2025 Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program

5 Weeks Program

2025 RWJP (Ristumeikan Winter Japanese Program)

From January 14, 2025 to Febuary 14, 2025.
5 weeks program

Intensive Japanese Language and Culture Study Program

Ritsumeikan University is now accepting participants for a short-term intensive program, where participants can learn and experience Japanese language and culture over a five-week period. The program includes daily 150-minute Japanese language classes on weekdays, and a total of 11 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. In addition, a transcript will be issued 30 days later. 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.

Program period

Jan 14 - Feb 14, 2025

Program fee

JPY 323,500

Application period

Oct 16 - Oct 29, 2024

Payment due

Nov 12, 2024

Eligibility

Under graduate students
Post graduate students

Accommodation

Hotel or own arrangement
Fees are not included

Fees included:

Transcript
Certificate
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

Fees not included:

Air ticket
Airport pickup/Drop off
Commuting Bus Expenses
Meal 

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 × 23 days = 3,450 min = 57.5 hours

Japanese Culture Class (Japan Study)

Class contents: lecture on Japanese culture
Field work to various cultural spots in Kyoto such as Kinkakuji Temple, tea ceremony, Wadaiko, and much more. (*Destinations are subject to change)
Opportunity to interact with Ritsumeikan BUDDYs
  90 min × 11 days = 990 min = 16.5 hours 

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) Designated hotel
or
(2) Your own arrangement

Required document

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

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.

Certificate(Enrollment/Transcript)

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

Health Certificate Form - Please read

Submitting the Health Certificate Form is crucial.
The document requires details such as the physician's name and signature. There are sections to be filled out by the healthcare provider and sections you must complete. Incomplete or insufficiently filled forms may require resubmission, and incomplete documents will not be accepted. Revisiting a hospital or doctor may incur additional time and costs. Instructions are provided, so please read them thoroughly, pre-fill your sections, and submit them to your doctor. If you have a medical history, a separate doctor's certificate may be required. Common omissions include dates, names, addresses, test dates, and unchecked required items. Submissions must be in the proper size and resolution. If you are unsure about how to fill out the form, please ask us in advance. A physician at Ritsumeikan University will review the submitted documents.
Please note that medications you regularly take may be restricted or unavailable in Japan. If you need medication, consult with your primary care physician to either switch to something permissible in Japan or to ensure you bring enough for the program duration. Changes in environment can affect your physical and mental health, so be cautious. Conditions such as previous medical history or dental issues may not be covered by international travel insurance, so please verify and address these on your own before departure.

Template

Instraction- Health Form

Please read very carefully to avoid re-submission.

Instraction

Transcript/Completion Certificate

Each student will be required to attend more than 2/3 of classes to receive a transcript and Completion Certificate.
After a successful completion of the program, Ritsumeikan University will mail a certified academic transcript to your home address in your country. It will be sent to you one month after the last day of the program.  If the transcript needs to be sent directly to your home university, you will need to make a request beforehand.

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 Guide

Designated hotels

Tassel Inn

“TASSEL INN KYOTO KAWARAMACHI NIJO” is standing quietly in the alley in Kyoto. A calm atmosphere, simple and casual guest rooms, an ideal location for experiencing new sensibilities.

Check in: Jan 13, 2025
Check out: Feb 15, 2025
Fee: 231,000 YEN (Room only/No meal)

Hotel Info
Prince Smart Kyoto SANJO

Prince Smart Inn Kyoto SANJO

"Prince Smart Inn Kyoto SANJO" is conveniently located near the station and downtown areas, yet situated in a quiet place. You can enjoy your stay in Kyoto in a smart and sophisticated way.

Check in: Jan 13, 2025
Check out: Feb. 15, 2025
Fee: 260,260 YEN (with Free Breakfast)

Hotel Info

You will have the option to stay at the university designated hotel or book an accommodation on your own (must be within Kyoto city).

1. University designated hotel: See above. 

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

Draft Program Schedule - Subject to change -

Monday

*Schedule is subject to change.

Tuesday(Day1)

11:00 Orientation
12:00 Lunch with Buddy
14:00 Briefing
14:15 Campus Tour
16:00 Disband

Wednesday(Day2)

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

Thursday(Day3)

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

Friday(Day4)

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

Monday(Day5)

09:00 Japanese Class(#4)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#4)
16:00 Disband

Tuesday(Day6)

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

Wednesday(Day7)

09:00 Japanese Class(#6)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#5)
16:00 Disband

Thursday(Day8)

09:00 Japanese Class(#7)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#6)
16:00 Disband

Friday(Day9)

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

Monday(Day10)

09:00 Japanese Class(#9)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Tuesday(Day11)

09:00 Japanese Class(#10)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#7)
16:00 Disband

Wednesday(Day12)

09:00 Japanese Class(#11)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#8)
16:00 Disband

Thursday(Day13)

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

Friday(Day14)

09:00 Japanese Class(#13)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#9)
16:00 Disband

Monday(Day15)

09:00 Japanese Class(#14)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Tuesday(Day16)

09:00 Japanese Class(#15)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#10)
16:00 Disband

Wednesday(Day17)

09:00 Japanese Class(#16)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Thursday(Day18)

09:00 Japanese Class(#17)
12:00 Lunch time
13:00 Briefing
14:30 Japan Study(#11)
16:00 Disband

Friday(Day19)

09:00 Japanese Class(#18)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Monday(Day20)

09:00 Japanese Class(#19)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Tuesday(Day21)

09:00 Japanese Class(#20)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Wednesday(Day22)

09:00 Japanese Class(#21)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Thursday(Day23)

09:00 Japanese Class(#22)
12:00 Lunch time
(Free)

Friday(Day24)

09:00 Japanese Class(#23)
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.
Please 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.

Image photo

This is an example image of the Japan study. Please note that these activities are not confirmed to be implemented.

Inquiries

    Program

    2025 RWJP
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