language courses

Why learn through JASGA

Winter REGISTRATION is Open (ends 10.02.26)
Courses start in October


Japanese Language Classes Online for Adults, Youth & high School Students Across the U.S.


A Structured Pathway for Lifelong Learning
20 Steps A1 - B1 Levels

At JASGA, we offer a clear, step-by-step Japanese learning journey for students of all ages - from beginner to advanced.

Whether you’re just starting or continuing your studies, our supportive program helps you build real-world skills with confidence.

Learn Japanese online from anywhere in the USA

Logo for Nihon Go! Japanese language program, featuring a Mount Fuji illustration, a Torii gate, and cherry blossoms, with text in English and Japanese.

YOUTH & TEENS

STARTER
A1 LEVEL

Steps 1 - 4
(All steps are best to be completed in order)

This Winter Term

Steps 3 & 4 only

Kaiwa Sessions

“New” a weekly online conversation practice in addition to the weekly lesson!

Youth Kaiwa
Tuesdays @6pm

BECOME A JASGA MEMBER AND SAVE $20 ON YOUR JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSE

Steps 9 - 12

If you are new to Japanese, please enroll in the New Year Term (January 2027)
This is the time our courses start from the beginning level.

Youth Japanese (2-Year Program)
Steps 1-4
Ages 9 - 13 years

High School Japanese (1-Year Program)
Steps 1-4
Ages 14 - 18 years

Questions?
sensei@jasgaaustin.org

Youth Academy Year 1
“Early Beginner”
Saturdays at 11:00am
First Year Learner (Step 3)

  • Youth Academy Year 1 (B Stream) – Beginner Japanese YA 1 (B) – A1 Level
    Step 3 – Winter Term
    Topics: Topics 5–6:
    Daily routine and Hobbies
    Dates: October 10th to December 19th

    Saturdays @11:00 am CST
    Instructor: Romano-sensei
    Ages: 9–14 yearsCurriculum: Marugoto A1 – Topics 5–6:
    Daily routine and Hobbies

    This stream serves students who are approximately halfway through their first year of the A1 level. Learners build on their foundational knowledge while strengthening reading fluency and expanding conversational skills.

    Program Overview

    Age Group: 9–14 yearsCurriculum: Continues the Marugoto A1 programPace: Completion of A1 Level over 24 monthsClass Size: Small groups for personalized attention

    Students continue developing strong literacy skills in hiragana and katakana while increasing confidence in practical communication.

    Who This Course Is For

    This course is ideal for learners who:

    • Have completed Youth Academy Steps 1 and 2

    • Can read most hiragana comfortably

    • Can give a self-introduction

    • Can count above 20

    • Can discuss likes and dislikes, and what they eat and drink

    Homework Expectations

    Learners are expected to spend approximately 1.5–2 hours per week in Google Classroom reviewing vocabulary, grammar, and assigned exercises after live instruction.

    Homework includes:

    • Reviewing vocabulary and grammar

    • Completing assigned exercises

    • Reinforcing key concepts introduced in class

    About Youth Academy Year 1 (B Stream)

    This course represents the midpoint of the first-year A1 progression. Students deepen comprehension, improve reading fluency, and begin forming more complete conversational exchanges.

    Winter Term Learning Goals

    During the Winter Term, students will:

    • Strengthen hiragana recognition and reading fluency

    • Expand katakana familiarity

    • List hobbies and interests

    • Explain what they do on their days off

    • Organize plans to attend an event with a friend

    • Develop confidence in short conversational exchanges

    Email us to save your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.orgClasses are not recorded.

  • Member: $210 per learner

    Non-Member: $230 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

YA 1

Steps 1 - 2

Youth Academy Year 2
“Progressing Beginner”
Saturdays at 10:00am
Second Year Learner (Step 4)

  • Youth Academy Year 1 (C Stream) Continuing Beginner Japanese
    YA 1 (B) – A1 Level
    Step 4 – Winter Term
    Topics: Topic 8: Shopping
    Dates: October 10th to December 19th
    Saturdays @10:00am CST

    Instructor: Romano-sensei
    Ages: 9–14 years
    Curriculum: Marugoto A1 – Advanced Topics (Year 2 Completion)

    Youth Academy Year 2 represents the second year of the A1 program. Students apply their literacy skills to more complex, real-world communication scenarios while preparing to advance beyond the A1 level.

    Program Overview

    Age Group: 9–14 years
    Curriculum: Continues and completes the Marugoto A1 program
    Pace: Completion of the 24-month A1 sequence
    Class Size: Small groups for personalized attention

    Students strengthen reading fluency in hiragana and katakana while expanding vocabulary, grammar structures, and conversational confidence.

