Japanese Language Courses
Learn about Showa Boston’s conversation-driven language classes and how we can help you reach your goals.
2025 Fall: Sep 7 (Sunday) - Dec 6 (Saturday)
Explore Our Courses
Designed for Japanese learners of all levels, speak with native college students.
JLPT Prep™ Courses (N1-N5)
Ace the JLPT test with our learning track courses covering grammar, listening, reading, and more.
Exam
JLPT 2025
Aug: Registration at AATJ website
Dec: 2025 Japanese-Language Proficiency Test day
Japanese Mastery Courses
Our flagship courses for Japanese learners at all levels
5 levels, Online and In-person
Practice with Japanese students
12 weeks, 100-min class / week
$360 / course
Beginning level
Understand basic Japanese grammar and writing systems of Hiragana & Katakana and obtain elementary language skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. This level will be taught 90% in English and 10% in Japanese.
J-101 (Course 1A)
Online & In-person
Online
Tue, 6 PM
Instructor: TBD
In-person
Sun, 9 AM
Instructor: TBD
J-102 (Course 1B)
Online & In-person
Online
Tue, 7:50 PM
Instructor: TBD
In-person
Sun, 11 AM
Instructor: TBD
Online & In-person
Online
Wed, 7:50 PM
Instructor: Usui
In-person
Sat, 9 AM
Instructor: Hattori
J-103 (Course 1C)
Intermediate level
Enhance students’ basic Japanese language skills in listening, speaking, and reading, including basic Kanji. This level will be taught 75% in English and 25% in Japanese.
J-201 (Course 2A)
Online
Mon, 6 PM
Instructor: Kowata
In-person
Sun, 9 AM
Instructor: Hattori
J-202 (Course 2B)
Online
Mon, 7:50 PM
Instructor: Kowata
In-person
Sun, 9 AM
Instructor: Usui
J-203 (Course 2C)
Online only
Tue, 6 PM
Instructor: Kowata
In-person
Sun, 11 AM
Instructor: Usui
J-303 (Course 3C)
Online
Tue, 7:50 PM
Instructor: Kowata
Upper-Intermediate level
Read, listen, and understand with logical complexity, comprehending both the structures and content comprehensively in a variety of settings. This level will be taught 25& in English and 75% in Japanese.
Prerequisites: Completing the Upper Intermediate courses (3C), or the equivalent of the JLPT N3 level, where students can understand Japanese used in everyday situations to grasp summary information.
J-301 (Course 3A)
J-302 (Course 3B)
Online
Thur, 7:50 PM
Instructor: Asahina
In-person
Sat 1 PM starting Sep 13
Instructor: Usui
Advanced level
Improve discussion and communication skills, including talking, writing, and reading meaningfully about social topics. This level will be taught 50% in English and 50% in Japanese.
Prerequisites: Completing “Japanese for Busy People I and II,” or the equivalent of the JLPT N4 level, where students can understand basic sentences, typical expressions written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji, as well as conversations at everyday daily interactions.
J-401 (Course 4)
Master level
Read complex & abstract writings on a variety of topics, as well as comprehend orally-presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures at a natural speed. This level will be taught almost 100% in Japanese.
Prerequisites: JLPT N2 and/or N1 level of Japanese proficiency level
J-501 (Course 5)
INTRODUCINGJLPT Prep Learning Tracks
Want to prepare for the JLPT exam? Introducing a three-semester JLPT Prep track, with three courses per track to ace your preparation. We provide step-by-step guidance and systematic study plans for your JLPT exam preparation. Choose to take all courses for comprehensive skill improvement or select the one you need most.
Courses in our JLPT Learning Tracks
Spring semester (Jan - May)
JLPT Foundations Course
Build a foundation by focusing on vocabulary, kanji, and grammar. Materials are not exam preparatory only.
Expand Vocabulary and Kanji
Master core grammar skills
Develop your study plan
Create or join a study group
Summer semester (May - July)
JLPT Advancement Course
Further develop and practice essential skills, especially listening, in preparation for the exam.
Improve Kanji reading skills
Practice reading/listening
Grasp exam structures
Receive a JLPT registration reminder
Fall semester (Sep - JLPT test day)
JLPT Final Prep Course
Address grammar gaps, enhance test-taking abilities, and take mock exams.
Review grammar with an emphasis on testing strategies
Repeat JLPT-Style practice
Take mock exams and build confidence
JLPT Prep™ Courses
N1-N5, Online or In-person
90-min lecture + Q&A / week
12-week classes
$480 / course
JLPT - N1 or N2 Final Prep
Fall. Now accepting registration. In-person only
N1: Sun 9 AM; N2: Sun 11 AM, Starting Sep 7
Instructor: Tamaki
JLPT Prep N1/N2 Learning Track (3 courses)
JLPT - N1 or N2
Foundations
Spring
JLPT N1 or N2
Adcancement
Summer
JLPT Prep N3/N4 Learning Track (3 courses)
JLPT - N3 or N4 Final Prep
Fall. Now accepting registration. In-person only
N3 - Sat 9 AM; N4 - Sat 11 AM, Starting Sep 13
Instructor: Usui
JLPT - N3 or N4 Foundations
Spring
JLPT N3 or N4 Final Advancement
Summer
JLPT Prep N5 Learning Track (1 course)
We recommend completing the Showa Mastery courses - beginning level (J-101, J-102 and J-103), or their equivalents, for better participation in this exam-oriented course.
Contact
Email us at showa_japanese_program@showaboston.edu
Follow us on Instagram @showa.japanese
Quick Links
All courses
Class scheduleWhat is JLPT
Prepare for Your Test
For Test TakersEvents
Instructors
Policy
Learning Resources