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150 Hours to a New Life in Japan
Foreign Professional
June 01, 2025
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Language School
Your First Step Into Japan: Language Schools & the 150-Hour Rule
So you want to work in Japan, but don’t speak the language, don’t have a degree from a Japanese university, and don’t have job offers pouring in yet. Don’t worry: that’s a common starting point.
The good news? Japanese language schools are one of the most straightforward and proven entry points into the country. They’re visa-friendly, affordable (compared to university), and act as a cultural and professional launchpad. In fact, many foreigners who now work in Japan got their start at one.
Language School = Smartest Move
Why Language School Is the Smartest First Move
Japanese language schools offer more than just classroom instruction, they provide a soft landing into life in Japan. Here’s what makes them such a powerful first step:
Student Visa Sponsorship: If you enroll in a full-time accredited language school, the school itself will often sponsor your student visa. This gives you permission to live in Japan for up to 2 years (depending on the program), and even work part-time (up to 28 hours/week).
Cultural Onboarding: Beyond the textbooks, language schools provide orientation to daily life in Japan, navigating city bureaucracy, setting up your bank account and phone, and even etiquette tips that are essential for making friends and succeeding professionally.
Job or Education Pathways: Many language schools provide career counseling, resume help, and job interview prep. Some have relationships with vocational schools, universities, or specific industries like hospitality and tech. That means it’s not just school, it’s a stepping stone.
Flexibility: You don’t need a degree to attend a language school. It’s one of the few visa paths open to people without a university background or years of experience.
Language school is not just a way to “buy time” in Japan, it’s a highly intentional way to build a foundation for a future career here.
150-Hour Rule
Understanding the 150-Hour Japanese Study Requirement
Since 2023, Japan has introduced a quiet but important rule for student visa applicants. To prevent people from arriving with zero Japanese knowledge, the Immigration Bureau now requires that new students:
Either pass the JLPT N5 (the most basic level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
OR complete 150 hours of Japanese study before arrival
This doesn’t mean you have to be fluent. But it does mean you need to prove that you’re serious and that you’ve taken that first step.
So what counts as 150 hours?
✅ Online courses that issue completion certificates
✅ Community college or university classes
✅ Private tutoring with records
✅ Self-study programs if they come with tracked time and assessments
If you’re not sure where to begin, some schools and online platforms offer pre-arrival packages designed specifically to meet this 150-hour threshold. (We list one example in the section below.)
This rule is not meant to discourage applicants, it’s meant to set you up for success.
Top Language Schools
Top Japanese Language Schools to Consider
Here are some schools that consistently rank high for quality, visa support, and job outcomes:
1. KCP International Japanese Language School (Tokyo)
A top choice for serious students who want to immerse themselves in both language and culture. They offer academic Japanese and cultural programs year-round, and you can even earn university credit if you're a U.S. student.
➡️ Great for: Students interested in higher education or academic-level fluency
🌐 KCP Japan
2. Genki Japanese and Culture School (Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Nagoya)
Designed with foreigners in mind, Genki JACS offers small classes, friendly teachers, and tons of cultural activities. You can combine language learning with pop culture, traditional arts, or job-oriented study.
➡️ Great for: First-timers, culture lovers, and conversational learners
🌐 Genki JACS
3. Coto Academy (Tokyo, Yokohama, Online)
Offers intensive and part-time classes with a focus on real-world communication. Coto is also known for helping professionals and spouses of foreign workers adapt quickly to life in Japan.
➡️ Great for: Professionals, career switchers, and working holiday visa holders
🌐 Coto Academy
4. KAI Japanese Language School (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
KAI has a global student body and strong focus on tech and business Japanese. They also offer “General Japanese” and “Practical Conversation” programs that balance grammar and spoken fluency.
➡️ Great for: Students preparing to work in Japanese companies
🌐 KAI Japanese School
5. ISI Language School (Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagano)
Known for large class sizes, structured curriculum, and career pathways. ISI offers specialized prep courses for entering universities and vocational schools, and has strong support systems for international students.
➡️ Great for: Career-focused learners and those aiming for higher education
🌐 ISI Japanese Language School
Complete the 150-hour rule
How to Fulfill the 150-Hour Requirement Before You Apply
If you haven’t studied Japanese before, or need to show proof, here are 3 reliable ways to hit the 150-hour mark:
Online Courses (With Certification)
SNG’s 150-Hour Japanese Language Course: Tailored specifically to fulfill the requirement for student visa applicants.
🌐 ondemand.sng.ac.jp
Community Language Programs
Local Japanese associations and cultural centers in your country often offer certified classes. Ask if they can issue transcripts or attendance records.
Private Tutoring or Language Apps (With Logs)
Some tutors will provide detailed lesson reports you can submit with your application. Apps like Wanikani or BunPro can help, but you’ll need a written log to back up your hours.
CONCLUSION
Final Thoughts
Language school isn’t just for gap-year students or anime fans, it’s one of the most legitimate, accessible, and strategic ways to start a new life in Japan.
If you’re committed to building a life here, learning the language is non-negotiable. Language school gives you structure, support, and a visa to do just that.
And with the new 150-hour rule in place, it’s never been more important to plan ahead. But that extra step? It’s worth it.
Whether you’re just starting to research or already counting down the days until your flight, this could be your first step toward something bigger.
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Need Help Landing a Job in Japan?
Here are a few ways I can support you:
✅Resume Writing Tutorial + Templates
Step-by-step written guide + the exact Japanese resume formats I used to get hired. Perfect if you’re not sure how to write a 履歴書 or 職務経歴書.