Japanese Language Courses
Explore Showa Boston's small-sized, instructor-led language classes and discover how we can assist you in achieving your language learning goals.
2024 Spring semester: 1/28/2024 - 4/20/2024
Download the 2024 Spring calendar
Explore Our Courses
Designed for Japanese learners of all levels, speak with native college students.
12 weeks in Spring and Fall
6 weeks in the Summer, focused on enhancing speaking skills.
JLPT Prep™ Courses (N1-N5)
Ace the JLPT exam with our learning track courses covering grammar, listening, reading, and more.
12 weeks in Spring, Summer, and Fall
Summer-exclusive courses feature interactive activities, games, and age-appropriate lessons for children.
6 weeks in Summer
Japanese Mastery Courses
5 levels, Online and In-person
Practice with Japanese students
12 weeks, 100-min class / week
$300 / course
Beginning level
Learn essential Japanese: grammar, Hiragana & Katakana, and basic skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. This level includes 90% English and 10% Japanese instruction.
J-101: Basic sentences, including greetings and self-introductions, Hiragana
J-102: Adjectives, Action verbs, Katakana
J-103: Verb conjugation; Build essential Japanese language skills to survive in Japan
Course J-101 (1A)
Online
Thursday, 6 PM
Instructor: Miyaki
In-person
Sunday, 9 AM
Instructor: Tamaki
Course J-102 (1B)
Online
Tuesday, 6 PM
Instructor: Kowata
In-person
Sunday, 11 AM
Instructor: Tamaki
Course J-103 (1C)
Online
Tuesday, 7:50 PM
Instructor: Kowata
In-person
Sunday, 1 PM
Instructor: Tamaki
Intermediate level
Enhance students’ basic Japanese language skills in listening, speaking, and reading, including basic Kanji (Chinese characters). This level will be taught 75% in English and 25% in Japanese.
Prerequisites: grasp basic sentences, hiragana, katakana. Suitable for those starting to learn Kanji.
Learning objectives:
J-201: Express desires using ～んです, ～たいです, and learn Kanji
J-202: Explore modifying clauses and suggestions
J-203: Master volitional form, future events, hypothetical statements, and 250 Kanji
Course J-201 (2A)
Online
Thursday, 7:50 PM
Instructor: Miyaki
In-person
Saturday, 9 AM
Instructor: Hattori
Course J-202 (2B)
Online
Monday, 6 PM
Instructor: Kowata
In-person
Saturday, 11 AM
Instructor: Usui
Upper-Intermediate level
Comprehend complex content through reading and listening in diverse settings. This level will be taught 25& in English and 75% in Japanese.
Prerequisites: Completing the Upper Intermediate courses (J-303), or the equivalent of the JLPT N3 level, demonstrating understanding of Japanese in everyday situations and summarizing information.
Learning objectives:
Analyze Japanese language content with depth and nuance
Explore materials across diverse contexts
Master 650 ~ 1000 Kanjis
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 equivalent to JLPT N4 level, understanding basic sentences, hiragana, katakana, basic kanji, and everyday conversations.
Learning objectives:
J301: Navigate business situations, read paragraphs
J302: Master day-to-day Japanese, including Anime and Game language, Keigo
J303: Attain near-natural Japanese speaking speed, Keigo, and read Newspapers and Magazines, 400-500 Kanji.
Master level
Read complex & abstract writings on various 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
Learning objectives:
Read Japanese novels
Discussion about current news
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 JLPT Learning Track:
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 Advanced Skills Development Course
Further develop and practice essential skills, especially listening, in preparation for the exam.
Improve Kanji reading skills
Practice reading and listening sections
Grasp exam structures
Receive a JLPT registration reminder
Fall semester (Sep - JLPT test day)
JLPT Final Prep Course
Address grammar gaps and enhance test-taking abilities.
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
$400 / course
JLPT Prep N1/N2 Learning Track (3 courses)
JLPT - N1/N2 Foundations
In-person only
Saturday, 11:00 AM
Instructor: Dr. Honda
Now accepting registration
JLPT - N1/N2 Final Prep
Coming soon
Select one course based on the exam level you intend to take: N1 Prep or N2 Prep
Available in 2024 fall
JLPT Prep N3/N4 Learning Track (3 courses)
JLPT - N3/N4 Foundations
In-person only
Saturday, 9:00 AM
Instructor: Usui
Now accepting registration
JLPT - N3/N4 Final Prep
Coming soon
Select one course based on the exam level you intend to take: N3 Prep or N4 Prep
Available in 2024 fall
JLPT Prep N5 Learning Track (1 course)
We recommend completing the Showa Mastery courses - beginning level, or their equivalents, for better participation in this exam-oriented course.
JLPT - N5 Prep
Coming soon
Available in 2024 fall
Japanese for Kids Course
Coming soon in 2024 summer.
Please submit your ideas or leave comments with us at showa_japanese_program@showaboston.edu.
Follow us on Instagram @showa.japanese.