B R I N G I N G T H E O B S C U R E I N T O F O C U S
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Tokyo is fairly forgiving to English speaking foreigners so it is "possible" to live within the city and never have to learn Japanese. However, you would miss the acceptance and warmth shown to Westerners who speak even a few words of the local language. Although the "written" language is an obstacle that many debate can never be overcome with fluency, conversational Japanese is no more challenging than language from the West [and it does not suffer from intonation nuances required for Chinese, Vietnamese and other Asian languages].
Therefore, if you take up residency in Tokyo you will likely find yourself eventually gravitating towards one of the MANY Japanese language schools or programs available. Much of what you get out of an experience depends on what you put in ... but, that being said, success will come easier if you belong to a "great" language organization rather than one of the countless "okay" language programs.
The following recommendations come after having researched more than 50 of the most notable schools or programs and after having personally attended several. What follows are those that brought the greatest success, provided the most fun and offered the broadest support.
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# Best Private Lessons - The Nihongo Instructor Club (NIC) provides exceptional private, one-to-one Japanese lessons for up to half the cost of other schools! They can do this because they have no classrooms --they will come to you at your home or office and are flexible 7 days a week. Their instructors are highly experienced, love teaching and make learning interesting and fun through visual aids, role playing and games. You keep the same teacher throughout your studies to ensure consistency. NIC is ideal for a busy, changing work schedule.
Download the NIC pdf brochure (878Kb):
<< Download Here >>
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# Best Classroom Lessons - The Meguro Language Center (MLC) provides small, classroom Japanese instruction [3 to 7 people] offered at several times throughout the day and evening, Monday through Saturday. MLC's pricing is competitive, a cheaper alternative to private lessons and ideal for those who
can commit to fixed class times. MLC's website offers some of the best study resources anywhere for Japanese Language Proficiency Test preparation, as well as general study. Check it out!
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# Best Full-time School for 'Hardcore' Study - The Kai Japanese Language School is for the serious, full-time student of the Japanese language only. Classes meet 4 hours every weekday and commitment is for a minimum of 3 months [if you have your own Visa, business or spouse] or 1 year [if you require Kai to issue a student Visa]. The lessons are fast paced and teach all aspects of the language, including "writing and reading" Kanji! If a student attends Kai's full 2 year course [8 quarters] he/she should be able to pass Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test -- native level!
If you are a "Westerner" and want to study the Japanese language in earnest, then Kai is the best choice. Other schools and University programs cater to mostly "Asian" students who already know some or many Kanji. However, Kai school has a good mix of representatives from many countries, including many from the West. From experience, they separate the Westerners from Asian students for the 1 hour Kanji lessons each day [in the beginning] because they know the teaching requirements are different. The teachers are all excellent, classes are fun and many events are held to teach Japanese culture.
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Final word ...
One final word of advice. Should you choose another school than those described, just make sure it is not with a company who's primary business is teaching English to Japanese people. They may offer a Japanese language program, but it is not their "bread and butter" and you will suffer for it -- this too is from personal experience!
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