Tamagawa International Academy

School Overview & Philosophy

Tamagawa International Academy (TKG) is a well-known language institution strategically located in Asakusabashi, Taito Ward, Tokyo. This location offers students the advantage of being near the historical and cultural center of Tokyo (Asakusa, Ueno) while also providing convenient access to major academic and business hubs like Akihabara and Shinjuku. With a capacity of approximately 400 students, TKG strikes a balance between offering comprehensive resources and maintaining personalized attention for effective language acquisition and university preparation.

The core philosophy of TKG centers on university advancement. The institution is designed not only to teach Japanese for communication, but also to equip international students with the necessary academic skills, cultural understanding, and testing proficiency required for admission to competitive Japanese universities (undergraduate and graduate programs) or specialized vocational schools (Senmon Gakkou). The school recognizes that mastering the language is only the first step for international students; succeeding in the Japanese higher education entrance system requires specialized training, especially in the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and in interview and essay writing techniques.

TKG strives to fully integrate its international students into Japanese society. The school environment is designed to foster cultural exchange and practical application of language skills. By locating in Asakusabashi, a vibrant yet traditional district of Tokyo, TKG encourages students to use their growing linguistic capabilities in authentic daily settings. Dormitory options support this holistic approach, ensuring students' living environments support their academic schedules and provide a safe, convenient, and focused study base from arrival. This comprehensive support structure defines the TKG experience.

The school's facility, housed in the Tamagawa Kokusai Building, is modern and designed for educational efficiency. Classrooms are equipped with multimedia tools to facilitate dynamic teaching methods. The central Tokyo location results in higher operational costs, reflected in the tuition structure, but students benefit from access to Tokyo's resources—including university open campuses, supplementary libraries, and part-time job opportunities (when permitted by visa status). TKG emphasizes discipline, high attendance, and consistent academic progress, fostering an environment where ambitious students thrive. Its medium capacity allows teachers to maintain manageable class sizes, enabling detailed feedback on complex tasks like academic paper writing and EJU-specific subjects such as Mathematics and General Knowledge, which are taught by dedicated instructors.

Courses, Curriculum & Teaching Style

TKG specializes in long-term courses tailored for higher education advancement. The school offers four distinct entry points, aligned with the Japanese academic calendar, to maximize preparation time regardless of the student's starting level. All courses aim to achieve N1 proficiency on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and master the content necessary for a high EJU score.

Curriculum Structure: The Phased Approach

The curriculum at TKG is highly structured and divided into three major stages, regardless of the overall course duration:

• Fundamental Stage (N5 to N4/Low N3): Focuses on building core grammar, vocabulary (approximately 2,000 words), and phonetic accuracy. Teaching uses direct method instruction where Japanese is the primary language, even at beginner levels, to accelerate immersion. This stage includes intensive training in fundamental kanji (Jōyō Kanji 1-800). The goal is functional communication in daily life and preparation for intermediate study.
• Intermediate Stage (N3 to N2): Shifts focus from simple communication to practical academic and business Japanese. Students read longer texts, practice comprehension of complex sentence structures, and engage in structured debate and presentations. Specialized modules for EJU preparation begin here, covering basic strategies for the Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) section, focusing on reading speed and listening comprehension, critical components of the EJU. The goal is passing the N2 level, a common prerequisite for many vocational schools and universities.
• Advanced/Advancement Stage (N2 to N1 & EJU Mastery): An intensive preparation bootcamp. Classes are split based on the intended academic track (e.g., Humanities vs. Science), allowing focused instruction in EJU subjects like Mathematics (Course 1 or 2) and General Knowledge/World Affairs. For the Japanese language component, the focus is on advanced skills required for higher education: academic thesis writing, formal presentation skills, analyzing complex philosophical and scientific articles, and interview techniques specific to Japanese universities. Achieving N1 is the baseline, but mastery of academic discourse is the ultimate objective.

