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Introduction Have you heard of the J.TEST (Test of Practical Japanese) ? Many people know about the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) , but some may not know about the J.TEST yet. In this article, we will simply explain  the differences between JLPT and J.TEST! What is the J.TEST? J.TEST is a test for people who are studying Japanese. It helps you check your current Japanese level . Like the JLPT, it tests grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening skills. J.TEST has 3 levels Level JLPT Equivalent Full Score A–C (Advanced) JLPT N2–N1 1000 points D–E (Intermediate) JLPT N4–N3 700 points F–G (Beginner) JLPT N5 — Score guide for D–E level 350 points or more → About JLPT N4 level 500 points or more → About JLPT N3 level If someone who passed JLPT N1 gets 800 points or more  on the A–C level J.TEST, it shows they have a higher level than N1 ! Main Differences Between JLPT and J.TEST 🟢 More test dates JLPT : Only twice a year (July and December) J.TEST : Six times a year 👉 Great for practice before taking the JLPT ! 🟢 You can take it in more countries J.TEST is available in many countries, such as: Japan, China, Taiwan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Indonesia, Brazil, Philippines, and more. 🟢 Good for learners who are strong at listening In the J.TEST, listening (chōkai)  has a high score value. 👉 Even if kanji or reading is difficult, you can still get a high score  with good listening skills! 🟢 Lower test fees Test Taker JLPT J.TEST Junior High & High School Students 5,500 yen 2,600 yen University Students & Adults 5,500 yen 5,200 yen 👉 Especially for students, J.TEST is cheaper ! 🔴 One thing to watch out for: written answers JLPT does not have writing questions,but J.TEST includes writing (kijutsu) questions . ✍ If your handwriting is not clear, you may lose points . Want to know more? For more details, please check the official website. 🔗 Click here for the official J.TEST site Try Japanese Lessons with J-CALP ! At J-CALP , we offer online Japanese lessons for people who want to study or work in Japan . We support: EJU (Exam for Japanese University Admission for International Students) Business Japanese Writing support for motivation letters and essays Interview preparation 📩 If you’re interested in a trial lesson, feel free to contact us anytime! ↓↓

Hello there! ⛅ The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is just over a month away! ⏳Feeling nervous? That’s totally normal—but this is exactly when mock tests  become your best weapon! Practicing under timed conditions using real exam-style questions helps you build focus and master time management for test day. Today, we’re introducing the most effective JLPT mock test resources  to power you through the final stretch! 📝🔥 🧠【Mock Test Books】 ① 日本語能力試験 完全模試シリーズ N1–N5  (J Research Publishing) 📚 3 full mock tests + answer explanations 📲 Available as Kindle e-books 🎧 MP3 audio files available for download 👉 The clear explanations and instant digital access make this a perfect option for busy learners in the final weeks! ② 日本語能力試験 ベスト模試 N1–N5  (The Japan Times Publishing) 📚 3 full mock tests + answer explanations 📲 Kindle versions available for N5–N3 🎧 MP3 audio files available for download 👉 This is a trusted, high-quality series  from a well-known publisher. The detailed explanations make review easy and efficient. ③ JLPTリアル模試 N3–N1  (AI Online Test Inc.) 📚 2 full mock tests + explanations 📲 Available on Kindle 🎧 MP3 audio files available 🧠 AI-based difficulty level displayed for each question 👉 Developed using AI analysis of past JLPT questions, this high-precision mock test series  offers a realistic challenge—perfect for simulating the real exam. ✍️【Vocabulary, Kanji & Grammar Practice】 日本語能力試験 直前対策ドリル＆模試 文字・語彙・文法 N1–N5  (J Research Publishing) ✅ 15 sets of JLPT-style questions 📚 Includes 3 full mock tests 📲 Kindle & MP3 downloads available 👉 Minimal explanations make this ideal for learners who want to focus on quantity and repetition . A great tool for intensive last-minute review! 💨 👂【Listening Practice】 聴解スピードマスター N1–N5  (J Research Publishing) 📚 Covers all listening sections + 2 full mock tests 📲 Available on Kindle with MP3 downloads 🎙 Audio recorded at test-like speed and tone 👉 The audio is highly realistic , helping you train your ear to JLPT listening standards so you won’t panic on exam day 👂✨ 📌 Summary: The Key to Passing is "Timing and Accuracy"! As the test day approaches, it’s not just about doing problems—it’s about reviewing your mistakes and improving your score! 