Looking to improve your Japanese without spending a fortune? The JICE Program offers free Japanese lessons across Japan for eligible visa holders. Learn how to apply, who qualifies, and what to expect from this government-supported course designed to help foreign residents integrate into daily life in Japan.
Learning Japanese in Japan can feel overwhelming. Classes are expensive, private tutors are inconsistent, and self-study often takes a backseat to work, commuting, and everyday stress. But if you’re living in Japan and looking for a structured, affordable (as in, completely free) way to study, there’s a program that not many people talk about: the JICE Japanese Language Program.
This program is supported by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and is designed to help foreign residents develop the Japanese skills they need to live and work more smoothly in the country. The classes are held for three to four hours a day, five days a week, for two to three months, and they are offered entirely free of charge.
JICE stands for Japan International Cooperation Center, and their Japanese language support program is aimed at helping immigrants adjust to life in Japan by improving their communication skills. The curriculum focuses on practical language used in everyday situations, such as visiting a clinic, asking for help at city hall, or understanding signs during an emergency.
Most classes run for about 100 hours total, which would normally cost over 100,000 yen at a typical language school. With this program, students pay nothing.
The program accepts many types of visa holders, including:
Spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents
Work visa holders (engineer, instructor, humanities, etc.)
Dependent visa holders
Student visa holders
Long-term residents
Tourist visa holders are not eligible. This program is focused on long-term residents who are planning to live and work in Japan for an extended time.
While complete beginners may struggle, the program is open to those who already know hiragana, katakana, and some basic kanji. The placement test will help determine your level, and from there, you’ll be placed in one of three groups:
Level 1 – Basic beginners
Level 2 – Lower elementary
Level 3 – Pre-intermediate
The program is offered at multiple locations across Japan, with some classes available in person and others conducted online. You must apply through Hello Work, Japan’s public employment support office. However, not all Hello Work branches offer the JICE program, so it’s important to check with your local branch in advance.
For example, in Chiba Prefecture, the Kashiwa branch does not offer this program, but the Matsudo branch does. If your local branch does not offer it, they will usually redirect you to the nearest one that does.
Go to your nearest Hello Work office. Bring your Zairyu card or passport.
Inform the staff that you would like to apply for the free Japanese language support program under JICE.
Fill out a form with your name, visa type, job status, and availability.
You will be registered in the Hello Work job-seeking system. This is standard and does not mean you must change jobs. It is part of the process to receive support services.
You will be given your Hello Work ID and a set of documents explaining the next steps.
After a few days, you will receive an email with instructions to register on the JICE website.
Complete your online registration, answer a few questions, and take the placement test.
Wait for your results and class schedule. You will receive another email confirming your level and start date.
Classes usually begin in May or late June, but deadlines vary by region. Some classes may already be full, but many cities extend the deadline if slots are still available.
Classes follow a set curriculum, and you will study five days a week for around three to four hours each day. Lessons include:
Practical vocabulary and grammar
Listening and speaking practice
Reading comprehension using signs, labels, and forms
Writing exercises
Real-life conversation practice for jobs, daily errands, and emergencies
The lessons are immersive and usually taught entirely in Japanese. Students often come from a variety of countries and backgrounds, and many are also working part-time or raising families.
Taking 100 hours of Japanese classes for free is already a huge benefit, but this program also offers structure, routine, and guidance that self-study lacks. It helps you build confidence and independence in your life in Japan. You’ll also receive a certificate of completion that may be useful if you plan to apply for other programs or jobs in the future.
If you work from home or have flexible hours, this is especially ideal. Many participants balance morning classes with afternoon jobs. Others temporarily reduce their working hours to focus on improving their language skills.
Apply early. Spots fill up fast especially in popular cities.
Know your kana. You need to read hiragana and katakana before joining.
Bring your ID and visa info. They will not accept your application without it.
Check Hello Work locations. Not all branches offer the program.
Follow up. If you don’t hear back after applying, contact Hello Work or the JICE representative by email.
If you’ve been putting off studying Japanese because of the cost or lack of time, the JICE program is one of the best options available. It’s free, structured, and designed specifically for people living and working in Japan. Classes are already ongoing in many areas, but if you apply soon, you might still be able to join the next available course.
Head to your nearest Hello Work, ask about the JICE program, and take that first step toward improving your Japanese skills. Whether you’re here short-term or building a long-term life in Japan, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. To learn more, don’t hesitate to visit their website as well.
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