    Who This Course Is For

    This course is ideal for learners who:

    • Have completed JPN Youth Academy Steps 1 to 3

    • Can read most hiragana and half of the katakana alphabet

    • Can discuss hobbies and daily routines

    Homework Expectations

    Learners are expected to spend approximately 1.5–2 hours per week in Google Classroom reviewing vocabulary, grammar, and assigned exercises after live instruction.

    About Youth Academy Year 2

    Year 2 completes the A1 journey. Students refine literacy skills while applying Japanese to practical situations involving transportation, directions, and daily interactions.

    Spring Term Learning Goals

    During the Spring Term, students will:

    • Continue strengthening katakana reading skills

    • Recall and apply hiragana and katakana from previous terms

    • Read prices of items in Japanese yen

    • State what you want to buy

    • Organize where you want to shop

    • Make brief comments on an item

    • Develop confidence in short conversational exchanges

    Email us to save your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.org
    Classes are not recorded.

  • Member: $210 per learner

    Non-Member: $230 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

YA 2

Steps 3 - 4

ADULTS (ALL AGES)

STARTER & ELEMENTARY
A1 & A2 LEVELS

Kaiwa Sessions

“New” a weekly online conversation practice in addition to the weekly lesson!

Mondays @5pm | @6pm

Steps 1 - 2

Japanese 1 A (Step 2)
“New Beginner”
Tuesdays at 7:00pm
First Year Learner

  • Step 2 – Winter Term - Beginner Japanese
    JPN 1A  A1 Level
    Topics: Topics 3 and 4:
    Food and Home
    Dates: October 27th to December 15th

    Winter Term Schedule:
    Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. CST

    Instructors: Kaneko-sensei and Danielle-senseiAges: 16 years and olderCurriculum: Marugoto A1 – Topics 3–4: Food and Home

    Konnichiwa and welcome to JPN 1A.

    This course continues the A1 beginner sequence and builds upon the foundation established in Step 1. Students expand their ability to communicate in everyday situations while strengthening reading and writing skills.

    Homework Expectations

    To support progress in the online course, learners are encouraged, though it is not compulsory, to spend approximately 1.5–2 hours per week in Google Classroom working through the Rikai book after the material has been covered in live class sessions.

    Homework includes:

    • Reviewing vocabulary and grammar

    • Completing assigned exercises

    • Reinforcing key concepts introduced in class

    Winter Term Learning Outcomes

    In this Winter Term, you will be able to:

    • State what you like and do not like

    • Talk about what you eat and drink

    • Organize where to eat with a friend

    • Describe the place where you live

    • Describe your daily routine

    Who This Course Is For

    This course is ideal for learners who:

    • Have completed JPN 1A Step 1

    • Can give a basic self-introduction

    • Can read and write introductory hiragana

    • Are ready to expand conversational skills

    Prerequisites & Recommended Background

    Completion of JPN 1A Step 1 or equivalent foundational knowledge, including basic greetings and introductory hiragana recognition.

    Is This Course Right for You?

    If you have already begun your Japanese language journey and are ready to build practical communication skills for everyday situations, this continuation course is your next step.

    Students who complete this Spring Term will register in JPN 1B in the following term to complete Steps 3 and 4 of the A1 sequence in January 2027.

    Email us today to save your spot:sensei@jasgaaustin.orgClasses are not recorded.

  • Member: $210 per learner

    Non-Member: $230 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

JPN 1A

Steps 3 - 4

Japanese 1 B (Step 4)
“Beginner”
Thursdays at 7:00pm
First Year Learner

  • Step 4 – Winter Term - Beginner Japanese JPN 1B  A1 Level
    Topics: Topics 7 to 9: Travel, Shopping, and Events
    Dates: October 29th to December 17th

    Winter Term Schedule:
    Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. CSTInstructor: Marie-senseiAges: 16 years and olderCurriculum: Marugoto A1 – Topics 7–9: Travel, Shopping, and Events

    Konnichiwa and welcome to JPN 1B.

    This course represents the final stage of the A1 level. Students build on prior learning to strengthen conversational fluency, expand vocabulary, and apply grammar in practical, real-life situations.

    Learners continue developing confidence in reading and writing while increasing independence in spoken communication.

    Homework Expectations

    To support progress in the online course, learners are encouraged, while it is not compulsory, to spend approximately 1.5–2 hours per week in Google Classroom working through the Rikai book after material has been covered in live class sessions.

