Education
Free JLPT prep, Vietnamese classes for the next generation, and Book Camps
Overview
Education is one of VAJ's four pillars. We run free JLPT preparation classes (N1–N4) for the community, supporting learners through summer and winter sessions year after year, and we are expanding into Vietnamese-language classes for the second generation.
JLPT preparation classes
VAJ holds JLPT preparation classes in two main sessions each year — asummer session (for the July exam) and a winter session(for the December exam). Classes are taught by volunteer instructors and coverN1, N2, N3 and N4.
Over 5 consecutive years, the program has supported many cohorts of international students, technical-intern trainees, and workers living in Japan. Feedback from learners and instructors is published openly on the VAJ news page.
Vietnamese & reading for the next generation
Hikone Vietnamese Class (Shiga) — a free class helping children born and raised in Japan keep their mother tongue. It opened in April 2026 with about 30 families and meets every month.
Book Camp — days of reading, storytelling and activities together that nurture a love of Vietnamese books in children. Held 3 times in 2026, most recently in Gifu.
Other education programs
- Phan Boi Chau Japanese School — recruiting instructors for the winter session and growing our community-teacher roster.
- Japanese Speech Contest — held annually as a stage for learners to sharpen their expression and confidence.
- Dong Du Book Club — a space for community members to exchange ideas and share knowledge.
Teach with us
Every instructor in our JLPT and Vietnamese-language classes is a community volunteer. If you have a strong Japanese background and want to give time to the next cohort of learners, get in touch with VAJ through our volunteer channel.
Stand with VAJ
Every contribution helps keep our classes free for the Vietnamese community in Japan.