language courses

"Learn Japanese from anywhere in the U.S. with our structured 20-step fluency program."
"Courses available for adults and kids – online and flexible!"

"Build Japanese fluency at your pace with experienced instructors."

JASGA’s 20-step system offers a gentle progression to  advance your Japanese language learning…..one step at a time!

FOR NEW STUDENTS (Steps 1 - 4)
First Year Learners (A1 Level)
(Serves as a Trial Course for JPN 1 A)
August 2 or 5, 2025 online

  • “Just 30” Trial Course – Try Out Japanese 1A
    Curious about learning Japanese? Join our 30-minute trial session and experience how our online classes work! In this session, you’ll practice key phrases from Topic 3 of JPN 1A—learn how to talk about food and order off a menu in Japanese.

    Choose from two available times:

    • Saturday, August 2 – 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

    • Tuesday, August 5 – 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM

    💲 Trial Course Fee: $10
    If you decide to register for the full JPN 1A course, this fee will be credited toward your tuition!

    🎉 Become a JASGA member and enjoy additional discounts on this course and other exciting cultural events.

    📅 This trial is a prerequisite for new students planning to join the Tuesday JPN 1A class.
    📝 When registering, please let us know which date you’re selecting for your fun “Just 30” trial course!

  • 📝 When registering, please let us know which date you’re selecting for your fun “Just 30” trial course!

    Choose from two available times:

    • Saturday, August 2 – 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

    • Tuesday, August 5 – 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM

    This trial is a prerequisite for new students interested in joining the Tuesday JPN 1A class.

    Extras: Registered learners have access to the CANVAS learning platform to go at their own pace with audio and visual components for practice and we offer monthly a online conversation course called the Nihongo Social Club with our sensei tachi.

    ONLINE COURSE

  • 💲 Trial Course Fee: $10
    If you decide to register for the full JPN 1A course, this fee will be credited toward your tuition!

    🎉 Become a JASGA member and enjoy additional discounts on this course and other exciting cultural events.

    📅 This trial is a prerequisite for new students planning to join the Tuesday JPN 1A class.

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

Youth Academy (Steps 1 - 4)
Beginner Learners (A1 Level) Saturday @9:30am 8-weeks
Danielle-sensei

  • What Your Child Will Learn – Fall Term Highlights

    📘 Fall Term Prerequisite: Learners should know at least half of the Hiragana alphabet or be actively working toward it.

    This term, students will:

    • Recall hiragana through script consolidation

    • Say what time you’ll do an activity

    • Tell time

    • Talk about your schedule for the week

    • Talk about your hobbies

    • Talk about what you do on days off

    • Read a calendar for important events

    Please note: This is a continuation course starting with Chapters 2 and 3 of the Marugoto Book 1.

    💡 Suggested Supplement:Youth Manga Club– a fun way to reinforce learning through comics and creative discussion!

    Course Details

    • Age Group: 9–15 years

    • Curriculum: Follows the Marugoto A1 program

    • Pace: 24 months to complete A1 Level, allowing for steady, in-depth learning

    • Class Size: Small groups for personalized attention

    Our program places a strong emphasis on Hiragana and Katakana mastery, with lessons focused on real-life communication and cultural understanding through engaging activities.

    Ready to Get Started?

    Encourage your child’s love of language and culture in a supportive, interactive setting.
    🌸 Email us today to save your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.org

  • Fall Term 2025 (8-weeks)

    Saturdays @ 9:30 a.m. (50 minutes)

    August 23 - October 11, 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

  • Member: $190 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (Fall Term)

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

Japanese 1 A (Steps 1 - 4)
First Year Learners (A1 Level)
Tuesday @7pm 8-weeks
Kaneko-sensei

  • JPN 1: Start Your Japanese Adventure!