1️⃣ Use mock exams to measure your current level 2️⃣ Review mistakes carefully and make a plan 3️⃣ Take another mock test to see if you’ve improved! By repeating this trial-and-error cycle , you’ll build confidence and readiness for the big day! 🔥 At J-CALP , we’re cheering you on as you aim for JLPT success! 💪📖✨ Let’s push through this final stage together— you’ve got this! At J-CALP , we offer online Japanese lessons tailored for those aiming to study or work in Japan. Our experienced native Japanese instructors provide detailed and personalized guidance—not only for JLPT and EJU preparation or business Japanese, but also for writing your statement of purpose, essay writing practice, and interview training. If you're considering studying or working in Japan, feel free to contact us through the link below! 📩 Contact us here ↓↓

In recent years, study abroad preparation styles have diversified, and succeeding in studying abroad in Japan through only online lessons  has become a very realistic option💻✈️. This article explains the advantages of preparing for studying abroad through online lessons, key points to watch out for, and practical strategies for success. The possibilities of online lessons are expanding more than ever! ✅ Benefits of Preparing for Studying Abroad in Japan with only Online Lessons There are many clear advantages to preparing for studying abroad via online lessons: ⏰ Efficient use of time No need for commuting—perfect for busy schedules. 🏠 Maintain your current lifestyle Balance work, school, and study preparation at your own pace. 💰 Significantly reduce living costs Complete much of your preparation before going to Japan and cut expenses. 👩‍🏫 Receive personalized instruction One-on-one lessons allow for detailed and attentive guidance. ⚠️ The Key to Success: "Planning" and "Self-Management" Preparing for studying abroad through online lessons requires consistent self-discipline .Since preparation is a long-term process, managing your daily life schedule, including meals, sleep, and study, is crucial . 💡 Worried about self-management?→ Consider enrolling in a language school in Japan to prepare alongside fellow students. To succeed in online learning, detailed scheduling is absolutely essential! 🎯 Decide Your Target School and Major Early Before starting online study preparations, it is critical to decide your desired school and major 🔍. Some schools require applicants to: Already reside in Japan Hold a student visa ("College Student" status of residence) 👉 Therefore, check in advance whether enrollment in a Japanese language school or a visa application is necessary . 👩‍🏫 Choosing the Right Instructor Makes All the Difference Selecting a reliable instructor is key to your success🔑! The ideal instructor should: Be well-informed about your target school and major Help design and manage your study schedule Support you with personal statement writing and interview preparation ⚠️ An instructor who only teaches JLPT may not be sufficient for comprehensive preparation, including EJU exams and admissions support. 👉 Depending on your needs and budget, consider combining private lessons with group classes or video lessons. 🌐 Full Support System at J-CALP online education At J-CALP online education , we provide comprehensive support with experienced instructors who specialize in university, college, and graduate school admissions in Japan: ✨ Flexible scheduling is possible thanks to our small elite teaching team! 📅 Learning schedule planning and management 🏫 Information and application support for target schools ✍️ Japanese language, writing, and interview preparation 🗣 Collaboration with Japanese educational institutions and real estate companies 👥 Access to a network of alumni for real-world advice At J-CALP, our experienced instructors in academic guidanceprovide full support for your study abroad and career goals in Japan through online lessons. ✨Conclusion: Studying Abroad via Online Lessons is Achievable! Preparing for studying abroad through online lessons may seem challenging at first, but by focusing on these three key points, success is definitely possible: ✔️ Thorough self-management ✔️ Careful research and planning in advance ✔️ Strong support from a trusted instructor 🎯 You can aim for admission to your dream school while saving on living expenses and continuing your current lifestyle! 📩 J-CALP offers free consultations for studying in Japan! Feel free to reach out to us through the link below😊 ↓↓↓ https://www.j-calp.com/en/contact-8 J-CALP will fully support your dream of studying in Japan!

