PROFILE ALC Press Inc.
ALC CORPORATE PROFILE ALC Press Inc.
Networking for Global Communication
ALC Press Inc. 2-54-12 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-8611, Japan Tel: +81-3-3323-1101
Making the dreams of everyone come true
This is an age where we can feel that the earth is one, across all national borders. Believing in the vision of such a future, ALC has been actively championing its corporate motto of “Networking for Global Communication” for more than 40 years. The company started with the publication of “English Journal,” a monthly language magazine, followed by the release of “1000-Hour Hearing Marathon,” a correspondence course for those wishing to perfect their command of English. ALC has continued to extend its goods and services, providing a complete range of study styles to meet the needs of all generations, levels, and purposes.
ALC is a general language education company dedicated to those wishing to ...
The company is continually committed to creating new study content, tools, and support, and assisting the dreams of learners by further enhancing its product lineup.
... actively work in a global forum
... have an excellent command of English beyond exam-oriented English
... become professionals who can work overseas in the future
... learn and teach English in a natural and fun way
Development of children/elementary school English instructors ▶ P. 8 Offers correspondence courses to develop children and elementary school English instructors. Publishes the monthly “Kodomo Eigo” (English for children) and other books.
Children’s English schools and English learning for children ▶ P. 8 Operates “ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools” with about 12,000 children learning English. Offers materials to learn English in an entertaining way.
2
... become teachers of Japanese working in Japan and overseas
English for high school students ▶ P. 7 Produces a wide variety of reference books for students, including the popular “Kikutan” and “Yumetan” series.
E-learning ALC’s e-learning system, “ALC NetAcademy2,” is used in about 80 percent of all national universities in Japan.
▶ P. 4
ESP (English for Specific Purposes) ▶ P. 7 Offers English learning materials for such specific purposes as science, medicine, and economics.
TOEIC® test preparation
▶ P. 7
Offers extensive support for TOEIC test-takers. ®
... master Chinese and Korean
General English
▶ P. 7
Develops materials dealing with speaking and listening abilities as well as other themes.
English speaking tests
▶ P. 7
Offers tests designed to precisely evaluate speaking ability using telephone testing and interviews.
Japanese instructor education ▶ P. 9 Offers a correspondence course for Japanese education. Publishes the information magazine, “The Monthly Nihongo” and other books for Japanese instructors.
Japanese as a foreign language ▶ P. 9 Offers Japanese learning materials and information for foreigners studying and working in Japan.
Chinese
▶ P. 10
Provides services such as “Learning Chinese in Four Months” (Introductory Course), a correspondence course for learning Chinese step by step. Issues the monthly “Chugokugo Journal” in addition to books.
Korean
▶ P. 10
Sponsors the distance learning course, “Kankokugo Marathon,” and also issues the quarterly magazine “Kankokugo Journal” along with other books.
3
Delivering more convenient language learning tools to more people.
Supporting learning and beyond. In the process of learning, you will reach many crossroads where you think, “I want to take a higher step,” or “I have reached a plateau in learning.” Through its websites and seminars, ALC offers information and support to enable you to choose the right path and help you to pursue your career beyond learning.
The development and appearance of new electronic devices and media have greatly changed our lives over the past few years. By immediately embracing such changes, and working in collaboration with a variety of business partners, ALC has worked steadily toward developing study contents tailored to the many different lifestyles of learners.
Smart phones and tablet type terminals
Supporting business partners
Portal site
Space ALC
Games
Partners Electronic device manufacturers, software developers, etc.
Planning
Learning contents are offered for various models of electronic dictionary.
E-learning “ALC NetAcademy2” Network-based learning system used in LAN environments at schools, companies, and more.
Conducts effective promotion activities utilizing magazines, the Internet and social media.
* “Eijiro” is a registered trademark of Ms. Sachiko Michihata.
Shop
Website to support learning and beyond
Shopping website for language learning materials
http://alcom.alc.co.jp/
http://shop.alc.co.jp/
A language study community site, that brings to life the idea of “Networking for Global Communication.” Anyone can participate in various clubs which offer opportunities to enjoy interesting news from around the world in English or to exchange their impressions of books.
A shopping website offering ALC correspondence courses, books and lots of other information. A correspondence course level guide is available to help visitors choose materials that fit their needs.
Membership
Product development and production
Advertisement and sales promotion
Community
ALCOM WORLD
Proposes products, taking advantage of networks of authors and clients cultivated through publishing business.
Develops new study contents from existing books, correspondence courses, CDs and DVDs, supporting a wide range of media.
The ALC portal site offers a wide range of English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean language study information, as well as a wide range of data for translators, interpreters, and students preparing for exams. The site has a comprehensive range of services including “Eijiro on the WEB” and other databases, as well as English expressions and TOEIC® test preparation, and is utilized by more than two million unique users each month.
Electronic dictionaries
Marketing survey Uses survey data collected from members and Internet users. Responds to various marketing needs.
Eijiro is a service that provides web-based access to an English-Japanese/JapaneseEnglish database with over 1.7 million entries as of 2010. Students, business people and English professionals use the service.
http://www.alc.co.jp/
Software including the contents of the “Kikutan” series and other books.
4
Ever-evolving English/Japanese database “Eijiro on the WEB”
General website for language study information
ALC works with its business partners on product development, thereby taking advantage of the planning and editing powers of a publisher specializing in languages and networks that have been built throughout its history.
ALC
Websites
A few dozen applications including the contents of the “Kikutan” series and other popular ALC books.
Others Offers contents for universities, colleges, and libraries in addition to electronic devices.