    Instructor: Ichigo Kaneko-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older

    Konnichi wa and welcome to Japanese 1!
    This beginner-friendly course is the perfect place to start your journey into Japanese language and culture. You’ll learn practical everyday expressions, foundational grammar, and the basics of the Japanese writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana, and essential Kanji. Whether you’re brand new or returning after a break, this course will help you build the confidence to communicate in real-life situations.

    What You’ll Learn – Fall Term Highlights

    📘 Fall Term Prerequisite:
    We recommend new learners start with our “Just 30” Trial Course on August 2 or August 5 to get a feel for the class and format.

    🗓️ Fall Term: Step 1
    In Stream A (for new students beginning in August 2025), you will learn how to:

    • Greet friends appropriately throughout the day

    • Apply appropriate greetings based on the situation and time of day

    • Provide a self-introduction of yourself and/or your friends and family

    • Begin to recognize and write in hiragana ひらがな

    After completing this term, you’ll move into Stream B to cover Chapters 6–9 and complete the full JPN 1 level over the next 6 months.

    Course Details

    • Age Group: 16 years and older

    • Duration: 12 months (4 terms) to complete the Marugoto A1 level

    • Class Size: Limited to 12 students for personalized attention

    Class Options

    • Tuesday Class (JPN 1A):
      For absolute beginners or those needing a refresher in Hiragana.

    • Thursday Class (JPN 1B):
      For continuing learners who are halfway through the Marugoto A1 book and ready for Katakana and basic Kanji.

    📩 Not sure which class is right for you? Email us at sensei@jasgaaustin.org for placement assistance!

    Textbook & Learning Resources

    📘 Required Textbook:
    Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1

    🛠️ Suggested Workshops & Supplements:

    • Just 30 Trial Course

    • Hiragana Power-Up Workshop

    • Katakana Power-Up Workshop

    • Book Club A

    Program Structure and Progression

    The Marugoto curriculum is built around 9 key topics with 18 engaging lessons. Students complete 2 topics per term. The Rikai activity book adds further support through interactive and culturally relevant exercises.

    ⏳ Go at Your Own Pace:
    While the course is designed for year-long completion, learners are welcome to repeat terms to build fluency and confidence before advancing.

    Join the Journey!

    Get started with fun, practical lessons in a supportive online environment. With expert instruction and a community of fellow learners, you’ll gain the skills to communicate confidently in Japanese.
    🌸 Email us today to save your spot:sensei@jasgaaustin.org

  • Fall Term 2025 (8-weeks)

    Tuesdays @ 7:00 p.m. (50 minutes)

    August 19 - October 7, 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

    Extras: Registered learners have access to the CANVAS learning platform to go at their own pace with audio and visual components for practice and we offer monthly a online conversation course called the Nihongo Social Club with our sensei tachi.

  • 8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)

    Members $190.00

    Non-Members $210.00

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

Japanese 1 B(Steps 1 - 4)
First Year Learners (A1 Level)
Thursday @8pm 8-weeks
Shirata-sensei

  • JPN 1B: Build Your Japanese Skills!

    Instructor: Shirata-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 1B!
    This course is designed for continuing learners ready to deepen their skills and expand on the foundation built in earlier terms. You’ll strengthen your everyday communication abilities, continue developing your reading and writing in Hiragana and Katakana, and begin working with more essential Kanji used in daily life.

    What You’ll Learn – Fall Term Highlights

    📘 Fall Term: Step 3
    In Stream B (for students who began Marugoto A1 in January 2025), you’ll learn to:

    • List your hobbies and interests

    • Explain what you do on your days off

    • Give directions when taking a taxi

    • Recognize taxi and station signs

    • Say how you get to a destination

    ➡️ After completing this term, you’ll be ready to move into the Japanese 2 (Stream A) class held on Wednesdays.

