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How many study hours do you need to pass the JLPT? The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is the benchmark for your knowledge of the Japanese language. While it depends on things like your current level, how you study, and whether you’ve learned the language before, passing the JLPT takes anywhere from 180 study hours for the lowest level (JLPT N5) to 1,270 hours for the highest level (JLPT N1).

In this post, we will show you some interesting comparisons of the number of JLPT study hours it will take you to pass each exam level.

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Study Hours Needed from JLPT N5 to N1

JLPT Level	Study Hours	Kanji	Vocabulary
N5	180–210	100	800
N4	360–420	300	1,500
N3	660–770	650	3,700
N2	960–1,120	1,000	6,000
N1	1,050–1,270	2,000	10,000

The number of study hours needed to pass the JLPT can vary a lot depending on the learner. If you’re living in Japan or regularly exposed to Japanese, especially kanji, you may be able to progress more quickly thanks to daily practice and immersion. Similarly, learners who already know Chinese or Korean often need fewer hours because of shared kanji or grammar patterns.

Note that the numbers above are cumulative totals. For example, to reach JLPT N2, you need about 960 – 1,120 hours total from when you started learning Japanese. If you have already passed N3 and are aiming for N2, you’d need around 300-350 more study hours.

How Many Days Do You Need to Study for the JLPT?

There is no definitive answer to how many days or months it takes to study for the JLPT, as it depends on how many hours you put in and how consistently you study. That said, we have broken down some basic assumptions based on studying for one hour or more per day.

For example, if you invest one hour a day in JLPT N5 preparation, you may be able to pass within six months. However, if you increase your study time, you could cut that down to around three months.

JLPT Level	Study Hours	Days (1 hr/day)	Days (2 hrs/day)
N5	180–210	180–210	90–105
N4	360–420	360–420	180–210
N3	660–770	660–770	330–385
N2	960–1,120	960–1,120	480–560
N1	1,050–1,270	1,050–1,270	525–635

What do these numbers mean?

Some learners can reach JLPT N5 in just 6 months, and with intensive study, it’s even possible to pass JLPT N1 within 2 years. But how long it takes depends on how consistently you put in time. Here’s a general breakdown based on studying 1 hour per day:

N5: If you study just 1 hour per day, you could be ready in under a year.
N4: Builds on N5 with more vocabulary and grammar. Studying 1 hour a day means about 1 to 1.5 years of study.
N3: Intermediate level, with a big jump in vocabulary and kanji. It can take around 2 years at 1 hour per day.
N2: Upper-intermediate, where you handle complex grammar and real-world materials. This level often takes 2-3 years at 1 hour per day.
N1: It may take around 1.5 to 2 years if you’re studying intensely, or around 3-4 years if you’re studying more casually (1 hour/day).

Can You Pass JLPT N2 in Just 2 Years?

There is a lot of chatter online suggesting that passing JLPT N2 in two years is the golden standard for students attending a Japanese language school. Is it really possible?

The short answer is yes. Japanese language schools typically offer intensive, JLPT-focused programs where students study at least three hours a day in class. On top of that, most students put in additional hours reviewing and self-studying outside of school.

Some people even manage to pass JLPT N1 within two years, though this requires an even greater level of dedication, given the heavier kanji knowledge demands at that level.

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JLPT N5 Study Hours Needed

Estimated study time: 180 – 210 hours

JLPT N5 Study Hours Per Day	Estimated Time to Pass N5 (180–210 hrs)
1 hour	~6–7 months
2 hours	~3–3.5 months
3 hours	~2–2.5 months
4 hours	~1.5–2 months
5 hours	~1–1.5 months

Passing the JLPT N5 would require knowing around 100 kanji and 800 vocabulary words, so by this level, you will need to know fundamental language skills. You will be tested on your ability to understand and use basic Japanese expressions, such as greetings, mostly in hiragana or katakana. So, for students with kanji knowledge, the estimated time it would take to pass is around 180 hours, around the same amount of time needed to spend preparing for a driver’s license in Japan. But keep in mind, the kanji for this level is rather minimal, so hiragana and katakana knowledge should be prioritized.