    Homework includes:

    • Reviewing vocabulary and grammar

    • Completing assigned exercises

    • Reinforcing key concepts introduced in class

    Winter Term Learning Outcomes

    In this Winter Term, you will be able to:

    • Talk about what you want to buy and where to buy it

    • State your opinion about something you saw or did

    • Describe what you did on your vacation

    • Say where you would like to go next time

    Who This Course Is For

    This course is ideal for learners who:

    • Have completed JPN 1A (Steps 1 and 2) and JPN 1B Step 3

    • Have mastered hiragana and are comfortable reading katakana

    • Can discuss hobbies, daily routines, and basic directions

    • Are ready to complete the A1 level

    Prerequisites & Recommended Background

    Completion of Steps 1–3 of the A1 sequence (JPN 1A and JPN 1B Step 3) or equivalent foundational knowledge.

    Students should:

    • Read hiragana comfortably

    • Recognize katakana

    • Participate in basic conversations about daily life

    This level is comparable to the first half of Genki I, Minna no Nihongo I, or similar introductory Japanese textbooks.

    Is This Course Right for You?

    If you have already built a foundation in beginner Japanese and are ready to complete the A1 level with more complex expressions and conversational depth, this course is your next step.

    After completing JPN 1B, students may advance to Japanese 2 and take the A1 Level Assessment.

    Email us today to save your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.orgClasses are not recorded.

  • Member: $210 per learner

    Non-Member: $230 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

JPN 1B

Steps 5 - 8

Japanese 2 (Step 8)
“High Beginner”
Wednesdays at 7:00pm
Second Year Learner

  • Step 8 – Winter Term

    Japanese 2 – A2-1 LevelJPN 2

    Topics: Topics 8 and 9:
    Staying Healthy and Celebrations
    Date: October 28th to December 16th

    Winter Term Schedule: Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. CST

    Instructor: Utsunomiya-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and olderCurriculum: Marugoto A2-1 – Topics 8–9: Staying Healthy and Celebrations

    Konnichiwa and welcome to JPN 2.

    JPN 2 represents the second year of Japanese study in our program. This course continues building toward the A2 level, strengthening conversational fluency, listening comprehension, and practical communication skills.

    Please note: JPN 2 is a linear course. Topics 1–7 were completed earlier in the academic year. This Winter Term completes Topics 8–9.

    Homework Expectations

    To support progress in the online course, learners are encouraged, while it is not compulsory, to spend approximately 1.5–2 hours per week in Google Classroom working through the Rikai book after the material has been covered in live class sessions.

    Homework includes:

    • Reviewing vocabulary and grammar

    • Completing assigned exercises

    • Reinforcing key concepts introduced in class

    Winter Term Learning Outcomes

    In this Winter Term, you will be able to:

    • Suggest recommendations on how to stay healthy through exercise and food

    • Discuss healthy lifestyle habits and routines

    • Compliment others appropriately in various situations

    • Use expressions for celebrations and special occasions

    • Give and receive gifts using natural Japanese phrases

    Who This Course Is For

    This course is ideal for learners who:

    • Have completed the full A1 level (JPN 1A and JPN 1B)

    • Can read hiragana and katakana comfortably

    • Recognize basic A1-level kanji

    • Can participate in simple conversations about daily life

    • Are ready to move beyond beginner-level communication

    Prerequisites & Recommended Background

    Students should be:

    • Proficient in reading hiragana and katakana

    • Familiar with foundational A1-level kanji

    • Comfortable introducing themselves and discussing everyday topics

    This level is generally equivalent to the completion of a full introductory textbook such as Genki I, Minna no Nihongo I, or a similar beginner program.

    What’s Next?

    Students who complete JPN 2 in the Winter Term are eligible to move on to JPN 3, continuing their journey toward intermediate-level Japanese proficiency.

    Email us today to save your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.orgClasses are not recorded.

  • Member: $210 per learner

    Non-Member: $230 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A2 -1 Japanese 2

JPN 2

Japanese 3 (Step 12)
“Emerging Intermediate”
Tuesdays at 7:00pm
Third Year Learner

  • Step 12 – Winter Term

    Japanese 3 – A2-2 Level
    JPN 3

    Topics: Topics 8 and 9:
    Eco-friendly Activities and People’s lives

    Dates: October 27th to December 15th

    Winter Term Schedule: Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. CST

    Instructor: Marie-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older

    Curriculum: Marugoto A2-2 – Topics 8–9: Eco-friendly Activities and People’s lives

    Konnichiwa and welcome to JPN 3.

    JPN 3 represents the third year of Japanese study in our program. This course builds on A2-1 skills to strengthen conversational fluency, comprehension, and practical communication in a wider range of everyday situations.

    Please note: JPN 3 is a linear course. Topics 1–7 were completed earlier in the academic year. This Winter Term completes Topics 8–9.

    Homework Expectations

    To support progress in the online course, learners are encouraged, while it is not compulsory, to spend approximately 1.5–2 hours per week in Google Classroom working through the Rikai book after the material has been covered in live class sessions.

