Join Meiji’s Global Family

A group of people, including two women in kimonos, pose for a photo inside a traditional Japanese building.

Why Community Matters

Three people making peace signs smile for a photo while standing in front of a Japanese shrine.

Your experience in Japan is about people as much as language.

Moving to a new country can be exciting-but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why our students often say the Meiji Academy community is what makes their stay unforgettable. From the moment you arrive, you’ll meet people from around the world who are just as eager to explore Japan as you are.

Where Learning Becomes Lifelong Friendship

When you choose Meiji Academy, you’re not just signing up for Japanese classes. You’re joining an international family where students support each other, share adventures, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re here for two weeks or six months, you’ll never feel like a stranger.

Instant Friendships, From Day One

A group of people smiles and makes peace signs while posing in a room filled with large, pink inflatable orbs.

We make it easy to settle in and start meeting people. Whether it's grabbing lunch after class or planning a weekend trip together, you'll find new friends almost instantly. Our community is welcoming and supportive, so you'll never feel left out. Plus, there are plenty of events and activities to help you explore the city and share experiences with others.

A group of people smiles and makes peace signs while sitting in a booth at a colorful karaoke room.

Welcome orientation and student introductions on your first day
Buddy system to help you connect with classmates right away
Weekly social events organized by our staff and students
International mix of students from Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond

Two women and a man stand smiling while holding colorful, round paper fans inside an art gallery.

Two women in kimonos make peace signs while standing in the courtyard of a Japanese shrine.

Three women smile and pose with chopsticks and noodles in front of a wall of travel brochures.

Five people wearing aprons and gloves smile while sitting at a wooden table preparing food in a sunlit room.

Two men and one woman smile while holding open containers of floral-patterned sushi rolls in a kitchen.

A group of ten people poses for a photo while seated around small tables in a room with cherry blossom wall panels.

A man and a woman smile at a table in a busy pub, where the woman holds up a peace sign.

A group of eight people pose for a photo between two stone pillars in front of an orange Japanese torii gate.

A group of seven people smiles and makes peace signs while sitting on a boat on a river in a city.

Four people smile and make peace signs while taking a selfie in front of a Japanese restaurant with paper lanterns.

Activities That Bring Everyone Together

A group of people poses for a photo by a large wooden park sign, with a rocky, tree-lined valley in the background.

At Meiji Academy, learning Japanese doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our activities are designed to help you discover Japan while making friends naturally. Every shared experience helps you practice your Japanese and builds connections that go far beyond school. Take a sneaky peek into our full range of activities.

A group of ten smiling people poses for a photograph together inside a large greenhouse.

Explore local shrines, markets, and hidden spots with classmates
Join workshops like tea ceremony, calligraphy, or cooking traditional dishes
Spend evenings at karaoke, izakayas, or student game nights
Take weekend trips to nearby cities, hot springs, or hiking trails

A woman sings into a microphone while two other women sit and watch her inside a karaoke room.

A group of eight people smile while gathered around a table cooking and eating takoyaki together in an indoor room.

A group of young adults sits around a long table covered with newspapers and craft supplies during an indoor activity.

A large group of people smile and pose with food while gathered around an outdoor wooden table on a street in Japan.

A group of ten people smiles and makes peace signs while sitting around a table in a karaoke room with a colorful mural.

A group of people smile and make peace signs while posing for a selfie on outdoor stone steps.

Six people sit at a wooden table in a pub, smiling and making peace signs towards the camera.

A group of six people smile and make peace signs with their hands while posing outdoors in front of a stone wall.

A group of eight people holding drinks smile at the camera while sitting at a wooden table on an outdoor rooftop patio.

A diverse group of people smile and gesture toward the camera while gathered around a table in an office.

Student Voices

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles while wearing a patterned blue and white Japanese jacket indoors.

VALENTINE, 17 Switzerland

3-month Course + Japanese Business Manners, Traditional Japanese Culture & Hotel and Tourism Internship in Tokyo

At Meiji Academy I learned a lot about Japanese Business Manners that prepared me perfectly for my internship. I’m really glad Meiji took good care of me throughout my stay and also placed me with an amazing Host Family.

A smiling woman holds a certificate while standing beside a large blue plush toy in a room with photos on a string.

BRONTE, 19 UK

6-month Course + Conversational Japanese & Traditional Japanese Culture

Out of all the things I did during my study-abroad with Meiji, my favourite part was learning Japanese directly while speaking with my host family. They really shaped my experience to be as great as it was by opening their home to me and making me feel like a family member.

A young person with curly, reddish-brown hair holds up a peace sign while standing outdoors in front of a modern building.

NIEK, 17 Netherlands

4-week Course + Japanese Pop Culture & Traditional Japanese Culture

Fukuoka is a very big city to which I’m not really used to. However, my stay was amazing thanks to Meiji’s friendly staff and support throughout my stay. I think it’s a great place to study Japanese.

A young man with braces in a plaid shirt smiles on a rooftop overlooking a city skyline and body of water.