For other students who don’t have prior knowledge of kanji, it might take 210 hours. The number of study hours may vary depending on whether you’re starting Japanese completely from scratch, how well you take tests (testing anxiety can really be a hurdle), or just how quickly you can acquire new languages.

JLPT N4 Study Hours Needed

Estimated study time: 360 – 420 hours

JLPT N4 Study Hours Per Day	Estimated Time to Pass N4 (360–420 hrs)
1 hour	~12–14 months
2 hours	~6–7 months
3 hours	~4–4.5 months
4 hours	~3–3.5 months
5 hours	~2.5–3 months

JLPT N4 builds upon what you learned in N5. You’ll expand your vocabulary to around 1,500 words and know about 300 kanji. The test will consist of Grammar with a bit more complexity, and you’ll begin to understand more conversational Japanese, such as simple instructions or casual dialogue.

It takes around 360-420 hours of total study time for JLPT N4. If you study consistently at around 2-3 hours a day, which is the basic curriculum of our Intensive Japanese Course and most full-time Japanese language schools, you might reach this level within 4-7 months.

JLPT N3 Study Hours Needed

Estimated study time: 660 – 770 hours

JLPT N3 Study Hours Per Day	Estimated Time to Pass N3 (660–770 hrs)
1 hour	~22–26 months
2 hours	~11–13 months
3 hours	~7–8.5 months
4 hours	~5.5–6.5 months
5 hours	~4.5–5 months

N3 represents a big jump in difficulty and marks the transition to intermediate Japanese. You’ll need to know around 650 kanji and 3,700 vocabulary words. At this level, you should be able to understand written and spoken content on everyday topics with some abstract language. Therefore, to pass, you will have to be able to understand a variety of different grammatical structures and vocabulary, and be able to comprehend more complicated texts.

If you are starting from a total beginner and spend around 2 hours daily towards passing JLPT N3, it might take you around 11-13 months to be ready.

JLPT N2 Study Hours Needed

Estimated study time: 960 – 1,120 hours

JLPT N2 Study Hours Per Day	Estimated Time to Pass N2 (960–1,120 hrs)
1 hour	~32–37 months
2 hours	~16–19 months
3 hours	~11–12.5 months
4 hours	~8–9.5 months
5 hours	~6.5–7.5 months

The N2 is often required for working in Japan or entering a Japanese university since it’s seen as an indicator of decent Japanese proficiency. You’ll be expected to know about 1,000 kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words. The test includes more complex texts, nuanced grammar, and fast-paced spoken Japanese. By this level, you should be able to understand and speak Japanese in a wide variety of contexts, from newspapers and TV shows to business meetings.

One important thing we want to reiterate is that there’s often chatter about the “golden standard” of passing N2 within 2 years when you start studying Japanese. This is often the goal for people who dedicate significant time to studying, such as those attending a full-time Japanese language school, where you’d attend class 3 hours a day, Monday to Friday, on top of self-review.

In reality, if you’re learning on the side while working or pursuing other commitments, this can be harder, and that’s completely okay. Many residents in Japan even take 3 years or more before they feel confident taking the JLPT N2.

JLPT N1 Study Hours Needed

Estimated study time: 1,050 – 1,270 hours

JLPT N1 Study Hours Per Day	Estimated Time to Pass N1 (1,050–1,270 hrs)
1 hour	~35–42 months
2 hours	~17.5–21 months
3 hours	~12–14 months
4 hours	~9–10.5 months
5 hours	~7–8.5 months

To pass JLPT N1, it generally takes 3,900 – 4,500 hours to study without any prior kanji knowledge. If you already know most of the kanji, it requires around 2,150 hours.

