Japanese Language

Ritsumeikan University offers short-term programs for undergraduate and graduate students with little or no previous knowledge of Japanese. These programs provide a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture.

The Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program (RSJP) and Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program (RWJP) are five-week programs, while RSJP Express and RWJP Express are two-week intensive programs.

All programs consist of two main components. Participants take intensive Japanese language classes and Japan Studies classes to learn about Japanese culture. They also take part in fieldwork and excursions.

RSJP and RWJP: 3,450 min (50 min x 3 class x 23 days)
RSJP/RWJP Express: 1,350 min (50 min x 3 class x 9 days)

RSJP and RWJP: 990 min (90 min x 11 days)

RSJP/RWJP Express: 360 min (90 min x 4 days)

Scenes from our Japan Studies. You will have 90 min long Japan Studies classes during the program as above. 

Some events may not be available for your program. Pictures are from past programs.

"N1" holders are NOT able to participate in RSJP/RWJP and RSJP/RWJP Express.

All students are required to submit "Health Certificate Form for International Students, Ritsumeikan University" signed by a health care provider or a physician. If you have any ongoing care/treatment, you should have details on the "Medical Information & Certificate" with your doctor's note including sentences that approve your participation for this program with your application form. Please note that it will be your own expense to complete the form.

IH Taishogun is not a hotel but one of Ritsumeikan University’s research and educational facilities. Students must follow the facility regulations and adhere to the designated schedule. Failure to comply will result in loss of access. Arrival and departure dates and times are fixed. If students do not meet these conditions, they must arrange their own accommodation.

• Location: IH Taishogun is approximately a 20-minute walk from Ritsumeikan University's Kinugasa Campus, where the 2027 RWJP and RWJP Express February Session will be held.
• Room Arrangement:
  • Students will stay in gender-segregated rooms, with up to four people per room (2 bunk beds).
  • Room assignments are determined by Ritsumeikan University and cannot be changed.
  • The facility has a total of 12 rooms available.
• Shared Facilities:
  • Shared kitchen
  • Shared restrooms
  • Shared shower rooms
• Application Process:
  • Facility use at IH Taishogun will be assigned in the order of complete submission of all required documents.
  • Required documents include a valid passport and a health certificate.
  • The health certificate must be fully completed and signed by a physician.
  • Advance reservations are not available.
• Alternative Lodging: If IH Taishogun is fully booked or if you prefer external lodging, please arrange a hotel or other lodging at your own expense and responsibility.

Important: IH Taishogun is available for the 2027 RWJP and the RWJP Express February Session only. Participants in the January Session must arrange their own accommodation.

The above "Usage fee" includes a non-refundable application fee.

(1) Students must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student during the program. To prove their enrollment, students will need to submit their academic transcript and enrollment status certificate.
(2) Students must have the ability to communicate in English or in basic Japanese. Japan Studies classes will be conducted in either Japanese or English. Therefore, students must be capable of comprehending lectures in one of these languages.
(3) Students must be able to recognize hiragana and katakana before the commencement of the program. Having at least of a minimum knowledge of hiragana and katakana will make their study in the short-term program more meaningful and effective.
 

(1) Official certificate of enrollment and most recent official academic transcript from the institution the student is currently attending.
(2) Photocopy of the information pages of the student’s passport. The passport number and period of validity must be shown clearly.
(3) Completed health check form （Ritsumeikan University format).
(4) Your handwritten essays in Japanese.
(5) Letter of consent.