Greetings from the Chief Derector

CHOI YOUNG NAM

CHOI YOUNG NAM

“Teaching foreigners to speak Japanese like natives” is our motto here at IKUSHU. The foreign competitiveness of Japan stems from the kindness and relentlessness that lives within the hearts of its people, represented in their attention to detail, veracity, and compassion for others. Without understanding this, it is not possible to speak Japanese at or beyond a native level. Japan’s strength was once manifested in an economic might generated largely by its prowess in industrial and scientific technologies; moving forward, however, the source of its competitive power will likely be the “Japanese spirit” sustained by the country’s traditional culture. In reality, this concept has been observed in the effectiveness of the many service industries which have expanded into overseas markets and is something which is gaining traction among the people in those locations.

 

At IKUSHU, we use Japanese language instruction to convey this Japanese spirit to all of our students so that they can gain a true understanding of Japan and its people. Operating under the above motto, our excellent faculty team employs a practical teaching method to deliver highly effective training. Our passionate instructors are here to guide you every step of the way, from the day you enroll to the day you continue on to another educational institution—that includes everything from special coaching for the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) which are offered twice annually, to advice on getting accepted to top universities and graduate schools. In addition, we actively incorporate extracurricular activities which allow our students to experience Japanese culture firsthand such as tea ceremonies, visiting shrines during the New Year holiday, making sushi, trips to Disneyland, disaster drills, and artisan workshops.

 

On behalf of IKUSHU, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all those taking their first steps toward studying in Japan. We are striving hard to help you grasp the kindness and relentlessness of the Japanese spirit so that you can become fluent in Japanese and head out into Japanese society. All of us here at IKUSHU are looking forward to your arrival.

Introduction of the Head Master

笠井 信幸

Nobuyuki Kasai

Born in 1948. After working as an instructor and researcher within the International Studies Department of the School of International Studies at Shumei University, he served as chief researcher and lead director at the Asia Economic & Culture Institute before attaining his current position. He also belongs to a number of academic societies and associations and engages in a wide range of activities.

Principal writings include Reconsideration of Development Strategies and Growth Mechanisms in Korea (published in 1996 by the Institute of Developing Economies) and Examination of the Ripple Effect Theory in Economics (published in 2000 by Nihon Keizai Hyouronsha).

 

Head Teacher of IKUSHU INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY Academic president of The Japan Association for East-Asian Business and Economic Studies Past president of The Association for the Korean-Chinese Studies in Japan Overseas board member of The Korean-Japanese Economics & Management Association Board member of International Society of Ondol Researcher of World OKTA Institute of International Trade Strategies Chief researcher of Asia Economic & Culture Institute World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations Chiba Board Senior Advisor EAST ASIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Adviser of Friendship Society of Yanbian University, China Former Shumei University Former professor Former Visiting professor of Seoul National University, Economic Research Institute in Korea

What Makes Our School Unique

What Makes Our School Unique

IKUSHU provides a setting where foreign students can receive instruction in Japanese language and culture. Our unique methodology allows students to achieve linguistic proficiency and deepen their understanding of Japanese society while engaging in a comprehensive study of Japanese language and culture. Classes at the school are organized into beginner, upper-beginner, intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced levels, with intermediate and above intended for students who plan to continue their education at universities, graduate schools, or technical colleges. In the higher level classes, students acquire practical Japanese language proficiency as well as a fundamental knowledge of Japanese culture.

The Learning Environment

School Features

Recognized as a prestigious language institution,IKUSHU is located only a one-minute walk away from the JR Chūō Line Ōkubo Station. Amidst a superb environment that is both international and teeming with a sense of Japanese history and culture, our elite faculty team cultivates the youth that will lead us into the next era. We don’t stop at providing instruction to expand the Japanese language ability of our students, but also offer them strong guidance as they move on to continue their education at universities, graduate schools, and technical colleges.IKUSHU has also received accreditation from a number of universities as a designated school and is therefore able to provide recommendations for those students with superior academic records.

Educational Guidance

Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who are planning to take the JLPT N1 or to continue their education at universities or other educational institutions, and we provide the coaching necessary for students to achieve these goals. Students receive thorough instruction in real-world Japanese that maintains a good balance among the four technical areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking as they study not only in the classroom but in off-campus settings as well.

Living Advice

Our dedicated staff members are always available to help foreign students with any living problems or concerns that may arise and to help reduce the effects of culture shock. Faculty members also conduct counseling sessions with students as the need arises, so there is no need to worry even if this is your first time studying abroad.