Officially Certified as a “Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institution” by MEXT
Our school was officially certified as a Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institution by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on October 31, 2025, and will begin operating under this system from April 1, 2026.
A Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institution is a Japanese language school that has been certified by the Minister of MEXT as capable of providing high-quality Japanese language education in an appropriate and reliable manner. Under the new system introduced in 2024, only accredited institutions are permitted to accept international students under the “Student” residence status, enabling learners to choose institutions with greater confidence.
Transition period: until March 31, 2029
Previously:
Japanese language schools designated by the Ministry of Justice (Immigration Services Agency) → Eligible to accept students with “Student” residence status
Going forward:
Japanese language schools accredited by MEXT → Eligible to accept students with “Student” residence status
While our school has accepted international students as a designated school under the previous system, we will continue to provide Japanese language education as an institution whose quality is assured by the national government.
We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support of our educational activities.
Applications for OCTOBER 2026 Intake
Applications for the October 2026 intake will open on January 8, 2026.
Our school was officially accredited as a Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institution by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on October 31, 2025, and will begin operation under the new system from April 1, 2026.
The “Regular Japanese Course” currently shown on our website is based on the former curriculum and is therefore applicable only to students enrolling before October 2026.
As we are currently renewing our website to provide information on the new curriculum, applicants considering enrollment from October 2026 onward are kindly requested to refer to the special website below for details on the new curriculum.
If you are considering applying, please contact us via the inquiry form.
We will send you the application guidelines and required documents.
The Year-End and New Year Holidays Notice
【The Year-End and New Year Holidays Notice】
The office will be closed between the following periods.
26DEC ~6JAN
Messages and inquiries received during this period will be replied after the break ends.
Thank you for your understanding.
Have a happy New Year!
A former ALT(Assistant language teacher) talks about his life at KICL
We interviewed a student who previously worked as an ALT( Assistant language teacher).
Why did he decide to change his visa to attend language school? What kind of concerns did he have?
He also talks about information regarding the visa situation, finding an apartment, and life at KICL.
【2026 APRIL INTAKE 】For Applicants with a Valid Visa
*We only have a few spots left.
Learn practical Japanese and increase your future opportunities!
If you meet any of the following conditions, please contact us:
1.Those residing in Japan who already possess a residence status.
2.Those planning to obtain residence status and arrive in Japan by March.
[Examples]
- Working Holiday
- Student
- Spousal
- Dependent
- Investor /Business Manager visa
- Working visa
*You will need to switch your working visa to Student visa within Japan. We will support the application for changing your visa
Please let us know what type of visa you possess when you send us an inquiry.
How to Make a Phone Call in Japanese
As one of our job-hunting support seminars, we practiced phone conversations, which students most often say they struggle with. In addition to the difficulty of speaking in a foreign language, conversations over the phone—where you cannot see the other person’s facial expressions—are even more challenging. However, knowing how to make a phone call is an essential skill, not only for job hunting but also after entering a company. Let’s make sure to master it so you can respond with confidence!
To ease students’ anxiety toward phone calls, we followed the steps below and finished with actual practice using the phone:
1. Key points to keep in mind when making a call
2. Review of honorific expressions
3. Practice of set phrases
4. Individual practice
5. Practice with the teacher
6. Real practice using the phone!
Although many students could speak smoothly during practice, most of them became nervous and couldn’t speak as well when actually making the phone call. This is perfectly natural. Through this seminar, we wanted them to realize the importance of “getting used to phone conversations,” which will lead to growth in the future.
The important thing is to grasp the key points—and after that, it’s all about practice!
What is KICL ACTUALLY like?
Interviewed a current student in the neighborhood our school is located in! It’s so beautiful in the cherry blossom season.
Olof has been studying with us for over 6 months now, but he’s actually studied at 2 other language schools before ending up at KICL.
He gave us a lot of great insight on:
-The neighborhood
-His favorite classes
-Making friends
-Meeting his Japanese learning goals
And more!
Thank you for your time Olof!
Applications from Nigeria, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam etc.
Applications from countries such as Nigeria, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Pakistan are accepted only if the financial sponsor (parents or siblings) resides within commuting distance to the school, such as in Kyoto or Osaka. Please contact us only if you have a prospective applicant who meets this condition.
We have also received a number of inquiries from individuals who have not reviewed our website, intake periods, or curriculum. Please note that we do not respond to such inquiries. We appreciate your understanding.
*The same policy applies to other countries designated by the Immigration Bureau as requiring careful screening.
*We are currently not entering into any new contracts with local Japanese language schools or agencies.
Two Swedish guys chat about their life in Kyoto, Japan
Karl finished up a fun year at KICL so we caught him on one of his last days in Kyoto!
We hope you enjoy the lively scenery of the Kamogawa river, at this time of year it is full of life as locals relax and enjoy the weather.
We hope this helps with any curiosities you have regarding
-Progressing your Japanese ability at a language school
-Challenges you may face studying abroad
-The fun parts of life in Kyoto & KICL
-Advice from senpais!!!
↓ Watch more of our YouTube English ↓
*Study in Japan* Street Interview with Study Abroad Students in Japan
A KICL student from the US interviewed students from other English-speaking countries on the University campus. Let's see how KICL students think about their student life and what they've experienced in Kyoto, Japan.
Q.1 What do you think are the benefits of learning Japanese in Japan?
Q.2 What do you wish you knew before coming to Japan?
Q.3 What is your most memorable part about being here at KICL?
If you have become more interested in our school after watching the video, please feel free to contact us!
【STUDENT BLOG】Studying abroad together with friends in Kyoto, Japan!
Hello everybody! We are Katherine and Peony! We are roommates, both from America, currently studying together at Kyoto Institute of Culture and Language.
Peony: I’m in the beginner’s level 1 class at KICL.
Katherine: I’m in the intermediate level 1 class
[Who we Are]
We originally met in high school and knew of each other through mutual friends but we didn’t really become friends until college. Even after we transferred to different universities, we still kept in touch and hung out whenever we were in town at the same time. One day, while we were hanging out, we were talking about plans after graduating. As half a joke, I asked Katherine how she felt about studying in Japan for a year. A few inquiry emails were made and an application was filled out, then we were on our way to Kyoto.
[Read More]
Europeans Studying at a Language School in Japan
We interviewed several European students who are currently studying or have studied Japanese at our Japanese Language School.
They shared their experiences at our school and their life abroad in Japan.
1. Can you tell us why you chose to attend KICL? (2 Spanish students)
2. Do you recommend attending KICL, and why? (a Belgium & Norwegian student)
3. How were the elective classes you took at KICL? (a German & Belgium student)
4. Could you tell us about your general experience living in Kyoto? (a Spanish & Britain student)
5. Please tell us about what it is like learning Japanese here ! (a Spanish & German student)
6. And now, a message to those who are thinking of studying abroad from your senpai ! (a Norwegian student)
[Check out more of our English content on YouTube!]
"A Journey Through Language and Culture: Studying Abroad in Kyoto"
Hello everyone, I’m Danny from Malaysia. I am currently an Intermediate 2 student that advanced from Beginner 1.
When talking about studying abroad in Japan, while most people would immediately think about the big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, I believe that Kyoto presents a distinctive alternative that deserves attention. This city, steeped in history and tradition, offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and a more tranquil atmosphere that can be refreshing compared to the relentless pace of larger cities. With that in mind, I decided to pursue my Japanese Language studies at the Kyoto Institute of Culture and Language, or KICL for short.....
[Read More]
