About Coto Academy’s 1-Year Japanese Program for Residents
Build real fluency over a full year, on a schedule designed for working adults. Coto Academy’s 1-Year Japanese Program is an intensive course for residents in Japan, working professionals, and long-term visitors who want steady, structured Japanese language progress without putting their careers and life on hold.
Choose your starting point — from beginner to intermediate — and study alongside our year-long cohort in the same immersive curriculum. You’ll get the same career-first approach, practical focus, and full range of student benefits as every student at Coto Institute.
Key Features
Intake period:
October or April (12 months)
Levels:
Beginner (JLPT N5) or intermediate (JLPT N3)
Class size:
10 – 16 students
Location:
Kokubunji, Tokyo (20 minutes from Shinjuku)
Schedule:
Morning (9:30 – 12:50) or afternoon (13:50 – 17:10)
Focus:
Conversation based
Things to note: This course is not eligible for student visa support. For a visa-eligible course, please visit our long-term, visa-sponsored Japanese course
Who This Course is Perfect For
Whether you’re working or living, our 1-Year Japanese Program in Kokubunji helps you reach your goals with intensive, career-focused language training. Please note that applicants must already have a valid visa to take this program.
Expats and employees in Japan who want to boost their Japanese in 12 months, for real career development at work.
Family members of residents who want to build the communication skills to live more comfortably and confidently in Japan.
For Working Holiday visa holders who want to learn Japanese without a long-term commitment. Available to passport holders from eligible countries, including Australia, the UK, Canada, and Ireland.
Undergraduate or graduate students already studying in Japan on a valid visa who want to sharpen their Japanese outside their regular coursework.
Practical Japanese Track
For Beginners | Starting level: JLPT N5
A course for beginners looking to build fluency fast. Strong fundamentals paired with work-focused vocabulary and business etiquette from day one.
This course is perfect if you:
- Are just starting your Japanese learning journey.
- Want to build a strong foundation in business Japanese.
- Plan to work in Japan or improve your long-term conversational skills.
Advanced Track
For intermediate | Starting level: JLPT N3
This course prepares you for a career in Japan by building advanced Japanese skills. Learn to understand complex texts, communicate opinions clearly, handle business situations, and discuss professional and current affairs topics.
This course is perfect if you:
- Have an intermediate level of Japanese.
- Want to strengthen your business Japanese through project-based learning and group discussions.
- Are preparing for a career in Japan.
- Aim to reach JLPT N2 or N1 within one year.
Course Curriculum
Leveraging 25 years of teaching experience, we’ve built a curriculum that develops every aspect of Japanese holistically — dedicating real time to business Japanese and hands-on project work. Students spend roughly 20 hours a week in class.
| Subject | Frequency | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Japanese | 16 hours/ week | Grammar, writing, daily conversation, and listening |
| Business Japanese / JLPT Prep | 2 hours/week | Workplace communication and JLPT practice |
| Project Learning | 2 hours/week | Real-world project work and teamwork |
What You Get Beyond Japanese Lessons
Life Support
Already living in Japan but need more help navigating life? Our English-speaking staff is here to help with settling down, from day-to-day tasks to administrative responsibilities.
Career Support
From receiving specialized coaching from our career expert to job search guidance, receive the same comprehensive support as one would get from our regular Japanese language course.
Community-Building Activity
Engaging events and community experiences that bring language and culture together — so that what you practice in class, you actually use outside of it.
Ready to get started?
Master Japanese at Our Kokubunji Language School
Located in Kokubunji, only 20 minutes from Shinjuku by train, Coto Institute is the ideal choice for learners living in western Tokyo, including Tachikawa, Hachioji, and Kichijoji, while still offering easy access from central Tokyo.
Enjoy access to learning resources in our bespoke library, community area, study area, and modern facility.
Tuition and Fees Breakdown
| Item | 1st Installment (first 6 months) |
2nd Installment (remaining 6 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Registration Fee | ¥33,000 | — |
| Teaching Materials Fee (per 6 months, at cost) | ¥27,500 | ¥27,500 |
| Facility Fee (per 6 months) | ¥38,500 | ¥38,500 |
| Tuition Fee (per 6 months, incl. extracurricular activity fee) | ¥401,000 | ¥401,000 |
| Estimated Total | ¥500,000 | ¥467,000 |
Step 1
Consultation & Application
Step 2
Japanese Level Check
Step 3
Start Your Term
Get started!
Complete the form and our team will contact you as soon as possible!
FAQ
Does Coto Institute offer Japanese program for residents?
Coto Institute offers a 12-month, short-term Japanese program, where students join the October or April intake alongside our full-time students.
Do I need 150 hours of Japanese study to join this 1-Year Japanese course?
No. Unlike our full-time Japanese language program, the 1-Year Japanese Program for residents does not require proof of 150 hours of Japanese study. Instead, we’ll assess your level through a placement test to ensure you’re placed in the right class.
Can I join this course even if I am a beginner?
Applicants must already have basic Japanese (around JLPT N5). Absolute beginners are encouraged to start with online courses before applying.
Does this course provide a student visa?
No. The short-term course does not include student visa sponsorship. You must already have a valid visa that allows you to reside in Japan while attending the course.
When does the course start?
The Japanese course has two intakes each year, April and October.
How many students are in each class?
Classes typically have 10–16 students.
Can I change my course length after enrolling?
In specific cases, students may apply to extend their studies from the 1-year Practical Japanese course to the Advanced course, subject to attendance, grades, availability, and internal review.
Is job-hunting support provided?
Formal job placement is not provided, but career guidance sessions, individual advice, and introductions to job boards and agents are offered during enrollment.