2025 RSJP Express

2 weeks program

2025 RSJP Express (Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program - Express)

From July 24, 2025 to August 5, 2025.
2 weeks program

The application period for RSJP Express will be open from April 25.

Intensive Japanese Language and Culture Study Program - 2 weeks

Ritsumeikan University will soon now accepte participants for a short-term, 2 weeks intensive program, where participants can learn and experience Japanese language and culture over a two-week period. The program includes daily 150-minute Japanese language classes on weekdays, and a total of 4 Japanese cultural experiences during the term. Although no credits are issued, participants who meet the attendance requirements as per the program's regulations will be awarded a certificate of completion on the final day. Participants will also have opportunities to freely interact with volunteer students from Ritsumeikan University. Many past participants have successfully improved their Japanese language skills in a short period.

Progoram period

July 24 - August 05, 2025

Program fee

JPY 143,200

Application period

April 25 - May 08, 2025

International House TAISHOGUN

JPY 40,500
Total JPY 183,700
*Please see below.

Eligibility

Under graduate students
Post graduate students

Payment due

May 16, 2025

Program description

Japanese Language Class 

Taught in Japanese (Direct Method)
Comprehensive introduction to Japanese language to build a strong foundation for Japanese studies Class contents: Conversation, reading, writing
50 min × 3 classes × 9 days = 1,350 min = 22.5 hours

Japanese Culture Class (Japan Study)

Class contents: lecture on Japanese culture
Field work to various cultural spots in Kyoto.
(Destinations are subject to change)
Opportunity to interact with Ritsumeikan BUDDYs
  90 min × 4 days = 360 min = 6.0 hours 

Fees included:

Certificate (no trascript will be issued)
Textbook
Ritsumeikan Buddy
Orientation 
Completion ceremony
Visa support (if applicable)
Campus tour
Cafeteria use (no meal included in program fee)
Library access
Wi-Fi access
Travel Insurance

Fees not included

Air ticket
Airport pickup/Drop off
Commuting Bus Expenses
Meal 

3 Easy Steps to Apply

(1) Have all required documents ready
(2) Fill in our online form
(3) Pay your program fee

Pick your accommodation

(1) International House TAISHOGUN
or
(2) Hotel Arrangement by your own

Required documents

Handwritten Essay

To accurately assess your current level of Japanese proficiency, please write an essay by hand in Japanese. The use of PCs is not allowed. This essay is not related to pass or fail decisions. You may not use translation software or seek assistance from others. Submitting an essay that inaccurately reflects your level of Japanese will directly affect your assignment to a Japanese class. Being placed in an inappropriate language class could disadvantage your learning, so please be cautious. If you are unable to write in Japanese at all, write and submit "I cannot write an essay in Japanese" in English.

Template

Pledge

Please sign and submit. We hope you will sincerely participate in the classes every day during the program period. Additionally, the purchase or use of any wheeled vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, or skateboards, is not allowed.

Template

Enrollment

This program is only open to university or graduate students. Please be aware that high school students and younger are not eligible to participate.

Passport copy

Please submit a color copy of your photograph, birth date, and nationality that clearly identifies you. Ensure that the size and resolution are appropriate. Blurry copies will not be accepted. It must be within its period of validity. If it is currently under application, please specify "Currently Applying" on a substitute paper and upload that.

No Health form required

For the two-week short-term program, submission of a Health Form is not required. However, participants are responsible for their own health management during their stay. If you have any concerning symptoms or pre-existing conditions, please consult us in advance.

Completion Certificate

Each student will be required to attend more than 2/3 of classes to receive a transcript.
Please note: In this program, transcripts are not issued.

Visa support

Participants are responsible for contacting the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country directly to determine if they are required to apply for a short-term visa (also called a tourist visa, not a student visa) in advance.  If it is determined that you need to obtain a visa, please notify us asap. Please visit website for more detailed information about visas. 

