Features

1. Both required and elective subjects are taught in small classes based on Japanese proficiency level and aim to improve overall Japanese language skills by linking listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition to acquiring Japanese language proficiency, the program also includes Japanese cultural classes and extracurricular activities such as a visit to the Gion Festival, allowing students to experience the rich culture of Japan and Kyoto firsthand.
2. Students who have completed this course can be recommended as candidates for admission into the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.
3. International student assistants, JCBP (Japanese Conversation Buddy Program), and other programs allow students to live in an environment where they can interact with Japanese students.
4. KUFS scholarship program financially supports the education of students with excellent grades.

• Calendar of the Academic Year (PDF: 124KB)

Period of Study and Semester Dates

The length of the course is one year.
However, students who have exceptional motivation to enroll in a Japanese university, and fulfill certain criteria, may be permitted to extend the study period for a maximum of one year by the Chair of Bekka. (Extension of Completion)
Enrollment is twice a year; the spring semester commences in April and the fall semester in September.

Check!

• Future Pathways

Requirements for Completion

Students who enrolled before 2023	In order to complete the course 1) students must be registered for 1 year, 2) should obtain 20 credits of required subjects (20 subjects) and 8 or more credits of elective subjects (6-8 subjects), totaling 28 credits or more.
Students who enrolled after 2024 (New curriculum)	In order to complete the course 1) students must be registered for 1 year, 2) should obtain 20 credits of required subjects (20 subjects) and 6 or more credits of elective subjects (6 subjects), totaling 26 credits or more.

Curriculum

1. Required Subjects "Comprehensive Japanese"
   Required subjects are taught in small classes, separated into levels 1 through 9, covering all aspects of speaking, listening, reading and writing. While the introductory level integrates all four skills in one class, other levels combine speaking and listening skills in one class and reading and writing skills in another class.

   Level 1	This course is designed for those at a novice level to a lower novice level. Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar and will become able to use everyday expressions. (Equivalent to CEFR A1)
   Level 2	This course is designed for those at a higher novice level. Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar and aim to communicate with others about their surroundings. (Equivalent to CEFR A1)
   Level 3	This course is designed for those at a higher novice to a lower intermediate level. Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar and will be able to explain and exchange information about themselves. (Equivalent to CEFR A1-A2)
   Level 4	This course is designed for those at a lower intermediate level. Students will learn vocabulary and sentence patterns at the intermediate level and will be able to speak coherently and express their opinions. (Equivalent to CEFR B1)
   Level 5	This course is designed for those at a mid-intermediate level. Students will learn vocabulary and sentence patterns at the intermediate level and will be able to speak coherently and use Japanese appropriately in various situations in daily life. (Equivalent to CEFR B1-B2)
   Level 6	This course is designed for those at a higher intermediate level. Students will learn vocabulary and sentence patterns at the late intermediate level and aim to develop the ability to express themselves concretely and abstractly on a variety of topics. (Equivalent to CEFR B2)
   Level 7	This course is designed for those at a higher intermediate level. Students will learn vocabulary and sentence patterns at the late intermediate level and aim to develop the ability to express themselves concretely and abstractly on a variety of topics. (Equivalent to CEFR B2)
   Level 8	This course is designed for those at a higher intermediate to lower advanced level. Students will learn advanced vocabulary and sentence structure and develop solid discourse structure and effective expressions on a variety of concrete and abstract topics. (Equivalent to CEFR C1)
   Level 9	This course is designed for those at an advanced level. Students will learn to express themselves naturally, fluently, and accurately on a variety of concrete and abstract topics. Students will also study Japanese rhetoric and acquire a rich ability to express themselves. Depending on their ability, students may also take courses offered by the university faculty. (Equivalent to CEFR C2)

2. Elective Subjects
   The following courses are offered to supplement the required courses and to meet the objectives of learners.
   1. Composition, Kanji, and Grammar:
      Small classes based on students' Japanese proficiency
   2. Special Japanese:
      Using movies as teaching materials, students will learn practical Japanese.
   3. Japanese for Certified Tests:
      This class is designed to prepare students for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students).
   4. Current Japanese Society, Tradition & Culture, History, Literature, Politics and Economy:
      Designed to deepen understanding in each area, particularly in the current affairs of Japan.

• 
• 
• 

• Webシラバスリンク
• Webシラバスの見方（準備中）
• 留学生別科カリキュラム・マップ（2022年度） (PDF: 310KB)

Who also offer lots of practical learning!

In addition to Japanese language study in proficiency-based classes and traditional Japanese cultural subjects such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Kyogen. Students also participate in extracurricular activities such as visits to the Gion Festival. In addition, students can take classes in our faculties based on their Japanese language proficiency.

Gion Festival/ Jidai Festival

Only a university located in Kyoto can offer visitors the opportunity to observe these festivals, which are the three major festivals in Kyoto. Students will learn about Kyoto culture from a different perspective than that of sightseeing as a tourist.

• 
• 
• 

Websites to learn Japanese (Free) for Self-Study

Available Contents	Website
Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji (Basic - Intermediate) * Equivalent to A1 - B1	「Minato」 (JAPAN FOUNDATION)
Basic Japanese * Equivalent to A1 - A2	「MARUGOTO Plus」 (JAPAN FOUNDATION)
Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji and Grammar	「Kanshudo」

• Portal site for searching Japanese language study sites 「nihogo e-な」
• Apps. for character (hiragana, katakana, kanji) learning

Future Pathways

For students who wish to enter Japanese universities, graduate schools, or other institutions of higher education, including TIJS, after completing the Bekka program, we offer counseling and guidance for higher education. Students who are considering employment in Japan after graduation can also obtain information at our Career Center.

Destinations

University or College	Kanto Gakuin University Kyoto Sangyo University (Faculty of Sociology and Faculty of International Relations) Kyoto University of Advanced Science (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration) Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (Department of Japanese Studies, Global Studies and Global Tourism (Special Recommendation System to KUFS) Musashino Academia Musicae Osaka College of Music Ritsumeikan University (College of Letters) Ryukoku University (Faculty of Sociology) Tokai University (School of Letters) etc.
Graduate School	Doshisha University Graduate School of Culture and Information Science Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology KUFS Graduate School of Foreign Studies (Major in Foreign Language and Culture) Ritsumeikan University Graduate School of Language Education and Information Science Saga University Graduate School of Advanced Health Sciences etc.
Professional School	Ohara Gakuen Kyoto Career College of Foreign Languages etc.

Flow chart for university and graduate school admission (Sample)

Most universities and graduate schools in Japan have April enrollment, and the flow differs depending on the timing of enrollment in the Bekka program.

In the case of Spring Enrollment in April to KUFS Bekka and Spring Enrollment in April to Japanese University:

In the case of Fall Enrollment in September to KUFS Bekka and Fall Enrollment in September to Japanese University:

• * There are few university that have September or Otober enrollment system in Japan.