language courses
Japanese Language Classes Online for Adults and Kids Across the U.S.
Build Japanese fluency step by step with JASGA’s structured 20-step program.
Join live online lessons with experienced instructors — adults meet weekday evenings (7 PM CST) and youth on Saturday mornings (9:30 AM CST).
Registration Begins Monday, December 1, 2025
Youth Academy: Step 1
Beginner Learners (A1 Level) Saturday @9:30am 8-weeks
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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.orgClasses are not recorded.
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Member: $190 per learner
Non-Member: $210 per learner
8-week course (Fall Term)
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Japanese 1A: Step 1
First Year Learners (A1 Level)
Tuesday @7pm 8-weeks
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New Year Term: Step 1
JPN 1A - new to the program and beginner!
Instructor: TBA-sensei
Ages: 16 years and older
Marugoto A1 - Topics 1 - 2Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 1A!
You’ll learn familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. Additionally, you will learn two components of the Japanese writing systems: hiragana and katakana, and important kanji related to everyday life in Japan.
This New Year term you will be able 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
- Begin to recognize and write your name in katakana カタカナ
🌸 Email us today to save your spot:sensei@jasgaaustin.org
Classes are not recorded. -
8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)
Members $190.00
Non-Members $210.00
Members use discount code: LANGUAGE
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Japanese 1B Step 3
First Year Learners (A1 Level)
Thursday @8pm 8-weeks
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JPN 1B: Build Your Japanese Skills!
Instructor: TBA-sensei
Ages: 16 years and olderKonnichi 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 refresherThursday 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.orgClasses are not recorded.
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8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)
Members $190.00
Non-Members $210.00
Members use discount code: LANGUAGE
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Japanese 2: Step 5
Second Year Learners (A2-1)
Wednesday @7pm 8-weeks
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JPN 2: Expanding Your Japanese Language Skills
Instructor: TBA-sensei
Ages: 16 years and olderKonnichi 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.orgClasses are not recorded.
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8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)
Members $190.00
Non-Members $210.00
Members use discount code: LANGUAGE
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Japanese 3: Step 9
Third Year Learners (A2-2) Tuesday @7pm 8-weeks
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JPN 3: Advancing Your Japanese Proficiency
Instructor: Utsunomiya-sensei
Ages: 18 years and olderKonnichi 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. 1Age 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.orgClasses are not recorded.
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8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)
Members $190.00
Non-Members $210.00
Members use discount code: LANGUAGE
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Japanese 4: Step 13
Fourth Year Learners (A2-B1) Wednesdays @7pm 8-weeks
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JLPT N2 Prep: Mastering Intermediate–Advanced Japanese
Instructor: Maeri Megumi-sensei
Ages: 18 years and older
Fall TermKonnichi 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
Classes are not recorded.
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8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)
Members $190.00
Non-Members $210.00
Members use discount code: LANGUAGE
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Japanese 5: Step 17
Fifth Year Learners (B1) Thursday @6pm 8-weeks
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JPN 5: Deepening Your Japanese Communication Skills
Instructor: TBA-sensei
Ages: 18 years and older
Fall Term: Step 19Konnichi 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 B1Suggested 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
Classes are not recorded.
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8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)
Members $190.00
Non-Members $210.00
Members use discount code: LANGUAGE
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JLPT N2
Prep Course Learners Thursday @7pm 8-weeks
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JPN 4: Expanding Your Japanese Conversation Skills
Instructor: Ichigo Kaneko-sensei
Fall Term: Step 15Konnichi 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
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! 🌸
Classes are not recorded.
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8-Week Course ONLINE (50 minutes per week)
Members $190.00
Non-Members $210.00
Members use discount code: LANGUAGE
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COURSE CATALOG
Expand your horizons by learning Japanese online!
We teach Marugoto, a comprehensive language program. JASGA offers Novice-level Global Seal of Biliteracy ribbons (A1 & A2) to students who complete our foundational levels and pass internal assessments.
For an official Global Seal of Biliteracy certificate (nationally recognized for jobs or academics), students must pass an approved third-party exam at the Intermediate level or above (e.g., OPI, STAMP, ALTA).
Our lifelong learning program lets students progress at their own pace, and courses can be retaken 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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