    Course Details

    • Prerequisite: Ability to read Hiragana

    • Age Group: 16 years and older

    • Duration: 12 months (4 terms) to complete the Marugoto A1 level

    • Class Size: Limited to 12 students for personalized instruction

    Class Options

    • Tuesday Class (JPN 1A):
      For beginners or those needing a Hiragana refresher

    • Thursday Class (JPN 1B):
      For students midway through the Marugoto A1 book, ready for Katakana and basic Kanji

    📩 Not sure where you fit in? Email sensei@jasgaaustin.org for placement support.
    New students may join throughout the year, depending on their level.

    Textbook & Learning Resources

    📘 Required Textbook:
    Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1

    🛠️ Suggested Workshops & Supplements:

    • “Just 30” Trial Course

    • Hiragana Power-Up Workshop

    • Katakana Power-Up Workshop

    • Book Club A

    Program Structure and Progression

    The Marugoto A1 book is structured around 9 core topics and 18 lessons. Each term, learners focus on 2 topics. Lessons are supported by the Rikai activity book, which offers interactive and culturally rich practice.

    ⏳ Practice and Progress:
    This course is designed to build steadily on your skills. Repeating a term is encouraged for learners who want extra time to gain confidence before moving on.

    Join the Next Step!

    Take your Japanese further with engaging, real-world practice and expert instruction. You’ll grow more confident navigating conversations, daily situations, and cultural topics in Japanese.
    🌸 Email us today to continue your learning journey:sensei@jasgaaustin.org

  • Fall Term 2025 (8-weeks)

    Thursdays @ 8:00 p.m. (50 minutes)

    August 21 - October 9, 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

    Extras: Registered learners have access to the CANVAS learning platform to go at their own pace with audio and visual components for practice and we offer monthly a online conversation course called the Nihongo Social Club with our sensei tachi.

  • 8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)

    Members $190.00

    Non-Members $210.00

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A1 (Japanese 1)

Japanese 2 (Steps 5 - 8)
Second Year Learners (A2-1)
Wednesday @7pm 8-weeks
Utsunomiya-sensei

  • JPN 2: Expanding Your Japanese Language Skills

    Instructor: TBA-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 2!
    Ready to go beyond the basics? This course is ideal for learners who have completed at least one year of Japanese study and are eager to continue improving. JPN 2 builds on your foundational skills and introduces more complex sentence patterns, vocabulary, and real-life communication practice—all while deepening your cultural understanding.

    What You’ll Learn – Fall Term Highlights

    📘 Fall Term: Step 7
    In this term, you will:

    • Discuss what food/drink to take to an event with friends

    • Comment on the food you don’t know much about

    • Check into a hotel and useful phrases when on a business trip

    • Plan a business trip

    Course Details

    • Prerequisite: Proficiency in Hiragana and Katakana; familiarity with A1-level Kanji

    • Age Group: 16 years and older

    • Duration: 4 terms to complete the Marugoto A2 level

    • Class Size: Maximum of 12 students for personalized interaction

    Rolling Enrollment

    New students are welcome to join throughout the year!
    📩 If you’re starting mid-term, we’ll help assess your level and find the right placement to ensure a smooth and successful learning experience.
    Email us at sensei@jasgaaustin.org to get started.

    Suggested Companion Learning

    🛠️ Enhance your learning with:

    • Book Club A – a great way to reinforce reading skills and connect with other learners through stories and discussions

    Program Structure and Progression

    JPN 2 continues the Marugoto journey at the A2 level, focusing on real-world communication and functional Japanese. Each term covers two key topics through practical lessons, cultural content, and personalized instruction.

    📚 Lessons are supported by Rikai and Katsudoo materials, helping you apply what you learn in everyday situations.

    Join the Next Level!

    Take the next step in your Japanese learning journey with supportive instruction, engaging topics, and a welcoming community.
    🌸 Email us today to continue your language adventure:sensei@jasgaaustin.org

  • Fall Term 2025 (8-weeks)

    Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m. (50 minutes)

    August 20- October 8, 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

    Extras: Registered learners have access to the CANVAS learning platform to go at their own pace with audio and visual components for practice and we offer monthly a online conversation course called the Nihongo Social Club with our sensei tachi.

