Image (AI-generated)
Study support class
You support the children's school subjects, following up in their native language.
Guide: 2–3 pupils per tutor
Use your native language to support children online. Japan's public schools have 84,759 pupils who need Japanese-language support (as of 1 May 2025, MEXT survey). These children need your help. Would you like to support their Japanese and school studies online, using their native language?
Programmes (Japanese) › STEP 3 GIP (Japanese)
In Japan's elementary, junior high and high schools, the number of children who need Japanese-language support is growing, and their native languages are becoming more diverse. Some live together in particular areas; others are spread across wide areas, with only a few in each school.
It is hard for Japanese support staff alone to cover so many languages, and placing interpreters in every area is costly. Falling behind in class can lead to difficulties at school and narrow the children's future choices.
So international students who speak the same language connect with the children online. Having someone to talk to in their native language supports them not only in their studies but also emotionally.
Pupils in public schools who need Japanese-language instruction (foreign and Japanese nationality)
Source: MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), Survey on the Acceptance of Pupils Who Need Japanese-Language Instruction (FY2025), published May 2026. Figures as of 1 May each year, public schools. The survey is held every two years and was not held in FY2020.
| Year | Foreign nationality | Japanese nationality | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2008 (H20) | 28,575 | 4,895 | 33,470 |
| FY2010 (H22) | 28,511 | 5,496 | 34,007 |
| FY2012 (H24) | 27,013 | 6,171 | 33,184 |
| FY2014 (H26) | 29,198 | 7,897 | 37,095 |
| FY2016 (H28) | 34,335 | 9,612 | 43,947 |
| FY2018 (H30) | 40,755 | 10,371 | 51,126 |
| FY2021 (R3) | 47,619 | 10,688 | 58,307 |
| FY2023 (R5) | 57,718 | 11,405 | 69,123 |
| FY2025 (R7) | 73,313 | 11,446 | 84,759 |
Children who need Japanese-language support but receive no special instruction at school (as of 1 May 2025, public schools)
Source: MEXT, FY2025 survey
University and college entry rate of high school students who need Japanese-language support, compared with 75.0% for all high school students (public schools)
Source: MEXT, FY2025 survey
Foreign workers employed in Japan — the highest since reporting became mandatory in 2007 (end of October 2025)
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, report on the employment of foreign workers (published January 2026)
Each tutor takes one of the two types. Each class has one tutor
You support the children's school subjects, following up in their native language.
Guide: 2–3 pupils per tutor
Free conversation in the native language helps the children keep their language and gives them someone they feel comfortable talking to.
Guide: 1–8 pupils per tutor
We will add more languages over time. Each language closes when its places are filled. Check this page for the latest status
Because you work with children, there is training before you start and someone to talk to while you continue
One university faculty member supervises the whole programme.
Two or three coordinators handle day-to-day questions and training sessions. You will have someone to ask when you need help.
You take a training course before the sessions begin. The coordinators run the training.
Award-winning project: “A circular project linking job-hunting support for international students with educational support for children with roots overseas” (Transcend-Learning)
The award was the main programme of the Hanayaka KANSAI Attractiveness Up Forum, which brought together 15 organisations in the Kansai region — national government bodies, business groups, local governments and support organisations (secretariat: Kansai Economic Federation). The Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry recommended outstanding projects that improve the environment for welcoming people from overseas, and the Forum presented the awards.
The project was also covered by the Yomiuri Shimbun and the Nikkei.
Source: Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, “Hanayaka KANSAI Attractiveness Up Award” https://www.kansai.meti.go.jp/3-1toukou/toukou_award_outline.html (Japanese) / award booklet (October 2024). The Forum and the award ended in FY2024.
Please apply using the application form. The form is in Japanese. Each language closes when its places are filled. Dates for the training and briefing will be announced on this page and on our LINE account as soon as they are set.
If you register with our LINE account and TC PASSPORT first, you will receive updates, and your XP and Pt will be recorded when you take part.
Apply now (form in Japanese) ▶ Add us on LINE ▶ Register with TC PASSPORT ▶
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Add us on LINE ▶Register with TC PASSPORT and your activities build up as a record.
Register with TC PASSPORT ▶For questions about this programme, please email us.
Transcend-Learning
+81-6-6226-8140
