4 answers
Emma
Student
Bristol, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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Is there a place that teaches the Japanese language online, and what are some ways to get into an art focused job in Japan? #Spring26
I am a Senior in high-school right now, and I'm going to go to college to study art. My dream is to go live in Japan one day, and either teach art or join a company and be a character designer. The school I am going to attend does not teach the Japanese language, and I am guessing there are very few collages that do. Does anyone know of an online, or in-person Japanese course that is quality and affordable? Also, any tips on getting an art-focused career in Japan? Thank y'all!
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4 answers
Haruhiko Cho
1
Answer
Updated
Haruhiko’s Answer
Hello. There are several ways that you can learn Japanese not so expensively. First, visit a website like NHK world which has a lot of free learning materials. Also, if you want to take a lesson, visit Japan society website. They offer also learning materials and Japanese language courses. I’m not sure the cost. And I know many people are learning Japanese by watching anime and dramas online. In addition, some community college offer online Japanese language courses. You need to research that which local community college offers it. And there might be any local Japanese community group you can join. As far as art opportunities, you should try contacting Japan foundation New York. Their website has a lot of information about Japan and Japanese culture. Good luck!
Thank you so much for the advice! I will go and check out those websites you suggested!
Emma
Ken Peterson
IT Project Manager
4
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Ken’s Answer
I spent twelve years living in South Korea and Taiwan, and while each country is unique, your experiences will likely be similar. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. To work in a Japanese company, you need to be fluent in Japanese at a business level. Achieving this fluency usually requires several years of active study in Japan or even longer if you're studying elsewhere. Many people find it essential to live in Japan for at least a year to practice the language daily.
2. To get a visa for working or staying in Japan for more than a few months, you'll need to complete various tasks. These aren't too difficult, but remember that moving to Japan for work isn't as simple as a tourist visit.
Consider enrolling in a Japanese university to study art or the language. Tuition in Japan is often cheaper than in the U.S., although housing can be expensive. However, living outside of Tokyo can be more affordable. Many scholarships are available, especially at rural universities where competition is less intense compared to Tokyo. After graduation, if finding a job is tough, you can teach English in Japan as a native speaker with a bachelor's degree. This job can provide a work visa and enough income to live while you continue pursuing art and language skills.
A common mistake is thinking you must start your career at the lowest level. With a unique goal like yours, think creatively about how to reach that first step. Mastering the language and understanding the culture is crucial in Japan, as this respect is often required before you are considered for jobs.
If you're interested in teaching art to children in English, there's a high demand for after-school and weekend lessons. Parents often pay more for the English interaction, with art being a secondary focus. You might even find a school that offers this and can sponsor your work visa, allowing you to bypass English teaching altogether.
Some good general info on studying abroad https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/doc/Library/StudyAbroadGuide_Spreads.pdf
Japanese Government sponsored studying abroad info https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/learn-about-schools/universities/
Apply for this one as its only for 3 states and Virginia os one of them! https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/mext-scholarship.html
Scholarship https://www.bridgingfoundation.org/scholarships
1. To work in a Japanese company, you need to be fluent in Japanese at a business level. Achieving this fluency usually requires several years of active study in Japan or even longer if you're studying elsewhere. Many people find it essential to live in Japan for at least a year to practice the language daily.
2. To get a visa for working or staying in Japan for more than a few months, you'll need to complete various tasks. These aren't too difficult, but remember that moving to Japan for work isn't as simple as a tourist visit.
Consider enrolling in a Japanese university to study art or the language. Tuition in Japan is often cheaper than in the U.S., although housing can be expensive. However, living outside of Tokyo can be more affordable. Many scholarships are available, especially at rural universities where competition is less intense compared to Tokyo. After graduation, if finding a job is tough, you can teach English in Japan as a native speaker with a bachelor's degree. This job can provide a work visa and enough income to live while you continue pursuing art and language skills.
A common mistake is thinking you must start your career at the lowest level. With a unique goal like yours, think creatively about how to reach that first step. Mastering the language and understanding the culture is crucial in Japan, as this respect is often required before you are considered for jobs.
