Application Guidelines Summer in JAPAN 2026
Let students shine under the guidance of Harvard instructors! 7 key features of SIJ
- Through three workshops taught by Harvard students, children actively discover and pursue what they love and what they are good at
- By exchanging ideas with Harvard students, children develop leadership and teamwork skills at an early age, those that last a lifetime
- With Harvard students as role models, children grow into people who can ask good questions and solve problems in English
- Genuine admissions advice for applying to top schools overseas
- Private violin lessons by violinist Sumire Hirotsuru (limited to 3 students)
- Sumire Hirotsuru’s SIJ Concert (scheduled on a weekend so parents can also attend). To be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Oita City “Oto no Izumi Hall” (open to the public / paid event)
- Children make new friends from across Japan and around the world, inspiring each other, clarifying their goals, and making rapid progress
1. SIJ2026 Overview
Summer in JAPAN is a non-profit educational support organization. Since 2013, a summer English program taught by Harvard University students has been held every year in Oita City, the hometown of founders Mari Hirotsuru and Sumire Hirotsuru. We warmly invite you to join the 14th Summer in JAPAN English Summer School in 2026. The application deadline is February 28, 2026. Wishing you an unforgettable 8 days.
Schedule
An eight-day program from Saturday, August 1, 2026, to Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Day 1: After arriving in Oita City, participants will attend the “13th Sumire Hirotsuru & Friends Concert,” which starts at 7:00 p.m. on August 1.
From Day 2 onward: Classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day from August 2 to August 8.
Venue
Oita City, Oita Prefecture, 3-minute walk from the JR Oita Station
Application Eligibility
- Students aged 7 to 18 with English proficiency at CEFR A2 and above.
- Open to students from all countries.
Faculty
・Harvard students and alumni: Among approximately 100 applicants, only a few are selected through written examinations and interviews, with emphasis placed on exceptional talent and character.
・Mari Hirotsuru — SIJ Founder and President (CEO of Dirigo English School)
・Sumire Hirotsuru — SIJ Co-founder (B.A. from Harvard University with the David McCord Prize, M.M. from The Juilliard School with the William Schuman Prize)
The profiles of the Harvard student instructors will be posted on our official Facebook and Instagram once finalized. (Click here to see our past instructors.)
Teaching Assistant
・University students currently studying in Japan who have acquired English as a native or second language and demonstrate exceptional character.
・Experienced instructors from the Dirigo English School who are well-versed in the Hirotsuru Method.
Enrollment Cap
Limited to 45 participants
Application Period and How to Apply
Applications for SIJ 2026 from January 12 to February 28, 2026.
How to apply: Please fill out the form below.
2. Curriculum
Morning: Language Arts Classes
An intensive summer program designed to significantly strengthen English skills. Students will markedly improve their reading and writing abilities, and develop exceptional proficiency in English under the leadership and care of Harvard instructors.
The classes are divided into 4 levels (note that these ranges are used as reference, not requirement)
Foundation：Elementary Students at CEFR A2 Level
Fundamental：Elementary and Junior High Students at CEFR A2-B1 Level
Intermediate：Elementary and Junior High Students at CEFR B1-B2 Level, TOEFL iBT 72-94
Advanced：Students who are at level B2-C1 and above, TOEFL iBT 95-120
(We provide college essay practice)
※ Class placement will be determined based on SIJ English placement test and a comprehensive evaluation of various English proficiency exams.
Afternoon: Specialized Workshops to Nurture Your Passion
Choose your favorite from three courses. Get excited together with Harvard students and your peers!
Public Speaking: Three-part program ① Writing a speech ② Practicing the speech ③ Confidently presenting on stage
Performing Arts: Two-part program ① Creating a musical together, including script, acting, dance, singing, and stage design ② Shining on stage during the performance
Computer Science: Three-part program ① Fundamentals of theory ② Creating fun games and apps with programming and AI ③ Presenting the final product on stage
After graduating, Harvard students who previously participated in our program went on to earn numerous exceptional achievements:
🗣️ Public Speaking Class: Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees, UN consultant, member of Parliament, prestigious university professors and more.