You might notice there’s a big jump between JLPT N2 and N1. The difficulty gap is significant, with N1 requiring a much deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and kanji. N1 is often seen as the most academic, with passages and materials that include significantly more scholarly language, such as scientific terms. Because of this, many learners spend one to three years just moving from N2 to N1, even after years of study to reach N2.

How to Study Most Efficiently for the JLPT

We’ve been throwing around a lot of numbers, which can vary from person-to-person, but there are ways for anyone to study more efficiently and reduce the amount of time you spend relearning forgotten material. The most important part of studying is not the amount of time you spend, but rather, how you can actually ingrain the knowledge into your long-term memory. So, here are some of our top tips for studying smarter and not harder!

1. Using Flash Card Apps

Flash card apps are one of the most efficient ways to review new kanji, vocabulary and even new grammar structures, especially ones that use spaced repetition to ensure you keep reviewing new material over different intervals. This prevents you from forgetting material you recently learned, and helps train your brain for better recall. If you use apps like Anki, you can download Anki decks specifically for your JLPT level, so you don’t have to spend time making your deck from scratch!

These apps also offer a convenient way to study and review Japanese anytime or anywhere, so they can really be a powerful tool in studying for the JLPT while reducing time.

2. Japanese Immersion

Immersion is probably one of the most common tips you’ll hear for picking up Japanese naturally and effectively. Obviously, not everyone can just book a flight to Japan to immerse themselves in Japanese. Additionally, the JLPT mostly focuses on testing your reading comprehension, vocabulary, kanji, and listening, so how would you “immerse” in those areas as well?

Reading will actually help quite a lot! Reading as much as you can in Japanese will expose you to different words, and you naturally start picking up new vocabulary and kanji. Reading manga could actually be one of the best ways to learn Japanese, since the visuals will give context to the new words you’ll be learning, making them easier to remember, and will actually teach how they are used in different situations. And for listening practice, anime works very well for similar reasons as manga! First try with subtitles paired with active listening, then challenge yourself by dropping the subtitles!

NHK news apps and videos are also powerful tools, especially since many JLPT reading passages are based on or read like news articles or headlines.

3. Japanese Lessons

While self-study can be quite effective on its own, learning with a Japanese teacher can provide the structure and training needed to learn more efficiently. Having an actual native Japanese instructor can explain different nuances, support you in areas you struggle most, and coach you to ensure you understand each area of the JLPT sufficiently. Japanese teachers can be invaluable in helping you pass the JLPT since they know the language in and out. Here at Coto Academy, we have classes dedicated to JLPT preparation, including the full-year course and the more intensive 3-month course meant to have you test-ready in, you guessed it, just 3 months! Sign up now if you’re interested!

4. JLPT Mock Tests & Other Study Materials

Directly practicing JLPT mock tests is a very effective way to prepare for the JLPT since you will start to develop an understanding of how the test works and the types of questions you will likely run into. Practicing different questions might also help ease the stress and make you more comfortable with the test itself. However, just taking mock tests over and over might lead to the same results, so other materials will also help with mastering each area, such as JLPT textbooks, Japanese learning apps, and websites.

Check out our top JLPT N3 textbook recommendations!

Common JLPT Study Mistakes

Looking at the study hour estimates above, it is tempting to think that passing the JLPT is simply a matter of clocking enough hours.

1. Investing Too Much Time in One Test Section

It is easy to over-focus on one area of study, such as kanji or vocabulary, while neglecting grammar, reading, or listening. For example, there is little point in spending 300 out of your expected 350 study hours for JLPT N5 purely on memorizing vocabulary if you have not touched grammar or reading. If your goal is to pass the JLPT, keep in mind that you need to achieve the minimum passing score in every section of the test.

JLPT tests all skills equally, so an imbalanced study approach can hurt your overall score even if you excel in one area. Make sure your study plan covers all sections consistently.

