Learning “Practical Japanese” at a school with over 50 years of experience.

Learning "Authentic Japanese Culture"with the ancient city of Kyoto as your Classroom

National Accredited Japanese Language Education Institutions

We were officially certified by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as an Accredited Japanese Language Education Institution on October 31, 2025 and will begin operations on April 1, 2026.

An Accredited Japanese Language Education Institution is a Japanese language school that has received certification from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, confirming that it is capable of providing high-quality Japanese language education in an appropriate and reliable manner.
This certification system, introduced in 2024, allows accredited institutions to accept international students under the “Student” residence status, while allowing them to choose educational institutions they can trust.

Interactive Classes Through Discussion Between Teachers and Students
A Curriculum Focused on Conversation and Discovery

【Required Japanese Language Classes】
During morning classes, students from diverse cultural backgrounds engage in dialogue in Japanese, deepening their understanding of Japan and of one another while developing all four language skills—speaking, listening, writing, and reading—in an integrated manner.

【Electives】
Afternoon electives offer opportunities for learning, activities, and hands-on experiences tailored to students' diverse goals, interests, and future pathways.

Conversations and Presentations

Understanding Japanese culture

Electives tailored to students’ interests and career paths
(Culture, Higher education, and Employment)

Multicultural Learning Environment
(Students from around 30 countries each semester)

Long-Term Course

Japanese and Culture Course

Target Achievement

Students will deepen their understanding of familiar aspects of Japanese culture and daily life. They will develop the ability to communicate their observations and personal thoughts effectively in Japanese.

Study Period (Entrance Period)
1-year (April・October)

Target Level：B1(N2 equivalent)

Applied Japanese and Cultural Studies Course

Target Achievement

Students will develop practical Japanese language proficiency and deepen their understanding of Japan and mutual intercultural appreciation. This is achieved by researching a wide range of topics through various media and methods, and by exchanging thoughts and ideas from diverse perspectives using rich, nuanced Japanese expressions.

Study Period (Entrance Period)
2-year(April)
1.5-year(October)
1-year (April・October)

Target Level：B2(N1 equivalent)

*Please note that the Japanese language proficiency requirements differ between "the time of application" and "the time of enrollment."

For more details, please be sure to refer to the separate document, “Considerations for the Selection Process.”

Eligibility for Admission

Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed 12 years of school education (or an equivalent curriculum).
Applicants must meet the Japanese language requirements and other conditions specified in the attached "Considerations for the Selection Process".
There must be consistency between the applicant's learning objectives and their personal/academic history.
Applicants must be in good health and able to adapt to life as an international student.
Applicants must have sufficient financial support to cover expenses during their studies.
Applicants must be dedicated to their studies and maintain an attendance rate of 90% or higher per month.

Tuition and Fees

Application　& Entry

Course Characteristics

Japanese Language Subjects

Foundation Classes (Monday–Friday mornings)

Through conversation in Japanese among peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, students deepen their understanding of Japan and of one another while developing all four language skills—speaking, listening, writing, and reading—in an integrated manner.

Emphasis on conversation and presentations. Building strong communication skills across all clases.

Seminar Classes (Tuesday afternoons)

This curriculum brings together all the skills acquired in each class, enabling students to use Japanese in a more practical way while deepening their learning. As part of the program, students present the results of their research at the School-Wide Presentation held at the theater of Kyoto University of the Arts, in front of the entire school.

Beginner: My Country and Town (poster presentation)

Intermediate: Discovering Kyoto (poster presentation)

Upper-Intermediate: Interview-based research with Japanese people

Advanced: Field research and interviews with local shopping street businesses

Developing practical Japanese skills for the future while deepening understanding of Japan, the Japanese people, and Japanese society.

School-Wide Presentation

Class Schedule

Learning "Language" and "Culture" through Experience

Discover, Use, and Experience — Learning Japanese Culture through the Five Senses

Traditional Japanese sweets

Tatami

Flower arrangement

Traditional Japanese drums

Japanese lacquerware

Tea ceremony

Electives

The Joy of Choosing Your Learning Path to Match Your Future Goals

The school welcomes students who aim to enhance their practical language proficiency and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture as they prepare for various future paths. To accommodate these diverse goals, we offer the following electives in the afternoon.

For those who want to deepen their Understanding of Japanese Culture and Japan

Kyoto Culture I・II

Discover hidden aspects of Kyoto, from local culture to history

News with Japanese
I・II

Understanding Japanese society through the news
Build conversation skills and vocabulary through discussion

Challenge Calligraphy

A popular elective combining beautiful writing and relaxation

Kanji and Vocabulary

Turning kanji anxiety into enjoyment and strengthening Japanese language skills

For those who wish to find employment

Business Japanese

Learn business manners and expressions useful for employment in Japan through active learning

News with Japanese I・II

Understanding Japan’s economy and society through the news
Expand your knowledge for working in Japan

JLPT (N1～N3)

JLPT N2/N1 preparation for employment
Strengthening practical skills through mock exam practice

For those who wish to pursue further education

University, Graduate School, Vocational School Preparation

University:
Guidance begins even before arrival in Japan, including university information sessions, entrance exam preparation centered on the EJU, and practical skill development through group discussions.

Graduate School:
Comprehensive assistance with application documents and correspondence emails, direct instruction from professors of the Kyoto University of the Arts Graduate School, and real admission stories shared by alumni who have successfully advanced to graduate studies.

Vocational School:
Guidance on how to find schools that match individual goals, key points for application documents, how to write a statement of purpose, and interview fundamentals.

JLPT (N1～N3)

JLPT N2/N1 preparation required for university admission
Strengthening practical skills through mock exam practice

Art University Preparation
(October–September )

Thorough instruction in the skills and presentation abilities required for entrance examinations at art universities, tailored to each student’s level

*For students seeking admission to universities only

Study in Japan

＠Kyoto University of the Arts