JP-START · General Japanese

Japanese Starter

Master kana, pronunciation and the first essential patterns for a confident start.

Recommended for

Complete beginners or learners who want to rebuild kana and start systematically.

LevelBeginner · Early N5

Standard length10 weeks · 40 class hours

Study frequency2 sessions per week · 2 class hours each

Suggested class size8–14 learners

Admissions statusOpen for enrolment

Stage outcomes

What you should be able to do after this stage

Use the stage vocabulary and structures in meaningful communication

Complete integrated listening, speaking, reading and writing tasks

Recognize current strengths and the appropriate next learning stage

Course outline

Entry level and teaching arrangements

Entry level: Complete beginners. No knowledge of kana required.
Course materials: Japanese for Absolute Beginners, a kana workbook, pronunciation audio and everyday situation cards.
Teaching team: Course lead　高橋彩乃 · Ayano TakahashiCo-teacher　山田美咲 · Misaki Yamada

Course outline

Four connected learning modules

The outline is organized by progression of ability. Teachers adjust the density of practice to how a class is doing, while stage goals and core content stay the same.

MODULE 01 · Kana and sound

Weeks 1–3

Teaching content: Basic kana, voiced sounds, long vowels, double consonants and contracted sounds.
Classroom tasks: Read kana aloud; choose the character you hear; sound out names and loanwords
Homework and unit checks: Kana handwriting; shadowing; kana reading and dictation in week 3

MODULE 02 · Meeting for the first time

Weeks 4–5

Teaching content: Greetings, introductions, demonstratives, statements and questions.
Classroom tasks: Exchange names, nationalities and fields of study; describe objects
Homework and unit checks: Record a self-introduction; basic conversation speaking test in week 5

MODULE 03 · My day

Weeks 6–8

Teaching content: Time, dates, introductory verbs, particles に・で・を and routines.
Classroom tasks: Build a schedule; interview a partner; describe a day on campus
Homework and unit checks: Write up your schedule; verb practice; listening, reading and sentence-pattern check in week 8

MODULE 04 · First situational task

Weeks 9–10

Teaching content: Shopping, ordering, campus directions and a basic conversation showcase.
Classroom tasks: Order in a restaurant; ask a price; complete a campus map task
Homework and unit checks: Consolidation review; prepare the closing presentation

Course outline

Assessment schedule

Assessment is spread across the term rather than saved for the end, so both teacher and learner can see progress while there is still time to act on it.

Week 3: kana reading, handwriting and dictation.
Week 5: self-introduction speaking test.
Week 8: basic listening and reading.
Week 10: an ordering or directions scenario, short reading and writing, and an integrated speaking test.

Placement & enrolment

Confirm your starting point before choosing a class

Share your learning history, goal and available times. Where a level check is needed, the center will arrange a short assessment or conversation before recommending a class.

Ask about course availability →