Kanrin Japanese School
Established in 1987, Kanrin Japanese School is one of the oldest Japanese language schools in the Yokohama area, and is recognized by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education. One of the most attractive features of this school is the bright, open atmosphere. The unique glass walls enclosing the administrative office and teachers' room are inviting and the friendly staff and teachers make you feel welcome at all times. The staff is very helpful and will support students both in the classroom and in daily life. The environment is also ideal for study. Students are not only free to use the school computers to assist them with their studies, but 18 classrooms are also available for study purposes. Current students come from more than 10 different countries, and are studying for a variety of different purposes such as general conversation, business, Japanese proficiency tests, university entrance examinations, and graduate studies.
Class Content
Using the direct-method of teaching, all courses focus on the four basic elements of communication: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Courses are offered at six different levels ranging from complete beginner (Introductory I) to near native-fluency (Advanced II). Students will also be prepared for both Japanese Language Proficiency Tests and General Examinations for Foreign Students. Each year students also have the opportunity to participate in major speech contest for prestigious awards.
Introductory I In this course, students study Hiragana, essential daily expressions and sentence patterns. Reading and writing basic sentences are also emphasized in order to cope with newly introduced General Examinations for Foreign Students.
Introductory II This course is a natural progression from "Introductory Course I" and further develops sentence structures and patterns. Students will also learn verbs of possibility, the passive voice, causative verbs and polite expressions. Class speech contests and other activities are also organized so that students may improve their communication skills.
Intermediate I Students will learn basic grammar including Jyo-shi, postpositional particles, with different usage and structural differences of similar sentences. This course emphasizes further development of communication skills through mock conversations, discussions, and other activities.
Intermediate II Newspaper articles or Japanese tour guidebooks will be used as learning materials. To acquire the socio-linguistic context of Japanese language, some Japanese history and geography will be introduced in this course. This course will also introduce grammar and kanji required for level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
Advanced I This course offers separate preparation classes for Levels 1 and 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Classes will focus on grammar, vocabulary and enhanced reading and listening skills necessary for success on the tests. This is an intensive preparation course using original tests from years past. Three mock tests will also be given during the course to prepare students for the testing conditions and monitor progress and abilities. Consultation and guidance is also provided in preparation for the General Examinations for Foreign Students.
Advanced II Classes are separated according to various themes determined by the students. Examples of previous courses have focused on space development programs, the IT revolution, and many other topics. Students are expected to engage in lively discussion and debate in the class. Novels and newspapers are also used as class materials.
Extra-curricular Activities
Since the students come from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, there is much that can be learned both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to improving students' Japanese language abilities, one of the school's goals is to promote mutual understanding. To help accomplish this goal, a number of activities and field trips are organized throughout the year to deepen mutual understanding and create valuable friendships. Some of the field trips that have been organized in the past include: Tokyo Disneyland, a beer brewery, Akasaka, Ueno, a ceramic art workshop, and various sightseeing spots in Yokohama city.
Location and Accommodation
The school is situated a short, 3-minute walk from Aobadai station (23-minutes train ride from Shibuya and 40 minutes from downtown Yokohama). In Aobadai, the people speak standard Japanese, and the cost of living is lower than in central Tokyo. The many banks close to the school make it convenient to transfer money to/from abroad, and the number of colleges and vocational schools in the area may make it unnecessary to re-locate if continuing on to higher education. Kanrin Japanese School also provides dormitory accommodation for students located a 15-minute walk away from the school. The dormitory has a capacity of 250 people and is situated in a residential area. The rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with a bed, a TV set, and a telephone. There is also an exercise room, computer room, study room, kitchen and bath rooms shared among all students.