Japanese Language / Japanese Culture

1. Regular Japanese language class

In order to help students enjoy a fulfilling life in Japan, we offer "Japanese I - IV" subjects, which aim to help students acquire basic Japanese language skills, practical conversation, daily conversation, and an understanding of Japanese culture as reflected in the Japanese language. By the time you finish Japanese IV, you will have acquired conversational skills equivalent to the N3 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. In addition, an increasing number of students are seeking employment at Japanese companies, but Japanese language skills are essential for working in Japan.Some companies require Japanese proficiency N2 and N1 to be hired for employment. In response to this, from the 2019 academic year, we have started a new subject "Japanese V," in which students can aim to acquire JLPT N2 or N1. (Even if you don't have N2 or N1, some companies will consider hiring you if you can hold a daily conversation without difficulty.) For Japanese culture, we offer a Japanese culture subject in English, which consists of 16 lectures.
Japanese
CourseⅠ, Ⅱ
(Beginner)
Students can acquire simple daily conversation skills. The subject is designed to be taken by students who have never studied Japanese before. It is a great opportunity to experience a new language. Please try it out first. We provide opportunities to learn more in addition to classes. Students who have already studied Japanese a little and feel that classes alone are not enough, or who want to learn more, can study Japanese outside of class hours after consulting with the lecturer.
Japanese
CourseⅢ, Ⅳ
(Pre-Intermediate)
You will be able to acquire enough Japanese conversation skills to live in Japan without difficulty, and to be able to communicate in interviews. This subject is for students who have completed the first half of the beginner or elementary level.
Japanese
CourseⅤ
(Advanced)
This subject is designed to develop the Japanese language skills necessary to pass the JLPT N2 or N1. N2 and N1 require a high level of reading and listening comprehension. Specifically, students need to be able to read and understand logically complex or highly abstract texts such as newspaper articles, editorials, and critiques, and to listen to conversations, news, and lectures at a natural speed.
Japanese
Culture
In this subject, students can learn about Japanese history, religion, society, people, traditional arts, food, festivals, and other aspects of Japanese culture through field trips and hands-on activities as well as classroom lectures.
JEP Kyoto
Ryukoku University
In the 2018 academic year, NAIST signed an agreement with Ryukoku University on credit transfer, so international students at NAIST can take subjects in Japanese history, economics, politics, culture, and society at Ryukoku University's "JEP Kyoto" to learn about a wider variety of Japanese culture. These classes will be held in English.
※ All subjects are not offered in academic year 2020 due to COVID-19. Information for academic year 2021 will be posted as soon as it is available.
Center for the Promotion of Global Education (Ryukoku University)

Other

Volunteer ”The Network Ikoma Nihongo no Kai” offers Japanese language classes twice every week. There are six classes in total, and you can learn Japanese according to your own level, from beginners to advanced.


Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Division for Educational Development
8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JAPAN