Introduction of on-demand Japanese language learning programs

On-Demand Japanese Language Learning Program in Chiba City

"Chiba City Japanese Language Learning Program" useful for social life

This is a program for people living in Chiba City to learn Japanese that will be useful in social life.
You can learn Japanese through e-learning and schooling.
You can study Japanese through e-learning anytime, anywhere using the internet (excluding system maintenance hours, etc.).
We also provide classroom services linked to e-learning.

Target

　People aged 18 or older who live in Chiba City (residents, employees, students in Chiba City)
　However, people under the age of 18 can use the e-learning system only.

Who is this program suitable for?

　People who have not studied Japanese much and who find life inconvenient because they do not understand Japanese.
　People who want to learn at their own pace using a smartphone, computer (PC), or tablet.
　People who want to learn basic Japanese for daily life, child-rearing, work, etc.
　People who want to learn Japanese and information necessary for daily life.
　People who want to communicate and interact with people around them in Japanese.
　People who want to learn Japanese, make better use of their abilities, and be of use to the people and communities around them.

Target Level

　There are three levels of Japanese language proficiency goals (based on the Japanese language education framework)

- Basic level language users (A1, A2)
- Independent language users (B1, B2)
- Proficient language users (C1, C2)

　The target level of the currently available program is "Basic Language User (A1/A2)."
　From August 2025, "Basic Language Users (A8)" will be added.

Course period

　6 months

Fees (fees have changed since April 2025)

　2,000 yen (schooling fee)
　In addition, communication fees and provider connection fees when connecting to the Internet, transportation costs when attending classes, etc. are the responsibility of the participant.

About the program

e-learning

　It is based on the Chiba City International Association's original teaching material, "Japanese to Express Myself."
　This teaching material was created with the aim of helping students communicate about themselves using Japanese.
　Through e-learning, students learn "self-expression" and "practical conversation" through themes familiar to everyday life.

schooling

　90 minutes per session
　You will practice conversation based on the e-learning content and listen to other participants.
　In face-to-face classes, students may leave the conference room to study Japanese (in some classes).

　Example 1: Theme: "Things I like"
　You will talk about your favorite things and listen to the other participants.
　Example 2: Theme: "Body and Health"
　You will practice interacting with patients at the hospital and learn health information.

Program introduction video *External link (YouTube)

How to learn

e-learning

　You will study alone using the e-learning system.
　The teaching materials are web content. We use online teaching materials in the e-learning system.

　e-learning introduction video ※External link (YouTube)

schooling

　Japanese language teachers will be in charge of schooling.
　Participants will discuss what they have learned through e-learning with other participants and try to use the Japanese they have learned in everyday situations.　

Implementation site

e-learning

　Participants can access e-learning from a location of their own choosing.

schooling

　If you are meeting in person, the venue will be the Chiba City International Plaza Conference Room. (Address:click here）
　If online, use Zoom.

Implementation period

　In principle, you can start studying the month after you apply.
　Those who complete on-demand Japanese language learner registration, identity verification, and participation fee payment by the 20th of each month can start learning the following month.
　If you complete your on-demand Japanese language learner registration, identity verification, and participation fee payment after the 21st, you can start learning two months after the month of application.

How to start on-demand Japanese language learning

1. Register as an on-demand Japanese learner
2. Verify your identity
3. Pay the participation fee (schooling fee)
4. The Chiba City International Association will send you an e-mail with your e-learning system ID and password.
5. Start learning Japanese through e-learning

How to participate in schooling

1. The Chiba City International Association will send you an email with the Zoom meeting ID etc. (if participating online)
2. Participate in the session of your choice (you can attend multiple sessions during the course period with a single payment)

Schooling Schedule

　Click here for the schedule

Inquiries and questions about on-demand Japanese language learning

　We also hold free trial sessions.
　Trial session flyer (Flyer PDF）
　To apply for the trial session,Here (Google form for trial session application)

　For inquiries or questions, please contact us using the "Ask a question about Japanese classes" link below.
　Please write your questions in Japanese as much as possible.

On-Demand Japanese Learning FAQs

About the Program as a Whole

Q1 Can anyone use it?
The A1 program is available to people who live in Chiba City, work for a company in Chiba City, or attend school in Chiba City, and are 18 years of age or older.
If you are only using e-learning, you can participate even if you are under 18 years old.

Q2 What is the target level of study?
A2 The target level of the currently available program is "Basic Language User (A1/A2)" based on the Japanese Language Education Framework of Reference.

　Japanese language proficiency goals: Levels based on the Japanese language education reference frame
　- Basic level language users (A1, A2)
　- Independent language users (B1, B2)
　- Proficient language users (C1, C2)

Q3. What is the purpose of this program?
A3 The purpose of this program is to acquire Japanese language skills that will be useful in daily life.
　　The aim is to be able to use Japanese to communicate your experiences, thoughts and feelings to people close to you using familiar topics, and to be able to interact in concrete everyday situations such as travel, shopping, hospitals, etc. Therefore, in addition to learning about Kodoba, we also handle a lot of information necessary for life in Chiba City.

