I've read through the Visa Wiki, and didn't seem to find anything pertaining to this. In my research (Not that much, admittedly) I've heard about this being a way to get to Japan. I am currently 17, almost 18. I know I sound like another young, eager American trying to get to the "country of my dreams," but I'm serious, and quite desperate, to escape my life. If anybody has any advice about the process, or feasibility, of this path, I'd greatly appreciate it. Worst case scenario, I'm willing to stick it out and get a bachelors degree, and pursue another route.
Comments
by XXXG-00WZ on Mar 18, 2026
There's honestly a lot to tackle here, so I'll just try to be direct and helpful.
1. 99% of foreigners looking to move to Japan, learn the language, and find an avenue for a long-term stay after language school will need a degree. I would 100% accomplish this first. This pathway also allows you to spend some required but flexible undergrad elective credits on Elementary and even intermediate Japanese courses. The stronger your command of the language prior to arrival, the better your experience and long-term outlook will be IMO.
2. In addition to N5 or 150 hours Japanese study, going to a language school will require you to have a substantial sum liquid and available to proof financial viability while there. So while in school I would look to also begin saving money as best you can to meet this requirement. Last I knew the recommendation was 1m Yen per 6 months of school, but obviously more is always better.
3. Even if you arrive in Japan with your degree and obtain strong N2/N1 Japanese, lack of actual work experience will be a very high barrier to you getting a visa-sponsoring job which allows you to stay long-term. Be prepared for this likelihood and maybe having to return to your country to build your resume and experience.
4. Whatever is driving your desperation to escape your life, have a realistic analysis of it and determine whether studying in Japan would actually fix it, or if you'd just be bringing some of those things you're hating with you as it could tank your experience there as well.
Saying all this, you still have the benefit of youth on your side. You have ample time and years that you can dedicate to this path and set yourself up for success.
If I had to recommend a course of action, I'd say go to college and look to complete undergrad in a useful major that interests you and maybe even minor in Japanese. Try to work and save $ as best you can and if you have enough $ at graduation, go then. If not, work 2-3 years, save more, add experience, and then go in your mid-20's.
Anyone else feel free to add on or correct me anywhere I am outdated or flat wrong.
by lnfernalnecromancer on Mar 18, 2026
Thank you very much. Seeing as my hopes for a quick and easy move were a long shot, I'll likely pursue a degree while working, and probably learn some Japanese along the way. I have several thousand dollars saved from working in high school, so I'm starting off relatively well there. I suppose I can handle the woes of my life, having something to work for and look forward to. One last thing, does the quality of the college you obtain your degree at matter? I'm currently looking at a community college > transfer credits to a 4 year school.
by BreakfastDue1256 on Mar 18, 2026
For most visa types: Not really. If you have a 4 year degree and a job offer, that's enough.
There are certain Visa types, like JFIND, where it matters a lot. But as far as immigrations is concerned, as long as you can demonstrate that you have a job and finished 4 years of post secondary, you're good.
Individual companies will have Individual requirements.
by lnfernalnecromancer on Mar 18, 2026
Thank you, that makes this a bit easier. I appreciate all the help!
by beginswithanx on Mar 18, 2026
The community college to 4 year university is one of the best, most economical options to you. As an added bonus, if you transfer to a university that offers exchange programs with Japanese universities you can spend a semester or year studying abroad while continuing to earn credits towards your degree back home. This will also let you test out living in Japan while making use of institutional support from your host university (housing assistance, buddy programs, student mixers, etc).
by lnfernalnecromancer on Mar 19, 2026
I'll have to look into an exchange program, it's been mentioned before and seems like a great option for me.
by SteakComprehensive35 on Mar 18, 2026
It’s definitely feasible to attend language school right after high school, but it might not be the best option depending on your goals. If you’re aiming to stay in Japan long term, I’d recommend getting a bachelor’s degree first. Not having one makes it much harder, almost impossible, to get a work visa after language school.
If you’re planning to get a degree anyway, you could also consider enrolling in a university, either in Japan or in the US, and doing a study abroad program before fully committing to language school.
If you really want to go to language school first, you’ll need a high school diploma, a passport, and to meet the financial requirements. The schools may ask for basic Japanese ability around N5 level or proof that you’ve studied, but it’s not a strict government requirement in all cases, and many beginners like myself are still accepted.
The financial part is usually the biggest hurdle at your age. For about a year of language school, it’s generally recommended to show a bank balance of at least 2M yen along with proof of income from your sponsor.
At 18, this can be hard to manage on your own. I definitely didn’t have anywhere near that much in savings at your age. I’m 24 and moving to Japan on Monday to attend language school. I have a bachelor’s degree and enough savings to support myself for over two years, and my school still recommended listing my parents as financial sponsors to make the application stronger.
by BreakfastDue1256 on Mar 18, 2026
> The schools may ask for basic Japanese ability around N5 level or proof that you’ve studied, but it’s not a strict government requirement in all cases, and many beginners like myself are still accepted.
Unfortunately, lately it's the opposite. If you're already in Japan, schools will happily teach from あいうえお. But immigrations has been strict about yhe 150 hours of study requirement lately.
by SteakComprehensive35 on Mar 18, 2026
In my experience, that doesn’t seem to be entirely true. Immigration doesn’t consistently enforce a strict 150 hour requirement for everyone. Some schools do ask for proof of study or something around N5 level to strengthen the application, but beginners are still getting approved without it.
My school didn’t ask for proof of study or an N5 certificate before submitting my COE application, and I was still approved. It also seems like many others on this sub have had the same experience recently.
From what I’ve seen, it really depends on the school, your education level, your age, and how strong the rest of your application is. Honestly, your financial documents and overall application matter way more than hitting 150 hours of study.
by lnfernalnecromancer on Mar 18, 2026
What exactly counts towards hours studied? Is there a way they can tell? Aside from your ability with the language, of course.
by SteakComprehensive35 on Mar 18, 2026
There’s no official way for immigration to track 150 hours of study, which is why it generally isn’t strictly enforced. Around 150 hours of study gets you close to N5 level, which is why schools sometimes ask for JLPT N5 or a similar certificate. The main goal is to show that you’ve put in some effort to learn Japanese and that you’re serious, rather than just trying to come to Japan on a visa.
In the past, there have been issues with some language schools being treated like visa mills, where students skip class and just work to send money home. If you’re relatively young, have a bachelor’s degree, and meet the financial requirements, it’s easier to get your COE approved.
