Introduction to the Japanese Language (Business Japanese)

Keio University—internationally recognized as the premier institution for Japan’s future business elite—offers a specialized track in “Business Japanese” through its Center for Japanese Studies (CJS). Unlike general language courses, this program is designed for students at an Intermediate level who wish to transition from “daily life” Japanese to the professional proficiency required for meetings, negotiations, and corporate networking. Located at the Mita Campus in the heart of Tokyo’s business district, the course provides a high-pressure, high-reward environment where language is taught as a strategic tool. While the university provides elite academic instruction and access to the Keio Business School network, Edulux Summer manages the high-end logistics and travel services required for your residency in Tokyo.

What You’ll Learn (at Keio University)

• Advanced Keigo (Honorific Language): Mastering the three branches of polite speech—Sonkeigo (respectful), Kenjougo (humble), and Teineigo (polite)—and knowing exactly when to apply them in a hierarchy-driven office.

• Business Correspondence & Emailing: Developing the skills to write professional Japanese emails, focusing on standardized greetings (Aisatsu), proper formatting, and the nuances of “reading between the lines.”

• Telephone Etiquette: Learning the specific scripts and vocal markers required for professional phone interactions, which differ significantly from casual conversation.

• The Art of Meishi Koukan: Practicing the ritual of business card exchange, including the physical posture, verbal formulas, and the “silent rules” of card placement during meetings.

• Negotiation & Presentation Skills: Refining your ability to present data and argue a business case using the “PREP” method (Point, Reason, Example, Point) tailored for a Japanese audience.

• Corporate Culture & “Kuuki wo Yomu”: Understanding the unwritten rules of the Japanese workplace, from the Nemawashi (behind-the-scenes consensus building) process to the Hou-Ren-Sou (Report-Inform-Consult) communication style.

• Cross-Cultural Management: Analyzing case studies of successful (and failed) international business ventures in Japan to identify common pitfalls for foreign professionals.

Our Travel & Experience Services

We manage the journey and the sophisticated Tokyo “Salaryman” lifestyle so you can focus on your professional growth:

• Cultural & Exploration Tours: Curated excursions including a VIP tour of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, a guided visit to a traditional tea ceremony (to understand the roots of Japanese hospitality), and a weekend trip to Kamakura to explore the temples that shaped the Japanese “Zen” approach to discipline.

• Ticketing & Flights: Full management of your round-trip airfare and international travel itinerary into Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) with premium private transfers to your residence.

• Guaranteed Housing: Vetted boutique living arrangements or high-end serviced apartments in Minato City, offering modern luxury and walking distance to the historic Mita Campus.

• Visa & Insurance: Professional guidance on Japanese short-term study entry requirements and comprehensive travel health coverage for the duration of the program.

• Local Transfers: Seamless arrival pickup via private car and a pre-loaded Welcome Suica card for unlimited use of Tokyo’s world-class subway and JR lines.

Keio University: Introduction to the Japanese Language (Business Japanese)