Kobe YMCA College – Japanese Department

Kobe YMCA College's Japanese Department began teaching in 1950. It is based on Kano-cho in central Kobe and offers Japanese through a semester system. The range includes primary and advanced courses, a combined two-year route and a shorter conversation option. These choices allow learners to approach the department either for sustained study or for a period focused on spoken Japanese.

Spring and autumn routes

The primary and advanced courses have different entry points. The spring route is organised over one year, while the autumn route extends over a year and a half. The two-year combined course gives students an additional option when planning a longer period of study in Japan. A prospective student comparing the routes should consider both their current level and the month in which they can begin. The short-term Nihongo conversation class runs for three months and gives a learner with a narrower speaking goal a separate timetable to explore.

Studying in Chuo-ku

The college is at 2-7-11 Kano-cho in Chuo-ku, Kobe. The Japanese department shares its building with the college's hotel department. When planning a first visit or looking at the college's other programmes, use the department name as well as the address to identify the Japanese course and the appropriate intake.