language courses

Why learn through JASGA

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).

Classes start January 2026 register today!

Our lifelong learning program lets students progress at their own pace, and courses can be retaken as needed.

Find Your Marugoto Level

Youth Academy: Step 1 (A1)
First Year Youth Learners
Saturday @9:30am 8-weeks

  • New Year Term:  Step 1 (A1 Level)

    JPN 1A - New Japanese Learner!
    Instructor: Danielle Corban-Foy-sensei
    Ages: 9 - 13 years old
    Marugoto A1 - Topics 1 - 2

    Encourage your child’s interest in Japanese culture and society through Japanese language experiences. In each session, your child will enjoy reading and talking about their interests in daily life, with cross-cultural learning between English and Japanese, with fun and energetic Japanese teachers.

    Age Group: 9–14 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.

    The Youth Academy A1 level takes 24 months to complete. The slower approach is to allow Hiragana and Katakana learning and full understanding throughout lessons, and the book content is covered in-depth to allow best practices for your child’s learning.

    There are 2 intakes for Japanese 1; The New Year Term and The Fall Term.  Your 12-month progression would start there. E.g. Japanese 1 mid-year August intake term progress would look like this - Fall, Winter, New Year, Spring - before moving to Youth Academy Year  2. 

    Konnichi wa and welcome to Youth Academy 1!

    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. 

    New Year Term

    This New Year term you will be able to:

    • Begin recognizing hiragana through stories

    • Give a self-introduction

    • Use greetings in multiple situations

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

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Youth Academy One
  • New Year Term:  Step 3

    JPN 1A - New Japanese Learner!
    Instructor: Danielle Corban-Foy-sensei
    Ages: 9 - 13 years old
    Marugoto A1 - Topics 1 - 2

    Encourage your child’s interest in Japanese culture and society through Japanese language experiences. In each session, your child will enjoy reading and talking about their interests in daily life, with cross-cultural learning between English and Japanese, with fun and energetic Japanese teachers.

    Age Group: 9–14 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.

    The Youth Academy A1 level takes 24 months to complete. The slower approach is to allow Hiragana and Katakana learning and full understanding throughout lessons, and the book content is covered in-depth to allow best practices for your child’s learning.

    There are 2 intakes for Japanese 1; The New Year Term and The Fall Term.  Your 12-month progression would start there. E.g. Japanese 1 mid-year August intake term progress would look like this - Fall, Winter, New Year, Spring - before moving to Youth Academy Year  2. 

    Konnichi wa and welcome to Youth Academy 2!

    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.

    New Year Term

    In this NY Term you wil be able to:

    and important kanji related to everyday life in Japan. 

    This New Year term you will be able to:

    - List your hobbies and interests

    - Explain what you do on your days off

    - Give directions when taking a taxi in Japan

    - Recognize taxi and station signs

    - Say how you get to a destination

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

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Youth Academy: Step 3 (A1)
Second Year Youth Learners
Saturday @9:30am 8-weeks

Youth Academy Two

Japanese 1A: Step 1 (A1)
First Year Adult Learners

Tuesday @7pm 8-weeks

  • New Year Term:  Step 1 (A1 Level)

    JPN 1A - new to the program and beginner!
    Instructors: Utsunomiya-sensei

    and Kaneko-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older
    Marugoto A1 - Topics 1 - 2

    Konnichi 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.

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Japanese 1A

Japanese 1B: Step 3 (A1)
First Year Adult Learners
Thursday @7pm 8-weeks

  • New Year Term:  Step 3 (A1 Level)

    JPN 1B - Learners who have completed Steps 1 & 2 or JPN 1A)
    Prerequisite: Mastered Hiragana
    Instructor: TBA-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older
    Marugoto A1 - Topics 5 - 7 

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 1B!

    You’ll learn familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. Additionally, you will continue to learn and master the 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:

    - List your hobbies and interests

    - Explain what you do on your days off

    - Give directions when taking a taxi in Japan

    - Recognize taxi and station signs

    - Say how you get to a destination

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

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Japanese 1B

Japanese 2: Step 5 (A2-1)
Second Year Adult Learners

Wednesday @7pm 8-weeks

  • New Year Term:  Step 5 (A2-1 Level)

    JPN 2 - Expanding Your Japanese Language SkillsPrerequisite: Proficient in hiragana and katakana. Familiarity with this A1 level Kanji.

    Instructor:Utsunomiya-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older
    Marugoto A2-1 - Topics 1-3

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 2! We call this 2nd year Japanese JPN 2.

    This is ideal for learners who have studied Japanese for at least 1 year. The prerequisite is to be able to read Hiragana, Katakana, and a few basic kanji words with no assistance. 

    This New Year term you will be able to:

    - List details about your family, where they live, and what languages they use

    - List details about your hobbies and interests

    - Write short comments on social media

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

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Japanese 2

Japanese 3: Step 9 (A2-2)
Third Year Adult Learners

Tuesday @7pm 8-weeks

  • New Year Term:  Step 9 (A2-2 Level)

    JPN 3 - Expanding Your Japanese Language SkillsPrerequisite: Proficient in hiragana and katakana. Familiarity with A2 level Kanji.Instructor: TBA-senseiAges: 16 years and olderMarugoto A2-2 - Topics 1 - 2

    This is ideal for learners who have studied Japanese for at least 2 years. The prerequisite is to know Hiragana, Katakana, and basic everyday kanji words without assistance. Here is what we will learn in this course:  Students who have finished Yokoso Vol. 1 will match this class.

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 3! We call this 3rd  year Japanese JPN 3.

