Top 5 Japanese Platforms for Hosting Online Courses
Japan's e-learning market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with an increasing number of professionals, hobbyists, and companies embracing online education. Whether you're an independent instructor, a corporate trainer, or a content creator seeking to monetize your expertise, selecting the right platform is crucial for reaching the Japanese audience.
Below is a detailed look at the top platforms in Japan for hosting online courses, ranging from global giants with localized services to homegrown platforms explicitly built for the Japanese market.
Ranking of Japanese Online Course Platforms
- Udemy Japan
- Street Academy (ストアカ)
- Schoo（スクー）
- MENTA（メンタ）
- Cafetalk
1. Udemy Japan
Source: Udemy Japan Homepage
Udemy is a global online learning platform, but its Japanese branch—supported by a strong partnership with Benesse, one of Japan’s leading education companies—has carved out a significant presence in the country. Udemy Japan is widely used by professionals and companies for skills development, making it one of the go-to platforms for instructors aiming to reach a broad, motivated audience.
The platform offers access to a vast Japanese-language content library and frequently runs sales campaigns that can enhance your course's visibility. As an instructor, you benefit from a global backend with reliable tools for video hosting, student analytics, and monetization.
Ideal for:
- Professionals
- Tech educators
- Business training
- Soft skills instructors
2. Street Academy (ストアカ)
Source: Street Academy Homepage
Street Academy is a uniquely Japanese platform that connects learners with instructors for both online and in-person lessons. Its core appeal lies in its flexibility and community-driven model. Instructors can offer real-time classes through Zoom or hold face-to-face sessions, making it a hybrid solution for those who want to engage directly with learners.
Setting up a class is simple, and teachers can create profiles that highlight their expertise, class reviews, and upcoming sessions. Because the platform is well-optimized for discoverability, even new instructors can build a following. With a wide variety of classes ranging from business skills to hobbies like cooking and photography, it’s ideal for side hustlers or anyone looking to teach in a casual, engaging environment.
Ideal for:
- Individual instructors
- Side-hustle educators
- Lifestyle and creative course creators
3. Schoo（スクー）
Source: Schoo Homepage
Schoo is a premium platform focused on business professionals, offering both live streaming and on-demand learning experiences. Major companies in Japan trust it for employee training and upskilling, and it maintains a curated catalog of classes covering topics such as management, IT, marketing, and personal development.
Instructors on Schoo are often industry professionals or thought leaders invited to teach in collaboration with the platform, which adds to its reputation as a high-quality source of knowledge. Schoo is an excellent choice for those looking to establish credibility and reach Japan’s white-collar workforce.
Ideal for:
- B2B training
- Business professionals
- Corporate instructors
4. MENTA（メンタ）
Source: MENTA Homepage
MENTA is a mentoring-style platform that bridges the gap between teaching and coaching. Instructors offer one-on-one or group support, rather than traditional courses, and charge monthly subscription fees. It’s a great fit for professionals in fields like programming, design, or business who want to offer personalized support, feedback, or mentorship.
The platform caters to learners looking for more than just a pre-recorded class—they’re interested in a guide or mentor. This makes MENTA ideal for those who prefer an ongoing relationship with their students rather than one-off lessons.
Ideal for:
- Tech professionals
- Developers
- Business mentors and coaches
5. Cafetalk
Source: Cafetalk Homepage
Cafetalk is a Japan-based platform that connects students with instructors from around the world for one-on-one or small group lessons. Originally known for language tutoring—especially English, Japanese, and Korean—it has since expanded into categories like music, art, business skills, wellness, and hobby-based education.
The platform provides tools for scheduling, payment, and student communication, all within a user-friendly interface. Instructors set their own pricing and availability, and Cafetalk handles the backend support, including promotions to its Japanese user base. Lessons are typically conducted via Zoom or Skype, with a strong emphasis on personalized instruction.
Cafetalk is ideal for tutors and instructors who want to teach live, custom lessons and build long-term relationships with students in Japan. While it’s not a traditional course-hosting platform (with video modules and quizzes), it offers flexibility and direct access to motivated learners.
Ideal for:
- Language tutors
- Music and arts instructors
- Personalized lesson providers
- Wellness and lifestyle coaches
Conclusion
Japan’s e-learning landscape offers a diverse range of platforms tailored to various teaching styles and audiences. Whether you're an individual instructor, a business professional, or a language tutor, there's a platform that fits your goals.
If you’re looking for high visibility and built-in promotion, Udemy Japan and Street Academy are excellent places to start—both are trusted by learners across Japan and offer easy onboarding for instructors. For those targeting business professionals or corporate learners, Schoo provides a polished and professional environment with live and on-demand options. MENTA is ideal if you prefer an ongoing, mentorship-based model, especially in tech or creative fields. Meanwhile, Cafetalk excels in one-on-one or small group live lessons, particularly for language and skill-based instruction.
Each of these platforms offers its unique strengths. The best choice depends on your content format, your target audience, and the level of involvement you want to have in marketing and student engagement.
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