Learning Japanese, and Local Japanese Classes
If you want to learn Japanese for living in Japan, there are various methods, such as local Japanese classes, Japanese language schools, and online learning.
If you want to learn Japanese for living in Japan, there are various methods, such as local Japanese classes, Japanese language schools, and online learning.
Choosing how to learn
Check based on your purpose and local circumstances; this is not meant to rank options.
Local Japanese classes
- In some areas, local governments, international exchange associations, NPOs, volunteer groups, and similar hold these
- Some are free or low-cost, but not all are free
Japanese language schools and educational institutions
- Check whether it matches your purpose and level
Online learning
- One method of learning
Local Japanese classes
In some areas, local governments, international exchange associations, NPOs, volunteer groups, and similar organizations hold Japanese classes.
Some classes teach the Japanese needed for daily life, and some let you interact with local people.
The fee, days, target level, and whether you can bring children differ by class.
Where to look?
You can check with places such as:
- Your municipality's foreign resident consultation counter
- International exchange associations
- Local Japanese language education information
- Japanese language education institutions
Think about what you want to learn
Where you choose depends on your purpose.
For example:
- Japanese used in daily life
- Japanese used at work
- Japanese used at school
- Exams such as the JLPT
- Reading and writing
Think about what you want to learn
Daily life / work / school
- Japanese used in daily life
- Japanese used at work
- Japanese used at school
Exams / reading and writing
- Exams such as the JLPT
- Reading and writing
Wanting to learn without spending money
Some local Japanese classes let you participate for free or at low cost.
However, not all of them are free.
Japanese for children
For Japanese language support for children attending school, consult not only local Japanese classes but also the school and the board of education.
JANIA's role
JANIA itself is not a Japanese language school.
To help you understand systems and words you don't understand in daily life, it provides standard Japanese, Easy Japanese, and multilingual information.
What you can check next
- Japanese Language Support for Children with Foreign Roots
- Japan's School System, and Enrolling in Elementary or Junior High School
- Not Sure Where to Consult
Main places to check
- Agency for Cultural Affairs
- Local governments
- International exchange associations
Last checked: August 2026