Life at the school and in Japan｜FAQ｜Tokyo Japanese Language School, Akamonkai

We have permanent office staff who can speak Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Mongolian, Vietnamese, and English, so you can get advice even if you have just started school and do not speak Japanese. We also provide a thorough explanation of basic Japanese etiquette and rules in six languages at a school orientation held after the entrance ceremony.

We provide opportunities to interact with Japanese people by bringing in Japanese volunteers and university student interns who are interested in international exchange.

Because Akamonkai is an educational corporation, students at the school on student visas can purchase student discount commuter rail passes. You can purchase discount passes for the train route between the closest station to your residence and the stations near the school (Nippori, Nishi-Nippori or Mikawashima stations). 

If you receive Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (資格外活動許可) at the airport upon entering Japan or at the Immigration Bureau after entry, you can work part-time up to 28 hours per week. To start working part-time, you need to get things below ready.

• Open a bank account and get a mobile phone usable in Japan
• Understand manner in Japan (e.g. Always show up on time)
• Practice interviewing

Please check our part-time work page for more information.

Our group company Human Power helps students and graduates of Akamonkai Japanese Language School find part-time and full-time employment. They provide job referrals for students who have a good classroom attitude and a good understanding of the Japanese workplace. There are many job opportunities even for beginner students who lack Japanese proficiency (food processing plants, cleaning, etc.)

All international students staying in Japan for more than three months are obligated to join the same National Health Insurance system as Japanese people. (Students on short-term stays cannot join.) For treatments covered by National Health Insurance, 70% of medical expenses are paid for by the insurance, and the remaining 30% is the responsibility of the patient.

Managing your health is extremely important while studying abroad. You should find out in advance about hospitals and other medical facilities near your school or residence in case of possible sickness or injury. The school office can also provide information on a variety of medical facilities, so be sure to use that opportunity.

Referral services for hospitals that speak foreign languages
Find out about hospitals where you can see a doctor in your native language if the need arises, and you won’t have to worry. You can get referrals to hospitals and doctors that speak foreign languages in the Tokyo area at the following services and institutes.

Tokyo metropolitan medical Institution Information "Himawari"

(English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish)

AMDA International Medical Information Center
(English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish/Portuguese/Pilipino)
Center Tokyo: TEL 03-5285-8088

Nighttime and weekend emergency medical service and medical institute information
If you do not know where to find a clinic that is open on the weekend or at night, they can help you with that. In an emergency, call 119 to send for an ambulance.

Emergency Telephone Consultation Center in the Tokyo Fire Department
land-line: 03-3212-2323 (Tokyo 23 wards) / 042-521-2323 (Tama area) mobile: ＃7119

If you feel that something is even a little suspicious, no matter how small it may seem, immediately contact the school office, the nearest police station, or the Comprehensive Consumer Center.

Metropolitan Police Department  Tel：110

Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Consumer Center  Tel：03-3235-1155

Except the Japan Post Bank, city banks generally do not allow students in Japan on student visas for less than six months or short-stay visas to create a bank book, but Akamonkai students can set up a bank account through the school. 

You will need a student ID, insurance card, bank account, and resident card.

We can help you purchase a mobile phone through Akamonkai’s group company Human Power.

If you bring electric appliances from your home country, check the voltage and plug shape and get a voltage converter if necessary. (Japan uses 100 V and plug shape Type A.)

The national average for a month of living expenses is ¥91,000, not including tuition.

You should have at least ¥100,000 available for immediate living expenses upon entering Japan.

Please check our living expenses page for more information.

Tokyo has four seasons — spring, summer, fall, and winter — with the following average temperatures.