission after language study
  • National Health Insurance (NHI) access and student discounts

Program Types (Choose What Fits Your Goal)

  • Intensive Language School (General Japanese): 20–25 class hours/week; speaking, grammar, kanji, culture.
  • JLPT Preparation Tracks: Targeted courses for N5–N1 with mock tests and strategy.
  • University/College Prep Japanese: Academic reading, essays, research skills for degree entry.
  • Business Japanese & Keigo: Email etiquette, meetings, interviews, and workplace language.
  • Short-Term Courses (1–3 months): Summer/winter programs with cultural activities.
  • Custom/Evening Modules: For residents or upgrade from N3 → N2/N1.

Course Levels, Duration & Outcomes

JLPT Level Typical Duration (full-time) What You Can Do
N5 8–12 weeks Basic phrases, daily life Japanese
N4 12–16 weeks Routine conversation, simple reading
N3 4–6 months Everyday fluency; entry-level service jobs
N2 6–12 months Professional communication; most office roles
N1 9–15 months Advanced literacy; specialized/business roles

Many schools place you via an online/onsite test; fast-track options exist for prior learners.

Eligibility Criteria (Student Visa Track)

  • Age: 18+
  • Education: 12th pass or higher (degree/diploma advantageous)
  • Language: No Japanese required for beginner intake; prior learners should submit any certificates (optional)
  • Documents: Passport, photos, education transcripts/certificates, statement of purpose, financial proofs, CV (if applicable)
  • Financials: Proof of funds typically equivalent to 1 year of tuition + living costs

How to Get Admission

  1. Step 1: Choose City & Course Length
    Select from 3, 6, 12, 18, or 24 months in Tokyo/Osaka/Fukuoka/Sapporo/Nagoya.
  2. Step 2: School Application & Placement
    Submit form, passport, education history, and financial sponsor details.
  3. Step 3: Pay Application/Admission Fee
    As per school policy.
  4. Step 4: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Processing
    Handled by the school with immigration.
  5. Step 5: Visa Application
    Apply at VFS/Embassy using COE and required documents.
  6. Step 6: Fee Payment & Accommodation Booking
    Pay entrance + first semester fees and book accommodation.
  7. Step 7: Arrival & Registration
    Obtain resident card, complete city registration, enroll in NHI, and set up bank/SIM.
  8. Step 8: Part-Time Work Permission
    Apply after arrival; up to 28 hours/week.

Intakes & Deadlines

Intake Application Window Notes
April (Main) Oct – Jan Largest intake; ideal for year-long plans
July Jan – Apr Good for N3→N2 fast-track
October Apr – Jul Balanced class sizes; strong JLPT focus
January Aug – Oct Compact winter cohorts; good for short-term

Apply 6–9 months in advance for COE timelines and visa slots.

Tuition Fees (Indicative)

Course Length Tuition (JPY) Approx. INR
3 months ¥180,000–¥240,000 ₹1.0–₹1.3 lakh
6 months ¥350,000–¥450,000 ₹1.9–₹2.5 lakh
12 months ¥650,000–¥800,000 ₹3.6–₹4.4 lakh
18–24 months Pro-rated Pro-rated

Payment Notes:

  • Entrance fee + first installment due before visa issuance
  • Semester/term-wise plans common; some schools offer monthly plans

Living Costs & Sample Budget (per month)

Item Tokyo Area Other Cities
Accommodation ¥45,000–¥80,000 ¥30,000–¥65,000
Food ¥25,000–¥35,000 ¥20,000–¥30,000
Transport ¥5,000–¥8,000 ¥4,000–¥6,000
Utilities/Phone ¥7,000–¥10,000 ¥6,000–¥9,000
Miscellaneous ¥8,000–¥12,000 ¥6,000–¥10,000

Annual estimate: ¥900,000–¥1,300,000 depending on city and lifestyle.

Accommodation Options

  • School Dorms / Shared Houses: Budget-friendly, furnished, utilities often included.
  • Student Apartments: Private rooms with kitchenette; longer contracts.
  • Homestays (select cities): Immersion + meals; limited availability.

Student Visa Overview (Language Studies)

  • Validity: 6 months to 2 years (renewable within caps)
  • Work Rights: Up to 28 hours/week during term; up to 40 hours/week in vacations (with permission)
  • Attendance Rule: Typically ≥80% to stay compliant
  • COE Required: Issued by school, then apply for visa in India
  • Healthcare: Mandatory NHI enrollment; ~70% medical cost coverage

Part-Time Work: Roles & Pay

  • Common Jobs: Convenience stores, cafés, kitchens, housekeeping, logistics, hotel support, language/IT support for N3+
  • Typical Pay: ¥1,000–¥1,200 per hour (higher in metro/late shifts)
  • Tip: Reaching N3 quickly expands job options; N2/N1 opens office roles.

Pathways After Language Study

  • Vocational Colleges (Diploma/Advanced Diploma): Use N2/N3 to enter Senmon Gakkō.
  • University (Bachelor’s/Master’s): Academic Japanese + EJU/entrance processes as required.
  • Employment: Language study alone doesn’t grant a work visa; you’ll need an eligible employer/role and the correct residence status (e.g., Engineer/Humanities/International Services). Strong outcomes typically require N2/N1 plus a diploma/degree.

Scholarships & Discounts (Indicative)

  • Attendance/merit discounts by schools
  • Local government/private grants (competitive)
  • Short-term awards for high performers

Many schools also offer recommendation-based tuition reductions for consistent attendance and top grades.

How Y-Axis Can Help?

  • Personalized school and city selection (budget, pace, career goal)
  • End-to-end application, COE, and visa documentation
  • Accommodation booking and arrival assistance
  • Part-time job readiness (résumé format, interview prep)
  • Pathway planning to diploma/degree and work visas after language study

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Japanese to start?
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How long to reach N2?
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Can I work while studying?
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