Features of YMCA
Schools List

Kanto Area
Tokyo YMCA Nihongo Gakuin
Location:
2-2-15 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
The school is located in the attractive “East Tokyo” area, including Nihonbashi, Akihabara, Odaiba, and Ginza. It is close to Tokyo Station, providing convenience for domestic travel. Additionally, being in the same building as the YMCA vocational school facilitates regular interaction with Japanese students. The curriculum emphasizes presentations, activities, and off-campus learning, focusing on acquiring practical Japanese language skills.
School Website:


YMCA Tokyo Japanese Language School (closed)
Location:
2-5-5 Kanda Sarugakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
School Website:
Yokohama YMCA Gakuin College Japanese Language Department
Location:
1-7 Tokiwa-machi, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
Yokohama, the largest city in the prefecture where nature and urban life harmonize, is conveniently situated near Tokyo. At its heart, in Kannai, numerous historically significant buildings from the time of its port opening still stand. On the other hand, the popular Minato Mirai 21 district, as well as Motomachi and Chinatown, offer the latest in gourmet cuisine and fashion, making them well-known tourist spots. The nearest stations to the school, Kannai Station and Nihon-odori Station, are accessible via JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, and Minatomirai Line, allowing for a convenient commute from Tokyo in just 30 minutes.
School Website:

YMCA College of Health and Welfare, Japanese Language Department
Location:
4-16-19 Nakamachi, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
It takes about 40 minutes to reach the heart of Tokyo. We focus on developing Japanese language proficiency and expressive skills to prepare students for university entrance exams. School events are jointly conducted with Japanese vocational school students, providing opportunities to enhance language confidence through interactions with fellow students and teachers. The cost of living, including apartment rent, is approximately 40,000 yen lower than Tokyo and about 30,000 yen lower than Yokohama City.
School Website:
Chubu Area
Nagoya YMCA Japanese Language School
Location:
1-1-18, Hananoki, Nishi-ku, Nagoya-city, Aichi, Japan
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
This school actively promotes internationalization with a diverse student body representing many countries. One distinctive feature is the friendships formed among students from different nations. Situated in an area with the second-largest population of foreign workers nationwide, it is known for being welcoming to residents from other countries. Centrally located in a transportation hub, it is convenient to travel anywhere in the country, and it can be reached within an hour from Chubu International Airport.
School Website:
Kansai Area
Kyoto YMCA International College of Welfare, Japanese Language Department
Location:
2 Nakanomachi, Yanagimaba Higashi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
This program is designed for those aspiring to pursue higher education in Japan or for individuals seeking to acquire comprehensive Japanese language proficiency. There are two courses available: a 2-year course and a 1.5-year course. Upon graduation from the 2-year course, students are conferred with the title of ‘Cultural Education Specialist,’ positioned within the specialized course of a vocational school.
School Website:

Osaka YMCA Gakuin
Location:
9-52 Minamikawaboricho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, July, October, January
The school is located just a 5-minute walk from Tennoji Station, a terminal station approximately 1 hour from Kansai International Airport. Welcoming over 400 students from more than 35 countries, we provide a place for learning, exchange, and mutual understanding. Tailoring our approach to individual learning objectives and specializations, we aim to cultivate Japanese language proficiency and an open-minded spirit that enables students to thrive in Japanese society and on the international stage.
School Website:

Wakayama YMCA International College of Welfare, Japanese Language Department.
Location:
1-12-13 Ota, Wakayama City
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
Wakayama is a 40-minute bus ride from Kansai International Airport and is an easy town to live in with its mild climate and rich nature. In addition, there is a student dormitory near the school, and the school provides furniture, appliances, and other furnishings. The teachers and staff in charge provide guidance according to the needs of each student for higher education and employment, so students can concentrate on their studies to achieve their goals. There are also plenty of events to experience Japanese culture.
School Website:

Kobe YMCA Gakuin College Japanese Language Department
Location:
2-7-11 Kano-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
Kobe YMCA has been providing Japanese language education since 1955. Currently recognized as a specialized school by the Hyogo Prefecture government, it is a full-time Japanese language school where students from Asia, Europe, North America, as well as foreign residents in Japan, study. The curriculum emphasizes a balanced development of the four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Students can acquire basic proficiency in Japanese within three months, and upon graduation, they possess the language skills suitable for use in Japanese universities, graduate schools, or companies.
School Website:
Chugoku Area
Hiroshima YMCA College, Department of Language Communication,Japanese Language Course
Location:
7-11 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
It is located in the heart of Hiroshima City, well-known as a city of peace. The surrounding area offers a convenient and comfortable living environment with numerous commercial facilities, restaurants, and government offices. The classes are organized based on proficiency levels, incorporating computer-assisted listening comprehension and kanji lessons to make learning enjoyable. Students also have opportunities for joint activities with Japanese students from vocational schools through sports events and after-school exchange programs.
学校サイト:

Kyushu Area
Kitakyushu YMCA College
Location:
2-3-9 Kajimachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Purpose:
College, Employment, and Daily Life
Admission Period:
April, October
Kitakyushu, the second-largest city in Kyushu, is a city where new and traditional cultures blend harmoniously. The school is located in the city center, and the residences and part-time job opportunities for international students are conveniently situated close to the heart of the city. With both urban amenities and beautiful nature nearby, Kitakyushu is an extremely livable city. Classes are designed to improve Japanese language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, tailored to students’ language abilities.
For students aspiring to pursue higher education, dedicated teachers and career guidance specialists provide support and guidance toward their desired paths. Our school houses a unique “Career Support Center,” which exclusively introduces job opportunities to foreign individuals and offers specialized career guidance for international students seeking employment in Japan.
Beyond academic studies, we organize various exchange programs and cultural experiences in collaboration with nearby universities. To ensure a comfortable living experience in Japan, we have dedicated teachers responsible for the well-being of students from each country. Our teachers provide solid support to help each student achieve their future goals.
School Website:
Fukuoka YMCA Japanese Language School
Location:
2F Tenjin Asahi Building, 3-4-7 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Purpose:
Employment & Living
Admission Period:
April, October
Located in the heart of Fukuoka, in the bustling district of Tenjin, our school boasts convenient access to transportation. With a multinational student body, our school exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Classes are tailored to individual Japanese language proficiency levels, focusing on practical Japanese for various situations in daily life and work. We also provide support for job placement, and regular events and opportunities for interaction with Japanese locals are part of our school’s offerings.
School Website:
Fukuoka YMCA Gakuin
Location:
1-1-10, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Purpose:
College & Living
Admission Period:
April, October
Located in Fukuoka’s academic city, our school provides an environment conducive to studying. In multinational classes tailored to Japanese language proficiency, students can focus on academic preparation for further education. Depending on their preferences, students also have the option to take classes in mathematics and other comprehensive subjects. Various opportunities for interaction and events with Japanese individuals are available. Our experienced teachers and staff provide support for both academic studies and daily life.
School Website:
Kumamoto YMCA Gakuin Japanese Language Course
Location:
4-1 Dan Yamamoto-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Purpose:
Employment & Living
入学時期:
April, October
Kumamoto City is a regional urban center with a population of 700,000, offering a balanced lifestyle for international students—neither too urban nor too rural. Renowned for its abundance of natural resources, the city is particularly known for sourcing 100% of its domestic water from underground springs. In the same building as the Japanese language school, there are approximately 230 Japanese students studying at the vocational school. Jointly organized events such as sports competitions and school festivals provide ample opportunities for international students to make Japanese friends.
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