  • 8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)

    Members $190.00

    Non-Members $210.00

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A2 -1 Japanese 2

Japanese 3 (Steps 9 - 12)
Third Year Learners (A2-2) Tuesday @7pm 8-weeks
Utsunomiya-sensei

  • JPN 3: Advancing Your Japanese Proficiency

    Instructor: Utsunomiya-sensei
    Ages: 18 years and older

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 3!
    Designed for learners who have completed at least two years of Japanese study, this course will take your language skills to the next level. JPN 3 focuses on expanding your ability to describe, express opinions, and engage more naturally in Japanese conversations. You'll also deepen your cultural knowledge and develop a more intuitive understanding of Japanese language patterns.

    What You’ll Learn – Fall Term Highlights

    📘 Fall Term: Step 12
    By the end of this term, you will be able to:

    • Describe what you will buy and list reasons why

    • Provide opinions in greater detail

    • Introduce a famous place and discuss briefly about it

    • Summarize a description from a sign/article

    Course Details

    • Prerequisite:
      Proficiency in Hiragana and Katakana, familiarity with A2-level Kanji, and completion of Yookoso Vol. 1

    • Age Group: 18 years and older

    • Duration: 4 terms to complete the A2 level of the Marugoto program

    • Class Size: Maximum of 15 students for an engaging, interactive experience

    Rolling Enrollment

    New students may join throughout the year!
    📩 If you're starting mid-term, we’ll assess your skills to determine the best placement.
    Email sensei@jasgaaustin.org for personalized placement support.

    Certification Opportunity

    🎓 Upon completing the full A2 level, learners will receive a Marugoto Achievement Ribbon in recognition of their progress and dedication.

    Suggested Companion Learning

    🛠️ Enhance your experience with

    • Book Club A

    • Book Club B

    • Hiragana Power-Up Workshop

    • Katakana Power-Up Workshop

    Textbooks & Learning Materials

    📘 This course uses Marugoto A2 learning materials, with topics including:

    • Practical lessons on navigating cultural norms (e.g., how to eat unique Japanese foods)

    • A total of 9 core topics, with 2 lessons per topic

    • The Rikai activity book, which includes five practice activities per lesson to support and reinforce your learning

    Take the Next Step!

    Advance your Japanese with meaningful lessons, practical skills, and expert guidance. Whether you're refining your speaking or deepening your cultural knowledge, JPN 3 will keep you moving forward.
    🌸 Email us today to learn more or to register: sensei@jasgaaustin.org

  • Fall Term 2025 (8-weeks)

    Tuesdays @ 7:00 p.m. (50 minutes)

    August 19 - October 7, 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

    Extras: Registered learners have access to the CANVAS learning platform to go at their own pace with audio and visual components for practice and we offer monthly a online conversation course called the Nihongo Social Club with our sensei tachi.

  • 8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)

    Members $190.00

    Non-Members $210.00

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Marugoto A2-2 Japanese 3

Japanese 4 (Steps 13 - 16)
Fourth Year Learners (A2-B1) Wednesdays @7pm 8-weeks
Instructor Kaneko-sensei

  • JLPT N2 Prep: Mastering Intermediate–Advanced Japanese

    Instructor: Maeri Megumi-sensei
    Ages: 18 years and older
    Fall Term

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JLPT N2 Prep!

    This advanced course is ideal for learners preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the N2 level, or for those who have already passed N2 and want to continue strengthening their reading, discussion, and writing skills. At this level, students will deepen their understanding of complex sentence structures, authentic reading materials, and high-level vocabulary.

    In addition to test preparation, this course supports thoughtful engagement with real Japanese media—from interviews to newspaper articles—while encouraging cultural discussion and optional creative expression.