When preparing for the JLPT  or EJU  exams, many people purchase vocabulary textbooks. However, based on our experience, simply memorizing words from a textbook does not always lead to long-term retention. In language learning, the most important factor is not just "memory" but "retention."  To ensure vocabulary retention, it is highly effective to create your own personalized vocabulary list. In this blog, we will explain in detail how to use Notion  to create a vocabulary list. If you want to study more efficiently and make vocabulary learning enjoyable, this article is for you! Table of Contents Collecting Vocabulary from Conversation Lessons, Reading, and Listening Exercises Creating a Vocabulary List with Notion Why We Recommend Notion How to Make a Vocabulary List in Notion Summary 1. Collecting Vocabulary from Conversation Lessons, Reading, and Listening Exercises While vocabulary textbooks cover necessary words for the exam, it is unrealistic to memorize everything at once.  Therefore, an effective approach is to pick up new words from daily conversations, lessons, and reading or listening exercises  to build your own vocabulary list. By following these three methods, you can naturally gather important vocabulary: [How to Collect Useful Vocabulary] 1.1 Record New Words from Conversation Lessons Whenever you come across new words during a conversation with your teacher or a language partner, write them down immediately. 1.2 Pick Up Words from Reading and Listening Exercises While solving problems, if you come across a word and think, "I didn’t know this!" , make sure to note it down. 💡 Tip: Don’t just write the word— also record how it was used in context. Example: "In a newspaper reading exercise, I found the word '報道 (ほうどう, hōdō)' which relates to writing news articles." 1.3 Create Your Own Example Sentences Instead of relying solely on example sentences from textbooks or teachers, make your own personalized sentences  to better remember new words. 📌 Example Sentences: 慎重な人が成功するという話を聞いた。 ( I heard that careful people tend to succeed. ) 毎朝ニュースの報道 をチェックしている。 ( I check the news reports every morning. ) Tips for Organizing Your Vocabulary List: ✔ Write down new words and expressions immediately! ✔ Group related words together  (e.g., "Business Vocabulary," "Daily Conversation," etc.) ✔ Include example sentences, not just definitions. ✔ Review and update regularly  (delete words you have learned and add new ones). 2. Creating a Vocabulary List with Notion There are various tools for making vocabulary lists, such as paper notebooks, Excel, and mobile apps (Quizlet, Anki, etc.).  While each has its advantages, we recommend Notion! Notion is incredibly versatile and flexible,  making it a great choice for organizing vocabulary lists. Let’s explore why. 3. Why We Recommend Notion 3.1 Free to Use Notion offers basic features for free,  with a highly user-friendly design and functionality. 3.2 All-in-One System for Easy Organization You can store vocabulary lists, example sentences, and categorized tags (e.g., topic-based words) all in one place,  keeping your study materials well-organized. 3.3 Useful Beyond Language Learning Notion is not just for vocabulary lists! You can also use it to: ✔ Summarize articles you read for reading practice. ✔ Manage your study schedule. ✔ Organize notes for exam preparation. This allows you to review other study materials while checking your vocabulary list! 3.4 Accessible from Any Device Since Notion is cloud-based,  you can access it from your smartphone, PC, or tablet.  This means you can review vocabulary lists on your phone while commuting or use your PC to create and edit lists at home. 4. How to Make a Vocabulary List in Notion Step 1: Open Notion Go to Notion  and click the “+” button under “Private” on the left panel. Step 2: Create a New Page Open a New Page  and select “Table”  from the options. Step 3: Set Up Your Vocabulary List Give your list a title and add columns for different categories. Such as... ✔ Word ✔ Meaning ✔ Example Sentence ✔ Category (e.g., Business, Daily Life, JLPT N2, etc.) 💡 Notion is incredibly useful not just for vocabulary lists but also for various other study tools! 5. Summary When learning vocabulary, it’s not just about memorization—it’s about retention!  Using Notion  to organize and regularly review vocabulary lists will help you improve your language skills efficiently. You can try Notion for free here:👉 https://www.notion.com/ 📢 J-CALP offers online Japanese lessons for study abroad and job seekers! We provide courses for: ✔ EJU Preparation ✔ Business Japanese ✔ Statement of Purpose & Essay Writing ✔ Interview Preparation 📩 Contact us or sign up for a trial lesson today! ↓↓

