I recently got an offer from Naganuma Language School (Tokyo, Shibuya)for the January 2026 intake! I've heard great things about their intensive course and the strong emphasis on speaking, which I’m really excited about.

A bit about my current Japanese level: I’m somewhere between N5 and N4, with around 250 hours of study so far. I'm preparing to take the JLPT N4 this December, and I hope to clear it before I leave for Japan.

My main concern isn’t the JLPT though, it’s the fact that I’ll be living in Tokyo. As much as I’ve always wanted to visit, this will be my first time going to Japan not as a tourist, but as a student. So I’d really appreciate a reality check from those who’ve been through it.

Some key questions:

1. Part-Time Wages: What’s the minimum wage in Tokyo right now? And realistically, how much can a student expect to earn per hour (under 28hrs/week)? Also, can I realistically sustain myself on that? I’ve been living like a bachelor throughout my university and work life. I cook for myself and manage well. In Singapore, my monthly expenses for food,travel, utilities, misc. (excluding rent) are around SGD 400–500 (¥44,000–55,000). Just trying to understand how that might translate to Tokyo's cost of living.
2. Working in Engineering (Part-Time): I’m a 26-year-old engineer specializing in renewable energy (mechanical and electrical) with nearly 4 years of experience both onshore and offshore. I’ll be leaving behind a stable job in Singapore to pursue this language course. I know getting a part-time job specifically in engineering might be difficult, but is it even possible? Even if it’s not in the field I specialize , I’d be interested in any kind of engineering-related work to get a sense of Japan’s working culture in this field.
3. Affordable Living Options: I’m hoping to find a shared house with my own room for under ¥50,000/month. I’m okay with commuting 40–50 minutes to Shibuya. I’ve seen a few decent options around Adachi ward… would love to hear if that’s a practical area to consider in terms of commute.
4. Does January vs April Intake Make a Difference (If My Goal is to Work in Japan)?: Since I’ve been offered a spot for the January 2026 intake, I’m wondering if choosing January over the more traditional April intake will make a difference, especially in terms of job hunting, networking, and future work opportunities in Japan.

Thanks a lot for reading, and I’d really appreciate any insight or advice you can share!