    This is ideal for learners who have studied Japanese for at least 2 years. The prerequisite is to know Hiragana, Katakana, and basic everyday kanji words without assistance. Here is what we will learn in this course:

    New Year Term

    This New Year term you will be able to:

    - Give a self-introduction that includes personal details like your hobbies and experiences

    - Describe someone’s clothes and physical features

    - Say what your first impression is of something

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

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Japanese 3

Japanese 4: Step 13 (A2-B1)
Fourth Year Adult Learners
Wednesdays @7pm 8-weeks

  • Instructor: TBA-sensei
    JLPT N2 Prep: Mastering Intermediate–Advanced Japanese
    Ages: 16 years and older

    New Year Term

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JLPT N2 PREP COURSE! 

    The N2 level requires the ability to theoretically understand complex sentences in newspapers and web media, as well as simple criticism, and to express opinions on general matters in Japanese.

    This is a good class for those aiming to take JLPT N2 but also for those who have already achieved the level of advanced Japanese (e.g. already passed N2 or higher). It is highly recommended that you have at least JLPT N3 level Japanese because you’re expected to be familiar with about 1000 kanji and understand complex sentences such as those in newspapers, web media, short stories, and the like.

    We use two textbooks: with Kanzen Master, we focus on grammar (key expressions) in preparation for JLPT N2. With 新中級から上級への日本語, we read authentic texts and discuss (and write a short composition or do a short presentation if the student desires to) various topics. For instance, in Unit 6, we read an article about the former CEO of Nintendo, Satoru Iwata’s interview where he talks about Nintendo’s aspirations as well as the engine of Nintendo's creativity. In the same Unit, we also look at the newspaper articles on job hunting data in Japan. In this way, we discuss “What does it mean to “work”?” for you, and in different cultural settings. There are also good exercises for vocabulary building for N2 and N1 levels in each unit.

    Email us to learn more or reserve your spot:sensei@jasgaaustin.org

    Classes are not recorded.

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Japanese 4

Japanese 5: Step 17 (B1)
Fifth Year Adult Learners

Thursday @6pm 8-weeks

  • New Year Term:  Step 17 (B1 Level)

    New Year Term: Step 17

    JPN 5 - Deepening Your Japanese Communication Skills

    Prerequisite: Instructor: Kaneko-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older
    Marugoto A2-2 - Topics 1 - 2

    This is ideal for learners who have finished (or almost finished) Marugoto A2/B1. You’re expected to be familiar with 300+ kanji.

    At this level, you can already communicate in Japanese for basic needs. The aim of this class with Marugoto B1 is to expand vocabulary to help you to express your ideas more in detail, and further develop your listening and speaking skills. You’ll be exposed to many colloquial expressions that will increase what you can do in real-life communicative situations.

    If you have studied Japanese long ago and want to refresh your Japanese skills, this may also be a good class. Please contact sensei@jasgaaustin.org with any questions.

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 5! We call this 5th year Japanese JPN 5.

    New Year Term – Meeting new people, Food I recommend, favorite music

    In this New Year term, you will be able to: 

    • Give a coherent self-introduction that includes hopes, aspirations, etc. 

    • Talk to someone you do not know and ask questions about them, and speak about oneself in detail

    • List in detail what ingredients are needed to buy a dish, where, how to use them, etc, in a conversation

    • Simply explain a chosen item to someone who does not know about it (using cultural items and/or dishes as the main focus)

    • Read longer passages about people’s self-introductions and how to make food dishes.

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

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

Japanese 5

JLPT N2 Prep Course
Advanced Adult Learners

Thursday @7pm 8-weeks

  • New Year Term:  Step 13 (A2-B1 Level)

    JPN 4 - Expanding Your Japanese Conversation Skills

    Prerequisite: Familiarity with 200+ Kanji (or Marugoto A2 level Kanji) Instructor: TBA-sensei
    Ages: 16 years and older
    Marugoto A2-2 - Topics 1 - 2

    This is ideal for learners who have studied Japanese for at least 2-3 years and have knowledge of basic grammar structures.Completion of the Genki series (Genki I and Genki II) is recommended.

    We use Marugoto A2/B1 in which each chapter is topic-based rather than focusing on grammar. We’ll talk about a given topic, learning and expanding the vocabulary/expressions that are related to the topic.

    For instance, in the first chapter, we first learn the vocabulary for watching (sports) games, such as winning or losing, how to “cheer,” how to invite others to play/go to see the game, etc. You’ll improve your listening skills and learn how to make more natural conversations. In addition, through this class, you learn to utilize various grammar structures you have already studied.

    If you have studied Japanese long ago and want to refresh your Japanese skills, this may also be a good class. Please contact sensei@jasgaaustin.org with any questions.

    Konnichi wa and welcome to JPN 4! We call this 4th year Japanese JPN 4.

    New Year Term: 

    In the New Year term you will be able to:

    - Accept/decline invitations and list a reason

    - Cancel an appointment and list a reason

    - Discuss an event (topic is sports) that you saw

    - List what is important to you when looking for a place to live and why

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

  • Member: $200 per learner

    Non-Member: $210 per learner

    8-week course (50 minutes online)

    Homework in CANVAS

    Members use discount code: LANGUAGE

JLPT N2 Prep Course
Graphic illustrating Japanese language proficiency levels from beginner to intermediate, labeled as steps 1 through 20, with color-coded levels indicating different proficiency stages and a person climbing stairs.

COURSE CATALOG

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

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).

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.

#JASGALEAP

(Learn how to type in Japanese on your phone or computer)

2024 COURSE DATES
Cancellation policies