🎭 Performing Arts Class: Netflix producer, New York Times Best-Sellers author, professional dancer, theater director, Film director and more.
💻 Computer Science: Engineers at major IT companies, resident doctors and specialists at Stanford, Harvard, NYU and more.
3. Events During the Program
- Annual Favorite: Sumire Hirotsuru’s Classical Concert
Saturday, August 1, 2026 – “13th Sumire Hirotsuru & Friends from Harvard” (Open to the public / Paid, SIJ participants free) - Opening Ceremony, Opening Speeches delivered by Hirotsuru Mari, Hirotsuru Sumire and Honored Guests (parents may attend)
- Lectures by all Harvard instructors: “Campus Tour,” “What I’m Studying at University,” and “My Admission Experience”
- Keynote Lecture by Sumire Hirotsuru: “How My Harvard Study Abroad Experience Nurtured My Career” (in English)
- Final Day Student Stage Presentations (parents may attend)
- Closing Ceremony (parents may attend)
- Commemorative Photo and Social Time with Harvard students (parents may attend)
4. Tuition and Payment Dates
Tuition
8 days: ¥330,000 per participant (tax included)
- Benefit: Invitation to Sumire Hirotsuru’s concert
- The fee covers tuition only. Accommodation, transportation, and other expenses are not included.
Payment Dates
From March 6th to March 20th, 2026
If payment is not made within the specified period, your spot will automatically be given to someone on the waiting list.
- If the number of applicants exactly meets the capacity, those who apply by February 28, 2026, will pay the full tuition on or after March 6.
- If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, a lottery will be held on March 5. Successful applicants will be notified immediately and must make the payment.
Tuition payment should be made by bank transfer. Your application is considered complete upon receipt of payment. Please note that cancellations after the application is complete, including refunds, are generally not accepted.
5. Application Period
Applications are open from January 12 to February 28, 2026.
If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, a selection process will be conducted.
Participants will receive close, hands-on instruction from Harvard University students, engage in workshops designed to develop their interests and strengths, and receive thoughtful mentorship from Harvard instructors on academics, extracurricular activities and career planning.
The program also includes a Sumire Hirotsuru concert for musical and emotional enrichment, as well as guidance on studying abroad at prestigious schools.
The program is filled with carefully designed experiences that fully utilize the exceptional skills of our instructors. Please look forward to it!
6. Accommodation
This is not a residential program. Classes are held daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Participants traveling from distant areas are asked to make their own hotel arrangements near the venue.
Estimated hotel costs around the venue in August start at ¥8,000 per night.
For participants aged 10 and above who are traveling alone from distant locations, we offer an optional “Safety Support Service”, which includes supervised group activities with chaperones (outsourced service).
7. A Typical day for SIJ participants
Morning
Participants travel independently from their accommodations to the venue and attend lively, engaging classes.
Lunch Break
Students enjoy lunch with Harvard instructors and new friends.
For children aged 10 and under, staff will accompany them when purchasing lunch.
Afternoon
Students participate in exciting workshops of their choice.
Each day includes presentations by Harvard instructors, offering insights on a wide range of topics.
The program concludes at 5:00 p.m. — see you again tomorrow!
Additional Costs & Access Information
- Hotel rates: from ¥8,000 per night in August near the venue
- Lunch: many takeout options are available nearby (¥300-800)
- Transportation: a 3-minute walk from JR Oita Station and the airport bus stop
- Numerous hotels are located within walking distance
For Parents Accompanying Their Children
Oita City is blessed with abundant seafood and mountain cuisine. “Oita, the Onsen Prefecture” offers easy access to famous hot spring destinations — Beppu is about 12 minutes by train, and Yufuin is about one hour from Oita Station.
Parents are welcome to enjoy the Sumire Hirotsuru & Friends Concert on August 1. At the closing ceremony, there will be ample time to interact with the instructors.
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