2. Not Doing Mock Tests and Timed Practice

Many learners study content thoroughly but never simulate actual test conditions. The JLPT is strictly timed, and running out of time is one of the most common reasons people fail. Regularly taking full mock tests under timed conditions helps you build speed, manage exam anxiety, and identify weak spots before test day.

3. Studying Alone Without Any Output Practice

Passive study, such as reading textbooks and reviewing flashcards, only takes you so far. Without practicing output through conversation, writing, or even explaining grammar points out loud, it is difficult to truly internalize the language. Joining a study group, finding a language partner, or attending classes can make a significant difference in retention and confidence.

Conclusion: Studying is About Quality Over Quantity

Studying for each level of the JLPT requires lots of hours, but the exact amount can depend on the person, how much prior knowledge you already have, and most importantly, how you study. There’s a famous quote that goes, “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” So, it’s best not to get too worried about the number of hours, and be sure that the hours you do study count. Passing the JLPT is far from impossible, and just studying little by little every day, the hours will accumulate, and before you know it, you will have a JLPT certificate!

Pass the JLPT with Coto Academy!

Now that you know how much time it takes to prepare for the JLPT, it’s time to make a plan! The best way to pass the JLPT is by studying at a top language school like Coto Academy.

Coto Academy offers both online and in-person JLPT preparation courses in Tokyo, led by experienced instructors who will guide you through every section of the exam. Whether you’re aiming for N5 or N1, our focused, supportive environment will help you stay motivated and on track. Ready to pass the JLPT with confidence? Join Coto Academy!

Want more tips on how to pass the JLPT? Check out our other in-depth guides and start preparing smarter today!

FAQ on JLPT study hours

How many hours does it take to pass the JLPT N5?

It typically takes around 180 – 210 hours of study to pass the JLPT N5. This level covers basic grammar, vocabulary, and hiragana/katakana.

Can I pass the JLPT by studying on my own?

Yes, many learners pass the JLPT through self-study, but joining a structured course like those at Coto Academy can significantly improve your efficiency and chances of success.

Is it possible to become fluent in Japanese in 2 years?

Yes, it’s possible if you study consistently and immerse yourself. To reach conversational fluency, aim for 1.5–3 hours of study per day, practice speaking regularly, and expose yourself to real Japanese (TV, podcasts, books).

Can I pass JLPT N3 in 1 year?

Yes, you can pass JLPT N3 in 1 year if you study around 2-3 hours per day consistently.

If you’ve ever typed your name in katakana into an online form and gotten an error like “must be entered in full-width characters,” don’t panic, it’s not a system error. Japanese websites actually require you to type using full-width katakana (全角, zenkaku) because their backend databases and legacy verification systems are built on fixed-width character grids that expect square, double-byte characters.

But what exactly are full-width and half-width characters, how are they different, and how do you convert between them? Half-width characters, known in Japanese as 半角 (hankaku), take up half the horizontal space of their full-width counterpart, 全角 (zenkaku). Let’s break down the differences, why they exist, and how to type each one.

What are Half-Width (半角) and Full-Width (全角) Characters in Japanese?

Infographic showing the difference between half- and full-width Japanese characters

Half-width, known in Japanese as 半角 (hankaku), are characters, numbers, or symbols that only take up half the horizontal space of a 全角 (zenkaku), or full-width character. Both hankaku and zenkaku are input types used when typing on a Japanese, Chinese, or Korean keyboard. Unlike English and other Western letters that use narrower, standardized characters by default, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean are fitted to wider square grids.

You can easily tell them apart visually: half-width characters are narrower, true to their name. Let’s look at an example:

ﾀﾅｶ(half-width)
タナカ (full-width)

So, hankaku characters are only half a grid, while full-width characters take up the whole square grid. In more technical computer terms, a hankaku character takes up 1 byte of data, and a zenkaku character takes up 2 bytes.

Why Does Japan Use Half- or Full-Width Characters?

