The CLS Japanese Program is hosted by Okayama University (OU) in Okayama, Japan. OU is known for its innovative leadership in internationalization and in 2014 was selected for the Top Global University Project by the Japanese government. At OU, CLS students participate in an eight-week intensive language program, which covers the equivalent of one year of Japanese instruction at the college level. Each week students participate in approximately eighteen hours of formal classroom instruction where they learn the four major skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

In addition to formal classroom hours, CLS Japanese students in Okayama are provided unique opportunities to learn about Japanese language and culture through extensive activities and excursions. These activities introduce students to sites of cultural and historical significance, provide opportunities to participate in traditional Japanese ceremonies, and provide insight into day-to-day life in Okayama. In the past, cultural excursions and activities have included interviewing Okayama high school students about their daily life, taking part in a traditional tea ceremony, and learning some Japanese sign language.

In Okayama, CLS participants live in on-campus apartments with a CLS peer and one or two OU students. Each apartment consists of individual bedrooms and a shared living room and kitchenette. This arrangement gives students the opportunity to create an immediate connection with the host community and practice Japanese outside of class.

In addition to the opportunities presented by living with Okayama University students, CLS participants will be paired with language partners to practice the language in a more relaxed setting. Language partners are college students who are eager to show students around campus and their community. Students and language partners have previously enjoyed visiting museums, discussing cultural similarities and differences, and cooking Japanese recipes together. Language partners are also eager to help students navigate tasks of daily living in Japan, such as grocery shopping, managing public transportation, and doing errands.