Japanese Language

The Language classes in Yatra Institute not only aim to improve students’ all-round abilities in the four key skills of Japanese, but go further to deepen their understanding of the language, culture, and society of Japan, developing students’ abilities to see and think about the current state and issues of contemporary Japanese society from a variety of angles. Our aim is to use this to get students to objectively rethink their own language and culture, and be able to pass on that knowledge to others. Our foreign exchange programs in Japan focus on improving your communication skills from the start. With cultural activities and excursions organized outside the classroom, you'll get to know many aspects of Japanese life while on a student exchange program in Japan. Find out how to become a foreign exchange student in Japan today!

Japanese Culture

• We take a bird’s eye view of contemporary Japanese society from a variety of angles, covering topics such as lifestyle, families, education, mass media, language, literature, economy, politics, gender, and youth. These classes are given by some of the many specialists on each topic here at Kanazawa University. We also include lectures by outside experts in each field, to provide students with the “real” Japan. Each section also has a discussion session, in which students compare Japan with their own countries, and form their own opinions and views.
• Hands-on experience in the rich cultural traditions of Kanazawa, home of our university, allow students to gain insights into the mysteries of Japanese culture, such as “kata” (form) and the “iemoto” (master) system. We offer many opportunities for students to glimpse the lives of craftsmen and artists, who have devoted their lives to honing their art and techniques, and thereby allow the students to enrich their own outlooks on life
• In order to solidify our mutual understanding and friendship with Japan and other countries, it is extremely important for young people, the leaders of tomorrow, to engage in international exchange programs. In particular, student exchange programs have the potential to further international friendship and mutual understandings, internationalize Japanese higher education institutions, revitalize industries and regions, and provide education for younger people of developing countries of the world. From this standpoint, Japan welcome students from around the world to study in Japan and as well as encourage Japanese youths to partake in student exchange programs and study abroad.

The Japanese government is promoting the “300,000 international student plan”, which aims to accept 300,000 international students by year 2020. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in partnership with The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the governing body for education in Japan, and other ministries, provide wide-ranging services for international students. This includes providing study in Japan information, assistance for former international students and others.

(1) Provision of study in Japan information

Overseas missions of Japan, act as major source of information for potential international students. They provide individual consultations and hold study in Japan information sessions which may cover Japanese Government Scholarship, university and college information, and other general information regarding life as a student in Japan. Information about studying in Japan is also available on the website, “STUDY IN JAPAN Comprehensive Guide”.

(2) Recruiting and screening of Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Students

At present, prospective students from about 190 countries and regions interested in obtaining Japanese Government Scholarship, can apply to Japan’s overseas missions where the initial screening process is conducted to be shortlisted for final selections procedure by MEXT in Japan.

(3) Pre-departure orientation

Overseas missions provide pre-departure orientation for Japanese Government Scholarship students about travel to Japan.

(4) Stay in Japan

Support is given to cultural exchange and other international student support structures, conducted by local government and private entities. In addition, cultural exchange and support for Japanese Government Scholarship students from ASEAN are conducted through ASJA International.

After completing their studies in Japan, international students are expected to use their experience to play active roles in their home countries and beyond. They serve as a valuable bridge between Japan and their home countries, and thereby contribute to the deepening of the understanding of Japan and friendly relationships between Japan and other countries. MOFA, through overseas missions, provides support for organizing alumni associations of former international students to Japan and support for alumni activities and functions to ensure that the former students keep in touch with Japan. There are about 250 Japan alumni associations of the former international students around the world.

By 2020, Japanese government aims to double the number of students studying abroad to 120,000. There is a global trend in demand for talented individuals who can take an active part in the ever globalizing world with valuable skills in foreign language and intercultural understanding. For this reason, MOFA encourages Japanese students to study abroad more than ever.