Japanese Language Schools in Nagoya

Apr 12, 2017

Japanese Language Schools in Nagoya

Studying Japanese is an excellent way to make your time in Japan more valuable and fun, in addition to improving your ability to interact and understand your Japanese co-workers.  From private lessons or part-time courses to full-time options, there are plenty of opportunities to dive into learning Japanese.  Here is a list of the schools we most often recommend in Nagoya.

IPE Academy

• www.ipeacademy.com
• Location:          Imaike – 4-13 Honencho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 464-0076
• Tel:                    052-712-6200

IPE Academy, billed as “Nagoya’s friendliest language school,” has been offering Japanese lessons for over 35 years using small, personalized lessons rather than a rigid curriculum taught in large classrooms. Many students study at IPE Academy because it doesn’t feel like a typical, boring classroom— it’s conversational and creative, as well as highly customizable.

Berlitz Japanese

• www.berlitz.co.jp/english
• Location:          Various – Nagoya-Ekimae, Nagoya-Kanayama, Nagoya-Sakae
• Tel:                      0120-5-109-23

If you work for a major multinational company, chances are your company has used Berlitz, either here in Japan or in one of the 60 other countries where they offer language centers.  Their sheer size makes them the most popular option among Nagoya expats, but they are also perhaps the most expensive and inflexible. Berlitz uses traditional teaching methods set in a decidedly corporate atmosphere.

I.C. Nagoya

• http://icn.gr.jp/en-school/
• Location:         Dainagoya Bldg 3F 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, 450-0002 (map)
• Tel:                  052-581-3370
• Email:              icn@icn.gr.jp

I.C. Nagoya is the second most popular choice, after Berlitz, and a long-time provider among expats in Nagoya.  With lots of young students from overseas, classes have a relaxed university feel. They are flexible with both full-time programs and customized individual sessions.

Nagoya YWCA School of Japanese Language

• http://www.nagoya-ywca.or.jp/gakkou/nihongogakkou2.html
• Location:       2-3 Shinsakae-machi, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 460-0004 (map)
• Tel:                  052-951-5527

The Nagoya YWCA School of Japanese Language is a popular choice with expat wives. The school offers longer, more intensive courses focused on passing Japanese language qualifications, or entering a Japanese university. The Nagoya YWCA uses traditional teaching methods in a friendly environment (not such a corporate environment).

You can also arrange private instructors through the YWCA, which also trains Japanese Language Instructors in a different program.

ECC Japanese Language Institute

• www.ecc-nihongo.com/en
• Location:            Aichi, Nagoya, Naka ku, Kanayama 1-16-16, Kanayama building 5F (map)
• Tel:                      052-339-2977

ECC Japanese Language Institute is another corporate learning space with a traditional style of teaching.

Free or Cheap “Community Center” Classes

For a list of less formal classes please see the latest issue of The Nagoya Calendar; a free monthly magazine issued by the Nagoya International Center aimed at foreign residents in the Nagoya area.  Besides a listing of community center classes, you can find information on local events, opportunities to explore Japanese culture, and useful day-to-day Japan-living advice.

• www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/e/nagoya-calendar