Established in 1906, the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) is a linguistic and cultural education centre dedicated to the learning and promotion of the Japanese language and Japanese culture and arts. For most of our 100 years of history, we have operated as a non-profit, community-based and driven organization, committed to education, culture and community. Our ultimate objective is to strengthen and enrich inter-cultural communication and understanding among our students and the broader local and global communities. VJLS offers a comprehensive range of Japanese language and Japanese arts programs to all ages and backgrounds. Programs begin from early childhood education ("Kodomo no Kuni's" early childhood program) up through to elementary and highschool to adult-tailored language courses. Based on a holistic approach to second language education and communication, we strive to combine language education together with immersion and participation in Japanese cultural arts and customs, community events and international exchange. VJLS is located in the heart of east Vancouver (former JapanTown), east of the Gastown waterfront, overlooking Burrard Inlet and the spectacular Northshore mountains.

The building in which the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall resides (475 & 487 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC) is a designated heritage building. In the year 2000, a spacious new facility was built adjoining the original heritage building. The new facility is comprised of four floors of classrooms and office space as well as a large hall/ open auditorium on the main floor and a rooftop tatami room and garden with a 360 degree view. The hall is used for various cultural events, open to the general public, throughout the year (please see Japanese Hall, Annual Events Calendar). Our facilities are also available for public rental, both short-term and long-term (for more info, please see Japanese Hall, Facility Rental).