Kinder

In our Kinder classes, we do not focus on traditional "teaching" of Japanese. At VJLS, we expose the children to fun games, activities, and a variety of Japanese cultural experiences and develop their desire to read and write Hiragana. We also value each child's individuality, nurture their creativity, and guide them to act on their own initiative.
Children can play freely and experience physical activities in our large hall.

Instruction is provided in Japanese, however, all students are welcome regardless of Japanese language ability. Classes are divided into two, with a choice of morning or afternoon classes.

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Fundamental A

Fundamental A Students will master Hiragana letters while learning very basic vocabulary, greetings, songs, and grammar through interactive activities and various kinds of audiovisual aids. The class focuses on listening and speaking more than reading and writing.

Approximate age: 6-8

Fundamental C

Fundamental C is for those who have passed FB (or equivalent). They’ll start studying Japanese grammar more systematically with a textbook and audiovisual aids, to acquire useful sentence structures to describe themselves, their family, and their friends.

Approximate age: 8-11

Fundamental E

Fundamental E (FE) is for those who have passed FD (or equivalent). They’ll build more advanced vocabulary while learning how to connect sentences into a longer story to express their opinions in Japanese. FE students will be able to reach the passable level of N5 (JLPT, Japanese Language Proficiency Test).

Approximate age: 10-13

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Youth A

Textbook: Genki 1 Lesson 1-6

By the end of this course you will be able to:
・Introduce yourself
・Order food in a restaurant
・Extend /accept/turn down invitations
・Ask and describe the location of a buildings, things, people, events
・Speak and write your background and experiences in simple sentences
・Read and write 58 kanji

Youth C

Textbook: Genki 2 Lesson 13-17

This course will focus on socially appropriate communication techniques, such as using different levels of politeness and expressing appreciation.

At the end of the course you will be able to:
・Answer questions in a simple job interview
・Provide advice
・Describe give/receive something (あげる、くれる、もらう)
・Describe people’s kind acts
・Make travel plans
・Politely ask someone for a favor
・Learn and practice a more casual speech style
・Read and write 79 new Kanji

Calligraphy

A “letter” is not just a sign or character. It is a tool that can describe feelings and scenery, and that represents culture in its own form. Japanese has a lot of beautiful words, and uses three separate alphabets: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji to express culture through letters - an art in themselves. Calligraphy is to imbue letters with the meanings the words have, and the feelings you want to express, using a writing brush and ink. I feel joyful when the letters I painted with the brush speak to someone in a way that goes beyond the words. Through calligraphy, let’s learn and feel Japanese letters, words, and culture.

Japanese Culture and History in Ghibli Films

Have you ever seen Ghibli movies? How do you feel after watching? Did you enjoy it? Do you feel inspired? Ghibli movies actually relate to Japanese culture and reflect the country's history. When watching them, it is important to understand “why this movie is interesting” or “ what it really means”. If you get it, you will be able to enjoy more and more for sure! Let’s figure out what the hidden message is hidden in each movie.