If you're interested in teaching art to children in English, there's a high demand for after-school and weekend lessons. Parents often pay more for the English interaction, with art being a secondary focus. You might even find a school that offers this and can sponsor your work visa, allowing you to bypass English teaching altogether.
Ken recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for your answer to my question! I'll keep these things in mind as I continue to pray about my future, and work towards my dreams! And thank you for the helpful website links!
Emma
nishikawa yukihiro
Customer success account manager
1
Answer
Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Updated
nishikawa’s Answer
Hi Emma! You don’t need to attend a college that offers Japanese to start working toward your goal.
For affordable learning, I’d suggest these resources from the Japan Foundation:
Minato: Online Japanese courses, including free self-study options. Check each course listing for its level, format, and cost.
Irodori: Free downloadable materials and audio focused on everyday communication—especially useful if you hope to live in Japan.
Try pairing structured study with speaking practice, such as a college language club or occasional tutoring. Even 15–20 minutes of consistent study each day is a good starting point.
For an art career, teaching art and becoming a character designer are different paths, so explore both during college:
Character design: Build strong drawing and design fundamentals, then develop a portfolio of original characters. Include expressions, different views, and your design process—not just finished illustrations. Look at actual job postings from studios you admire to understand what they expect.
Art teaching: Research the qualifications required for the type of school you’d like to teach at. International schools may be worth exploring, but many expect teaching credentials and experience; an art degree alone may not be enough.
Japanese proficiency will broaden your options, though expectations vary by employer. Working in Japan also requires an appropriate immigration status, so research that alongside career requirements.
If possible, explore a study-abroad program before committing to a move. For now, focus on three things: start Japanese, strengthen your art fundamentals, and try experiences that help you decide whether you enjoy teaching or studio work more. You don’t have to figure out the entire journey before taking the first step!
For affordable learning, I’d suggest these resources from the Japan Foundation:
Minato: Online Japanese courses, including free self-study options. Check each course listing for its level, format, and cost.
Irodori: Free downloadable materials and audio focused on everyday communication—especially useful if you hope to live in Japan.
Try pairing structured study with speaking practice, such as a college language club or occasional tutoring. Even 15–20 minutes of consistent study each day is a good starting point.
For an art career, teaching art and becoming a character designer are different paths, so explore both during college:
Character design: Build strong drawing and design fundamentals, then develop a portfolio of original characters. Include expressions, different views, and your design process—not just finished illustrations. Look at actual job postings from studios you admire to understand what they expect.
Art teaching: Research the qualifications required for the type of school you’d like to teach at. International schools may be worth exploring, but many expect teaching credentials and experience; an art degree alone may not be enough.
Japanese proficiency will broaden your options, though expectations vary by employer. Working in Japan also requires an appropriate immigration status, so research that alongside career requirements.
If possible, explore a study-abroad program before committing to a move. For now, focus on three things: start Japanese, strengthen your art fundamentals, and try experiences that help you decide whether you enjoy teaching or studio work more. You don’t have to figure out the entire journey before taking the first step!
Saya Embiricos
Consulting
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Saya’s Answer
It's wonderful to hear you're interested in Japan and its culture. I suggest exploring what excites you most, whether it's watching YouTube videos about Japanese art and characters or enjoying Japanese TV shows. With so many online resources and apps available, there's no single best way to learn. Personally, I dive into things that interest me because they don't feel like a chore. If something doesn't engage me, like Duolingo, I quickly lose interest despite my efforts.
My advice is to start creating once you've absorbed enough information. Watching content is helpful, but your learning will grow much faster if you start expressing what you've learned. This could be through journaling, sharing online, or joining a community with similar interests.
Having a unique interest at your age is fantastic. Best of luck!
My advice is to start creating once you've absorbed enough information. Watching content is helpful, but your learning will grow much faster if you start expressing what you've learned. This could be through journaling, sharing online, or joining a community with similar interests.
Having a unique interest at your age is fantastic. Best of luck!
Thank you very much for your advice! I appreciate the part about not just consuming information, but also taking what I learn and using it. This was a good reminder. Thank you so much!
Emma