ICA International Conversation Academy – Mejiro Campus

ICA International Conversation Academy - Mejiro Campus is a language school in Tokyo’s Toshima area that offers Japanese education to international students from beginner to advanced level. Rather than limiting Japanese study to grammar and vocabulary, the school places importance on helping students develop practical communication skills they can use in daily life, at school and in pursuing their future goals. In line with the “Conversation” approach reflected in ICA’s name, the school aims for natural and active communication between students and teachers.

The long-term programs are designed especially for students considering further education in Japan, such as university, graduate school or vocational school (senmon gakko). While basic Japanese skills are developed at beginner level, students at intermediate and advanced levels begin working with more academic content. The materials used at advanced levels include content on academic Japanese and on understanding university lectures. The aim is for students to acquire the Japanese skills they will need at their next stage of education in Japan.

Mejiro Campus offers long-term programs of 2 years starting in April, 1 year and 9 months starting in July, 1 year and 6 months starting in October, and 1 year and 3 months starting in January. Classes have about 20 students, and students are placed according to their Japanese level. Lessons are held on weekdays in either the morning or the afternoon, with four lessons per day.

In addition to long-term study, short-term Japanese courses are offered for students who already hold an appropriate residence status in Japan. Short-term students can study in the same classes as long-term students if their level is suitable. Private lessons are also available for students who want a more personalized study plan, and the lesson content can be decided together with the teacher based on the student’s level and learning goals.

The school supports not only students’ Japanese studies but also their life in Japan and their future education plans. Students can receive guidance from teachers on choosing a university or vocational school (senmon gakko) and planning for the future. Practical Japanese for daily life in Japan, communicating with friends, language for part-time work, and the ability to express themselves in various social situations are also part of the school’s teaching approach.

ICA also places importance on students experiencing Japanese culture directly through various activities rather than learning about it only from textbooks. Although the programs throughout the year vary by term, a variety of social and cultural activities may be held, such as a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation deck, food events, traditional festivals, fireworks events, further education information sessions, a trip to Fuji-Q Highland, a trip to Asakusa, sports events and Tokyo Disneyland. These activities also create opportunities for students from different countries to communicate with one another in Japanese.

Mejiro Campus does not have its own student dormitory. However, the school can help students who need accommodation search for room and housing options in and around Mejiro. For this reason, accommodation options, prices and availability should be checked separately during the application period.

The school is located on the 1st floor of the Mejiro NT Building in the Mejiro area of central Tokyo. It is about a 2-minute walk from Zoshigaya Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and about a 9-minute walk from Mejiro Station on the JR Yamanote Line. Thanks to the Yamanote Line and nearby subway connections, major Tokyo hubs such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya are easy to reach.

Compared with the busy commercial character of neighboring Ikebukuro, Mejiro has a quieter urban atmosphere, yet it is not far from the transport and daily life amenities of central Tokyo. Students can quickly reach Sunshine City and the shopping and entertainment areas of Ikebukuro while studying in calmer surroundings. Mejiro Campus offers a different alternative for students who want both a central location and a more settled student life.