About NP:J-Schoolgroups New Perspectives: Japan (NP:J) is a three-phase program centered around a 16-day study tour to Japan. You, your teacher and other classmates will participate in the program as a group, sharing insights and reflections to enhance the overall experience. Find out what teachers and students are saying about NP:J. The program begins the second semester of the academic year, several months before your departure to Japan. You begin by studying lessons on a theme related to Japanese language and culture that your school group chooses. Then, your group will travel to Japan where you'll visit a Japanese school, live with a Japanese host family, visit historic sites in Tokyo and Kyoto, and practice your Japanese on a daily basis. When you return to the United States you will work on follow-on activities with your group to assess your experience. NP:J allows your group the opportunity to customize your own trip to Japan through a feature called study days. Study days allow your group to see what you really want to see!