Today, we’re diving into the grammar point “ように,” a topic many of you have asked about. To truly master “ように,” it’s important to learn it as part of a phrase  rather than trying to memorize its meaning in isolation. Below is a clear breakdown of its usage! Grammar Pattern 1: V dictionary form / V ない + ようにする = This is used to express goals or efforts. It’s often paired with words like “これから” (from now on) or “今後” (in the future). Examples: 1：これから毎日30分運動するようにします。 2：今後は宿題を忘れないようにします。 Grammar Pattern 2: V dictionary form / V ない + ようにしている = This expresses habits or routines. Words like “毎日” (every day) or “いつも” (always) are commonly used with this pattern. Examples: 1：毎朝6時に起きるようにしています。 2：健康のために野菜をたくさん食べるようにしています。 Grammar Pattern 3: V ようになる = This pattern indicates a change in state from before to now. It often appears as “Vようになりました.” Examples: 例1：これからAIはどんどん人間の仕事をするようになるでしょう。 例2：今は飛行機でかんたんに海外に行けるようになりました。（Vかのう + になった） Grammar Pattern 4: V dictionary form / V ない + ようになっている = This pattern describes systems or rules that have been established. 例1：このドアは、近づくと自動で開くようになっています。 例2：電気が消えると、自動でエアコンが止まるようになっています。 At J-CALP, we offer online Japanese lessons tailored for those aiming to study or work in Japan. Our services include preparation for the EJU and business Japanese, as well as support for writing personal statements, preparing for essays, and interview practice. Our experienced Japanese instructors provide detailed, personalized guidance. If you’re considering studying or working in Japan, feel free to contact us via the link below! Contact us here: ↓↓

Are you progressing well with your Japanese studies, learners? There are so many materials available to learn Japanese that choosing the right one can be overwhelming, right? This time, J-CALP introduces “Tsunagaru Hirogaru - Nihongo de no Kurashi,” an online Japanese learning resource ideal for learners living in Japan. “Tsunagaru Hirogaru - Nihongo de no Kurashi” is a free online Japanese learning resource created by Japan’s Ministry of Education. “Tsunagaru Hirogaru - Nihongo de no Kurashi” ⇩ Since this resource is developed by Japan’s Ministry of Education, you can use all videos and materials completely free of charge . Currently, it’s available in 16 languages , including English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Filipino, French, Indonesian, Khmer, Korean, Mongolian, Myanmar, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese . Even beginners with limited Japanese proficiency can use this site to study Japanese. Phrases Tailored to Different Situations and Three Learning Levels “Tsunagaru Hirogaru” offers phrases for various real-life situations in Japan. For example, you’ll find phrases for starting conversations, shopping, placing orders, and more. It even includes explanations on more complex topics, like how to obtain a resident certificate at the local city hall or understanding Japan’s tax system . Watching videos helps you understand the right intonation and timing for speaking Japanese. The resource has three levels , allowing you to start with simple phrases and gradually move on to more complex ones. Not only people who live in Japan, but those learning survival Japanese for travel will also find Level 1 of Tsunagaru Hirogaru extremely useful! Comprehensive Video Explanations of Japanese Writing and Grammar In addition to phrases, “Tsunagaru Hirogaru” has videos that explain fundamental rules of Japanese, such as sounds, characters, and sentence structure . You can print all the video scripts, which allows you to look up unfamiliar words or explanations to better understand the content. There are also columns where Japanese learners living in Japan share their experiences, observations, and advice. This is excellent information for anyone planning to live in Japan. Designed for Independent Japanese Learners! When studying Japanese alone abroad, it’s common to wonder, “Is this correct?” Tsunagaru Hirogaru is a site that supports such learners. Today, quality foreign language study is more accessible online than ever. If you’re planning to come to Japan in the future, why not practice Japanese through Tsunagaru Hirogaru before you arrive? It will make starting your life in Japan smoother and even more enjoyable! About J-CALP ’s Japanese Online Lessons J-CALP offers online Japanese lessons for studying or working in Japan. Our expert Japanese instructors provide tailored support not only for EJU preparation and business Japanese but also for crafting statements of purpose, essay preparation, and interview practice. If you’re considering studying or working in Japan, feel free to contact us via the link below! Contact us here ↓↓

In our previous blog, we talked about how to find the right Japanese language school for you! Previous blog : “ Professional Insights: How to Choose a Japanese Language School in Japan ” ⇩ https://www.j-calp.com/en/post/title-professional-insights-how-to-choose-a-japanese-language-school-in-japan This time, J-CALP proudly introduces the Academy of Language Arts (ALA) as the ideal Japanese language school for those aiming to work in Japan! A multinational class with a focus on Western students ALA attracts students from all over the world, including countries like the U.S. and France. While many Japanese language schools in Japan primarily have students from Asia, ALA stands out with many Western businesspeople, particularly those aiming for employment at major corporations. Classes are often composed of students from Western countries, and they use the “indirect method,” where English is used to teach Japanese, making it highly efficient