Where to Learn Japanese in Kumamoto

Sep 28, 2022

Where to Learn Japanese in Kumamoto

Are you an expat who’s moved to Kumamoto prefecture, and your Japanese doesn’t extend beyond “konnichiwa” and “sayonara”? Then you might be looking to brush up on your language skills to help you in your everyday life. Here are a few places where you can learn Japanese in Kumamoto, including language schools, classes, and private tutoring.

Kumamoto YMCA College

The Japanese department is based in the Chuo campus of YMCA, where you can study three-month short-term courses ranging from introductory and beginner programs aimed at giving students a good grasp of Japanese used in everyday speaking, listening, reading, and writing through to intermediate and advanced study that prepares for graduate study and jobs with top Japanese companies. Lessons include classroom-based and off-campus learning and the college offers accommodation and social activities. Fees are 198,000 yen (around US$1,400) for three months.

Website: https://www.kumamoto-ymca.or.jp/kamitori-nihongo-e/

AQUA Japanese Language Training Center

This specialist training facility offers an array of courses and tuition for both groups (maximum of six per class) and individuals on a 1-2-1 basis. One advantage is that you don’t need prior knowledge of Japanese to enroll in beginner-level courses, just a Japanese visa or right to be in the country. Emphasis is on intensive learning, and you can choose from programs lasting one week, one month, three months, and six months. Boarding is also available if needed, and the center also runs programs in Japanese culture if you want to broaden your learning.

Fees are not cheap – 200,000 yen (around US$1,400) for a one-month program and 900,000 yen (around US$6,300) for a 6-month program while private 1-2-1 tuition is 6,000 yen per lesson. However, testing and monitoring are vigorous, and the school promises to deliver results if students put the work in. The center is located in the Chikami ward, which is close to the Heisei train station.

Website: https://www.aq-japanese.com/en/index.html

Kumamoto Community Centers

Try some of the community centers in the Kumamoto prefecture for something slightly less formal and easier on the pocket. A few of them run Japanese language classes or language clubs that are either free or low-cost, often because volunteer instructors teach them. These will usually focus on basic to intermediate Japanese skills, although you may find the odd advanced-level class. Facilities with sessions include the Kumamoto City International Center, the Tobu Community Center in the Higashi ward, and the Tomiai Community Center in the Minami ward. See the Kumamoto City website for a list of public halls and community centers.

Kumamoto Foreign Language Academy (KFLA)

Established in 1987, the KFLA helps international students and professionals develop their language skills to progress academically or vocationally. The Japanese language department provides a one-and-a-half-year program designed for those with a basic grasp of Japanese. The course runs for 22 hours per week and is split into three terms – primary (N4 level), intermediate (N3), and advanced (N2 to N1) that prepares for understanding classes at the higher education level. Admission requirements are a minimum of either 150 hours of Japanese language tuition or an N5 level certificate. Course costs are 1.265 million yen (nearly US$9,000) for the whole course.

Website: https://www.kfla.ac.jp/en-kfla.html

This is just a handful of Japanese school and class options in Kumamoto. You can also look for private tuition on websites such as JapaNeeds and Preply. If you want to brush up on your skills and knowledge in a friendly setting, you can also look for conversation and language exchange partners on sites such as Tandem, My Language Exchange, and Meetup. Also, check out online learning resources such as Tsunahiro and Minato if you’d prefer to get to grips with the Japanese language on your own or in your own free time.

Cpl. Janessa Pon, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons