Before you ask us
Questions people ask before deciding
Intakes, the COE, scholarships, Japanese level, money, housing. If your question isn't here, ask us on WhatsApp — the first consultation is free.
General
What does Nakamura Study Japan actually help with?
We accompany the whole route from Indonesia to Japan: goal-setting consultation, choosing a school or work programme, Japanese classes, scholarship preparation, document assembly, interview practice, visa processing, finding housing, and pre-departure preparation. We stay reachable after you arrive, too.
Where are your offices?
Our head office is in Medan (Jl. Veteran No.128, Medan Timur) and our branch office is in South Tangerang (Jl. Quantum Raya No.9A Blok QR, Kelapa Dua). You are welcome to visit either for a consultation, or to consult over WhatsApp if you live elsewhere.
Do you charge for a consultation?
The first consultation is free. You can ask about programme options, requirements and a cost picture with no commitment. Service fees are only discussed once it is clear which route you are taking.
I don't speak any Japanese yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. Most of our students start from zero. The usual route is a Japanese course first, up to the level your target programme requires, and then the application. You can take the free placement test on this site to see where you currently stand.
Studying in Japan
When do Japanese schools take new students?
Japan's main academic year starts in April. Many language schools also open an October intake, and some accept students in January and July. Because documents and the Certificate of Eligibility take months, preparation should usually begin around a year before the departure date you are aiming for.
What is a COE and why does it matter?
A COE (Certificate of Eligibility) is a document issued by Japan's Immigration Services proving you qualify for a particular residence status — a student one, for example. The Japanese embassy only processes your visa after the COE is issued, which makes it the step that sets your departure date. Your school in Japan files for it on your behalf; we prepare the paperwork with you.
What's the difference between a language school, a senmon gakko and a university?
A language school focuses on Japanese and is usually a stepping stone. A senmon gakko (vocational school) teaches a specific job skill — animation, IT, culinary, hospitality — typically over two years. A university awards a bachelor's degree over four years. Many Indonesian students spend one to two years at a language school first, then move on to a senmon gakko or a university.
Can I get a scholarship?
There are several routes, and the best known is the Japanese government's MEXT scholarship, which covers full tuition plus a monthly allowance. Selection is competitive and demands serious document and interview preparation — which is what our Scholarship Preparation Course exists for. Beyond MEXT, some schools and foundations also offer tuition reductions.
Can students work part-time in Japan?
Student visa holders may work part-time once Immigration grants the additional work permission, within the weekly hour limit the Japanese government sets. The income helps with living costs, but it will not cover tuition on its own — so it should not be your only financial plan.
Working in Japan
What's the difference between Gijinkoku and Tokutei Ginou (SSW)?
Gijinkoku (short for Gijutsu・Jinbun Chishiki・Kokusai Gyoumu) is the residence status for professional office work and generally requires a relevant diploma or degree. Tokutei Ginou, or Specified Skilled Worker, is the route into designated sectors — caregiving, construction, food and drink, agriculture and others — entered through a skills exam and a Japanese exam, with no degree requirement.
What Japanese level do I need to work in Japan?
It depends on the route. For Tokutei Ginou the commonly required standard is around N4, tested through the JLPT or JFT-Basic. For professional Gijinkoku roles many employers expect N2, because the work itself is conducted in Japanese. Our courses are built around these target levels.
Can a high-school graduate work in Japan?
Yes, through the Tokutei Ginou route, which has no degree requirement — what is tested is sector skill and Japanese ability. The Gijinkoku route generally requires higher education relevant to the job. In the consultation we help map out which is realistic for your background.
Costs
How much does it cost to live in Japan per month?
It depends heavily on the city and your lifestyle — Tokyo is far more expensive than a smaller city, and rent is the largest component. This site has a Living Cost Calculator you can use to build an estimate per city across rent, food, transport and other essentials.
Do I need to show proof of funds?
Yes. A student-visa COE application requires evidence that your tuition and living costs in Japan are covered — usually a sponsor's bank statements together with proof of their employment or income. We explain exactly which documents are needed early on, so your sponsor has time to prepare them.
Does renting in Japan require a guarantor and key money?
Conventional rentals in Japan often demand a guarantor, key money (reikin) and agent fees — a real barrier for a newcomer. The homes in our accommodation catalogue are chosen specifically to avoid that: no guarantor, no key money, no agent fee, and usually furnished.
Japanese language
What is the JLPT, and what do N5 to N1 mean?
The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is the most widely recognised Japanese proficiency exam. It has five levels: N5 is the most basic, rising through N4, N3, N2 to N1 at the top. Language schools generally accept complete beginners with no certificate; professional roles usually ask for N2 or above.
How long until my Japanese is good enough to study there?
There is no fixed number — people move at different speeds, and what decides it is study routine rather than talent. What we can do is measure where you are now with the placement test, then map a realistic class route up to the level your target programme requires.
Are classes online or in person?
Both. In-person classes run at our Medan and Tangerang offices, and online classes are open to students anywhere in Indonesia. Each course page lists the schedule for that class.
Glossary
The words that turn up in every school's paperwork and are never explained.
- COECertificate of Eligibility
- A document from Japan's Immigration Services stating you qualify for a residence status. It is issued first; only then can the embassy process a visa.
- LoALetter of Acceptance
- The acceptance letter from your school or university, issued before the immigration steps begin.
- Ryugakusei留学生
- An international student in Japan — the status you hold on a student visa.
- Gijinkoku技人国
- Short for the Gijutsu・Jinbun Chishiki・Kokusai Gyoumu residence status, for professional work that generally requires a relevant degree.
- Tokutei Ginou特定技能 / SSW
- Specified Skilled Worker — a work route into designated sectors via a skills exam and a language exam, with no degree requirement.
- Senmon gakko専門学校
- A two-year vocational school teaching a specific job skill.
- JLPT日本語能力試験
- The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, graded N5 (basic) to N1 (highest).
- EJU日本留学試験
- The Examination for Japanese University Admission, required by many Japanese universities for international applicants.
- MEXT文部科学省
- Japan's Ministry of Education, and the name of its government scholarship covering tuition and a monthly allowance.
- Reikin礼金
- "Key money" — a one-off, non-refundable payment to a landlord. The homes in our catalogue do not charge it.
- Hoshounin保証人
- The guarantor conventional Japanese rentals usually demand.
- Zairyu Card在留カード
- The residence card issued on arrival, which you are required to carry while in Japan.
Still not sure which route is yours?
Tell us where you are now — your education, your Japanese, your budget — and we'll map the realistic options with you. Free, and with no obligation to sign anything.