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.

Register

Fundamental A

Fundamental A Students will master basic 46 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 Fundamental B or equivalent. They start studying Japanese grammar more systematically with a textbook and audiovisual aids to acquire useful sentence structures to describe themselves, their families and friends. They will also complete learning katakana.

Approximate age: 8-9

Fundamental E

Fundamental E is for those who have passed Fundamental D or equivalent. They will build more advanced vocabulary while learning how to connect sentences into a longer story to express their opinions in Japanese.

Approximate age: 10-11

Register

Youth A

Textbook: Genki 1 Lesson 1-6

This class is for students between Grade 7 and Grade 12 who learn Japanese for the first time. By the end of this course You will be able to:
・Read and write hiragana and katakana
・Introduce yourself
・Order food in a restaurant
・Extend /accept/turn down invitations
・Ask and describe the location of buildings, things, people, events
・Speak and write about your background and experience 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.

By 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.

Register