Fluent foreigners offer tips on mastering nihongo
What was your “breakthrough moment” in studying Japanese?
I had always wanted to be able to speak off the cuff. Beginning in 1997, I had a job where I often had to give public speeches, but I always prepared them in their entirety. In early 2000, I remember doing one only with notes, improvising as I went along. It was exhilarating. I don’t know how much sense I actually made then, but it was an important leap.—Ry Beville, 36, US. Publisher of Koe Magazine, a bilingual culture journal
My breakthrough moment came very slowly. I didn’t realize how much I had learned until one day, I bought a newspaper at a kiosk and could read a whole article without having to look up any kanji. Of course, there were kanji I didn’t know, but I could guess their meaning from the context and from some of the radicals.—Hanna McGaughey, 27, US & Germany. Graduate student, University of Tokyo
I’m still waiting for that breakthrough moment! The truth is I never really catapulted into fluency, but, rather, every day for years I’ve struggled to improve a little bit. Even now, as a writer who publishes in Japanese without a translator, I must constantly read Japanese books and magazines, searching for tricks to communicate with more oomph. Studying language never ends!—Matthew Chozick, 29, US. Writer and translator
Rather than a breakthrough moment (still hasn’t come yet although I think I’m getting close after 20 years!), I would say my most disheartening moment was coming to Japan having studied Japanese for about six years, only to find I could understand very little. As it turned out, this was because I was living in the heart of Kawachi-ben country (southern Osaka), where a particularly strong strain of Osaka dialect is spoken (it didn’t take too long to pick up the dialect in the end, though).—Matt Downer, 35, New Zealand. Business consultant/rugby player
What tip or advice about learning Japanese do you wish someone had given you when you were beginning your studies?
I wish that I had been taught more explicitly about radicals earlier on. Now that I more fully appreciate how to use radicals to intuit meaning and/or pronunciation, I wish I had been thinking that way all along, rather than memorizing individual characters as if they were each a completely new character to memorize. I also wish that I had known earlier about the way Japanese uses intonation or stress, the way words rise or fall across the morae (syllables), rather than spending so much of my early years trying to figure out how to speak without tone or stress, having been told Japanese was flat.—Travis Seifman, 28, US. Graduate student in Japanese art history
Conversation practice and listening is more important than learning all the grammar points—a lot of the grammar you are taught is not used much. (M.D.)
Cheat with handwriting! Unless you plan to become a professional calligrapher, why invest hundreds of hours perfecting every fancy-schmancy kanji stroke when you’re just getting started? On occasions that actual handwriting is needed, you can almost always get by with a little prep or by copying difficult characters from a mobile phone. (M.C.)
You sometimes hear that after immersion in a language you can become fluent in six months. With Japanese, that’s just not realistic. For native English speakers, it is one of the hardest languages to master. You need to realize that it’s probably going to take several years of devoted education. More practical advice: kanji is the great hurdle. Love it, learn it. Signs are everywhere; your surroundings become a classroom. (R.B.)
It’s easy to get discouraged in the beginning (and even years into studying Japanese). You have to be able to laugh at yourself and your mistakes instead of taking them to heart. It also helps to have a Japanese significant other, but be careful that you don’t start sounding like someone of the opposite gender. (H.M.)
What’s the single most effective piece of advice you can think of for someone planning to learn Japanese?
Find what works for you. Obviously, we all need to do things according to what our teacher and our textbook requires, so if the teacher requires you to recognize terms like Type I, Type II, Type III verbs, then shikata ga nai. But, there is no one way to learn a language. Listen to your sensei, and respect her experience and expertise, but also remember that even if she says to think about things a certain way, if you find it useful to think of it another way, do it. (T.S.)
With no holds barred, step into the World of Japanese while you’re still a fledgling language student. This “World” of which I speak is the world of Japanese popular culture. When watching a TV program, for instance, unfamiliar words crop up along with Japanese spoken at natural speeds. Difficulty in understanding what’s happening in a program may be frustrating and downright scary for beginners, but conquer that fear and embark into the World of Japanese with everything you have.—Ariel Angelotti, 24, US. Translator/video game assistant producer
For someone who really wants to become fluent in Japanese, immersion in the language is best. Don’t create a “comfort zone” of English speakers around you; surround yourself with native Japanese speakers who only speak Japanese. This will force you to learn the language through conversation practice. Dating a native Japanese speaker doesn’t hurt, either!— Trevor Root, 27, US. Model/preschool teacher
Two words: Horizontal learning. (R.B.)
The Learning Curve
Help for your nihongo is here!
ARC Academy
It’s weird to consider, but there was a time when you couldn’t yet speak English. So what’s to stop you picking up Japanese? It may seem daunting to tackle a whole new language, but—one step at a time and under the right guidance—any of us can attain fluency. And that’s where ARC Academy comes in.
With students from more than 40 countries taking lessons entirely in Japanese, you can bet that many newbies start out apprehensive. But thanks to the effective and fun techniques of the school’s experienced and enthusiastic teachers—who speak to students at their individual level of understanding in real-life Japanese—concerns are soon eased. The highly trained faculty teaches not only the vocabulary and grammar but also when and how to use them.
