Hi!
I'm in the early stages of researching a 6-12 month language study program in Japan and looking for guidance. I'd prefer to stay in Tokyo/Osaka (Kobe) as i am most familiar with those places. My JLPT certification is up to N2 level as of 10 years ago.
Through my research, i notice many schools tend to have a focus on cramming for the JLPT. My goal isn't so much to pass the JLPT N1 (when I last took it, I missed passing by 4 points) as I'm not focused on moving permanently to Japan and want to use this experience as a chance to immerse myself in the culture one last time before settling down. Taking the JLPT both times were entirely for my own understanding of where I stand in terms of knowledge of the language. As such I don't want to attend a school that is basically a cram school just focusing on studying for the JLPT or any other test like it. My main goal is to further enhance my understanding of the language on a deeper level so I can use it with my current small business & network with my peers, while also giving myself the chance to live in Japan again for a short while. Another goal is to attend Comitia or Comiket as a contributor/vendor on the side (I have 10 years experience with this in America so I understand it's a massive undertaking.)
I am also in my (low) 30s now and would like to join a community that's 25+ but I'm honestly happy to engage with any community that loves the language and culture, while focusing on communicating in Japanese first and foremost.
For the other stuff, I'm a US citizen who is living in Australia and will be receiving my PR status in December. My goal is to start my 6-12 month stay in Japan shortly after this grant (within 6 months, so June 2026.) I only have a high school diploma, no bachelor's degree so going through JET is a no-go, though I do have about 6 years experience working as a Japanese language tutor for my old college professor. I have the means to essentially pick whatever school fits best and pay for my own accommodations.
With this information, is attending a language school a good option for what my goals are? Are there language schools that don't demand 9-10 hours of daily classes & studying throughout the week for basically cramming? Studying, attending classes and putting in the work will be my priority first and foremost, but I want to have the freedom to work a baito or socialise as well. My final context is I was once married to a Japanese national so I'm primed for both the wonders and deficiencies of Japanese society/norms.
Thanks so much for reading and any responses in advance! I'm excited to hear all feedback and advice you've got!
by suuuuica