IAY International Academy

IAY International Academy has taught Japanese in Sapporo since 1970. Its classrooms are on the sixth floor of the Hinode Building, directly accessible from exit 10 of Odori Station. Sapporo’s three subway lines meet here, so students arriving on the Tozai, Namboku or Toho line can reach class underground. The academy also teaches other languages and trains Japanese-language teachers in the same learning community.

Japanese for further study

The long-term Japanese programme is designed for international students preparing for higher education in Japan. Study can extend from a year and a half to two years. For learners aiming at vocational school, the syllabus combines everyday communication with preparation for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test and guidance on writing essays for entrance examinations. Classroom teachers offer advice about continuing education, and the school holds information sessions about universities and vocational colleges in Hokkaido.

Japanese for people already in Sapporo

IAY also accepts people living in the city and visitors studying under a different residence status. This route includes private lessons that can be planned around the learner’s own priorities. It gives a resident working on spoken Japanese a different starting point from an applicant who needs to practise writing for an entrance examination.