The reason Japan uses half- and full-width characters goes back to when they first created their electronic character system. The first alphanumeric coding system was created by an American IBM engineer, Bob Bemer, who wanted a standardized system that would allow computers from different manufacturers to communicate with each other.

So, in 1969, Japan followed suit and created its own standardized electronic coding system with Japanese characters, called the JIS 6220. Initially, the only Japanese characters you could type were half-width katakana characters, which didn’t take much data and were sufficient for the communication needs at that time. Back then, you would only need to write short telegrams, and other processes were much simpler.

Then, in 1991, a unicode language character set was created to allow computers to handle different characters and output them correctly. With this, computers can accurately handle all the Japanese character systems, including hiragana, katakana, and kanji.

So, today both half-width and full-width are used as Japanese character inputs since there are a variety of coding schemes, rather than a single uniform one. Often when you fill out forms, half-width characters might be used for Western letters, numbers, and emails, but Japanese characters often use full-width for easier readability, especially for kanji characters.

When Do You Use Half- & Full-Width?

Character Type	Full-Width (全角)	Half-Width (半角)	Common Use Case
Katakana	コーヒー	ｺｰﾋｰ	Full-width is standard in modern writing; half-width shows up mostly in old receipts, POS systems, and legacy software
Hiragana	あいうえお	(no standard half-width form)	Hiragana is always written full-width
Romaji / Latin letters	ＡＢＣ　ａｂｃ	ABC abc	Half-width is standard for English text mixed into Japanese sentences; full-width romaji sometimes appears for stylistic emphasis or in old forms
Numbers	１２３	123	Half-width is standard for phone numbers, prices, and dates; full-width numbers appear in vertical text or decorative headings
Symbols/Punctuation	（）、。！？	(),.!?	Full-width punctuation matches Japanese text spacing; half-width is used within English words or code
Spaces	(full-width space)	(half-width space)	Full-width spaces are sometimes used for visual alignment in Japanese text; half-width is standard elsewhere

Across Japanese platforms and devices, you may use either half- or full-width depending on what you need to input. In general, here are the most common use cases for each.

When to Use Half-Width Japanese Characters

Most Japanese forms will use half-width characters for alphanumeric character inputs, which often include numerical values or Western letters such as emails, passwords, and phone numbers. However, certain forms like receipts or bank forms may prefer half-width since they take up much less space, especially since loanwords written in katakana tend to take up more space. Initially, when data storage space was more limited, half-width was more common since it only took up half the space as full-width.

When to Use Full-Width Japanese Characters

Full-width is usually the default whenever you need to type using Japanese characters. Hiragana, katakana, and kanji are all usually written in full-width. So, whenever you’re writing your home address, your name, emails, or even just a Word document in Japanese, you are probably using full-width characters.

Also note that certain document formats may have trouble reading Japanese full-width characters, so these are also cases when you might need to switch to half-width.

Setting Up Full-Width and Half-Width Japanese Characters on Your Keyboard

If you type in Japanese regularly, switching your input method is faster and more reliable than converting text after the fact. The first thing you need to do is install Japanese as an input source. The steps differ depending on whether you’re using Mac or Windows.

On Windows

Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
Add Japanese as a language and install the Microsoft IME.
Switch input languages with Windows key + Space, or click the language bar in your taskbar.
Once Japanese IME is active, use the half-width/full-width key (半角/全角, usually top-left of the keyboard) to toggle input mode. You can also right-click the IME icon to set direct input (half-width) or hiragana input (full-width) as default.

On Mac

Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources.
Click the + button, select Japanese, and add both Romaji and Kana input methods.
Switch between languages with Control + Space, or click the input menu in the menu bar.
Toggle between full-width and half-width using the input mode dropdown next to the flag icon, or the Caps Lock/Eisu key depending on your keyboard.

Full-Width and Half-Width Online Converter

If you haven’t set up your keyboard for Japanese input and just want a quick fix, a few websites can convert full-width to half-width, and vice versa. Let’s take a look below.