for English-speaking learners. Moreover, with a relatively small student body , ALA is able to offer personalized education and support. ALA as of August 2024 Students: 256 (Capacity: 322) Nationalities: 46 countries Student demographics Europe: 35.9% Asia: 27.7% North America: 25.4% South America: 8.6% Oceania: 2.3% A practical program focused on conversation and activities Since many students at ALA are aiming to live or work in Japan, the school does not focus on grammar-heavy lessons based on textbooks like Minna no Nihongo , which are common at other Japanese language schools. Instead, they adopt a practical “Can-Do” program, where students learn through conversation and activities. This is a highly appealing option for learners who want to practice their Japanese by speaking a lot and participating in group activities or recreational events. Diverse staff and comprehensive student support ALA provides a variety of support services, including part-time job seminars, job placement assistance, and guidance for further education. Notably, their job support is particularly strong compared to other schools, offering internship introductions, job fairs, and employment seminars at major Japanese companies. The staff, being multinational themselves, are capable of providing support in multiple languages, including English, Italian, German, Korean, and Chinese . Why J-CALP recommends ALA While J-CALP offers Japanese language lessons online and provides personalized support for preparing to study or work in Japan, we are unable to issue visas for living in Japan. Therefore, we recommend first using J-CALP to learn basic Japanese from your home country and prepare for your move to Japan. Then, once in Japan, you can enroll at ALA to learn about Japanese culture and business etiquette while honing your practical Japanese skills, so you can focus on your job search. The teachers and staff at ALA are kind and dedicated. J-CALP confidently recommends ALA! Academy of Language Arts (ALA) Address: Daini Tobundo Building, 2-16 Ageba-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nearest station: Iidabashi Station (JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Tozai Line, Namboku Line, Toei Oedo Line) 3-minute walk Tel: 03-3255-0071 Email: info@ala-japan.com Website: https://ala-school.jp/ At J-CALP , we offer online Japanese lessons for those preparing to study or work in Japan. In addition to EJU preparation and business Japanese instruction, our experienced, specialized Japanese teachers provide detailed support for creating personal statements, preparing for essays, and interview practice. If you are considering studying or working in Japan, please feel free to contact us through the link below! Contact us here ↓↓

Without sufficient funds, it can be difficult to complete even a two-year master’s program. However, the sources and total amount of funds available to international students, including part-time work and scholarships, are quite limited. To be able to focus on your studies and achieve other goals while in Japan, securing a stable monthly income is crucial. Scholarship system for international students in Japan Scholarships for International Students in Japan are generally categorized into two types: interest-free scholarships, which are what we typically think of as “scholarships and grants,” and interest-bearing scholarships, which are essentially student loans that must be repaid with interest. Since there are many types of interest-free scholarships provided by the Japanese government, such as those from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), as well as from private foundations, I will not be discussing the interest-bearing scholarships that require repayment. When I first received my acceptance notice for graduate school, the university started accepting applications for JASSO’s “MEXT Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students.” Thanks to my early application, I was able to receive a recommendation from my school and secure this scholarship (¥48,000 per month), which covered my basic living expenses. However, there are some limitations to this scholarship: • First, if a student has exhausted their funds paying for tuition, moving expenses, and deposits for housing before the start of the semester, they may face a cash shortage even if they successfully secure this scholarship. This is because the scholarship payments for the first three months (April to June) are consolidated and paid in July, which does not provide immediate relief. • Second, while receiving this scholarship does not prevent students from applying for other private scholarships, some private scholarships consider other scholarship earnings as part of their assessment. Additionally, my university (Juntendo University, a private institution) has its own tuition refund scholarship for international students, but it does not accept applicants who are already receiving scholarships that cover more than half of their tuition. • Furthermore, my university only recommends new students in their first year for this scholarship. If a student wishes to continue applying for this