At THE NAGOYA YWCA SCHOOL OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE, international students and residents in Japan learn Japanese with various purposes. Students vary in age and course, including those considering further education or employment and those who want to learn about Japanese culture.
Since starting Japanese language education in Nagoya in 1978, we have built a solid track record. We offer small class teaching to develop fundamental Japanese skills and communication abilities, and actively engage in cultural exchange activities making use of our local network.
What do you want to achieve with Japanese ? At Nagoya YWCA, we value each individuals learning goals.
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Find your path at Nagoya YWCA.
What do you want to achieve with Japanese?
What will you be able to do?
1
- Small classes with close relationships between teachers and students
- With a maximum of 15 students per class, we provide personalized attention and close support
2
- Communication built on a solid foundation of Japanese
- Using original materials based on many years of teaching experience, we help students strengthen their Japanese fundamentals while encouraging self-expression
3
- One-year programs to match your goals
- Choose from two one-year programs: ONE-YEAR JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAM and ONE-YEAR JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM FOR CAREER PREPARATION
4
- Support for self-directed learning
- We incorporate active learning methods to foster the ability to continue learning independently
Educational philosophy
Through Japanese language education, students grow as individuals and gain the skills to shape their future
We nurture individuals who express themselves, respect others, and contribute to a more peaceful world
Education goals
We will cultivate the ability to act by gaining the power of words, including advanced Japanese language skills. As Japanese speakers, we aim to understand the challenges faced by modern society, acquire the ability to think, and encourage utilizing Japanese for personal career development.
Through the study of Japanese, we will develop the following abilities:
- Communication skills
- Language production and operational skills
- Analytical and conceptual skills
- The ability to understand others
- The ability to express oneself
- The ability to design career
- The ability to learn independently
Message from Head of School
Nagoya is a city where culture and industry come together. Conveniently located in the educational district, Nagoya YWCA offers and ideal environment for studying abroad. With small classes and close relationships between students and faculty, we make sure every student feels valued. We look forward to sharing this special chapter of your life in Japan with you.
Mihoko Hanyu, Hear of School
Comments from Our Teachers
Kaori Hisada, Instructor
Language is a tool that connects people. At YWCA, you can study together with classmates from many different countries and build connections with people around the world. All of our teachers and staff are here to support your learning.
Fumiko Taniyama, Instructor
At YWCA, you’ll have chances to talk not only with your classmates but also with Japanese people, including university students and working professionals. Study with us and build real communication skills.
Tomomi Horibe, Instructor
Whenever you feel unsure about your next step, you are always welcome and talk with us. Let’s work together toward your dreams!
FULL-TIME COURSE
Students enrolled at our school include, international students, students with various residency statuses, spouses of Japanese and religious visa holders. Since established, students from over 70 countries and regions have studied here.
ONE-YEAR JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAM
- Enrollment Period
- April, October
- Capacity
- 40 students (April)
26 students (October)
Learning Goals
- Understanding the main points of familiar, everyday topics when spoken in standard Japanese
- Expressing experiences, hopes, opinions, reasons, and explanations on familiar or personal topics
Recommended For
- Those who want to learn Japanese while experiencing daily life in Japan
- Those who want to develop the ability to communicate in everyday Japanese
- Those who want to study not only the language, but also Japanese culture and society
- Those who want to build basic Japanese skills in preparation for further education or employment
ONE-YEAR JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM FOR CAREER PREPARATION
- Enrollment Period :
- April, October
- Capacity :
- 20 students (April)
14 students (October)
Learning Goals
- Understanding the main content of both concrete and abstract topics and interacting with Japanese speakers without feeling nervous
- Independently obtaining the information necessary for participating in society and continuing to learn autonomously
Recommended For
- Those who want to use Japanese for employment
- Those who want to build essential professional skills through Japanese
- Those who wish to advance to vocational schools or universities with goal of finding employment in Japan
This course is made for those who have reached JLPT N3 or CEFR B1.1 level.
Schedule
Speech Contest
Exchange Party
| Apr | Orientation (for April entrants) JLPT Preparation Course (optional) |
|---|---|
| May | Field Trip (whole school) |
| Jun | Japanese Culture Festival |
| Jul | Speech Contest |
| Aug | Summer Vacation |
| Sep | Field Trip (class) Final Exam Graduation Ceremony (for October entrants) |
| Oct | Orientation (for October entrants) JLPT Preparation Course (optional) |
| Nov | Health Checkup |
| Dec | Exchange Party |
| Feb | Cultural Presentation |
| Mar | Field Trip (class) Final Exam Graduation Ceremony (for April entrants) |
For more information, please click here.
Carrer Support
At Nagoya YWCA, we provide comprehensive career support to help you find your future career path. Our support includes, help with choosing a company or school, preparing documents, and practicing for a job interview. For those wishing to enter Japanese universities, we also provide practice exams and EJU test preparation.
- University
-
- Aichi University
- Takushoku University
- Nagoya University of Commerce & Business
- Nagoya Sangyo University
- Chubu University
- Nanzan University
- Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
- Tokyo University of Information Siences
- Nihon Fukushi University
- Seijoh University
- Nagoya Sangyo University
- Vocational
school -
- Aichi Business School
- Trident college of Languages, Aviation and Hotel
- Akemi Bunka Costume College
- Nakanihon Automotive College
- O-HARA College of Travel, Hotel & Bridal College of Business Nagoya
- HAL Nagoya
- NAGOYA Business Academy
- TOYOTA Mobility Engeniring College
- Hospitality Academy
- Job
-
- The Quest Global Advantage
- Showa Denki Co., Ltd
- NORITSUISU Co., Ltd
Scholarships
Nagoya YWCA offers its own grant-based scholarship program. There are two types of scholarships: the General Scholarship, awarded to outstanding students who have studied at Nagoya YWCA for more than six months, and the Refugee Scholarship, which provides one year of Japanese study for those who have been officially recognized as refugees. Each year, scholarships are awarded to more than six students, helping them continue their studies.
