Course Listing

 

WINTER 2025

REGISTRATION STARTS ON decEMBER 5! 

 

Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom. Learn Japanese and upgrade yourself in 2025!

The classes are very interactive, informative, and fun! This course uses Japan Foundation's textbook, "Marugoto" as well as original online resources instructed by our experienced language teachers. Both tuition prices for in-person/online continue to remain the same price. (For Winter 2025 only, an in-person class will not be available.) For any questions, please contact us at jflacourse@jpf.go.jp.

 

Age: 18 years old and older          Class Size: 10 - 20 people        Goal Level: A1*

*Goal levels are based on JF Standard proficiency levels.  Click here to learn more.

 

requirements for online classes:

  • Must have a computer/digital device with an internet connection
  • Must be available to access both video and audio (so that we can interact face-to-face virtually as we do a lot of role-plays)
  • We prefer that students use headsets/headphones/earphones for fewer chances of having sound problems
  • Permission to record the class activities for educational purposes and show current JF Nihongo students

 

Textbook

 

  • FOR NEW STUDENTS: You must purchase your own textbook. The textbook is called, “Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1 Coursebook for Communicative Language Activities - Japanese Language Study Book”.  You can purchase from either AMAZON or Kinokuniya USA.  It usually takes 1-2 weeks to be delivered.

 

  • FOR PAST STUDENTS who have taken our class in the past and already purchased MARUGOTO textbook: No need to purchase a new textbook since you will be using the same exact textbook (the white ones, not the pink ones).

 

 

Our textbook & resources
“Marugoto” Starter (A1 level), Katsudoo (activities)

(Edited by the Japan Foundation, published by Sanshusha Publishing Co., Ltd.)

You can have fun learning Japanese while looking at photographs and illustrations and experiencing the Japanese lifestyle and culture.
The three courses will cover the whole textbook.

The textbook has lots of pictures with words and sentences in Roma-ji and Kana. It especially aims to develop practical communicative ability through activities.

Look inside (Click here)
 

In the Marugoto textbook series, there are paired books called “Marugoto” Starter Rikai (competencies), which focus on language systems.  Our course requirement is Katsudo (white book) only.
 

Other resources and many more!

 

 

 

Everyday Japanese 1: 

Hajimemashite!  Introduce yourself

This introductory course teaches one component of the Japanese writing system, which is called Hiragana, as well as basic vocabulary, greetings, and conversations. By the end of this course, students will be able to introduce themselves and talk about their family and their preferences. They will also be able to talk with a friend about going out to eat and ordering food at a restaurant. Content will be cumulative, with the ultimate goal being that students will be able to carry basic conversations to handle simple situations, such as meeting for the first time at a party/workplace and going out for lunch/dinner with a friend in Japanese.  No prerequisites are required.

At the end of the course, successful learners will:

  • Be able to make appropriate greetings for different times of the day and able to show gratitude
  • Be able to introduce yourself using simple Japanese
  • Be able to talk about your family and favorite foods
  • Be able to read and write Hiragana
  • Be able to recognize Japanese characters
  • Be able to ask your friend for lunch
  • Be able to order food and drinks at restaurants

 

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Goal: A1 level*

Click here to learn more

You are not sure if this course is right for you?  Please take a look at the Self-check list to see if this is the right one for you. 

 

 

Continue to Registration Information

 

 

Everyday Japanese 2: 

Let’s go to a fun event together

In this course, you will learn how to talk in Japanese about your daily activities and personal environment, such as where you live, your daily routine, weekly schedule, hobbies, and how to invite your friend. At the end of this course, you will be able to talk about yourself and carry on a simple conversation with Japanese people. This course also introduces Katakana, basic knowledge of kanji, and some useful kanji for everyday life.

Prerequisites

This course is designed for those who have completed JF Nihongo Everyday Japanese 1 or equivalent level.  You must be comfortable reading Hiragana (ex. あ、い、う) with pronunciation guides such as Roma-ji.  You must be able to talk about yourself, your family, and your favorite food.

 

 

At the end of the course, successful learners will:

 

  • Be able to talk about your daily routine
  • Be able to talk about a birthday party plan
  • Be able to talk about what type of place you live in and show your friend around your house
  • Be able to ask about the time of the day
  • Be able to ask your friends to go out and attend an event 
  • Be able to pronounce Hiragana and Katakana words and sentences
  • Be able to recognize the basic knowledge of Kanji and understand the meaning of the most useful kanji that are used for everyday life.

 

Goal: A1 level*          

Click here to learn more

You are not sure if this course is right for you?  Please take a look at the Self-check list and assessment test. If you feel comfortable answering these questions, this course is the right one for you. 

 

Continue to Registration Information

 

 

 

Everyday Japanese 3: 

let's travel & go shopping

Imagine being able to get around Japan on your own by speaking Japanese! In this course, you will learn simple expressions that can be used while you are traveling in Japan, in situations such as taking a train or a taxi, reading a map, asking someone for directions, or making plans to meet with a friend. You will also learn to describe what you did when you traveled and talk about your future travel plans.

Prerequisites

This course is designed for those who have completed JF Nihongo Everyday Japanese 2 or the equivalent.  You must be comfortable reading and writing Hiragana and Katakana without pronunciation guides such as Roma-ji in order to understand the class materials in Japanese. Also, have basic knowledge of Kanji such as stroke order and common radicals.  You must be able to talk about your house structure, hobbies, and weekly schedule in Japanese.

At the end of the course, successful learners will:

 

  • Be able to ask how to get to a destination
  • Be able to read the business hours of shops
  • Be able to ask and understand information about the color and size of what you want to buy
  • Be able to talk and write about what you did on your day off
  • Be able to tell your friends what you did during your travels

 

 

Goal: A1 level*

Click here to learn more

You are not sure if this course is right for you?  Please take a look at the Self-check list and Assessment test.  If you feel comfortable answering these questions, this course is the right one for you. 

 

Continue to Registration Information

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the japan foundation, los angeles

5700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036-

jflainfo@jpf.go.jp

323.761.7510

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