Teaching Style and Methodology

TKG utilizes a diverse teaching methodology designed to be both comprehensive and stimulating. Teaching styles blend traditional Japanese pedagogy (focused on discipline and repetition) with modern, communicative approaches:

• Active Learning: Incorporates group projects, student-led presentations, and role-playing scenarios that simulate academic or professional situations (e.g., attending a seminar, negotiating a project). This moves beyond textbook learning into applied skills.
• Integrated Skill Development: Rather than teaching reading, writing, and listening in isolation, TKG integrates these skills within thematic units, mirroring how language is used in real-world academic settings.
• Diagnostic Testing: Regular, rigorous internal testing—often modeled directly after the JLPT and EJU formats—is standard. This ensures students and teachers can precisely track progress and identify weaknesses needing targeted remediation. Teachers often hold individual counseling sessions based on these test results to refine study plans.

The inclusion of specific EJU subject training within the school schedule is a significant advantage, reducing the student’s reliance on expensive external cram schools (juku). This integrated model ensures subject knowledge is reinforced through the Japanese language, preparing them for lectures delivered entirely in Japanese.

Student Body & Campus Life

Located in central Tokyo, TKG attracts a multinational student body, typically from East Asia (South Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam), Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia), and increasingly, from Europe and North America seeking intensive Japanese training for academic or professional reasons. This diverse mix creates a multicultural environment crucial for expanding students' global perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.

Life in Asakusabashi

Studying in Asakusabashi (Taito Ward) offers a unique Tokyo experience. Unlike hyper-modern commercial centers like Shibuya or Shinjuku, Taito Ward provides a grounded, historical atmosphere while still being convenient. Students at TKG benefit from:

• Accessibility: Excellent public transit links (JR Sobu Line and Toei Asakusa Line) provide quick access to Tokyo Station, Ueno (major museums, Tokyo University), and Akihabara (student-friendly eateries and electronics).
• Affordability (Relative): While central Tokyo is expensive, the surrounding areas of Asakusabashi often feature smaller, more reasonably priced local restaurants (shitamachi atmosphere) compared to high-rent districts.
• Cultural Immersion: Proximity to Senso-ji Temple and the Sumida River allows for frequent cultural exposure and participation in seasonal festivals, enriching the learning experience.

Extracurricular Activities and Support

TKG encourages academic focus but balances it with cultural and social activities. Typical campus life includes:

• Cultural Field Trips: Organized excursions to historically significant locations (e.g., Kamakura, Nikko) or cultural institutions (museums, theaters) designed to reinforce Japanese history and traditions.
• Seasonal Events: Participation in traditional Japanese school events such as sports days, speech contests, graduation ceremonies, and seasonal festivals (Tanabata, Setsubun). These events are vital for practicing functional Japanese in social contexts.
• Student Counseling: Given the pressures of studying abroad and preparing for high-stakes exams like the EJU, TKG provides student counseling and mentorship. Teachers and staff assist with culture shock, academic stress, visa renewal processes, and navigating the rules for part-time employment.

High attendance is enforced, as poor attendance jeopardizes study visa status and impacts the student's ability to keep pace with the curriculum. TKG’s medium size allows for closer monitoring and intervention if a student's academic or attendance record begins to slip, ensuring students remain on track for their university goals.

University & Career Pathways

The primary mandate of Tamagawa International Academy is to serve as a launchpad for entry into Japanese tertiary education. The school's success is measured by the quality and quantity of successful university placements.

Focused Advancement Support

Students entering TKG are typically committed to pursuing an academic career in Japan. The support system is specialized:

1. EJU Strategy and Testing: Consistent practice tests based on actual EJU formats are conducted. Detailed score analysis helps identify specific areas that need remedial study. TKG ensures dedicated EJU instructors, often external specialists, handle the supplemental subjects (Math and General Knowledge).
2. Application Process Guidance: The university application process in Japan is complex and institution-specific. TKG staff guide students through selecting appropriate institutions based on EJU scores, desired majors, and financial capacity. This includes assistance with preparing application documents (including translations and certifications) and navigating the deadlines for private and national universities.
3. Interview and Essay Preparation: Many prestigious universities require an essay and a formal interview. TKG runs workshops focused on mastering the structure of academic Japanese essays, articulating complex ideas clearly, and practicing polite, formal Japanese necessary for university interviews. Mock interviews are conducted by experienced staff to simulate the environment.