FRANCISCO, 20 Mexico

6-month Course

This place became like a second home to me. As a future Language Teacher, I consider making the right choice when it comes to language schools immensely important, and thankfully I can say I made the right decision with Meiji Academy.

An East Asian woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a black top smiles while standing indoors.

HYEKYEONG, 25 South Korea

3-month Course + Private Japanese Lessons & Japanese Pop Culture

Fukuoka is my favorite city and Meiji made me discover new things about the city everyday. If you want to experience Japanese nature, you just can take a train for like 30 minutes and you can see beautiful scenery.

A man with styled brown hair leans against a grey stone pillar and looks over his shoulder outdoors.

CHIWEI, 21 China

3-month Course + Private Japanese Lessons, Japanese Business Manners & Internship in Japan

Meiji’s staff was super friendly and accommodating during my stay. I just came here and had no idea what I should do for the internship, but with their help, I gradually adapted to this new environment and learned so much.

CARLET, 23 Philippines

3-week Course + Private Japanese Lessons, Conversational Japanese & Traditional Japanese Culture

I love how much more relaxed Fukuoka is than the bigger cities. The people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners and the food is amazing! My favorite is HAKATA RAMEN!

A man in reflective aviator sunglasses and a t-shirt looks to the side in a mountainous setting.

TOBIAS, 22 Germany

4-week Course + Japanese Business Manners & Internship in Japan

After my initial interview, I had a great offer from an international company, where I was able to face a lot of great tasks. Seeing how project management is approached and dealt with in a Japanese company definitely broadened my horizon.

A woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera in front of a bright green background.

MARIANNE, 25 Switzerland

3-week Course + Traditional Japanese Culture

The teachers at Meiji are very kind. I liked the classes with all teachers, because they explain everything very clearly. When we had some questions beside the text book, they always took time for me to help me with anything. Especially Komiya-sensei is a great teacher!! :)

A young man in an orange hoodie makes a peace sign while standing inside a greenhouse.

MARK, 22 Russia

4-week Course + Conversational Japanese & Traditional Japanese Culture

Since I didn't know anyone there, my biggest fear was not to find friends. But I met people from all around the world and made many Japanese friends. I even improved my English :D I’ll definitely come back again!

A man in a black shirt smiles at the camera while sitting inside a coffee shop.

CRAIG, 30 USA

3-month Course + Conversational Japanese & Traditional Japanese Culture

Coming to Japan was always a dream for me, but I was kind of hesitating to make this big step. When I came across Meiji everything changed. Their very responsive, detailed replies and thorough support throughout my stay made Japan an unforgettable memory for me.

A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles slightly while looking at the camera in an outdoor setting.

STEPHANIE, 28 France

6-week Course + Conversational Japanese & Traditional Japanese Culture

While there were many other schools in larger cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, I was keen to experience the “Real Japanese Lifestyle” by choosing a less known place for tourists. I was surprised to learn through Meiji Academy what a large and vibrant city Fukuoka is.

More Testimonials

The best part wasn’t just learning Japanese, it was the people I met. The community here feels like family. It became my home away from home.

Alex, UK

Honestly Meiji felt like a family and after sharing so many heartwarming memories with my new friends I made, I couldn’t back the tears when I left

David, Australia

Six people pose for a group photo, sitting around a black table with snacks in a room decorated with a Christmas banner.

A smiling woman wears a fake spaghetti wig while holding a fork and a plate of fake spaghetti in a shop of food models.

A group of people smiles for the camera while gathered around a glass table with snacks and decorations in an office.

I was nervous coming alone, but I never felt lonely. There’s always someone to explore with!

Sophie, Germany

We learned so much in class, but I’ll always remember the trips and late-night talks with friends.

Liz, Australia

Four people sit on the carpeted floor of a room, smiling and making peace signs at the camera.

didn’t expect and was surprised to make so so many friends from Europe and the USA, I already planned my next trip to visit them.

Seo-Yeon, South Korea

Pie chart displays percentages for most common nationalities.

A Global, Welcoming Mix

Who will you meet at Meiji Academy?

Majority of students aged 14–30+ from more than 60 countries
Beginners, advanced learners, and everyone in between
International staff and friendly teachers who help you integrate from your very first day

Our classrooms are full of different languages and cultures, but everyone shares one goal: to experience Japan together.

Learn More

Community FAQ

No! Most of our students arrive as beginners. You'll learn quickly in class and during social activities. If you want to start even before, check out our Japanese Online Lessons.

Yes! Activities and events mix at all levels and ages, so you'll have friends from every group.

Even though the vast majority (around 80%) of students are from Europe, Australia, and North America, we do have a sizable number of students from Latin America and East Asia. It's truly international.

Many students feel nervous at first, but our structured activities and small group events make it easy to meet others. You'll soon find your people!

Yes! We organize cultural trips, social nights, and weekend activities to help students bond outside the classroom.

Absolutely! Meiji Academy has an active alumni network, so you can keep in contact with friends from all over the world. And yes, drop by and say hi when you are around! :)

Yes, you can practice Japanese with local students and help international students to improve their English or other languages.