ALC Online Shop
Seminars/Events
For many years, ALC’s membership organization has supported people who want to realize their language dreams. The company offers a complete and exclusive range of services to members, including the member website and a monthly journal, supporting language studies and cross-cultural exchanges. “ALCOM WORLD” information magazine for members
As part of a bi-directional communication between learners (including members) and ALC, ALC sponsors about 100 seminars and events every year. The themes of these events vary from study methods to instructor development and qualification acquisition.
Scene from a seminar at the ALC Event Hall
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English As a pioneer of “useful” English education, ALC has a comprehensive lineup of correspondence courses and publications for a wide range of “Hearing Marathon”
“ENGLISH JOURNAL”
English in general
Preparation for TOEIC® tests
English for high school students
ESP
generations, levels, and purposes. “SST” “TSST”
English material and publications ALC offers support to improve speakers’ command of the language with “useful and real” English.
Correspondence courses
Books
•“1000-Hour Hearing Marathon,” etc.
•General English
•Preparation for the TOEIC
The 1000-Hour Hearing Marathon correspondence course can be considered the origin of ALC’s English education. ALC offers a wide variety of courses, including the “Hearing Marathon” series that more than one million people have taken since it began in 1982, along with courses to prepare for the TOEIC® test and courses to improve speaking ability.
ALC publishes many books for efficient and effective English learning. Many hit products have been issued, including the “Okitekara Nerumade” (From waking till sleeping) series that has sold more than 1.8 million copies and the “Kyukyoku (Ultimate)” series based on ALC’s carefully researched and selected “SVL 12,000” Standard Vocabulary List.
The TOEIC® test serves as an evaluation standard for English ability at many corporations. ALC publishes TOEIC preparation books for students at various levels of English ability.
•English for high school students
•ESP (English for Specific Purposes)
ALC publishes materials for both entrance exam preparation and development of communication ability, including “Kikutan” and “Yumetan.”
ESP stands for English for Specific Purposes. People working internationally often need a command of English specializing in certain subjects. ALC offers ideal materials for learning English in specific fields such as science, medicine and economics.
®
test
“650-Plus Marathon Course for the TOEIC® Test”
“1,000-Hour Hearing Marathon”
“Revive Your Basic English Skills”
Magazines/Magazine books
•“ENGLISH JOURNAL,” etc. ENGLISH JOURNAL, first published in 1971, is a leading English study and information magazine that enables readers to master English while broadening their general education. In addition, the company issues many magazine books, including “Translation Encyclopedia” and “ALC’s Study Abroad Guide to Universities and Colleges” that are acknowledged as the industry standard for languagelearning and studying abroad.
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English speaking tests & lessons •“SST” “TSST” and the “Creative Speaking Course” ALC hosts the “Standard Speaking Test (SST ),” an English interview test for the assessment of functional speaking ability. This test was jointly developed with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Also based on the same assessment standard as that of SST, ALC developed the “Telephone Standard Speaking Test (TSST ),” an automated English test administered over the telephone. ALC also offers the “Creative Speaking Course,” a set of lessons focusing on improving performance on the SST and TSST.
TSST
Creative Speaking Course
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Children’s English
Japanese
From infants to elementary school pupils, ALC develops enjoyable study materials, issuing magazines for English teachers of children and hosting correspondence courses.
There are over three million foreign people studying Japanese around the world. ALC addresses Japanese instructor education for those wishing to teach Japanese to foreign learners and provides information for foreigners living in Japan.
“ALC Training Course for Teaching English to Children” “ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools”
Monthly “Kodomo Eigo”
“Angel Course”
“ALC’s 2000-Word Picture Dictionary for Kids”
“NAFL Japanese Instructor Education Program”
“The Monthly Nihongo”
“Gokakusurutameno” Series
“J-Life”
JSST
Development of children and elementary school English instructors
Japanese instructor education
ALC develops English teachers who can share the fun of English learning with children.
ALC supports the development of Japanese teachers needed around the world.
Correspondence course
Magazines/Books
Correspondence courses
Magazines/Magazine books
•“ALC Training Course for Teaching English to Children”
•Monthly “Kodomo Eigo,” etc.
•“NAFL Japanese Instructor Education Program,” etc.
•“ The Monthly Nihongo,” etc.
This course gives participants the knowledge and skills to teach English to children. Certified by the nonprofit organization, “J-SHINE” it also opens the path to acquiring certification as an elementary school English instructor.
ALC publishes a wide range of books including a monthly magazine, “Kodomo Eigo,” (English for children) for English teachers who are working at English schools and elementary schools.
More than 70,000 people have taken the “NAFL Japanese Instructor Education Program.” It comprehensively covers a range of skills needed for the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test, and offers the optimal content for people aiming to be teachers of Japanese.
“The Monthly Nihongo” is a practical magazine full of useful information, including tips for teaching Japanese and the latest news about Japanese education. ALC also publishes magazine books to prepare teachers to take the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test and become instructors of Japanese.
About J-SHINE J-SHINE is founded with the purpose of “supporting the prevalence and development of English education at elementary schools” in Japan.
Books
•“Gokakusurutameno” Series, etc.
Children’s English schools and English learning for children
ALC publishes many preparation books about the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test and others about teaching methods for Japanese teachers.
ALC helps establish environments where children can naturally have contact with English and master “useful” English.
Correspondence courses
Schools
•“Angel Course,” etc.
•“ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools”
Many English courses for children are offered, including the “Angel Course” for kids up to three years old, since their brain development makes them especially open to language learning, and “Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius” for elementary school pupils.
“ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools” are provided for two- to twelve-year olds across Japan. High-quality teachers instruct the children. At present, there are about 1,200 classes in which 12,000 children study English.
“Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius”
“Angel Course”
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Books
•“ALC’s 2000-Word Picture Dictionary for Kids” A wide variety of materials are available including “ALC’s 2000-Word Picture Dictionary for Kids” based on ALC’s carefully selected “Standard Vocabulary List 2000 for Kids” and the “Kikutan Kids” series in which children practice saying words set to rhythms while looking at illustrations.