Voices from Scholarship Recipients
Trang (Vietnam)
Thank you very much for your scholarship support. My goal is to work for a Japanese company in the future. With this scholarship, I was able to buy stationery, a dictionary, and pay the examination fee for the JLPT, which all supported my Japanese studies.
Alina (Nepal)
I applied because I wanted to focus on my studies without putting a financial burden on my family. When I was selected as a scholarship recipient, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the support I received from my family and teachers. I used the scholarship to buy textbooks and JLPT practice materials.
Other information
- Acquisition of residence status
- Because our school is accredited as a 'Ministry of Justice notified school', students who are studying in the full-time course at our school can obtain the 'Student' residence status.
- Student Commuter pass
Student passenger fare discount certificate - Students enrolled in the full-time course can purchase a student commuter pass for the use of public transportation. In addition, for travel exceeding 100 kilometers one way by train or bus, a "student passenger fare discount certificate" is issued, offering a 20% reduction in fare.
- National Health Insurance
National pensions - Foreigners staying in Japan for over a year must enroll in national health insurance. Once enrolled, their out-of-pocket medical expenses will be 30%.
People age 20 and over must enroll in the national pension system. Our school is eligible for the student payment exemption program, so while attending the main course, students can apply for a deferral of premium payments.
［ Housing ］
If you are in need of housing during your enrollment period, please contact us. We can introduce private student dormitories.
Please click here to download the admission guidelines and application form for the full-time course.
Please click here to view our school brochure, which includes feedback from current students and graduates.
PART-TIME COURSE
This course is for those with residency status living in Japan.
TWICE A WEEK COURSE
- Enrollment period
- April, September, January
- Morning class
- 9:30-12:30
beginner class only
9:30-11:30
- Afternoon class
- 13:30-16:30
beginner class only
13:30-15:30
This is a course studying twice a week for three months (69 hours, 23 sessions). It is divided into seven levels, allowing you to learn in a class suited to your level. All classes use original texts created by our school. Because of small class sizes, students are close to the teacher and have many opportunities to speak. It is recommended for those who find it difficult to attend every day courses due to work, part-time jobs, or childcare.
Those wishing to take the course
Please make a reservation in advance and take the level placement test.
- Test time
- 13:00-16:00 Monday to Friday The test will take about one hour.
Please download detailed information and the application form from here.
JLPT PREPARATION COURSE
- Enrollment period
- April, September
- N4・N1
- every Tuesday (10 classes)
- N3・N2
- every Thursday (10 classes)
This is a JLPT exam preparation course that begins every July and December. This class focuses on reading comprehension and grammar for exam preparation. Tips for passing the exam will also be provided.
SUMMER INTENSIVE COURSE
- Enrollment period
- July
This course studies intensively for one month during the summer holidays. It is also available for short-term visitors. Two levels are offered: an introductory course and a beginner class.
PRIVATE LESSONS
These lessons are for those who find it difficult to attend classroom lessons or wish to acquire specialized skills such as Kanji or business conversation. An original curriculum is created according to your schedule and lesson preferences. If the Japanese level and learning objectives are compatible, lessons can be taken in groups of two or three people.
Please click here for more information.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
- Establisher :
- Public interest incorporated foundation NAGOYA YWCA
- Representative of establisher :
- representative director Sakiko Kato
- Address :
- 2-3, Shinsakae-machi, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, 460-0004
- School name :
- THE NAGOYA YWCA SCHOOL OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE
- School address :
- 2-3, Shinsakae-machi, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, 460-0004
- Courses :
-
- ONE-YEAR JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAM (66 students)
- ONE-YEAR JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM FOR CAREER PREPARATION (34 students)
- Full-time faculty members :
- 4
- Part-time faculty members :
- 11
- Staff members :
- 2
- Annual tuition fees :
- 758,000yen
(Details)
Screening fee : 10,000yen
Admission fee : 50,000yen
Tuition fee : 600,000yen
Textbooks, activities & the consumption tax : 86,000yen
Facilities : 12,000yen
History
- 1977
- Launched Japanese classes for YWCA’s English teachers
- 1978
- Opened Japanese classes for the general international community
- 1979
- Opened evening classes (once a week) and morning classes (twice a week)
- 1984
- Opened Intensive Japanese course (five times a week, three months)
- 1985
- Opened full-time Japanese Course (20 hours per week)
- 1986
- Authorized by the Ministry of Justice, Full-time Course eligible for student visas
- 1989
- Established as a Miscellaneous School, Nagoya YWCA School of Japanese Language, authorized by the Governor of Aichi Prefecture
- 1990
- Introduced Nagoya YWCA Scholarship Program
- 1995
- Published Nihongo Shochukyu (Japanese for beginners and Intermediates)
- 2004
- Published Wakatte Tsukaeru Nihongo (Understanding and using Japanese)
- 2017
- Accredited by the Ministry of Justice under the Notification Standards for Japanese Language Education Institutions
- 2025
- Received certification as an accredited Japanese language educational institution by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
ACCESS
2-3 Shinsakaemachi, Naka-Ward, Nagoya City 460-0004
A 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Sakae Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway
DOWNLOAD(Brochures, application guidelines, application documents, etc.)
Please click here to view our school brochure, which includes feedback from current students and graduates.
Please click here to download the admission guidelines and application form for the full-time course.
Please click here to download details and the application form for the part-time course.
Schedule
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