🇯🇵 How to Play Football in Japan: The Ultimate Guide for Aspiring Pros

If you’re a passionate footballer looking to take your career to the next level, Japan might not be the first country that comes to mind—but it should be. With professional leagues from J5 to J1, world-class infrastructure, and a growing appetite for international talent, Japan is quickly becoming one of the best places in the world to pursue your dream of playing football professionally.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to play football in Japan, from trial opportunities and visa options to what life is like as a foreign player.

⚽ Why Choose Japan for Football?

• Professional Leagues from J6 to J1: Opportunities exist at every level. Even starting in the lower divisions can lead to a contract in J3, J2, or even J1.
• World-Class Facilities: Japanese clubs are known for their training grounds, fitness centers, and recovery resources.
• Supportive Culture: Respect, hard work, and humility are deeply valued in Japanese football.
• Safe and Clean Living Environment: Whether you’re in Osaka, Tokyo, or Sapporo, Japan offers a high quality of life.

🏆 How to Join a Football Team in Japan

1. Join a Full-Time Football Program in Japan

This is the best option if you’re serious about turning pro. Programs like ours based in Osaka offer:

• Full visa support via language school enrollment
• 1-3x weekly training with licensed coaches
• Weekly matches against local Japanese teams
• Arranged trials with J-league clubs (J6–J1)
• Accommodation, health insurance, and translation support

2. Apply for One-Off Trials

If you’re short on time or already playing at a high level, we can arrange intensive 2-week trial packages. You’ll get matched with 2–5 clubs based on your CV and game footage.

📋 Requirements to Play Football in Japan

• A football CV (with club history, achievements, position, etc.)
• Game footage (highlights or full matches)
• A valid passport
• A visa (tourist for short-term trials or student visa for long-term stays)
• Proof of football ability (academy background, semi-pro, or pro experience preferred)

💼 What About Visas and Legal Entry?

For long-term stays, most players come to Japan on a student visa sponsored by a Japanese language school. This allows you to stay legally for 6 months to 2 years, and even work part-time to support yourself. We help arrange all of this as part of our full-time program.

Short-term visitors (for trials) can usually enter on a tourist visa for up to 90 days, depending on your country.

🔥 Real Stories: From Trial to Contract

• Gabriel Okechukwu – Joined J2 team HC Sapporo after a series of trials.
• Ali Krubally – Trialed with FC Osaka (J3) and later signed with Passion Toyonaka (J5).

🧳 Life in Japan as a Footballer

Living in Japan as a footballer is a unique experience. You’ll train in top-tier facilities, experience a new culture, and learn valuable life skills both on and off the pitch. Most foreign players are surprised by the high level of professionalism and respect shown even at the J5 level.

• Learn Japanese and immerse yourself in a new culture
• Build discipline and resilience in a focused football environment
• Make connections with clubs, agents, and scouts across Japan

🙋‍♂️ Ready to Play Football in Japan?

If you’re aged 18+ and serious about going pro, now is the time to act. Whether you’re looking for a full-time experience or just want to test yourself in trials—we can help.

📧 Contact Us at info@playinjapan.com

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Student Visa for Japan: Step-by-Step Application Guide 2025

Learn how to apply for a Japanese student visa in 2025. Complete guide with requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step process for studying in Japan.

Dreaming of studying in Japan? Whether you’re aiming to learn Japanese, attend a university, or join a vocational school, the first step is getting a student visa. The process can feel overwhelming — paperwork, deadlines, and official terms.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Japanese student visa in 2025: requirements, documents, costs, and a clear step-by-step process.

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What Is a Student Visa for Japan?

A student visa allows foreign nationals to live in Japan for medium- to long-term study at an accredited institution. The visa length matches the course:

• Language schools → 6 months to 2 years

• Universities/vocational schools → 1–4 years

The key is that your chosen school must be approved by Japan’s immigration bureau.

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Requirements for a Japanese Student Visa

To qualify, you’ll need:

• Acceptance letter from a Japanese school

• Proof of funds (bank statements, financial supporter’s records)

• Completed visa application form

• Passport-sized photos (official size, recent)

• Valid passport

• Proof of 150 Hours Japanese Language study Certificate  > CODE “PLAYINJAPAN” for $100 off Playinjapans recommendation 

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Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose a School in Japan

• Apply directly or via an agency like PlayInJapan.

• Provide required documents (passport copy, education history, application form. 150 Hours Japanese Language Study Certificate ).

2. School Submits Your Application

The school applies to the Japanese Immigration Bureau for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

3. Wait for Your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

• Processing time: about 2–3 months.

• Once approved, the CoE is mailed to you or PlayInJapan (if we handle the process).

4. Apply at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate

• Submit your CoE, visa application form, passport, photos, and financial proof.

• Processing time: 1–3 weeks.

5. Collect Your Student Visa

Once approved, your passport will be stamped with a student visa.

6. Arrive in Japan

• At the airport, you’ll receive a Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyū Card).

• Register your address at your local ward/city office within 14 days.

• Open a bank account, get national health insurance, and start school!

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How Long Does It Take?

• Application + CoE: 2–3 months

• Visa at embassy: 1–3 weeks
  Total time: ~3–4 months from applying to arriving in Japan.

