This paper describes a PBL-based active learning approach using ICT tools for Japanese education that is appropriate for the digital age. Based on the existing literature on PBL, we designed a two-week PBL program in which a total of eight learners in three distinct countries (Japan, Spain, and China) collaboratively studied and read Hana (“The Nose”), a short story published by the Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa, to gain insight into the nature of Japanese modernization. Despite their limited prior exposure to Japanese classics, all learners clearly demonstrated a recognizable improvement in their understanding of the text at the end of the PBL program through the mid and final presentations. They also provided positive evaluations of their PBL experiences. Some remaining issues are discussed based on these data and instructors’ reflections on PBL.