Typical Advancement Destinations

While success depends on the individual student's EJU results, students graduating from TKG aim for a wide spectrum of institutions, including:

• Private Universities: Institutions like Meiji University, Waseda University, Nihon University, and various schools within the MARCH consortium. These often have specialized admission tracks for international students that rely heavily on the EJU and school performance.
• National/Public Universities: For students achieving top EJU scores, TKG supports applications to institutions like Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Yokohama National University, or regional national universities, which often demand higher proficiency in the academic subjects.
• Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakkou): A significant number of students opt for specialized vocational training in fields like IT, design, hospitality, or business management, leveraging their Japanese skills for immediate career entry.

For those intending to advance to graduate school, TKG helps refine research proposals and prepare for direct interviews with prospective professors.

Accommodation & Living Support

A major feature highlighted by TKG is the provision of student accommodation, a significant benefit, especially for new arrivals to Tokyo. Securing housing independently in Tokyo can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive due to high upfront costs.

Dormitory Provision

While specific details on location and cost are generally handled upon application, the dormitory service offered by TKG typically ensures:

• Convenience: Dormitories are generally located within a manageable commute of the Asakusabashi campus (e.g., within 30-45 minutes by train or close enough for a bicycle commute), prioritizing student safety and minimizing travel stress.
• Standard Options: Accommodation usually includes shared rooms (twin or triple) or private single rooms, with communal facilities such as kitchens, laundry, and study areas. Shared accommodations are significantly more affordable and promote immediate socialization among students.
• Initial Setup: Rooms are furnished with basic necessities (bed, desk, internet access), allowing students to move in immediately upon arrival without the burden of purchasing large items.

Comprehensive Initial and Ongoing Support

The support offered by TKG extends beyond housing to cover the administrative hurdles international students face:

1. Airport Pickup & Move-in: Ensures safe transit from Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports to the accommodation.
2. Administrative Assistance: Guidance on initial tasks, including registering residency at the local ward office, setting up a Japanese bank account, enrolling in the National Health Insurance scheme, and applying for necessary mobile services.
3. Rules and Regulations Training: Instruction on Japanese law, cultural etiquette, visa requirements (especially regarding attendance and part-time work limits), and dormitory rules, helping students avoid legal or social mishaps.

The guaranteed housing for the initial period (usually 3 to 6 months) offers a buffer, giving students time to acclimate to Tokyo life, improve their Japanese, and then decide whether to transition to independent apartment living or remain in school housing.

Tuition, Fees & Scholarships

Tamagawa International Academy’s tuition structure reflects its medium size and central Tokyo location, positioning the school as a competitive option that provides comprehensive EJU support. The fees are total figures for the entire course duration. Below is an estimated breakdown based on industry standards (Note: Initial fees usually include Application, Entrance, and Facilities fees).

Estimated Tuition Breakdown (JPY)

Note: Tuition is typically paid in advance, often semi-annually or annually, following the initial full payment which includes all administrative fees.

Cost of Living Estimate (Tokyo)

Students must budget separately for living expenses, especially in Tokyo. A general estimate for a student living in a shared dormitory or moderately priced apartment, excluding tuition, is:

Scholarship Opportunities

TKG actively encourages and assists qualified students in applying for external and internal scholarships, essential for offsetting the costs of studying in Tokyo. Key opportunities include:

• MEXT Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students (JASSO): Offers a monthly stipend (currently around ¥48,000) to students demonstrating excellent academic performance and attendance. TKG faculty nominate top-tier students for this award.
• Internal School Scholarships: TKG may offer merit-based or attendance-based scholarships to reward high-performing students who maintain perfect attendance records.
• Local Private Foundation Scholarships: The school acts as a liaison for local Tokyo-based foundations that offer scholarships to international students residing in Taito Ward or enrolled in specific language institutions. Competition is fierce, but the TKG counseling team provides guidance on the application processes. Achieving top academic results at TKG is the single most important factor for securing these financial supports.

This comprehensive academic environment at Tamagawa International Academy, combined with specialized advancement training and living support in a central Tokyo location, makes it an excellent choice for dedicated students aiming for Japanese higher education.