Japanese learning ALC opens language horizons for people from abroad studying and working in Japan.
Magazines/Books
Japanese Speaking Test
•“J-Life,” etc.
•JSST（Japanese Standard Speaking Test）
ALC publishes preparation books for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and Japanese study books for a wide variety of purposes. In 2005, ALC launched a free information magazine for foreign people studying and working in Japan, “J-Life.” Together with its exclusive website, the company provides information for a wide range of audiences.
The Japanese Standard Speaking Test (JSST ) is an interview test administered over the telephone for the assessment of functional speaking ability in Japanese. Japanese ability is assessed by analyzing such elements as words, grammar, and pronunciation to measure the test-taker’s ability to have a conversation. The test is utilized at domestic and international companies as well as universities and colleges.
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Chinese & Korean China, with its outstanding economic growth, and Korea, with its popular culture, have attracted a great deal of attention lately. As a forerunner in the industry, ALC has hosted correspondence courses and published books for studying Chinese and Korean. “Chugokugo Journal”
Chinese study books
“Chinese Quick Learning Pack for Work”
“ Learning Chinese in four Months (Introductory Course) ”
“Kankokugo Journal”
Korean study books
“Kankokugo Marathon”
Chinese Delivering the language and up-to-date information on this country of one billion people.
Correspondence courses
Magazine
•“Learning Chinese in four Months
•“Chugokugo Journal”
(Introductory Course)”
•
“Quick Chinese Learning Pack for Work”
These courses can be chosen based on learning level and purpose, such as a correspondence course for mastering Chinese from the basics, “Learning Chinese in Four Months,” and, a course full of scenes that business people often come across on business trips to China, “Quick Chinese Learning Pack for Work.”
This monthly magazine is for readers to improve their command of Chinese and to learn about China now. Attached CD includes Chinese language in actual use, such as in interviews with celebrities and in scenes from TV dramas.
Books
•“Chinese Textbook for Self-
directed Continuing Learners (Introductory Course),” etc.
“Learning Chinese in Four Months (Introductory Course)”
“Quick Chinese Learning Pack for Work”
ALC publishes many books for different purposes including reference books for the Test of Chinese Proficiency, HSK and other tests, and the popular “Kikutan” series.
ALC Education Inc. supports the development of business professionals involved in global business ALC Education Inc. is an ALC group company that embodies the vision of “Networking for Global Communication.” This company builds on ample experience and successful record in language material development and publications that ALC has built up over more than 40 years. ALC Education offers total solutions for global human resources to diverse companies and educational institutions. ALC Education offers a comprehensive range of courses required for all career paths, to enable the successful development of global human resources and management. Professional training and correspondence courses meet the needs of business professionals at every step of the career ladder, from new and experienced employees to executives and senior management. The company provides extensive support to educational institutions, with Faculty Development (FD) training for teachers and faculty members in English and supports non-Japanese students with the e-learning system, “ALC NetAcademy2.”
For incorporated schools
•ALC NetAcademy2
About 80 percent of national universities as well as 400 educational institutions have introduced this system since its release in 1998. By utilizing the self-directed study resources ALC has cultivated, ALC Education can flexibly respond to the needs of diverse language levels and purposes. It offers support for improving academic ability, preparation for the TOEIC® test, English for specific purposes and Japanese education for people from abroad.
•Self-learning support programs
Korean ALC offers unique material and the latest information about Japan’s closest neighbor.
Correspondence course
Magazine book
•“Kankokugo Marathon”
•“Kankokugo Journal”
ALC’s six-month correspondence course for beginners helps them master the necessary language skills for traveling and living in Korea and communicating with Koreans.
This quarterly magazine book teaches Korean and Korean culture using the eyes and ears. “ Kankokugo Journal” is full of fun contents, including interviews with celebrities.
Books
•“Basic Korean Grammar Exercise Book,” etc.
ALC publishes study books for different purposes, including the Korean Language Proficiency Test.
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With diversifying English studies, the role played by English study advisers, who give advice on how to study and how to make a learning plan, has become more and more important for acquiring English skills. ALC established the “English Study Advisors’ Certificate (ESAC)” system in 2005 and supports selflearning through ESAC-certified English advisers. These advisers can give expert advice in order to develop Japanese learners’ command of English.
•Class support programs
Addresses a wide range of needs such as improved TOEIC® test scores, communication practice and business writing training to meet corporate human resource development.
•Textbooks and training aids
Supports teachers with a comprehensive lineup of reference books and study aids. The publications include an introductory technical English textbook for vocational high schools, “Let’s Get Started,” the “Step by Step Prep for the TOEIC® TEST” series and the “40-day Training Kit for Future Scientists.”
For corporations
•Correspondence courses
Our correspondence courses have been adopted by more than 2,500 companies as part of their self-development systems and training for new employees. ALC Education offers a comprehensive lineup of courses to meet different purposes such as preparing for the TOEIC® test and improving speaking ability.
•English communication training Offers opportunities for the comprehensive development of communication skills required by global human resources. This includes areas such as Business English communication, presentation skills and more.
•Management training
The Global Management Program is offered by highly qualified and experienced global management consultants to develop Japanese global managers, core human resources and local staff. To maximize the opportunities for development, many companies have utilized broadband learning courses. These courses allow learners to participate in online business management courses held by experts and famous lecturers.
•Overseas training
In order to accelerate the development of global human resources, overseas training courses are offered. These meet a wide range of learning objectives, from leading business schools to language schools overseas.
•English speaking tests (TSST)
TSST is a tool to measure speaking ability in English conducted over the telephone. The number of companies employing the test has been growing rapidly to meet the need for testing English communication ability.