Who needs a short term stay visa

Medical Service Center

The Medical Service Center offers medical assistance to students with health concerns. Consultations are available in English during certain times of the day.

Medical Service Center

Study Abroad Center

At the Study Abroad Center, we handle consultations for short-term study abroad programs and are responsible for planning and operating these programs. If you encounter any issues or need advice during your program participation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our office is located on the first floor of Meigakukan.

Accommodation during your stay

International House(IH)TAISHOGUN

You will have the option to stay at International House (IH) Taishogun or book an accommodation on your own (must be within Kyoto city).

1. University Facility International House (IH) Taishogun: 

*Please note that those who selected IH TAISHOGUN at the time of application cannot make changes later.

2. Book your own accommodation: Your accommodation must be located within Kyoto city.

International House(IH) TAISHOGUN

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 a 20-minute walk from Ritsumeikan University’s Kinugasa Campus where RSJP/RSJP Express 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.
  • Usage Fee:
    • The usage fee for IH Taishogun is currently under reconsideration by the management department based on government regulations and other relevant factors.
    • The displayed fee represents the expected maximum amount and will not exceed this value.
    • If a reduction occurs, a refund will be provided in Japanese yen, either in cash or via bank transfer, after the program starts.

Pros

  • The usage fee is reasonable.
  • Participants can spend a lot of time together, making it easier to build friendships.
  • Located within walking distance of the university (15 minutes).
  • Access to shared spaces such as lounges and tatami areas.

Cons

  • The start and end dates of use are fixed, and all rules and manners must be strictly followed.
  • Rooms are shared by four people, and only one key is provided per room.
  • Since it is not a hotel, receiving luggage or parcels is not possible.
  • Staying with friends or family members is not allowed.

Draft Program Schedule - Subject to change -

Monday

*Schedule is subject to change.

Tuesday(Day1)

11:00 Orientation
12:00 Lunch with Buddy
14:00 Japanese Class(#1)

Wednesday(Day2)

09:00 Japanese Class(#2)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:00 Japan Study(#1)
16:00  Disband

Thursday(Day3)

09:00 Japanese Class(#3)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#2)
16:00 Disband

Friday(Day4)

09:00 Japanese Class(#4)
12:00 Lunch time or Free

Monday(Day5)

09:00 Japanese Class(#5)
12:00 Lunch time or Free

Tuesday(Day6)

09:00 Japanese Class(#6)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:00 Japan Study(#3)
16:00  Disband

Wednesday(Day7)

09:00 Japanese Class(#7)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:00 Japan Study(#4)
16:00  Disband

Thursday(Day8)

09:00 Japanese Class(#8)
12:00 Lunch time or Free

Friday(Day9)

09:00 Japanese Class(#9)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
13:30 Completion Ceremony
15:00  Disband

*Program contents and shcedule are subject to change.

Ritsumeikan Buddy

What is a buddy?
Japanese buddies from Ritsumeikan University will be here for you to support your life at Ritsumeikan. It will not be a 1-on-1 system but they will assist you in groups by speaking only in Japanese for you to fully immerse in the Japanese language.

What’s the merit?
You will have opportunity to interact directly with local students and practice Japanese and learn about Japanese culture such as recent Japanese pop culture, trending words, anime, and many other topics. You might also be able to find life-long friends!

Step 1

Required documents

Official Transcript
Official Enrollment
Health Certificate
Pledge
Essay
Passport copy

Step 2

Apply

Visit APPICATION site
Upload documents
Fill out the online form
Wait result

Step 3

Result

After the Application Period, we will notify you of the results. If there are any issues with your documents, we will contact you before the deadline.

Step 4

Tuition

Upon acceptance, you will receive a payment notification. Please follow the instructions and make the payment by the due date.

Final Step

Acceptance Letter

Participants who have completed their payment will be issued a Notification of Acceptance. This document officially confirms their status as participants.

2025 RSJP Express
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