Japanese language instruction for foreign students began at Waseda University in 1955 as a supplementary course offered by the Academic Affairs Division. The course was transferred to the Institute of Language Teaching when that educational unit was established in 1962. Subsequently, the Japanese Language Department of the Institute took charge of all Japanese language teaching for foreign students admitted to the University, including students of the International Division, and native speakers of Japanese desiring to teach and conduct research on Japanese as a second / foreign language.

In April 1988, the Japanese Department became independent from the Institute of Language Teaching and was established as the Center for Japanese Language (CJL). And in 1990, the Intensive Japanese Language Program was established by the CJL for students wishing to major in Japanese Studies and / or Japanese Language Teaching, or those working in related areas with intensive instruction in Japanese.

By April 1998, when the Center had its 10th anniversary, acceptances began for trainees dispatched from overseas universities, governmental institutions, and short-term accelerated-program exchange students. The curriculum was developed to meet the needs of students with diverse learning backgrounds and objectives. These efforts led to both the introduction of Japanese language courses divided into skills such as oral expression and listening, as well as different proficiency levels. For this reason, preparations have been successful for the system of Japanese language teaching at the university.

Furthermore, since its establishment in 1988, the Center has developed various other courses such as Japanese language and Japanese language education for those concerned with Japanese linguistics or teaching Japanese as a foreign/second language. Additionally, the Center launched a new open course for Japanese language teaching in April 2000.