    What You’ll Learn – Fall Term Highlights

    📘 Fall Term Focus Areas:

    • Analyze and discuss authentic texts from newspapers, interviews, and online articles

    • Build fluency with complex grammar and advanced vocabulary

    • Improve your ability to express opinions and interpretations clearly in Japanese

    • Optional: Practice short-form writing or presentations for deeper engagement

    🧠 By the end of the course, you’ll be better equipped to:

    • Theoretically understand long and complex sentences in written Japanese

    • Comprehend abstract concepts and critiques in text

    • Express nuanced opinions in structured, intermediate-advanced Japanese

    Course Details

    • Prerequisite: JLPT N3 proficiency or higher recommended; familiarity with ~1000 kanji

    • Age Group: 18 years and older

    • Class Size: Small-group setting for rich interaction and feedback

    • Program Level: Upper Intermediate to Advanced (JLPT N2+ readiness)

    📩 Not sure if this class is the right fit? Email us at sensei@jasgaaustin.org for placement guidance.

    Textbooks & Materials

    📘 Textbooks Used:

    • Kanzen Master: JLPT Grammar N2 – Focused on mastering key grammar patterns and expressions for the JLPT exam

    • 新中級から上級への日本語 (From Intermediate to Advanced Japanese) – Used to explore authentic texts and discussion topics

    📂 All materials are supported by instructor-provided exercises and reading handouts via Canvas.

    Suggested Companion Learning

    🛠️ Further develop your skills with:

    • Book Club C – Engage with native-level short stories and literary discussion

    • Summer Learning Experience – Optional sessions to review kanji and grammar in a relaxed summer format.

    Get Exam-Ready – and Beyond!

    This course isn’t just for test takers—it’s for learners who want to confidently read, discuss, and think in Japanese at an advanced level. With authentic content, strong peer interaction, and experienced instruction, you’ll sharpen your language skills for both the JLPT N2 and the real world.

    🌸 Ready to challenge yourself? Email us to learn more or reserve your spot: sensei@jasgaaustin.org

  • Fall Term 2025 (8-weeks)

    Thursdays @ 7:00 p.m. (50 minutes)

    August 21 - October 9 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

  • 8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)

    Members $190.00

    Non-Members $210.00

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • JLPT N2 Prep Course Textbook 1

    JLPT N2 Prep Course Textbook 2

Japanese 5 (Steps 17-20)
Fifth Year Learners (B1) Thursday @6pm 8-weeks
Instructor Megumi-sensei

  • JPN 5: Deepening Your Japanese Communication Skills

    Instructor: TBA-sensei
    Ages: 18 years and older
    Fall Term: Step 19

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 5!
    This advanced course is designed for learners who have completed—or are close to completing—Marugoto A2/B1. At this stage, you can already meet most basic communication needs in Japanese. Now it’s time to deepen your ability to express complex ideas, improve your fluency, and expand your vocabulary across real-life topics.

    JPN 5 focuses on more natural, nuanced Japanese, including colloquial expressions and authentic listening and speaking practice. You’ll build confidence in spontaneous conversation and gain tools for deeper cultural understanding.

    What You’ll Learn – Fall Term Highlights

    📘 Fall Term Topics (2024):

    • How to introduce yourself and engage with new people

    • How to talk about food you recommend and describe tastes or experiences

    • How to share and describe your favorite music

    This term will emphasize natural phrasing, listening for nuance, and practicing interactive conversations that reflect daily life in Japan.

    Course Details

    • Prerequisite: Completion or near-completion of Marugoto A2/B1; familiarity with 300+ Kanji

    • Age Group: 18 years and older

    • Class Size: Small group instruction for meaningful discussion and practice

    • Program Level: Marugoto B1

    📩 Have questions about readiness? Email sensei@jasgaaustin.org to discuss placement.

    Textbook & Learning Resources

    📘 Required Textbook:
    Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Intermediate B1

    Suggested Companion Learning

    🛠️ Continue to grow outside of class with:

    Advance with Confidence!

