Ryukoku University, with a tradition of more than 360 years, offers the Japanese Culture and Language Program (JCLP) for students whose level of Japanese is elementary or above. Japanese language classes are divided into six levels; students will be assigned to the most suitable level after a placement test. Students can take various elective subjects, such as Japanese culture and society, and learn about Kyoto’s traditional culture and entertainment through activities outside the classroom. The Japanese and Asian Studies (JAS) Program at Ryukoku University offers students with little or no Japanese background a unique opportunity to study Japanese and Asian culture, including Buddhism and other Asian religions, Japanese literature, theater, society, economics, and politics. Both programs begin around the first of April and mid-September with an inauguration orientation, followed by classes that end around mid-July and mid-January.