Class Levels
Beginning Series (I-III)
The Beginning Series focuses primarily on the development of basic conversational skills and an understanding of Japanese as it is currently spoken in Japan. Topics covered include introductions, giving opinions, asking permission, expressing preferences, and giving and receiving. Both hiragana and katakana are introduced, and the student should be able to read and produce both accurately upon completion of this series of classes. Please note that Beginning I is for students with NO previous Japanese experience. Beginning II, Beginning III, etc., assume some familiarity with the language.
The required textbook for the Beginning Series is Japanese for Busy People (JBP), Volume 1, Rev. 3rd edition (kana):
Beginning 1: Lessons 1-7
Beginning 2: Lessons 8-16
Beginning 3: Lessons 17-25
Some classes also use the Handy Katakana Workbook.
Intermediate Series (I-III)
The Intermediate Series continues to expand upon speaking, reading, and writing skills with the gradual introduction of common kanji compounds. Language functions covered include describing things, expressing intent, asking permission, signaling obligation, and expressing condition, among others. Aspects of the culture are introduced along with linguistic structures. Japanese is the primary language of instruction.
The required textbook for the Intermediate Series is Japanese for Busy People (JBP), Volume 2, Rev. 3rd edition:
Intermediate 1: Lessons 1-5
Intermediate 2: Lessons 6-10
Intermediate 3: Lessons 7-15
Some classes also use the Basic Kanji Book Vol. 1 & Vol. 2.
Pre-Advanced & Advanced Courses
The Pre-Advanced and Advanced Courses are geared towards students who have a solid foundation in both conversational and written Japanese. This class focuses on the development of accurate and extended discourse as well as on the expansion of kanji knowledge in the reading of some newspaper articles. Study materials are drawn from primary Japanese sources, and the class is conducted entirely in Japanese. Pre-advanced classes use Japanese for Busy People (JBP), Volume 3, Rev. 3rd edition.
JLPT Prep Courses
The Japan Society is proud to offer Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) preparatory courses. Designed for non-native speakers of Japanese, JLPT is an internationally accredited language examination that measures communicative competences in accomplishment of tasks. It is offered once a year on the first Sunday of December. Starting in 2010, the test levels are revised and will be a 5-level format (N1 through N5) with creation of N3, a new level bridging between conventional Level 2 and Level 3 tests. Each test (N1 through N5) will have (reading) and (listening). The former will incorporate the Writing-Vocabulary and Reading-Grammar sections of the conventional tests, while the latter will take the place of the Listening section of the conventional tests. For more detailed information, please refer to http://www.jlpt.jp/e/info/index.html.
Students should refer to the course textbooks to determine the most appropriate class for their level.
Locations
Locations may differ, depending on the circumstances of the time.
San Francisco
Japan Society of Northern California [map]
500 Washington Street, Suite 300, San Francisco
Union Bank (in Financial District) [map]
400 California St., San Francisco
Union Bank (in Japan Town, "Hospitality Room") [map]
1675 Post St., San Francisco (Inside the Miyako Mall)
San Jose
Sony [map]
1730 N. First St., San Jose
Palo Alto
Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey, LLP [map]
600 Hansen Way, Palo Alto
Fees
Japan Society Members: $195
Non-Members: $300
If you are not already a member, please click here to see about individual memberships!
Private Tutoring
In addition to group classes, we also offer private tutoring tailored to your specific language needs. Please note that on-site tutoring set up is subject to teacher and classroom availability. Pricing for private tutoring is as follows:
| On-site (at Japan Society) | Members | Non-Members |
| One session | $50/hr | $70/hr |
| 5 class pack (5% off) | $240 | n/a |
| 10 class pack (10% off) | $450 | n/a |
| Off-site | Members | Non-Members |
| One session | $60/hr | $80/hr |
| 5 class pack (5% off) | $285 | n/a |
| 10 class pack (10% off) | $540 | n/a |
Contact our Language Class Coordinator for more details or to set up your tutoring session now!
Corporate Language Study
Join Union Bank of California, Hitachi, Adobe and other organizations who value the professional development of their employees involved with Japan and form your own private language class. The Japan Society offers private Japanese language instruction tailored to help your organization meet its goals:- Customized classes designed to meet your corporate language class needs
- A broad range of class levels from conversational to advanced, spanning technical, business and legal Japanese
- On-site instruction held at your choice of location for the convenience of your employees.
For more information about our Corporate Language Program, please call 415-986-4383 to discuss how we may help your organization reach its Japan-oriented goals.
Japanese Class Policies
Please read carefully:
- Before the third week of the term, students may change class levels with the instructor's approval. To request a change, please contact the Japan Society Language Class Coordinator.
- Before the end of the second week of the term, students may cancel a class and receive a full refund of the class tuition. After that, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason. Please note that membership fees paid at the time of registration are non-refundable. Requests for tuition refunds may be made by email to jsnc@usajapan.org or by phone at 415-986-4383.
- Language classes will continue with a minimum of three students enrolled. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, a class is cancelled, students already enrolled will receive a full refund.
- Print your receipt for tuition payment when you register online. Receipts for phone orders will be emailed to you, please print for your records.
- Classes cancelled due to holidays or teacher emergencies will be rescheduled.
- If there are no students present within the first 20 minutes of the scheduled class, the class will be cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
- Student contact information collected from the registration process may be given to the instructor of the class for teaching and emergency purposes.
- Occasionally we are required to replace an instructor, change the schedule and/or the location of a class. While we try to avoid these changes, we reserve the right to make them as needed.
- Completion of these courses does not grant equivalence of the Japan Language Proficiency Test or any other test of Japanese skill. Parties interested in taking a proficiency test should contact the Japan Foundation in Los Angeles for more information.