If you’re planning to study Japanese in Japan, you may have encountered the 150-hour Japanese study requirement to prove basic proficiency in the language. Starting from April 2025, Japan’s immigration guidelines (source in Japanese) mandate that long-term language school applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Japanese at an A1 level. This can be proven through various means, including 150 hours of documented study or passing an equivalent certification exam like the JLPT N5.
Let’s break down the 150-hour Japanese study requirement, explore the options for meeting it, and understand how it impacts students—especially those starting as beginners.
What proof of study is required for a Japanese language school application?
Japan’s immigration requires applicants for long-term Japanese language programs to demonstrate Japanese language proficiency equivalent to A1 level. A1 proficiency can be demonstrated either through a JLPT N5 certificate or 150 hours of documented Japanese language study, which are considered equivalent under this framework.
Applicants can meet the 150-hour Japanese study requirement through one of the following:
- Certification from a recognized Japanese language proficiency exam, such as JLPT N5, which demonstrates A1-level proficiency under the “Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education.”
- 150 hours of Japanese language study from an accredited institution, which is typically sufficient to achieve A1-level proficiency.
What Japanese Language Exams and Certifications Are Accepted by Japanese Immigration?
In order to meet the 150-hour Japanese study requirement, many students take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Students can meet the language requirement by passing any level of the JLPT exam, with N5 being the lowest level and considered equivalent to A1. The JLPT can be taken twice a year in July or December in most cities, and costs around ¥7,500. Learn more about how to take and prepare for the JLPT.
Other certification exams are also accepted by Immigration to fulfill the study requirement. For example:
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test: Score of 300 or higher.
- J.TEST Practical Japanese Test: Certification at Level F or above (250 points or more in FG-level).
- NAT-TEST: Certification at Level 5 or above.
- STBJ Standard Business Japanese Test: Score of 350 or higher.
- TOPJ Practical Japanese Proficiency Test: Beginner Level A or above.
- J-cert Daily Life and Vocational Japanese Test: Beginner Level or above.
- JLCT Japanese Proficiency Test for Foreigners: Certification at “JCT5” or above.
- PJC Bridge: Certification at “C-” or above.
- JPT Japanese Language Proficiency Test: Score of 315 or higher (or 68 or more on the JPT Elementary Test).
There are additional exams that also qualify. If you have taken a different test or hold another certification, please contact Go! Go! Nihon to confirm if it is accepted. If you do not have a certification for a relevant exam, there is also an option to show proof of 150 hours of study.
How Can You Show Proof of Your 150-hour Japanese Studies?
The requirement refers to 150 hours or more of Japanese language study, and applicants must show proof by having a certificate, transcript, or other document verifying their studies. So what ways are there to meet and verify the 150-hour Japanese study requirement for a language school?
- Transcript of records from school
- Take an online course from a language school
- Self-studying Japanese
1. Transcript from school
For students who have studied Japanese at a high school, college, or university previously, the usual requirement is for the educational institute to provide a transcript or issue a letter stating the course name, course description, and how many hours the student has spent in class studying the Japanese language.
2. Take an online course from a Language School
Another option for prospective students who need to complete the 150-hour Japanese study requirement is our 12-week beginner course and our pre-intermediate online course which were created in partnership with one of our language school partners, Akamonkai, the largest Japanese language school in Tokyo. The online courses were created using Akamonkai’s official school curriculum and the pre-recorded lessons are taught by actual teachers from the school. It is designed to take you from a total Japanese beginner to JLPT N5 and N4-equivalent levels. The courses fulfill the 150-hour Japanese study requirement for student visa applications from the Japanese government. An official certificate will be issued to you by Akamonkai Japanese Language School after your successful completion of the online course.
Akamonkai Japanese Language School is approved and certified by the Japanese Ministry of Education.
3. Self-study Japanese
Having self-studies accepted as proof of the 150-hour Japanese study requirement is not a standard option, but some schools may consider it depending on the circumstances. Acceptance typically depends on the school, the nature of your self-study, and other details, such as the period of study and total hours completed. If a school is open to this, they may ask you to do a level check test and provide a self-declaration letter outlining your studies.
If you’re unsure about your next step, we recommend reaching out to us. We can help you understand your options and guide you toward the best path for meeting the 150-hour Japanese study requirement.
Does that mean I can’t study Japanese as a complete beginner?
For short-term studies or study trips, there is no prior language requirement, and you can start as a complete beginner. However, for long-term Japanese language school programs that require a Student Visa, prior knowledge of Japanese is a requirement from Immigration.
We recommend starting your language studies as early as possible to meet the 150-hour Japanese study requirement. If you need guidance on how to begin or which schools to choose, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
Ready to start studying Japanese with Go! Go! Nihon?
You can find more information about Japanese language requirements (source in Japanese) from the Ministry of Japan. In summary, the document says JLPT N5 or a certificate of 150 hours of studies from a school or organization that shows the number of hours and method of study is acceptable to meet the 150-hour Japanese study requirement. Check out our basic language articles and tips on learning Japanese.
This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to plan ahead when applying for Japanese language school in Japan. Most applications to study start between 12 and 6 months before your chosen study term.
Follow our school and student visa application timeline for a better understanding of when to start preparing. As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any queries.