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Corporate Profile Company name ALC Press Inc. Location
Headquarters
2-54-12 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo168-8611, Japan Tel: +81-3-3323-1101
Osaka Branch
Room # 301 Nomura-Building, 2-9-5, Nishi Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 530-0047, Japan Tel: +81-6-6312-1503
Incorporation
June 2003 (Establishment: April 1969)
Capital
359 million yen
Main business
•Planning, production, and sale of materials for correspondence education •Planning, production, and sale of language-related publications (books and monthly magazines) •Planning, production, and sale of educational material for e-learning •Providing services to assess English speaking ability •Hosting preparation courses for qualification tests and other customer service events
President
Terumaro Hiramoto
Employees
348 (Group); 207 (ALC Press) (as of January 31, 2010)
ALC Group ALC GROUP is comprised of six companies active in their respective specialized fields. The companies are engaged in offering a comprehensive range of products and the provision of services through mutual collaboration. Publication/Development of language education content
ALC Press Inc. Plans, produces and sells a variety of items including educational materials for correspondence courses, language publications (monthly magazines and books) and e-learning material. The company also offers relevant services such as English speaking tests and preparation courses for certification exams.
Global human resource development for corporations
ALC Education Inc. Supports global human resource development for businesses and educational institutions. Over 2,500 enterprises have chosen our programs such as correspondence courses and e-learning as well as foreign language, cross-cultural, overseas, and management training.
19F Shinkasumigaseki Building, 3-3-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013, Japan TEL: +81-3-3595-2808
Web content development/marketing
English for children/overseas studies for juniors
ALC Networks Inc.
ALC Communications Inc.
Operates websites “SPACE ALC,” “Eijiro on the WEB,” “ALCOM WORLD” and “ALC online shop.” Also covers sales of advertisement space on ALC GROUP magazines and websites.
Offers language education for children and support for studying or working abroad. Operates “ALC Kiddy CAT English Class” for children, and supports overseas study through a website for people who want to study or work abroad.
2-54-12 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-8611 Japan Tel: +81-3-3323-2314 (main)
IT consulting and production
Segawa Bldg. 6F, 2-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan Tel: +81-3-5283-5501
Translation
Hitomedia Inc.
TranNet Inc.
Plans, manages and develops a comprehensive range of media to integrate "new technologies" with "education" based on the concept of "Education + Innovation = Eduvation." Also provided are consulting and advertising businesses specializing in education.
Operates a web-based audition system for translators to support their education and entry to the literary translation field. Serves as a literary agency to connect Japanese publishers with foreign rights owners. With its consulting services, offers marketing of English translations of Japanese literary works as well as promotion of their translation rights to various language spheres.
8F Dai-2 Sakaino Building, 2-1-1 Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0012, Japan TEL: +81-3-5425-7001(main)
5F Ip Dai-2 Building, 1-26 Jinbo-cho, Kanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan TEL: +81-3-5283-7555
History Foundation
1969 -1986
Second stage
1987- 2002
Third stage
2003-
Dawn of the age of globalization
The full coming of the globalization age
Mature phase of Internet
Pioneers “Real English”
Works towards realizing “Networking for Global Communication”
Provides innovative solutions utilizing a mix of media
1971 Publishes first issue of “English Journal,” a monthly magazine for English as a spoken language 1982 Launches groundbreaking correspondence course “1000-Hour Hearing Marathon”
1987 Starts Japanese language and children’s English education business 1994 Launches multilingual education business 1995 Opens corporate website “SPACE ALC” 1998 Introduces e-learning system “ALC NetAcademy”
ALC Topics
Correspondence course materials
2003 Splits up and starts to offer wider range of language education solutions 2006 Listed on JASDAQ 2008 Opens community website “ALCOM WORLD” 2010 To strengthen Group business, changes the names of two subsidiary companies to ALC Networks Incorporated and ALC Communications Incorporated
Books
Digital contents
Seminars and events
Others
Start of “Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius” Correspondence course materials
Complementing “ Hearing Marathon” series with a course for elementary school pupils
“Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius” was introduced as an English correspondence course for upper elementary school pupils on April 1, 2010. This further enhanced the comprehensive lineup of the “Hearing Marathon” series, an English correspondence course for listening to and mastering natural English. This course will start as a forerunner of mandatory foreign language classes at
Japanese public elementary schools in April 2011. The material for the course assumes a lesson of 20 minutes a day, twice a week, mainly using DVDs and CDs. With a variety of useful dialogues, including conversations with English-speaking children of similar ages, children will be able to enjoy developing their English listening skills.
“Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius”
Supporting “sustainable study ” Digital contents
Providing online scoring service “ TESTCO”
In April 2010, ALC launched an online scoring service, TESTCO. It enables the members of ALC correspondence courses (currently not all members) to submit their answers to tests and receive a score. This service also provides several additional applications for
creating learning plans, recording study logs, and taking review quizzes. “TESTCO” is a support tool for making correspondence courses more enjoyable and less stressful. TESTCO: https://testco.alc.co.jp/contents/about/
“Learning through listening”
“Japanese-Language Proficiency Test ” revised Books
Publishing learning material for revised JLPT
The new “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test” (JLPT), a globally conducted test to evaluate Japanese language skills, was revised in July, 2010. ALC has led the industry by publishing learning material for the revised test and supporting students of Japanese with a comprehensive lineup of support for learners at all levels, including vocabulary building and grammar checks.
Digital contents
“ Kikutan” series surpasses 1 million mark
The “Kikutan” series published in 2005 started as ALC’s first series of reference textbooks, and now has a lineup of 38 books (as of July, 2010), which have sold more than one million copies. They serve a diversity of people from children to adults, covering such categories as English vocabulary, idioms and reading; preparation for TOEIC and EIKEN tests; medical English; English for children. In addition, they are available in Chinese, Korean and German.
