Services for Students Under 18
We are happy to accept students under 18 to study with us, with or without parental/guardian supervision. We provide several services to ensure that minors are safe and secure during their stay with us.
We accept students from 14 years of age in Kyoto, Fukuoka (short-term), and Nagoya (short-term); 16 in Okinawa; and 18 in Tokyo and our long-term courses (Fukuoka and Nagoya). Students under 18 who wish to come from abroad to study at GenkiJACS must also have their parent fill out the required forms during booking, as proof of parental approval.
Prior to Arrival
Airport Pickup
A representative from the school or accommodation will be waiting at the airport to pick the student up from their flight and take them to the accommodation by public transportation or by taxi. Whether the pickup is done by taxi or not, and the amount charged, depends on the school location.
Unaccompanied Minor Services (by airlines)
For the flights to Japan, many airlines offer an Unaccompanied Minor service and a paid service where a staff member will take the student between flights if they have transfers, and make sure the student is handed over to the school representative at the Japanese Airport of arrival. Generally this service is only required for students under 15. Ask your airline for more details! It is not strictly necessary in many cases.
Only Homestays or Designated Dormitories
We only allow students under 18 to stay in a homestay with a Japanese family, or one of our designated dormitories which offer special services for students under 18.
Insurance
We require all students to have travel insurance arranged for the duration of their stay. It has to cover not only potential medical expenses, but property damage liability as well. If you wish, we can arrange travel insurance for the journey.
Japanese SIM Card
We offer a 24-hour emergency contact number that can be used by the student or parents/guardians calling from overseas, in the event of an emergency. However, in order for the student to contact us, we ask students to prepare by arranging a Japanese SIM card for their mobile phones. To save your time, you can have a look HERE.
During Your Stay
Minors in Japan
The legal drinking and smoking age in Japan is 20, regardless of your nationality. You must adhere to Japanese laws. The rules are very strict. If caught drinking or smoking, you will be expelled and most likely deported from Japan..
Curfews
The curfew for students under 18 is 11 PM, regardless of their place of stay. If there are specific rules set by the host family or accommodation, those rules take precedence and must be followed.
Overnight Stays
For the safety of students under 18, overnight stays outside of the designated accommodation are prohibited. Exceptions are made only if accompanied by a guardian over 18 years old, with a consent form from a parent or guardian, and if other conditions are met. These conditions include but are not limited to attendance rates, general class participation, recent test scores etc.
Parental/Guardian Consent Form
To ensure the safety and well-being of students under 18, we require parental consent for the school’s policies and procedures. Please submit this form before arrival.
Friendly, Safe Atmosphere
As we are a small school, all teachers and students know each other, so minors are well supervised during their time in school, and can feel that they are in a safe and welcoming environment. To have a look at some of our team, please CHECK HERE.
Finally - Friendly, Safe Country
Japan is famous for the friendliness of its residents, and has a very low crime rate compared to most other parts of the world.
Teen Student Numbers by school
Fukuoka
Kyoto
Tokyo
Nagoya
Okinawa
Begin the journey of a lifetime. Speak Japanese, live Japan.
About Us
Accredited and award-winning Japanese school in Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa, Fukuoka, and Nagoya. Learn real-world, communicative Japanese in small, intimate classes. Kickstart the journey of a lifetime in Japan, or bring your existing skills to new levels.
Useful Pages
Fukuoka School
Phone: +81 (0)92 472 0123
Email: [email protected]
Tokyo School
Phone: +81 (0)3 6457 3554
Email: [email protected]
Okinawa School
Phone: +81 (0)98-987-7818
Email: [email protected]
Kyoto School
Phone: +81 (0)75-353-0003
Email: [email protected]
Nagoya School
Phone: +81 (0)52-452-3655
Email: [email protected]