Tokyo Central Japanese Language School（TCJ）

About the school

A Japanese-language school in Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, directly connected to JR Shinanomachi Station (founded 1988). The student visa course is at the Tokyo Shinanomachi Campus (floors 4-6), with over 50 classrooms, a self-study room and a library. Up to 20 students per class, over 500 teachers, and its own 13-level study system assessing 5 skills. Aims at CEFR B2 (equivalent to JLPT N2) at graduation, with 4 chances each for the JLPT and EJU over 2 years. Reports results in further study and employment, and also runs an employment placement business.

Fees

Annual tuition

¥990,000

Fee basis

First-year tuition for the student visa programs (further-study 2 years / 1 year 9 months / 1 year 6 months, job-preparation 2 years). Including tax (10%). Fiscal year not stated on the official page (a PDF published in September 2026 exists; currently recruiting). First-year total ¥1,110,000 (application fee ¥22,000 + admission fee ¥44,000 + tuition ¥990,000 + facilities fee ¥18,500 + materials ¥22,000 + health support fee ¥3,500 + insurance ¥10,000). The VIP Private Course is charged separately: tuition ¥880,000 plus individual lessons ¥421,000.

Admission fee

¥44,000Tax included (10%). A separate application (screening) fee of ¥22,000 (tax included).

Dormitory

Yes

Dormitory & housing

Student dormitory available. The FAQ states "in principle, all applicants who wish can move into the dormitory". Details are on a dedicated page (not checked). A guide to living costs is about ¥100,000 per month for food, transport, dormitory fee etc. (official FAQ).

Admission requirements

Intake months

• January
• April
• July
• October

Course lengths

18 months(1 yr 6 mo)21 months(1 yr 9 mo)24 months(2 yrs)

Study period

2-year further-study course / 1-year 9-month further-study course / 1-year 6-month further-study course / 2-year job-preparation course (all 3 hours per day = 90 minutes × 2, 600 hours per year). A VIP Private Course and an online study-abroad preparation course (150 hours) are available.

Admission requirements

Completion of 12 years of school education or more (the FAQ states no age or education restriction, with pass/fail decided by interview). Ability to pay costs. Documents: application form and pledge (handwritten), CV, 6 photos, original graduation certificate and transcript, enrollment/employment certificate, passport copy, proof of Japanese ability (N5 or above pass certificate or proof of 150 or more hours of study), financial sponsor's relationship documents, bank balance, 3 years of income/tax certificates, etc. Admission selection by interview (in person or online).

Japanese level requirement

JLPT N5 level or above, or 150 or more hours of Japanese study. The initial class at entry is elementary (N5-N4) or pre-intermediate (N3); depending on the entry period, only elementary may be offered. An interview is held.

Graduation & further-study support

From right after entry, homeroom teacher interviews every term, EJU/JLPT prep, essay and interview prep, research plan coaching for graduate school. The advancement results page lists many, including University of Tokyo, Hitotsubashi, Keio and Waseda (list by year). The school's own scholarships and externally funded scholarships recommended by the school (conditions: attendance rate and motivation to advance). Job support (job placement). A system for refunding tuition on early graduation.

Accreditation

The footer says "MEXT-Accredited School "TCJ Japanese Language School – Study Abroad Program"" (school accredited by MEXT) and "International Student Visa Program accredited". ISO 29991 certification (obtained by the Tokyo school; the Osaka school is in the process of obtaining it).

Nepal applicants

The official FAQ states "students are accepted from all over the world; there is no restriction by country of origin". No Nepal-specific information or Nepali-language support could be confirmed.

Language support

Classes are taught in Japanese only (explanations are also basically in Japanese because of multinational classes). Website available in English, Japanese and simplified Chinese. Inquiries cannot be made by phone, only by email or form (info@tcj-nihongo.com). No mention of Nepali support.