    With engaging, real-world topics and a focus on natural language use, JPN 5 will help you move from functional to fluent. Deepen your speaking and listening skills while building vocabulary for more detailed self-expression.

    🌸 Contact us today to register or inquire about placement:sensei@jasgaaustin.org

  • Fall Term 2025

    Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. (50 minutes)

    August 21 - October 9, 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

  • 8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)

    Members $190.00

    Non-Members $210.00

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Japanese 5 B1 Intermediate 1

JLPT N2
Prep Course Learners Thursday @7pm 8-weeks
Instructor Megumi-sensei

  • JPN 4: Expanding Your Japanese Conversation Skills

    Instructor: Ichigo Kaneko-sensei
    Fall Term: Step 15

    Konnichi wa!

    JPN 4 is the perfect next step for learners with 2-3 years of Japanese study, ready to deepen their conversational skills and practical understanding of Japanese language and culture. Using Marugoto A2/B1, this course focuses on topic-based lessons that expand vocabulary, expressions, and cultural knowledge, with grammar integrated naturally into conversations.

    What You’ll Learn in the Fall Term

    By the end of this term, you will be able to:

    • Share recent news with another person

    • Confirm if what you hear from another person is true (heresy)

    • Talk about someone who looks worried

    • Use phrases to fin out what things someone could be worried about when they look worried.

    Course Details

    • Prerequisite: Familiarity with 200+ Kanji (or Marugoto A2 level Kanji) and basic grammar structures. Completion of the Genki series (Genki I and Genki II) is recommended.

    • Class Age: 18 years and older.

    • Class Size: Maximum of 12 students for an engaging and interactive experience.

    Learning Focus

    Marugoto A2/B1 uses a topic-based approach, emphasizing vocabulary and expressions relevant to daily life and cultural themes. Examples include:

    • Sports vocabulary, such as cheering, winning, and losing.

    • Inviting friends to events and discussing preferences.

    • Natural conversational techniques for real-life situations.

    You’ll also strengthen your listening comprehension and apply a variety of grammar structures in context.

    Rolling Enrollment

    New students are welcome throughout the year! Mid-term enrollees will receive guidance to determine the best placement for their skills.

    Suggested Companion Learning

    • Book Club B

    • Kanji Power-up Workshop

    • Japanese Conversation Practice Sessions

    Textbooks

    Each chapter in Marugoto A2/B1 explores a specific topic, fostering vocabulary and conversational fluency. You’ll complete practical activities and discussions, ensuring active engagement in your learning process.

    Get in Touch

    Ready to level up your Japanese skills? Email sensei@jasgaaustin.org for more information or to discuss placement options. Let’s continue your journey toward fluency together! 🌸

  • Fall Term 2025 (8-weeks)

    Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m. (50 minutes)

    August 20 - October 8 , 2025

    ONLINE COURSE

    Extras: Registered learners have access to the CANVAS learning platform to go at their own pace with audio and visual components for practice and we offer monthly a online conversation course called the Nihongo Social Club with our sensei tachi.

  • 8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)

    Members $190.00

    Non-Members $210.00

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

  • Japanese 4 A2-B1

COURSE CATALOG

Expand your horizons by learning online at your convenience! We teach Marugoto; it’s more than just a language program. JASGA offers Novice-level Global Seal of Biliteracy ribbons (A1 and A2) to students who successfully complete our foundational levels and pass internal assessments. Global Seal of Biliteracy.

Looking for an official Global Seal of Biliteracy certificate?
 To obtain a nationally recognized certificate from the Global Seal of Biliteracy (suitable for job or academic applications), students will need to take an approved third-party proficiency exam (such as the OPI, STAMP, or ALTA tests) at the Intermediate level or above.

The lifelong learning program encourages students to progress at their own pace.  Courses may be retaken as many times as needed.

More Information

Terms: 2025

New Year | Spring | Fall | Winter

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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