How to Use Half-Width Characters

Whenever you use a Japanese keyboard, by default, the characters you type are full-width unless you choose otherwise. Many Japanese keyboards allow you to directly choose between the Japanese input types:

ひらがな (hiragana): Hiragana character keyboard that only comes in full-width
全角カタカナ (zenkaku katakana): Full-width katakana keyboard
全角英数字 (zenkaku eisuuji): Full-width alphanumeric characters (English letters and numbers)
半角カタカナ (hankaku katakana): Half-width katakana keyboard
半角英数字 (hankaku eisuuji): Half-width alphanumeric characters (English letters and numbers)

Choosing between half- and full-width characters might depend on the operating system, device, or electronic keyboard you are using. Some Windows computers require you to choose between half-width and full-width keyboards to use either one. On MacBooks, depending on the word you type with a standard hiragana keyboard, you can choose half- and full-width katakana versions of the word by pressing “space” and choosing from a list of different character input options.

Problems Facing Half- and Full-Width Characters

As mentioned, there isn’t a uniform character input system, which can cause complications with different document formats, especially when converting between different formats. Also, the use of half- or full-width characters can sometimes lead to issues on forms, which could slow down certain processes.

Generally, visitors and international residents need to write their names in カタカナ (katakana) or English, which, if written in the wrong format, could lead to errors. So, the differing formats can sometimes overcomplicate filling out input fields and prevent users from actually filling in the correct information.

But things are definitely improving! Japanese computer systems are updating and making things more streamlined. Generally, input fields inform users when an incompatible format is being used. Overall, whenever you need to write something in Japanese, you can usually default to full-width.

Final Remarks on Half- and Full-Width Characters in Japanese

The half- and full-width character inputs are a result of the mapping of Japan’s unique system onto a standardized character coding system that is readable on every computer. But since most modern keyboards can handle full-width and just default to it, there’s no need to worry too much about when to use half- or full-width characters. Most Japanese forms will also default to the input type they need, so all you have to do is learn how to write in Japanese!

Learn How to Write in Japanese with Coto Academy!

In order to type the correct full-width or half-width characters, you will need to learn how to write in Japanese, and Coto Academy is the perfect place to do just that! Our courses focus on practical Japanese skills you need to fill out forms necessary for daily life, write emails, and, of course, speak natural Japanese.

From conversation and business to comprehensive programs focusing on every skill, we can tailor our classes to your Japanese learning goals! Drop by one of our campuses across Tokyo and Yokohama, or join us online from anywhere around the world! If you want to sign up or just have a quick chat, just fill out the form below and we will get in touch as soon as possible!

FAQ:

What's the difference between hankaku and zenkaku?

Hankaku (半角) is half-width and takes up half a character grid, while zenkaku (全角) is full-width and takes up a whole grid. In data terms, hankaku is 1 byte and zenkaku is 2 bytes.

Can hiragana be written in half-width?

No, hiragana only exists in full-width; there’s no half-width version.

Should I use half-width or full-width for my name and address?

Full-width. Japanese characters like kanji, hiragana, and katakana are almost always written in full-width for readability.

When should I use half-width characters?

You usually use half-width characters for Western letters, numbers, emails, and phone numbers, since they don’t take as much space as Japanese characters. You might also need to use half-width characters whenever space is limited.

How do I switch between half-width and full-width when typing?

It depends on your device. Many Japanese keyboards let you toggle directly (e.g., 半角カタカナ vs. 全角カタカナ), while on Mac you can often press “space” after typing a word to pick from different width options.

Does it matter if I use the wrong width on a form

Yes, some forms will reject or flag the wrong format, especially for names in katakana or English. Most modern systems now warn you if the format doesn’t match what’s expected.

About Kids Winter Japanese Course

Let your kids explore and discover the joy of learning during their long winter break with Coto Academy’s Kids Winter Japanese Course, a tailored program for young learners who want to start or continue their Japanese language journey.