Networking for Global Communication
ALC Press Inc. 2-54-12 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-8611, Japan Tel: +81-3-3323-1101
Making the dreams of everyone come true
This is an age where we can feel that the earth is one, across all national borders. Believing in the vision of such a future, ALC has been actively championing its corporate motto of “Networking for Global Communication” for more than 40 years. The company started with the publication of “English Journal,” a monthly language magazine, followed by the release of “1000-Hour Hearing Marathon,” a correspondence course for those wishing to perfect their command of English. ALC has continued to extend its goods and services, providing a complete range of study styles to meet the needs of all generations, levels, and purposes.
ALC is a general language education company dedicated to those wishing to ...
The company is continually committed to creating new study content, tools, and support, and assisting the dreams of learners by further enhancing its product lineup.
... actively work in a global forum
... have an excellent command of English beyond exam-oriented English
... become professionals who can work overseas in the future
... learn and teach English in a natural and fun way
Development of children/elementary school English instructors ▶ P. 8 Offers correspondence courses to develop children and elementary school English instructors. Publishes the monthly “Kodomo Eigo” (English for children) and other books.
Children’s English schools and English learning for children ▶ P. 8 Operates “ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools” with about 12,000 children learning English. Offers materials to learn English in an entertaining way.
2
... become teachers of Japanese working in Japan and overseas
English for high school students ▶ P. 7 Produces a wide variety of reference books for students, including the popular “Kikutan” and “Yumetan” series.
E-learning ALC’s e-learning system, “ALC NetAcademy2,” is used in about 80 percent of all national universities in Japan.
▶ P. 4
ESP (English for Specific Purposes) ▶ P. 7 Offers English learning materials for such specific purposes as science, medicine, and economics.
TOEIC® test preparation
▶ P. 7
Offers extensive support for TOEIC test-takers. ®
... master Chinese and Korean
General English
▶ P. 7
Develops materials dealing with speaking and listening abilities as well as other themes.
English speaking tests
▶ P. 7
Offers tests designed to precisely evaluate speaking ability using telephone testing and interviews.
Japanese instructor education ▶ P. 9 Offers a correspondence course for Japanese education. Publishes the information magazine, “The Monthly Nihongo” and other books for Japanese instructors.
Japanese as a foreign language ▶ P. 9 Offers Japanese learning materials and information for foreigners studying and working in Japan.
Chinese
▶ P. 10
Provides services such as “Learning Chinese in Four Months” (Introductory Course), a correspondence course for learning Chinese step by step. Issues the monthly “Chugokugo Journal” in addition to books.
Korean
▶ P. 10
Sponsors the distance learning course, “Kankokugo Marathon,” and also issues the quarterly magazine “Kankokugo Journal” along with other books.
3
Delivering more convenient language learning tools to more people.
Supporting learning and beyond. In the process of learning, you will reach many crossroads where you think, “I want to take a higher step,” or “I have reached a plateau in learning.” Through its websites and seminars, ALC offers information and support to enable you to choose the right path and help you to pursue your career beyond learning.
The development and appearance of new electronic devices and media have greatly changed our lives over the past few years. By immediately embracing such changes, and working in collaboration with a variety of business partners, ALC has worked steadily toward developing study contents tailored to the many different lifestyles of learners.
Smart phones and tablet type terminals
Supporting business partners
Portal site
Space ALC
Games
Partners Electronic device manufacturers, software developers, etc.
Planning
Learning contents are offered for various models of electronic dictionary.
E-learning “ALC NetAcademy2” Network-based learning system used in LAN environments at schools, companies, and more.
Conducts effective promotion activities utilizing magazines, the Internet and social media.
* “Eijiro” is a registered trademark of Ms. Sachiko Michihata.
Shop
Website to support learning and beyond
Shopping website for language learning materials
http://alcom.alc.co.jp/
http://shop.alc.co.jp/
A language study community site, that brings to life the idea of “Networking for Global Communication.” Anyone can participate in various clubs which offer opportunities to enjoy interesting news from around the world in English or to exchange their impressions of books.
A shopping website offering ALC correspondence courses, books and lots of other information. A correspondence course level guide is available to help visitors choose materials that fit their needs.
Membership
Product development and production
Advertisement and sales promotion
Community
ALCOM WORLD
Proposes products, taking advantage of networks of authors and clients cultivated through publishing business.
Develops new study contents from existing books, correspondence courses, CDs and DVDs, supporting a wide range of media.
The ALC portal site offers a wide range of English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean language study information, as well as a wide range of data for translators, interpreters, and students preparing for exams. The site has a comprehensive range of services including “Eijiro on the WEB” and other databases, as well as English expressions and TOEIC® test preparation, and is utilized by more than two million unique users each month.
Electronic dictionaries
Marketing survey Uses survey data collected from members and Internet users. Responds to various marketing needs.
Eijiro is a service that provides web-based access to an English-Japanese/JapaneseEnglish database with over 1.7 million entries as of 2010. Students, business people and English professionals use the service.
http://www.alc.co.jp/
Software including the contents of the “Kikutan” series and other books.
4
Ever-evolving English/Japanese database “Eijiro on the WEB”
General website for language study information
ALC works with its business partners on product development, thereby taking advantage of the planning and editing powers of a publisher specializing in languages and networks that have been built throughout its history.
ALC
Websites
A few dozen applications including the contents of the “Kikutan” series and other popular ALC books.
Others Offers contents for universities, colleges, and libraries in addition to electronic devices.
ALC Online Shop
Seminars/Events
For many years, ALC’s membership organization has supported people who want to realize their language dreams. The company offers a complete and exclusive range of services to members, including the member website and a monthly journal, supporting language studies and cross-cultural exchanges. “ALCOM WORLD” information magazine for members
As part of a bi-directional communication between learners (including members) and ALC, ALC sponsors about 100 seminars and events every year. The themes of these events vary from study methods to instructor development and qualification acquisition.