scholarship in their second year, the university will not recommend them. Similar rules might apply at other institutions, so it is important to check carefully. In addition to JASSO scholarships, there are also scholarships provided by private foundations and other organizations, which are based on factors such as place of origin, study location, and field of study. Although competition for these scholarships is fierce (with high “application rates”), and it can be challenging to make a strong case without significant achievements from your university or internship before arriving in Japan, they are low-cost, high-reward opportunities. The main effort required is often obtaining a recommendation letter from a supervising professor (which typically involves writing a draft for the professor to sign off on). Even though I have yet to succeed in securing such scholarships, it is always worth trying.   International students are eligible for the “Special Financial Support Payment” A pleasant surprise for international students is that, because they typically did not pay income tax in Japan in the previous year, they are often eligible for a yearly ¥100,000 “Special Financial Support Payment” provided by local city and town offices around August or September . Although it may not cover all yearly expenses, this payment can easily cover a month’s rent, utilities, and communication costs, making it a welcome relief. However, this payment cannot be received every year—if you receive it one year, you will not receive a notification for the next. At J-CALP , we offer the Japanese language courses needed for studying or working in Japan. We not only provide EJU preparation and business Japanese training but also offer support for writing personal statements, preparing for essay writing, and interview strategies. Our experienced professional Japanese instructors provide detailed guidance. If you are considering studying or working in Japan, please feel free to contact us through the link below! Contact us ↓↓

Meiji University requires an EJU Japanese language score of at least 320 points plus a minimum of 45 points in writing. *These scores are approximate benchmarks.   Meiji University, established in 1881, is a university with a rich tradition. It values the nurturing of individual rights, freedom, and the spirit of autonomy through learning, and is committed to developing individuals who can respond to globalization. Meiji University's campuses are located in three Tokyo districts—Chiyoda, Suginami, and Nakano—and one in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. Depending on the faculty and year, the campus you attend may vary. The university is also famous for its relaxed atmosphere and is well-known for its many celebrity graduates. A Popular Choice Among International Students Meiji University is extremely popular, following Waseda and Keio universities, attracting many students from all over Japan. There is a well-established support system for international students, and many international students are enrolled at Meiji University. ※The photos are for illustrative purposes only. High Employment Rate One of the reasons for its popularity is its high employment rate. The university has long been among the top in employment rates among the MARCH group of universities, which are private universities with campuses in the Kanto region. While science and engineering faculties are generally considered the strongest in terms of job placement, many graduates from Meiji University's liberal arts faculties also find employment at major companies. The Distinctive Features and Appeal of Meiji University There are many faculties and departments, but the faculties of Political Science and Economics, Law, and Commerce are particularly notable for their comprehensive educational content and numerous learning opportunities. Undergraduate Faculties: Faculty of Law Faculty of Commerce Faculty of Political Science and Economics Faculty of Letters Faculty of Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture Faculty of Business Administration Faculty of Information and Communication School of Global Japanese Studies Faculty of Advanced Mathematical Sciences The School of Global Japanese Studies also offers the rare opportunity to study pop culture, such as anime and manga, as an academic subject. Students can learn about Japanese traditional culture, world cultures, and theories of international relations, all while developing a global perspective and deepening their understanding of Japan. Japanese anime, popular all over the world Graduate Schools: Graduate School of Commerce Graduate School of Political Science and Economics Graduate School of Business Administration Graduate School of Letters Graduate School of Information and Communication Graduate School of Science and Technology Graduate School of Agriculture Graduate School of Advanced Mathematical Sciences Graduate School of Humanities Design Graduate School of Global Japanese Studies Graduate School of Global Governance For more information, please visit: ↓ https://www.meiji.ac.jp/koho/faculty/index.html Comprehensive Support for International