Program Overview

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Introduction to the Pre-arrival Japanese Language Program

The Japanese Language Education Division of the Center for Global Education at the University of Tokyo offers a fee-based Japanese language program for students who have been admitted to study at UTokyo. This program allows students to learn Japanese suited to their level, including grammar and cultural context, to prepare for life in Japan and at UTokyo. All classes are conducted online via Zoom in an active learning format.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must provide formal proof of admission to UTokyo. This proof must be a document issued under the name of the Dean. Students who are simply interested in UTokyo, such as those planning to study at UTokyo in the future or wanting to experience what UTokyo is like, are not eligible to participate.

Program Structure

The program includes various courses tailored to different levels of Japanese proficiency. These courses are designed to help students practice using Japanese in daily life in Japan while gaining new understanding.

Courses Offered

• Survival Japanese for Beginners (A)
• Survival Japanese for Beginners (B)
• Elementary Japanese for Daily Use
• Intermediate Japanese for Daily Use

Attendance and Enrollment

Attendance at all sessions is encouraged to maximize learning effectiveness. However, the program understands that there may be unavoidable circumstances that prevent attendance. Students are required to mention any such circumstances during registration and their interview.

Recordings of Classes

Classes will not be recorded due to copyright and privacy reasons. The program is designed as an interactive class where the instructor and all students engage in learning together.

Interviews

Interviews are conducted with all participants to confirm their identity and intention to take the course before enrollment.

Global Units

A Global Unit is issued independently by the Center for Global Education and is aligned with the UCTS (UMAP Credit Transfer Scheme). The contact hours for each course per Global Unit are as follows:

• 1-Unit course: 15 hours (900 minutes / 90-minute session × 10)
• 0.5-Unit course: 7.5 hours (450 minutes / 90-minute session × 5)

Global Units are different from credits offered by faculties or graduate schools. However, the Global Unit Certificate includes detailed information and is issued only after a rigorous assessment. Exchange students might be able to use it to calculate credits for transfer to their home institution, depending on that institution's regulations.

Textbooks and Materials

The program uses original materials prepared by the Japanese Language Education Division, Center for Global Education. These materials are distributed to accepted students, and advance purchase is not necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: May I submit my UTokyo exam admission ticket for the entrance exam?

A: No, you must provide formal proof that you have been officially admitted to UTokyo.

Q: There are days when I won’t be able to attend the course I wish to take. Can I still enroll?

A: To maximize learning effectiveness, attendance at all sessions is encouraged, but we understand there may be unavoidable circumstances. Please mention this when you register and during your interview.

Q: Can I receive recordings of the online classes?

A: No, this program is an interactive class where the instructor and all students engage in learning together, rather than a lecture. For copyright and privacy reasons, classes will not be recorded.

Q: I have no prior experience studying Japanese. I’m sure I’ll be placed in the Survival Course, so do I still need to attend the interview?

A: Yes, we conduct interviews with everyone to confirm the participant’s identity and their intention to take the course before enrollment.

Q: What is a Global Unit? Will it count as credits after I enroll at UTokyo?

A: A Global Unit is issued independently by the Center for Global Education. It is aligned with the UCTS (UMAP Credit Transfer Scheme). The contact hours for each course per Global Unit are as follows:

• 1-Unit course: 15 hours (900 minutes / 90-minute session × 10)
• 0.5-Unit course: 7.5 hours (450 minutes / 90-minute session × 5)

Q: Since I want to study a lot, is it okay if I take multiple courses?

A: We appreciate your enthusiasm, but taking multiple courses simultaneously is not allowed due to the level gap between courses and the assumption of prior knowledge for some courses.

Q: In a short-term course, will I be able to learn a lot of grammar and vocabulary in a short period?

A: As the courses are short (three weeks at most), there are limits to how much grammar and vocabulary you can learn. The courses focus on practicing how to naturally use the knowledge you have accumulated so far in daily life in Japan, while also gaining new understanding.

Q: Which textbook will be used? Do I need to purchase it in advance?

A: We use original materials prepared by the Japanese Language Education Division, Center for Global Education. These will be distributed to those who are accepted into the course. Advance purchase is not necessary.