Scene from a seminar at the ALC Event Hall
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English As a pioneer of “useful” English education, ALC has a comprehensive lineup of correspondence courses and publications for a wide range of “Hearing Marathon”
“ENGLISH JOURNAL”
English in general
Preparation for TOEIC® tests
English for high school students
ESP
generations, levels, and purposes. “SST” “TSST”
English material and publications ALC offers support to improve speakers’ command of the language with “useful and real” English.
Correspondence courses
Books
•“1000-Hour Hearing Marathon,” etc.
•General English
•Preparation for the TOEIC
The 1000-Hour Hearing Marathon correspondence course can be considered the origin of ALC’s English education. ALC offers a wide variety of courses, including the “Hearing Marathon” series that more than one million people have taken since it began in 1982, along with courses to prepare for the TOEIC® test and courses to improve speaking ability.
ALC publishes many books for efficient and effective English learning. Many hit products have been issued, including the “Okitekara Nerumade” (From waking till sleeping) series that has sold more than 1.8 million copies and the “Kyukyoku (Ultimate)” series based on ALC’s carefully researched and selected “SVL 12,000” Standard Vocabulary List.
The TOEIC® test serves as an evaluation standard for English ability at many corporations. ALC publishes TOEIC preparation books for students at various levels of English ability.
•English for high school students
•ESP (English for Specific Purposes)
ALC publishes materials for both entrance exam preparation and development of communication ability, including “Kikutan” and “Yumetan.”
ESP stands for English for Specific Purposes. People working internationally often need a command of English specializing in certain subjects. ALC offers ideal materials for learning English in specific fields such as science, medicine and economics.
®
test
“650-Plus Marathon Course for the TOEIC® Test”
“1,000-Hour Hearing Marathon”
“Revive Your Basic English Skills”
Magazines/Magazine books
•“ENGLISH JOURNAL,” etc. ENGLISH JOURNAL, first published in 1971, is a leading English study and information magazine that enables readers to master English while broadening their general education. In addition, the company issues many magazine books, including “Translation Encyclopedia” and “ALC’s Study Abroad Guide to Universities and Colleges” that are acknowledged as the industry standard for languagelearning and studying abroad.
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English speaking tests & lessons •“SST” “TSST” and the “Creative Speaking Course” ALC hosts the “Standard Speaking Test (SST ),” an English interview test for the assessment of functional speaking ability. This test was jointly developed with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Also based on the same assessment standard as that of SST, ALC developed the “Telephone Standard Speaking Test (TSST ),” an automated English test administered over the telephone. ALC also offers the “Creative Speaking Course,” a set of lessons focusing on improving performance on the SST and TSST.
TSST
Creative Speaking Course
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Children’s English
Japanese
From infants to elementary school pupils, ALC develops enjoyable study materials, issuing magazines for English teachers of children and hosting correspondence courses.
There are over three million foreign people studying Japanese around the world. ALC addresses Japanese instructor education for those wishing to teach Japanese to foreign learners and provides information for foreigners living in Japan.
“ALC Training Course for Teaching English to Children” “ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools”
Monthly “Kodomo Eigo”
“Angel Course”
“ALC’s 2000-Word Picture Dictionary for Kids”
“NAFL Japanese Instructor Education Program”
“The Monthly Nihongo”
“Gokakusurutameno” Series
“J-Life”
JSST
Development of children and elementary school English instructors
Japanese instructor education
ALC develops English teachers who can share the fun of English learning with children.
ALC supports the development of Japanese teachers needed around the world.
Correspondence course
Magazines/Books
Correspondence courses
Magazines/Magazine books
•“ALC Training Course for Teaching English to Children”
•Monthly “Kodomo Eigo,” etc.
•“NAFL Japanese Instructor Education Program,” etc.
•“ The Monthly Nihongo,” etc.
This course gives participants the knowledge and skills to teach English to children. Certified by the nonprofit organization, “J-SHINE” it also opens the path to acquiring certification as an elementary school English instructor.
ALC publishes a wide range of books including a monthly magazine, “Kodomo Eigo,” (English for children) for English teachers who are working at English schools and elementary schools.
More than 70,000 people have taken the “NAFL Japanese Instructor Education Program.” It comprehensively covers a range of skills needed for the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test, and offers the optimal content for people aiming to be teachers of Japanese.
“The Monthly Nihongo” is a practical magazine full of useful information, including tips for teaching Japanese and the latest news about Japanese education. ALC also publishes magazine books to prepare teachers to take the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test and become instructors of Japanese.
About J-SHINE J-SHINE is founded with the purpose of “supporting the prevalence and development of English education at elementary schools” in Japan.
Books
•“Gokakusurutameno” Series, etc.
Children’s English schools and English learning for children
ALC publishes many preparation books about the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test and others about teaching methods for Japanese teachers.
ALC helps establish environments where children can naturally have contact with English and master “useful” English.
Correspondence courses
Schools
•“Angel Course,” etc.
•“ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools”
Many English courses for children are offered, including the “Angel Course” for kids up to three years old, since their brain development makes them especially open to language learning, and “Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius” for elementary school pupils.
“ALC Kiddy CAT English Schools” are provided for two- to twelve-year olds across Japan. High-quality teachers instruct the children. At present, there are about 1,200 classes in which 12,000 children study English.
“Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius”
“Angel Course”
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Books
•“ALC’s 2000-Word Picture Dictionary for Kids” A wide variety of materials are available including “ALC’s 2000-Word Picture Dictionary for Kids” based on ALC’s carefully selected “Standard Vocabulary List 2000 for Kids” and the “Kikutan Kids” series in which children practice saying words set to rhythms while looking at illustrations.