Students There are specialized academic programs for international students, Japanese language education programs, international exchange events, and extensive services within the international student center and campus. Some faculties offer entrance exams based solely on document screening, without the need to come to Japan. For information regarding applications and more, please visit: ↓ https://www.meiji.ac.jp/cip/prospective/index.html At J-CALP, we offer Japanese language lessons for those considering studying in Japan! In addition to EJU preparation, we provide support in writing statements of purpose, essay strategies, and interview preparation with detailed guidance from Japanese instructors specialized in educational advancement. If you're considering studying in Japan, please feel free to contact us through the link! For inquiries, click here: ↓↓

You've decided to attend a Japanese language school in Japan, but with so many options, it's hard to know where to start... Today, we’ll share how professional Japanese language teachers recommend selecting the best school for you. Key Points for Choosing a Japanese Language School When selecting a Japanese language school, there are several aspects to consider. There are approximately 600 Japanese language schools in Japan, so how do you choose the right one? Below are some common criteria students often look for: Affordable tuition fees Preferred location (urban or natural setting) A relatively large school These are, without a doubt, important factors. However, from the perspective of a Japanese language teacher, there are other key points you should be paying attention to. 1: Does the School Have Enough Teachers? Currently, many Japanese language schools are facing a shortage of teachers, especially the larger schools. Even if a school offers attractive programs and curriculums, if they don’t have enough teachers or rely on inexperienced instructors, you might find the quality of the lessons or support lacking. Don’t just focus on the size of the school or the number of programs—be sure to also check the number and quality of the teaching staff. 2: Is the School Recommended by a Trustworthy Agent? If you’re searching for schools through an agent, the quality of the agent is crucial. Unfortunately, some agents are more focused on profit than finding a school that matches your needs. They may introduce schools without thoroughly evaluating whether they are a good fit for you. When using an agent, make sure they are knowledgeable about Japanese language education and that they are trustworthy. 3: Understand the School’s Characteristics Through the Nationality of Its Students The nationality distribution of a school’s students can give you insight into the school’s characteristics. For instance, if many students come from one particular country, it’s likely the school owner is from that country, and the school’s rules or policies may align more closely with that culture. If you’re keen to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and rules, this may be something to consider. Schools with a high proportion of students from countries with a strong exam culture (like China, Korea, and Taiwan) may have a wealth of knowledge about preparing students for entrance exams to Japanese universities or graduate schools. If you’re aiming for higher education, these schools may be a good fit. If the school has a large number of students from North America or Europe, it’s more likely to have expertise in job placement with Japanese companies. Additionally, such schools often focus more on practical conversation and activities rather than exam-focused study, offering a more relaxed learning atmosphere. Schools with a significant number of students from South Asia, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East may have strong knowledge of jobs related to the Specific Skills Visa and vocational schools. If you already know what type of job you want in Japan (e.g., nursing, construction, hospitality), it would be wise to select a school that offers programs teaching Japanese specific to your desired profession. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the school directly. Many Japanese language schools now have multilingual staff. If you’re unsure or have concerns, reach out to the school proactively! The way the staff responds to your inquiries can be a great indicator of the school’s quality. I hope everyone finds a Japanese language school that fits their needs! At J-CALP , we offer personalized Japanese lessons for those preparing to study or work in Japan. In addition to EJU and Business Japanese preparation, we provide support for crafting personal statements, essay writing, and interview preparation . Our experienced and specialized Japanese instructors will provide you with thorough guidance. If you’re considering studying or working in Japan, feel free to contact us via the link below! Contact us here ↓↓