Q4 Can I use this program to study for a Japanese language exam?
A4 This program is not intended to help students pass exams such as the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLTP).Q3However, because the goal is to acquire basic Japanese language ability, this program is also useful for those aiming to pass an exam that measures basic Japanese level.

Q5 Can I hear more about this program?
A5 We explain this at trial sessions and individual consultations.

　A5①On-demand Japanese language learning consultation and trial sessions
　　Each session lasts two hours and involves listening to detailed explanations and experiencing the program.
　　Click here for schedule
　　Reservations are required.Please apply via this google form.

　A5② Individual consultation session
　　If the above consultation or trial session dates do not suit you, we can explain the on-demand Japanese language learning program during the Japanese language learning consultation. Please make a reservation for the Japanese language comprehension check (Japanese language learning consultation) and come on the scheduled date and time.
　　Click here to book a Japanese comprehension test

About application

Q10 What should I do if I want to apply?
A10 Please apply online or at the Chiba City International Association counter. We will also ask you to verify your identity when you apply.

　　　(Apply online)
　　　"How to start on-demand Japanese language learningPlease apply via the "Application Form." Identity verification will be done online (Zoom).
　　　(Apply at the Chiba City International Association office)
　　　Please bring your residence card and other documents to the Chiba City International Association during opening hours.

Q11 Can I use the service immediately after applying?
A11 Those who complete their application, identity verification, and payment of the participation fee by the 20th of each month can use the service from the 1st of the following month. (If you apply for e-learning only, there is no participation fee.)

Q12 Until when can I use it?
A12 It is six months from the start of the service. You can extend or reapply, but you will need to apply again and pay the participation fee.

Q13 Can I study using a smartphone?
A13 Yes, you can. However, if your smartphone screen is small, it may be difficult to operate the e-learning system.

How to use the e-learning system (format)

Q20 What should I do if I don't know how to use the e-learning system?
There are instructions on how to use the A20 e-learning system. You can check detailed instructions on how to use it under "U.0 (Unit Zero)".
　　If you still don't understand, please use the "On-Demand Japanese Language Learning Program Information Session/Trial Session (reservation required)" or "Japanese Language Learning Consultation (reservation required)." (A5Please refer to the)

Q21 What is the e-learning schedule?
A21 There is no set schedule for e-learning. Participants will study independently. They will plan their own pace and study days.
　　As a guideline for study time, the A1 programme takes 100 hours to complete.

E-learning

Q30 Does e-learning just involve watching lecture videos?
A30 No, it's not just about watching lecture videos. In addition to practicing speaking by repeating and shadowing, there are assignments such as making questions and writing your own stories.

Q31 Are there teachers for e-learning?
A31 There is no teacher when studying through e-learning. Each content in the e-learning system will explain and instruct you on the learning content. Participants will proceed with their own learning. (There is a Japanese teacher in the classroom.)

Q32 Can I receive instruction on pronunciation and speaking?
Q32 Regarding pronunciation and speaking, the Japanese teacher will give you advice on the day of the class.

Q33 Can you correct my essay?
A33: Participants will upload their compositions to the designated electronic bulletin board (shared by all participants), which will be corrected by the Japanese teacher and posted on the bulletin board. Participants will be able to view the corrected compositions for reference.

Schooling (group learning)

Q40 What is schooling (group learning)?
A40 Schooling is a place where e-learning participants gather to study. A Japanese teacher is in charge. In schooling, you can practice conversation using the content you learned in e-learning and listen to other participants.

Q41 Is schooling (group learning) face-to-face?
A41 Schooling is available in both face-to-face and online formats (Zoom).

Q42 Is schooling (group learning) 1 yen per session?
A42 No, the cost will be the same no matter how many times you attend during the course period.

Q43 I would like to have a teacher teach me Japanese. Can I just attend the schooling (group format)?
A43 You cannot participate in schooling only. Schooling will be held for those who are studying through e-learning and working on assignments.
　　　This program is designed to improve learning outcomes by having students study individually through e-learning before attending classes.

Q44 Is the content learned in school (group format) the same as the content learned through e-learning?
A44 No, that is not the case. In schooling, you will present what you have learned individually through e-learning, listen to other people's presentations and ask questions. You will learn Japanese through practice.

Q45 Can I participate in online schooling (group learning) from somewhere other than my home?
A45 You may participate from a location other than your home. However, since you will be presenting your essay and listening to other participants, please participate from a quiet location with no other people around.

Q46 Can I attend face-to-face schooling (group learning) with my child?
A46 No, you cannot.

Apply for on-demand Japanese language learning

　How to apply