Japanese learning ALC opens language horizons for people from abroad studying and working in Japan.
Magazines/Books
Japanese Speaking Test
•“J-Life,” etc.
•JSST（Japanese Standard Speaking Test）
ALC publishes preparation books for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and Japanese study books for a wide variety of purposes. In 2005, ALC launched a free information magazine for foreign people studying and working in Japan, “J-Life.” Together with its exclusive website, the company provides information for a wide range of audiences.
The Japanese Standard Speaking Test (JSST ) is an interview test administered over the telephone for the assessment of functional speaking ability in Japanese. Japanese ability is assessed by analyzing such elements as words, grammar, and pronunciation to measure the test-taker’s ability to have a conversation. The test is utilized at domestic and international companies as well as universities and colleges.
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Chinese & Korean China, with its outstanding economic growth, and Korea, with its popular culture, have attracted a great deal of attention lately. As a forerunner in the industry, ALC has hosted correspondence courses and published books for studying Chinese and Korean. “Chugokugo Journal”
Chinese study books
“Chinese Quick Learning Pack for Work”
“ Learning Chinese in four Months (Introductory Course) ”
“Kankokugo Journal”
Korean study books
“Kankokugo Marathon”
Chinese Delivering the language and up-to-date information on this country of one billion people.
Correspondence courses
Magazine
•“Learning Chinese in four Months
•“Chugokugo Journal”
(Introductory Course)”
•
“Quick Chinese Learning Pack for Work”
These courses can be chosen based on learning level and purpose, such as a correspondence course for mastering Chinese from the basics, “Learning Chinese in Four Months,” and, a course full of scenes that business people often come across on business trips to China, “Quick Chinese Learning Pack for Work.”
This monthly magazine is for readers to improve their command of Chinese and to learn about China now. Attached CD includes Chinese language in actual use, such as in interviews with celebrities and in scenes from TV dramas.
Books
•“Chinese Textbook for Self-
directed Continuing Learners (Introductory Course),” etc.
“Learning Chinese in Four Months (Introductory Course)”
“Quick Chinese Learning Pack for Work”
ALC publishes many books for different purposes including reference books for the Test of Chinese Proficiency, HSK and other tests, and the popular “Kikutan” series.
ALC Education Inc. supports the development of business professionals involved in global business ALC Education Inc. is an ALC group company that embodies the vision of “Networking for Global Communication.” This company builds on ample experience and successful record in language material development and publications that ALC has built up over more than 40 years. ALC Education offers total solutions for global human resources to diverse companies and educational institutions. ALC Education offers a comprehensive range of courses required for all career paths, to enable the successful development of global human resources and management. Professional training and correspondence courses meet the needs of business professionals at every step of the career ladder, from new and experienced employees to executives and senior management. The company provides extensive support to educational institutions, with Faculty Development (FD) training for teachers and faculty members in English and supports non-Japanese students with the e-learning system, “ALC NetAcademy2.”
For incorporated schools
•ALC NetAcademy2
About 80 percent of national universities as well as 400 educational institutions have introduced this system since its release in 1998. By utilizing the self-directed study resources ALC has cultivated, ALC Education can flexibly respond to the needs of diverse language levels and purposes. It offers support for improving academic ability, preparation for the TOEIC® test, English for specific purposes and Japanese education for people from abroad.
•Self-learning support programs
Korean ALC offers unique material and the latest information about Japan’s closest neighbor.
Correspondence course
Magazine book
•“Kankokugo Marathon”
•“Kankokugo Journal”
ALC’s six-month correspondence course for beginners helps them master the necessary language skills for traveling and living in Korea and communicating with Koreans.
This quarterly magazine book teaches Korean and Korean culture using the eyes and ears. “ Kankokugo Journal” is full of fun contents, including interviews with celebrities.
Books
•“Basic Korean Grammar Exercise Book,” etc.
ALC publishes study books for different purposes, including the Korean Language Proficiency Test.
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With diversifying English studies, the role played by English study advisers, who give advice on how to study and how to make a learning plan, has become more and more important for acquiring English skills. ALC established the “English Study Advisors’ Certificate (ESAC)” system in 2005 and supports selflearning through ESAC-certified English advisers. These advisers can give expert advice in order to develop Japanese learners’ command of English.
•Class support programs
Addresses a wide range of needs such as improved TOEIC® test scores, communication practice and business writing training to meet corporate human resource development.
•Textbooks and training aids
Supports teachers with a comprehensive lineup of reference books and study aids. The publications include an introductory technical English textbook for vocational high schools, “Let’s Get Started,” the “Step by Step Prep for the TOEIC® TEST” series and the “40-day Training Kit for Future Scientists.”
For corporations
•Correspondence courses
Our correspondence courses have been adopted by more than 2,500 companies as part of their self-development systems and training for new employees. ALC Education offers a comprehensive lineup of courses to meet different purposes such as preparing for the TOEIC® test and improving speaking ability.
•English communication training Offers opportunities for the comprehensive development of communication skills required by global human resources. This includes areas such as Business English communication, presentation skills and more.
•Management training
The Global Management Program is offered by highly qualified and experienced global management consultants to develop Japanese global managers, core human resources and local staff. To maximize the opportunities for development, many companies have utilized broadband learning courses. These courses allow learners to participate in online business management courses held by experts and famous lecturers.
•Overseas training
In order to accelerate the development of global human resources, overseas training courses are offered. These meet a wide range of learning objectives, from leading business schools to language schools overseas.
•English speaking tests (TSST)
TSST is a tool to measure speaking ability in English conducted over the telephone. The number of companies employing the test has been growing rapidly to meet the need for testing English communication ability.
