Program Overview

Japanese Language Program

The Japanese Language Program is designed for students who wish to learn Japanese. The program offers various courses, including the Short-term Japanese Course, which is aimed at students who are not able to attend classes regularly or who arrive in the middle of a semester.

Short-term Japanese Course

The Short-term Japanese Course offers elementary to advanced one-two week lessons. The course is aimed at students who are not able to attend classes regularly or who arrive in the middle of a semester. International students and foreign researchers who are currently affiliated with the University of Tokyo are eligible to take the courses.

Course Details

• The course does not cover all the content of each level, but focuses on immediately applicable Japanese.
• The course can also be an opportunity for those who usually self-study to challenge their practical skills and enjoy classroom learning.
• The offered classes and schedules vary depending on the semester.
• Please check the latest course information on the Course Calendar.

Course Level Guide

• The Course Level Guide provides information on the minimum level required to take the course.
• The guide is available in PDF format (118KB).

Japanese Proficiency Levels

• The following Japanese proficiency levels are required for each course:
  • None or Level 1: Beginners
  • Level 1: Lower elementary
  • Level 2: Upper elementary
  • Level pre3: Upper elementary
  • Level 3: Lower Intermediate
  • Level 4: Upper Intermediate
  • Level 5: Advanced

Class Descriptions

• The following classes are offered:
  • Short: Survival Japanese
  • Short: Level 1 Further Steps
  • Short: Level 2 Further Steps
  • Short: Let's Complete Elementary Level Japanese!
  • Short: Level 3 Further Steps
  • Short: Level 4 Further Steps
  • Short: Level 5 Further Steps

Class Details

• Short: Survival Japanese
  • Description: This 5-day course teaches the minimum amount of daily Japanese needed for survival.
  • Content: Useful expressions, basic words, and grammar.
  • Goals: CAN offer something, make request, ask permission with minimum Japanese, CAN ask for the necessary thing at stores, restaurants, etc.
• Short: Level 1 Further Steps
  • Description: This course is for students who have a very basic understanding of Japanese.
  • Content: Grammar, basic vocabulary, and expressions.
  • Goals: Introducing special foods of your home country/town, making various requests at shops and stations, inviting friends to events, etc.
• Short: Level 2 Further Steps
  • Description: This course is for students who have mastered the content of the first half of the beginner level.
  • Content: Grammar, vocabulary, and expressions.
  • Goals: Talk about recommended local spots, describe items while comparing them to familiar ones, talk about future dreams, and so on.
• Short: Let's Complete Elementary Level Japanese!
  • Description: This course is designed for students who have learned approximately 80% of the material taught in a general beginner's level course but have not yet completed it.
  • Content: Grammatical items, conversational practice, and text reading.
  • Goals: Learn new grammar, review lessons, practice making conversation, and learn how to form longer sentences.
• Short: Level 3 Further Steps
  • Description: This course is for students who have generally mastered the content of the beginner level.
  • Content: Reviewing what was learned at the beginner level, watching videos, providing detailed explanations about objects, and increasing the ability to express oneself in their own words.
  • Goals: Explain the functions and advantages of items, watch Japanese CM, create a talk show, etc.
• Short: Level 4 Further Steps
  • Description: This course is for students who are at the upper-intermediate level.
  • Content: Reviewing what was learned up to the intermediate level, watching videos, providing detailed explanations about objects, and expanding the ability to express oneself in their own words.
  • Goals: Continue the conversation more comfortably, watch Japanese CM, create a talk show, etc.
• Short: Level 5 Further Steps
  • Description: This course is for students who are at the advanced level.
  • Content: Focusing on Japanese language 'request' scenarios, using videos of actual conversational situations and experiences of international students.
  • Goals: Start/Conclude a conversation, make a request, explain reasons, etc.

Comments from Previous Students

• Students have praised the courses for being helpful and insightful, with some noting that they were able to learn new grammar and review lessons, and practice making conversation.
• Some students have also mentioned that the courses helped them to learn how to form longer sentences and to communicate more effectively in Japanese.