Learning Japanese in Kansai

Aug 28, 2024

Learning Japanese in Kansai

Learning the language can be the quickest way to integrate into the culture when you move to a new country. Japanese can be challenging as it involves learning a new writing system, however it can also be fun and there many places to learn, ranging from university courses to friendly sessions with locals in the community. Here is a pick of ways to learn Japanese in the Kansai region.

Learning Japanese at Universities in Kansai

Many universities in Japan offer language learning. This gives you the chance to gain a qualification at an accredited institution. You can find both short courses and more in-depth study opportunities. The downsides are these are usually expensive and you typically need to meet entry requirements, such as having completed a certain level of education in your home country. Universities in Kansai offering Japanese courses include:

• Kansai University – has a Japanese Language and Culture course teaching seven levels of Japanese (beginner to advanced), available over one or two semesters at the cost of 500,000 yen per semester. There is also an intensive study option lasting 2-3 weeks.
• Kansai Gaidai University – the Asian Studies program here includes Japanese language courses at eight levels, costing around 2 million yen per semester.
• Ritsumeikan University – the Kyoto campus offers both regular and intensive courses although you need to either have a degree-level education or be enrolled in a university or graduate school for at least one year.

Learning Japanese at Language Schools

Language schools are a great option as they specialise in language teaching, meaning high quality learning as well as a wide range of options tailored towards your needs. As with universities, they can be costly. There are quite a few language schools across the Kansai region so you can do your research to find the best program for you at an affordable price. Notable institutions include:

• TCJ – this renowned Tokyo-based language school is opening an Osaka branch providing various courses, with discounts available for early enrollers and those enrolling with friends.
• Kobe Sumiyoshi International Japanese Language School – has group, 1-2-1 and pre-college courses to suit informal learners and those looking to advance to university.
• Nihongo Center – located in Kyoto, this school teaches business Japanese as well as courses for residents. Fees vary on course length, with a one-year program costing around 890,000 yen.

Learning Japanese at Community Centers and Facilities

Most prefectures have community spaces where you can find free or low-cost Japanese classes. These may be run by volunteers rather than qualified language teachers and they are less frequent, for example a couple of hours one evening or at the weekend. However, they are ideal for expats looking to get a grasp of the basics. Sessions may also be run by local associations or YMCA/YWCA groups. Check out what’s available in your neighbourhood. Examples of such activities are:

• HONK Higashi Osaka – small volunteer-led classes run from seven locations in the city, costing 2,000 yen a year.
• Kyoto City International Foundation (KCIF) – basic sessions run by volunteers on Tuesdays and Sundays for a fee of 200 yen per session.
• Kobe YWCA – often hosts language learning activities for expats in the city, although availability depends on volunteers.

Online Resources

Online learning has become a popular way to take in new languages in recent years. Courses and resources are highly suitable for those lacking the time for regular in-person classes or who prefer to learn at their own speed. Many language schools now offer online learning options. Other useful resources include:

• Anki – online learning app
• Jisho – online Japanese-English dictionary

Cpl. Brittany A. James, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons