Research students from countries other than Japan may have limited ability in the Japanese language.  While the teaching and research language used at OIST is English, the availability of English outside the OIST campus is limited.  Essential Japanese for Foreign Researchers is an optional course for students from Non-Japanese-speaking countries. 

This course aims to ensure competence in Japanese language sufficient for working in a laboratory in Japan. It includes basic Japanese language equivalent to at least the Japanese Language Proficiency Test level N5. In addition, it will include a course on reading Japanese for laboratory safety, including important signs and labels found on scientific instruments in laboratories. Students will learn beginner to  intermediate level Japanese in an immersive learning environment, focusing on practical Japanese for foreigners in Japan.