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Costs of a Student Visa in Japan

• Visa application fee: ¥3,000–¥6,000 (varies by country)

• School tuition: ¥850,000 – ¥1,500,000 per year (average)

• Living expenses: ¥100,000 – ¥150,000 per month (housing, food, transport)

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Tips for a Successful Application

• Apply at least 6 months before your course starts.

• Make sure all financial documents are clear and recent.

• Double-check your school is accredited.

• Use an agency like PlayInJapan for free support — we guide you through the process, handle school communication, and make sure your visa is approved smoothly.

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Why Apply Through PlayInJapan?

• Direct connections with schools across Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, and more.

• Visa application support at no extra cost.

• Help with housing, community events, and even football teams if you want to join.

• A personal touch — not just paperwork.

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Conclusion

Applying for a student visa for Japan doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right guidance, you can focus on preparing for your life in Japan, not worrying about forms.

👉 Ready to start your journey? Get free visa support with PlayInJapan

Best 150-Hour Japanese Beginner Courses for Japan Student Visa (2025)

Need a 150-hour beginner Japanese course for your student visa? Discover the best options, why it’s mandatory in 2025, and the most affordable course online.

If you’re planning to study in Japan, there’s a new rule you can’t ignore: you must complete a 150-hour beginner Japanese course (or pass JLPT N5) before you can even apply for a student visa.

This requirement ensures students have the basics of Japanese language and culture before arriving — making it easier to adjust to life in Japan. But finding the right course can be tricky. Prices vary widely, and not every course is officially recognized.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• Why the 150-hour course is mandatory

• What makes a good beginner Japanese course

• The best value option available online

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Why Is a 150-Hour Japanese Course Necessary Now?

From 2025, Japanese immigration tightened visa requirements to ensure students are better prepared. This means:

• No course or certificate = no student visa application.

• Language schools require proof of study before they can accept your application.

• Students who don’t prepare in advance often struggle with paperwork and interviews.

This makes the 150-hour certificate an absolute necessity for anyone serious about studying in Japan.

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What to Look for in a 150-Hour Beginner Course

When choosing a course, check for:

• Total hours included (150 minimum) – anything less won’t count.

• JLPT N5-level coverage – hiragana, katakana, basic kanji, grammar, vocabulary.

• Flexible learning – online modules you can study at your own pace.

• Certification – a certificate of completion to submit to your school/immigration.

• Fair pricing – some courses charge $800–$1,000, which is unnecessary.

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Best 150-Hour Beginner Japanese Course (2025)

After comparing available options, the best-priced and most complete course is:

👉 Avantura Language Institute’s 150-Hour Beginner Course

Why it’s the best choice:

• ✔ Covers all essential N5 content (hiragana, katakana, grammar, kanji, conversation basics).

• ✔ 150+ hours of structured study, designed for student visa requirements.

• ✔ Online, self-paced — perfect for international students.

• ✔ Lowest cost on the market ($499) — most competitors charge almost double. $100 off with code “Playinjapan”

• ✔ Includes certificate of completion (recognized by Japanese schools).

This makes it not only the most affordable option, but also one of the most practical for visa purposes.

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Other Alternatives (and Why They Cost More)

Some universities and language schools abroad also offer certified 150-hour programs. However, these often:

• Require in-person attendance

• Charge $800–$1,500 for similar content

• Lack flexibility compared to online learning

That’s why online programs like Scott Walker’s are quickly becoming the go-to choice.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about studying in Japan, the first step is clear: complete your 150-hour Japanese beginner course. Without it, your student visa application won’t move forward.

The good news? You don’t need to overpay. With Avantura Language Institute’s 150-Hour Beginner Course, you’ll:

• Save money

• Get certified

• Be fully prepared to start your journey in Japan

👉 Don’t wait — complete your course and start your visa process today.

FAQ: 150-Hour Japanese Course & Student Visa

Q1: Is a 150-hour Japanese course required for a student visa in Japan?
Yes. As of 2025, Japanese immigration requires proof of either completing 150 hours of beginner Japanese study or passing the JLPT N5 exam before you can apply for a student visa.

Q2: Can I take the 150-hour course online?
Yes. Online courses are accepted as long as they provide a certificate of completion that you can submit to your chosen language school.

Q3: How much does a 150-hour beginner Japanese course cost?
Costs vary: some programs charge $800–$1,500, but affordable online options (like Scott Walker’s Teachable course at $499) provide the same certification for much less.

Q4: What does the 150-hour course include?
Typically: hiragana, katakana, beginner kanji, grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills up to JLPT N5 level.

Q5: How long does it take to finish the course?
At 10 hours per week, you can complete the course in about 4 months. Studying more intensively can shorten the timeline.

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Comparison Table: 150-Hour Beginner Japanese Courses

👉 As shown, Avantura’s course is the lowest-priced and most practical for visa applicants — while still meeting immigration requirements.

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Final Thoughts

The 150-hour beginner Japanese course is no longer optional — it’s the first step to studying in Japan. Don’t waste time or money on overpriced programs.

✅ Get certified.
✅ Save money. $100 off with code “PLAYINJAPAN”
✅ Start your student visa application with confidence.

👉 Enroll now in Avantura Language Institute’s 150-Hour Beginner Course