study in japan

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Japan’s 150 Hour Japanese Study Requirement Explained (2026 Update)

Deow Japan Staff / May 20, 2026

Planning to study in Japan? Learn whether JLPT N5 or 150 hours of Japanese study are still required for language school applications in 2026.

Anime style image of a young woman using her Suica travel card in a Tokyo Train station

Daily Guide

Getting Around with Ease: What Are IC Cards in Japan and How to Get Them

Deow Japan Staff / May 7, 2026

Moving to Japan to study or work involves learning many new systems. Once you’ve mastered the local waste disposal rules, the next essential step for your 新生活 (new life) is getting an IC Card.
If you want to travel smoothly through Japan’s famous train networks or buy a quick snack at a convenience store without fumbling for coins, an IC card is your best friend.

Golden week graphic - days highlighted and iconic Japan landscapes with two students in foreground

Culture & Society

Enjoying the Holidays: A Guide to Golden Week in Japan

Deow Japan Staff / April 29, 2026

Spring in Japan isn’t just about cherry blossoms; it’s also the time for Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク)! For international students and new residents, this is the longest and most exciting holiday season of the year.
If you are planning your new life in Japan, here is everything you need to know about this special week!

DEOW News

From Uruguay to Japan: How One DEOW Student Became a Published Manga Artist

Deow Japan Staff / April 7, 2026

We’re proud to celebrate Gin, a participant in DEOW Japan’s Global Tokiwaso Project, who is going to debut his manga “5 minute Ace”!

Culture & Society

Spring in Japan

Deow Japan Staff / March 18, 2026

As winter fades and cherry blossoms begin to bloom, spring in Japan brings a sense of renewal, beauty, and tradition. One important date that marks this seasonal shift is Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日 / しゅんぶんのひ), celebrated each year around March 20th.
But beyond being a public holiday, it’s also a perfect opportunity to learn some beautiful Japanese spring vocabulary.

Prep for Japan

Japanese Visa Guide: Complete Breakdown of All Visa Types

Deow Japan Staff / March 4, 2026

Japan offers many different types of visas, officially called statuses of residence (在留資格, zairyū shikaku). Each visa lets you stay in Japan for a specific purpose, such as tourism, study, work, job hunting, or long-term residency. Many people planning to come to Japan for the first time or already here on a tourist visa often wonder: Which visa should I choose? How do I switch visas? What are the requirements? This guide explains everything you need to know.