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, although you may find the odd advanced-level class. Facilities with sessions include the Kumamoto City International Center, the Tobu Community Center in Higashi ward, and the Tomiai Community Center in Minami ward. Visit 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 around 600,000 yen per year.
Website: https://www.kfla.ac.jp/en-kfla.html
Toho International Language School
Located in Kumamoto City, Toho school offers tutoring at three levels – beginner (N4) lasting 5 months; intermediate (N3) lasting 6-9 months; and advanced (N1 & N2) lasting 7-10 months. You can enrol for a package taking you through all three levels over 1.5 to 2 years. The school also offers private 1-2-1 tutoring. Tuition fees are 290,000 yen per term, plus additional fees such as application and enrolment fees. If you study the full course over 18 months, it will set you back just over 1 million yen in total.
Website: http://ktijs.com/en/
These are 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 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
