“[First Nationwide Initiative by a Japanese Language School] Original Uniform for International Students Jointly Developed with Tombow, a Long-Established School Uniform Company (Headquarters: Okayama Prefecture)”

Coach Academy Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; CEO: Yang Xia), which operates preparatory schools, Japanese language schools, and Japanese language teacher training courses, has collaborated with major school uniform manufacturer Tombow Co., Ltd. to develop an original uniform for international students. This initiative is based on an educational philosophy that aims to provide international students with opportunities to experience Japanese TPO culture and the essence of student life firsthand.

Sales began in February 2025, and since then, numerous orders have been received. Many students have shared positive feedback, such as, “When I sent a photo of myself wearing the uniform to my home country, my family was delighted.”

In recent years, Japanese language schools have become increasingly significant in supporting international students who aspire to enter Japanese universities. Many students attending these schools not only improve their language skills but also learn about Japanese culture and customs while adapting to a new environment far from their home countries. 

University entrance exams in Japan often include an interview, which can play a decisive role in admissions. For international students, selecting appropriate attire that aligns with Japan’s “TPO” (time, place, and occasion) expectations can be a challenge that should not be overlooked. 

A survey by Study Sapuri Shingaku found that approximately 90% of Japanese students wear school uniforms to their university entrance interviews. This familiar sight provides a sense of reliability and sincerity to university professors. However, many international students lack experience in selecting and wearing suits properly, and in some cases, flashy ties or ill-fitting outfits unintentionally leave a negative impression. 

To address these challenges and help international students feel confident in their interviews, Tombow Co., Ltd., a long-established manufacturer of school uniforms (Headquarters: 2-9 Kosei-cho, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture; CEO: Tatsuya Fujiwara), has collaborated on the development of original uniforms designed specifically for international students. Sales began in February 2025.