Hello to everyone studying Japanese, this is jcalpstaff! Today, we would like to express our support for those considering interviews in Japan by sharing a "List of Japanese Corporate Interview Questions." If you have an upcoming interview with a Japanese company, please use this list to help you prepare!! List of Japanese Corporate Interview Questions: At J-CALP, we offer special lessons for interviewing with Japanese companies!! We'll help you to... Make your Japanese conversational skills appear a notch higher... Learn and use easy... effective Japanese... We carefully teach interview-specific Japanese through role-playing! If you're interested, please feel free to contact us! We wholeheartedly support your success in finding employment in Japan! ⇩ https://www.j-calp.com/en/contact-8

In the previous part, we introduced various job roles in the Japanese gaming industry. This time, we will discuss the skills and abilities needed to work in the Japanese gaming industry and how to prepare for employment! Skills and Abilities Required in the Japanese Gaming Industry Knowledge of Programming Not only programmers, but planners and game masters are also required to have programming knowledge. Even if you don't use it in your desired job role, having programming knowledge can be a strong point during job applications and can make your work easier once you are employed. You should consider attending a vocational school (→ see the last section) or learning independently through educational services to acquire programming skills. Communication Skills Regardless of the job role, making a game requires interacting with various people inside and outside the company. Moreover, creating a game often involves working with the same team members for a long period. Therefore, good communication skills are essential to maintain good relationships and to ensure smooth progress in your work. Perseverance and Enthusiasm Creating a game involves numerous detailed checks and revisions until it is completed. Sometimes, you may even need to start over from the planning stage. You need to have not just a love for games but also the enthusiasm and perseverance to make better games. Preparing for Employment in the Japanese Gaming Industry The first step to aiming for the gaming industry is to decide what kind of job you want to do . Once you have a direction, start preparing for it. For example, if you want to be a programmer, study programming; if you want to be a designer, study design. Choose a learning method that suits you , whether it's a university, vocational school, or online learning. Also, it's important to actually create something . By experiencing the joys and challenges of game creation, you can better assess your suitability for the job. You can also talk about these experiences in job interviews. Universities and Vocational Schools for Learning Game Development 総合学園ヒューマンアカデミー - Human Academy: Known for its high-level classes available in major cities like Sapporo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Fukuoka , and for its high employment rate . The "National Works Exhibition" allows students from Human Academy nationwide to showcase their works to game companies, increasing their chances of employment. The curriculum is developed under the supervision of "Square Enix," known for famous games like "Dragon Quest" and "Final Fantasy."   Human Academy Game College: Programmer Course / Planner Course / CG Designer Course / Animator Course Programming Languages: C / C++ Development Environment: DirectX / Unity https://ha.athuman.com/game/ HAL: One of the representative vocational schools for games, recommended for those who want to learn specialized knowledge. The four-year game department offers three courses: Design, Planning, and Production, with further specializations like Smartphone Game Programmer, Scenario Writer, and 3D Character Designer. The curriculum content and employment rate are excellent, but the tuition is quite high. HAL Four-Year Game Department: Programming Languages: C / C++ Development Environment: DirectX / OpenGL / Visual Studio / Unreal Engine / Unity / Nintendo Switch https:// www.hal.ac.jp/tokyo/course   東京国際工科専門職大学 - Tokyo International Professional University of Technology: Japan's first "information technology" professional university approved by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It provides "practical education environment directly connected to professions" to train advanced professional human resources. Led by President Makoto Murakami, former Vice President of Google US Headquarters, and Honorary President Yoshiyuki Yoshikawa, former President of the University of Tokyo, the faculty and lecturers provide the latest industry and global knowledge and skills. AI, IoT, Robotics / Games, CG - 2 Departments, 5 Courses https://www.iput.ac.jp/tokyo/faculty/ No matter what industry you want to work in, if you want to work in Japan, studying Japanese is necessary! At J-CALP, we offer Japanese lessons for entering art colleges or specialized schools. We also provide beginner to intermediate Japanese lessons, business Japanese lessons, and custom lessons tailored to learners' needs. Our Japanese teachers, who have specialized know-how in advancing to higher education and learning Japanese, will guide you carefully through online lessons. Please feel free to contact us first!