Guided by our specialist teachers, your little ones will build key skills in speaking, listening, and writing through hands-on activities. True to our ethos of “have fun while learning,” small class sizes are at the core of everything we do. Enroll anytime, with flexible scheduling that lets you choose the weeks that suit your family plans.

When:

January 18 – February 5, 2027; 13:10-16:00

Duration:

Monday – Friday, 13:10 – 16:00 (weekly drop-ins available)

Levels:

Beginner, intermediate, advanced

Class size:

Max 8 students

Location:

Coto Academy Minato

Focus:

Reading, speaking, writing, and listening

Things to note: There is an age restriction – For 8 years old or above only

We have 2 locations for Kids Japanese Courses!

Find the perfect school for your kids in Japan!

Located in family-friendly Azabu-Juban, our Minato school offers a safe, convenient, and international environment for kids. With easy access and bright classrooms, it’s a welcoming space for young learners to enjoy studying Japanese.

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Study at Coto Academy Minato Campus

Your child’s campus is Coto Academy Minato, Coto Academy’s more tranquil, community-driven, kid-friendly campus. The area is in Azabu Juban, home to a large expat community in Tokyo. Pupils will still have the same access to our facilities, including the lounge area. Rest assured, their safety and comfort are our top priority as they begin their classes with us.

Coto Japanese Academy Minato - study environment

Coto Japanese Academy Minato - teacher teaching a class

Access

3F Azabu Shinwa building 2-11-5 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045

Mon-Thu: 9:00-21:00

Fri: 9:00-18:00

info@cotoclub.com

03-6809-4880

Take Exits 1, 2, or 7 of the Azabu-Juban station (4 min walk)

What’s Offered

We believe in making language learning both educational and exciting. From young learners just starting with hiragana to more intermediate students, we welcome pupils of all levels. The program includes hands-on activities, on top of engaging core language programs.

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My kids had a great time cooking soba, making friends from other countries, and learning Japanese. They even started using Japanese phrases before going back home. A wonderful experience all around!

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The classes were fun and the teachers were supportive. My child started speaking Japanese at home after the course, which made us so happy. We appreciated having English-speaking teachers available too.

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Course Fees For Kids Winter Courses

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About Coto Japanese Academy

Coto Japanese Academy started as a group of volunteer Japanese language teachers to help international residents transition smoothly to Japan. We focus on teaching Japanese for daily life situations, effectively assisting international residents to learn Japanese beyond the contents of standard textbooks. From there, we have helped 15,000 students achieve Japanese fluency, opened four campuses around Tokyo and Yokohama, created an online learning platform, and even published our first Japanese learning textbook, Nihongo Fun and Easy.

FAQ

Who can join Kids Winter Japanese Course?

Our Kids Winter Japanese Course is open to children aged 8 and above, from complete beginners to advanced learners.

Do the children need any Japanese experience?

No prior Japanese experience is required. Our teachers provide level-appropriate lessons for every child.

How long is the Kids Winter Japanese Course?

The program runs from January 26 to February 13, 2026, and you can book weekly—no need to attend the full term.

What will my child learn in Kids Winter Japanese Course?

Children will learn speaking, listening, reading, and writing through interactive lessons, cultural activities, and crafts.

Where are the kids Japanese classes held?

Classes are held at our Minato (Azabu-Juban) and Yokohama schools.

How many students are there in one class?

Each class has a maximum of 8 students, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable learning environment.

Are the lessons taught in English or Japanese?

Lessons are primarily in Japanese, but teachers can use English for support when needed, especially for beginners.

What activities are included besides language lessons?

Kids will enjoy winter-themed crafts, cultural workshops, and short excursions to local attractions like museums and science centers.

How do I register Kids Winter Japanese Course?

Simply fill out the inquiry form on our website. Our team will contact you to confirm details and recommend the best course option.

Can my child continue studying after the winter course?

Yes! Many students continue in our summer Kids Japanese Courses for further progress.