About School
“We focus on fun, community activities and opportunities for students to connect with each other. While we pride ourselves in our teaching curriculum, we want students to spread their wings!”
Study in a global community and explore Japanese culture at Tokyo YMCA Nihongo Gakuin! Throughout the academic year, the school has a whole series of exciting volunteering, charity and cultural events. Expect all-around support, too: career guidance, assistance in going to higher education and a scholarship program.
Tokyo YMCA Nihongo Gakuin prioritizes closeness between students and teachers. It’s a small school that offers a lot of extracurricular classes and a welcoming environment for anyone from around the world. YMCA is active in 120 countries and regions around the world. Its core value, “discover, connect and improve” is still imprinted in every aspect of its curriculum.
The school leverages its partnerships with other YMCA branches, giving you a lot of opportunities to connect with the Japanese community. Expect community events, volunteering and fun field trips. Focus is placed on making sure students are fully supported in their Japanese studies — and life in Japan. The school grants scholarships to its outstanding learners.
The school is located in Koto City, the eastern, coastal part of Tokyo which offers the perfect balance of nature and large-scale development. It’s now famous for having most sports venues for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its close proximity to Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara (roughly 20 to 30 minutes by train) makes it the perfect location for students to study, relax — and explore downtown.
School Facilities
The school has essential school facilities, including library, student lounge, and clean, modern equipments.
Student Support
YMCA Nihongo Gakuin offers airport pickup service, part-time job support and various life-related assistance like address registration, bank account opening and cell phone contract.
Available Courses
School Gallery
Student Testimonial
Why did you choose to study at Tokyo YMCA?
It was my childhood dream to come to Japan after I graduated from university. My dad used to work at a Japanese child support facility, and that inspired me. When I made the decision to go, my aunt, who had coincidentally studied at the YMCA too, urged me to study here. It has always been my first choice.
What’s the thing you enjoyed the most about studying at Tokyo YMCA?
You don’t just study Japanese here. You get to explore Japan and be part of a community. The school has a lot of events with another YMCA school, like “Let’s Talk Day”, “Visitor Session” and “Japanese Story Club”. They’re a great chance to meet Japanese people from other schools and bond together.
What are your plans after graduation?
Ideally, I’d like to continue working in pharmacy — I know the road is long and complicated to be a pharmacist in Japan. Still, I will try my best to pursue what I studied and worked on back in Mongolia.
Who do you think this school is perfect for?
Definitely, someone who is looking beyond studying Japanese inside the classroom and meeting new people. You make a lot of great friends from around the world, and you’re not going to miss out on joining fun events and activities outside of school.
Any favorite place near the school?
There’s a library in front of the school where I would borrow and read a book. Also, the quiet park. I like to go there with my lunch — a konbini bento — and eat it in the park.
Let’s talk about your lessons. How do you like it here?
The teachers are kind and always help me with my studies and problems in my daily life. My classmates come from various countries, so I am glad that I was able to learn about other countries’ cultures and make many good friends.
What would you tell others who wish to study here?
It’s not just fun and communal here. Teachers are very supportive, too. You’re not going to be lonely, because you’ll find friends from other countries.
Graduate Interview
After graduating from Tokyo YMCA, what are you doing now? How has your life been?
I’m working as a bartender at an upscale bar and grill restaurant at Park Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo. The job has been great! It’s amazing to be working with the whole view of Tokyo in front of me — the restaurant is on the fifty-second floor!
That’s amazing! How did you land that job?
Tokyo YMCA supported me in my career journey. The school helps me find a well-known vocational school. I actually continued my studies at Tokyo YMCA International College of Hotel Management with a scholarship!
What did you enjoy most about studying at Tokyo YMCA?
I like how I was involved in a lot of exciting activities. It makes everything, from making friends to sharing culture and learning Japanese, more interesting.
What did you find surprising when you came to Japan and studied in this school?
Everything! Completely unrelated, but I was completely shocked by how efficient and punctual the Japanese transportation system is.
Tell us something you miss during your time as a student.
I miss my friends, teachers and, maybe surprisingly, my part-time job!
Any goals you want to make while you’re in Japan?
Improve my skill as a bartender. For the long term? I would like to open my own restaurant and bar in Tokyo!
Any advice for those who want to study in Japan?
Choose the right Japanese language school. And learn and use as much Japanese as possible. Along the way, try to define your goal and figure out your next plan.
Teacher Interview
What makes Tokyo YMCA Nihongo Gakuin unique?
YMCA Nihongo Gakuin prioritizes closeness between students and teachers. There’s always this strong sense of community, and students aren’t afraid to ask their teachers and friends for help.
Why does Tokyo YMCA have so many community events?
We want to give students as many opportunities to practice Japanese. This is why we host many volunteering activities, and exchange events with high school and university students.
What’s your teaching approach as a teacher in YMCA?
And for me, I view teaching as a two-way process. I learn a lot from my students, and each day, I learn something new. Because of this, there is a sense of security — especially knowing that you can talk to us with comfort.
What do you value as a teacher?
Teaching Japanese beyond grammar and vocabulary. It’s important to see students as someone who will be living in Japan for the long term, so my role is to be a “cushion” as they transition. Second, and on a more technical level, I focus on having students interact with students — fewer teachers and more students.
Who is Tokyo YMCA School perfect for?
We place importance on fun, community activities and giving students a lot of opportunities to connect with each other. While we pride ourselves in our teaching curriculum, we want students to spread their wings, make friends with Japanese volunteers and expand their network!
Any advice for those who are still searching for the right Japanese language school?
Have a goal and think of what you want to do in Japan — and how far you want your Japanese skills to be.
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