Kumamoto City

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 various 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 senior-level programs that prepare 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 range from around 6,000 to 12,500 yen per month, plus enrolment and textbook fees.  Website: https://www.kumamoto-ymca.or.jp/english-conversation/   Kumamoto Community Centers  Try some of the community centers in 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,…