    Homework includes:

    • Reviewing vocabulary and grammar

    • Completing assigned exercises

    • Reinforcing key concepts introduced in class

    Winter Term Learning Outcomes

    In this Winter Term, you will be able to:

    • Discuss eco-friendly activities and explain their importance

    • State what you know about a person and describe their characteristics

    • Talk about childhood memories and past experiences

    Who This Course Is For

    This course is ideal for learners who:

    • Have completed JPN 2 (A2-1) and prior JPN 3 terms

    • Have studied Japanese for at least two years

    • Can read hiragana and katakana comfortably

    • Recognize and use A2-level kanji in everyday contexts

    • Are ready to express ideas with greater detail and nuance

    Prerequisites & Recommended Background

    Students should be:

    • Proficient in reading hiragana and katakana

    • Familiar with A2-level kanji

    • Comfortable discussing personal experiences and everyday topics

    • Able to participate in extended conversations without relying heavily on notes

    This level is generally equivalent to the completion of Genki II, Minna no Nihongo II, or similar continuing beginner/intermediate programs. Students who have completed Yokoso! Volume 1 will find this level appropriate.

    Is This Course Right for You?

    If you are comfortable using everyday kanji, can communicate about personal experiences, and are ready to discuss broader topics such as the environment and past memories, JPN 3 will help you move toward greater intermediate fluency.

    Email us today to save your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.orgClasses are not recorded.

  • Member: $210 per learner

    Non-Member: $230 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A2-2 Japanese 3

JPN 3

Steps 17 - 20

Japanese 5 (Step 20)
Intermediate
Thursdays at 7:00pm
Fifth Year Learner

  • Step 20 – Winter Term
    Japanese 5 – B1 Level
    JPN 5

    Topics: Topic 4:
    Discussions and comparisons using traveling situations

    Dates: October 29th to December 17th

    Winter Term Schedule: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. CST

    Instructor: Utsunomiya-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and olderCurriculum: Marugoto B1 – Topic 4: Discussions and comparisons using travelling situations

    Konnichiwa and welcome to JPN 5.

    JPN 5 represents the fifth year of Japanese study in our program. This course is designed to expand your vocabulary, improve listening comprehension, and deepen speaking skills, with a focus on expressing opinions, understanding reasoning, and engaging with authentic materials. Topics are presented in a Marugoto B1 topic-based approach, building on previous A2/B1 knowledge.

    Homework Expectations

    To support progress in the online course, learners are encouraged, while it is not compulsory, to spend approximately 1.5–2 hours per week in Google Classroom working through the Rikai book after the material has been covered in live class sessions.

    Homework includes:

    • Reviewing vocabulary and grammar

    • Completing assigned exercises

    • Reinforcing key concepts introduced in class

    Winter Term Learning Outcomes

    In this Winter Term, you will be able to:

    • Listen to and understand an outside broadcast report

    • Request changes to an ordered item (hotel room, food, etc.) and give reasons

    • Speak in detail about hopes and plans for a trip

    • Identify the features of reviews, blogs, and emails and create your own

    Who This Course Is For

    This course is ideal for learners who:

    • Have completed JPN 4 (A2-B1 Level)

    • Can read hiragana, katakana, and approximately 300 kanji

    • Are comfortable with B1 grammar and expressions

    • Want to deepen communication skills for real-life situations and cultural topics

    • Enjoy discussing opinions, planning trips, and engaging with extended written materials

    Prerequisites & Recommended Background

    Students should be:

    • Proficient in hiragana and katakana

    • Familiar with Marugoto A2/B1-level kanji (approx. 300+ characters)

    • Comfortable introducing themselves and speaking about personal experiences

    • Ready to express opinions, justify reasoning, and understand intermediate-level texts

    • Familiar with beginner and intermediate grammar structures

    This level aligns with Tobira, Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese, Kanzen Master / Sou no Matome (Intermediate), or equivalent programs.

    Is This Course Right for You?

    If you have studied Japanese for 3–4 years, can converse on daily topics, and want to express opinions and ideas in more detail, JPN 5 is your next step toward intermediate fluency and independent communication.

    Email us today to save your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.orgClasses are not recorded.

  • Member: $210 per learner

    Non-Member: $230 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Japanese 5 B1 Intermediate 1

JPN 5

More Information

Terms: 2026 ENROLL by October 2, 2026

New Year| Spring | Fall |‍ ‍Winter (enrollment is open)

Japanese Language Courses: Online courses, one hour a week.
We do not record online courses, and recording of online classes is prohibited.

Buy your textbooks online through our links or visit the local Kinokuniya Bookstore.

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