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Corporate Profile Company name ALC Press Inc. Location
Headquarters
2-54-12 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo168-8611, Japan Tel: +81-3-3323-1101
Osaka Branch
Room # 301 Nomura-Building, 2-9-5, Nishi Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 530-0047, Japan Tel: +81-6-6312-1503
Incorporation
June 2003 (Establishment: April 1969)
Capital
359 million yen
Main business
•Planning, production, and sale of materials for correspondence education •Planning, production, and sale of language-related publications (books and monthly magazines) •Planning, production, and sale of educational material for e-learning •Providing services to assess English speaking ability •Hosting preparation courses for qualification tests and other customer service events
President
Terumaro Hiramoto
Employees
348 (Group); 207 (ALC Press) (as of January 31, 2010)
ALC Group ALC GROUP is comprised of six companies active in their respective specialized fields. The companies are engaged in offering a comprehensive range of products and the provision of services through mutual collaboration. Publication/Development of language education content
ALC Press Inc. Plans, produces and sells a variety of items including educational materials for correspondence courses, language publications (monthly magazines and books) and e-learning material. The company also offers relevant services such as English speaking tests and preparation courses for certification exams.
Global human resource development for corporations
ALC Education Inc. Supports global human resource development for businesses and educational institutions. Over 2,500 enterprises have chosen our programs such as correspondence courses and e-learning as well as foreign language, cross-cultural, overseas, and management training.
19F Shinkasumigaseki Building, 3-3-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013, Japan TEL: +81-3-3595-2808
Web content development/marketing
English for children/overseas studies for juniors
ALC Networks Inc.
ALC Communications Inc.
Operates websites “SPACE ALC,” “Eijiro on the WEB,” “ALCOM WORLD” and “ALC online shop.” Also covers sales of advertisement space on ALC GROUP magazines and websites.
Offers language education for children and support for studying or working abroad. Operates “ALC Kiddy CAT English Class” for children, and supports overseas study through a website for people who want to study or work abroad.
2-54-12 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-8611 Japan Tel: +81-3-3323-2314 (main)
IT consulting and production
Segawa Bldg. 6F, 2-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan Tel: +81-3-5283-5501
Translation
Hitomedia Inc.
TranNet Inc.
Plans, manages and develops a comprehensive range of media to integrate "new technologies" with "education" based on the concept of "Education + Innovation = Eduvation." Also provided are consulting and advertising businesses specializing in education.
Operates a web-based audition system for translators to support their education and entry to the literary translation field. Serves as a literary agency to connect Japanese publishers with foreign rights owners. With its consulting services, offers marketing of English translations of Japanese literary works as well as promotion of their translation rights to various language spheres.
8F Dai-2 Sakaino Building, 2-1-1 Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0012, Japan TEL: +81-3-5425-7001(main)
5F Ip Dai-2 Building, 1-26 Jinbo-cho, Kanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan TEL: +81-3-5283-7555
History Foundation
1969 -1986
Second stage
1987- 2002
Third stage
2003-
Dawn of the age of globalization
The full coming of the globalization age
Mature phase of Internet
Pioneers “Real English”
Works towards realizing “Networking for Global Communication”
Provides innovative solutions utilizing a mix of media
1971 Publishes first issue of “English Journal,” a monthly magazine for English as a spoken language 1982 Launches groundbreaking correspondence course “1000-Hour Hearing Marathon”
1987 Starts Japanese language and children’s English education business 1994 Launches multilingual education business 1995 Opens corporate website “SPACE ALC” 1998 Introduces e-learning system “ALC NetAcademy”
ALC Topics
Correspondence course materials
2003 Splits up and starts to offer wider range of language education solutions 2006 Listed on JASDAQ 2008 Opens community website “ALCOM WORLD” 2010 To strengthen Group business, changes the names of two subsidiary companies to ALC Networks Incorporated and ALC Communications Incorporated
Books
Digital contents
Seminars and events
Others
Start of “Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius” Correspondence course materials
Complementing “ Hearing Marathon” series with a course for elementary school pupils
“Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius” was introduced as an English correspondence course for upper elementary school pupils on April 1, 2010. This further enhanced the comprehensive lineup of the “Hearing Marathon” series, an English correspondence course for listening to and mastering natural English. This course will start as a forerunner of mandatory foreign language classes at
Japanese public elementary schools in April 2011. The material for the course assumes a lesson of 20 minutes a day, twice a week, mainly using DVDs and CDs. With a variety of useful dialogues, including conversations with English-speaking children of similar ages, children will be able to enjoy developing their English listening skills.
“Hearing Marathon Junior Sirius”
Supporting “sustainable study ” Digital contents
Providing online scoring service “ TESTCO”
In April 2010, ALC launched an online scoring service, TESTCO. It enables the members of ALC correspondence courses (currently not all members) to submit their answers to tests and receive a score. This service also provides several additional applications for
creating learning plans, recording study logs, and taking review quizzes. “TESTCO” is a support tool for making correspondence courses more enjoyable and less stressful. TESTCO: https://testco.alc.co.jp/contents/about/
“Learning through listening”
“Japanese-Language Proficiency Test ” revised Books
Publishing learning material for revised JLPT
The new “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test” (JLPT), a globally conducted test to evaluate Japanese language skills, was revised in July, 2010. ALC has led the industry by publishing learning material for the revised test and supporting students of Japanese with a comprehensive lineup of support for learners at all levels, including vocabulary building and grammar checks.
Digital contents
“ Kikutan” series surpasses 1 million mark
The “Kikutan” series published in 2005 started as ALC’s first series of reference textbooks, and now has a lineup of 38 books (as of July, 2010), which have sold more than one million copies. They serve a diversity of people from children to adults, covering such categories as English vocabulary, idioms and reading; preparation for TOEIC and EIKEN tests; medical English; English for children. In addition, they are available in Chinese, Korean and German.