ARC Academy’s schools in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yokohama are all located close to their respective train stations. Multi-purpose courses include the Intensive Japanese Course, part-time Evening Course, Japanese for Daily Life, JLPT Preparation and more. A custom-made curriculum is offered for private or company training lessons. And don’t worry: while the lessons may be in Japanese, you can make inquiries in English by email, telephone or in person.
☛ Shibuya branch: 2-14-7 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3409-0391. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Email: shibuya@arc.ac.jp. Open Mon-Thu 10am-7:30pm, Fri 10am-6:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun & hols. Shinjuku branch: Tel: 03-3345-6411. Ikebukuro branch: Tel: 03-3590-4550. Yokohama branch: Tel: 045-312-5759. http://en.arc-academy.net
Azabudai Japanese Language School
Azabudai Japanese Language School offers practical lessons based on real-life situations to help students acquire communicative knowledge of Japanese, rather than just grammatical structures. Because an ability to use new language skills helps students experience the excitement of learning, class activities are based on developing oral proficiency. And because learners know that their mistakes will be corrected, they gain the confidence to speak freely and naturally. Beginner students at Azabudai are given a three-month starter course that introduces hiragana, katakana and simple sentences.
Each instructor at Azabudai Japanese Language School has over six years of experience, and the students come from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. Lessons are conducted in large classrooms in a relaxed atmosphere. The school is located just six minutes from Kamiyacho station or ten minutes from Akabane-Bashi, Azabu-Juban or Roppongi-Itchome stations. For those with a car, there is also on-site parking.
Entrance fee: ¥5,000. Tuition: ¥44,000 (20 lessons/twice weekly, two hours per lesson). Materials fee: ¥4,000-¥5,000. Class time: twice a week 10:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-3:30pm. No classes on Wed. Note: at least two students are required to start a class.
☛ 1-9-8 Azabudai, Minato-ku. Email: azabudai@itf.or.jp. Nearest stn: Kamiyacho. www.itf.or.jp/azabudai
Akamonkai Japanese Language School
Since 1985, Akamonkai Japanese Language School has been offering language lessons to students around the globe. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the school has graduated over 15,000 students. Currently, over 1,000 students from 17 countries are learning Japanese with Akamonkai’s curriculum.
Akamonkai has two schools in Nippori: a main learning center that’s seven minutes’ walk from Nippori station, with a second that's even closer. Located in a quiet residential district not far from the crowds of central Tokyo, Akamonkai Japanese Language School has several unique features for the discerning Japanese-language student. In addition to providing a welcoming environment, classes are suited to each student’s level and abilities. Another extremely popular feature is the study hall—it’s open 24 hours a day. The school also puts on a festival every March that offers lectures and exchanges between students and the locals.
Roughly 100 thoroughly trained and experienced Japanese teachers support students’ study, and guidance counselors can help you acclimatize to life in Japan. Because students are divided into 14 levels, there is a suitable class for everyone. Three-month courses are available for ¥120,000 (including admission fee and textbook fee), and pre-college visas are provided for participants in one- to two-year courses. For students interested in longer-term programs, Akamonkai offers several scholarships and discounted enrollment plans, as well as dormitories that are easily reachable from the school by bike or on foot. Also, the school can help students with job-hunting or offer work experience at its sister company.
☛ 6-39-12 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku. Tel: 03-3806-6102. Email: info@akamonkai.ac.jp. Nearest stn: Nippori. www.akamonkai.ac.jp
Bridge Academy
Bridge Academy offers an innovative Japanese method dubbed “Tokyo Nihongo Training.” By building on the teaching methods of a school with over 20 years of experience, the Academy helps foreign residents improve their Japanese quickly and efficiently.
The program’s distinguishing features include small classes and an emphasis on providing students with ample opportunities to polish their conversational skills. Courses range from oral conversation to business Japanese, kanji instruction and preparation for Japanese proficiency tests. Bridge Academy offers counseling to new students so that each learner receives the instruction best for them.
The school is conveniently located—just three minutes from Shin-Okubo and Okubo stations, and within walking distance of Shinjuku. Bridge Academy makes Japanese lessons accessible even for busy people. Students may attend classes any time between 9am and 9pm on weekdays, or between 10am and 6pm on Saturdays. Prices start at ¥3,000 per day, three times a week, which includes two 80-minute lessons per school day. Completely customized one-on-one lessons are also available. Bridge Academy also organizes cultural exchanges with Japanese foreign language students, making it easy to build new friendships. Call or email to schedule a free consultation.
☛ 2F ARS Bldg, 1-8-12 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3202-9544. Email: info@bridge-ac.jp. Nearest stn: Shin-Okubo, Okubo or Shinjuku. www.tnt-tokyonihongo.com
The College of Business and Communication
Located just one minute from Kawasaki station, The College of Business and Communication specializes in both language and business education. As a pioneer in its field, the college has enjoyed a long history and earned rave reviews, with many thousands of students acquiring skills to use in Japan or back home.
The CBC curriculum takes a four-pronged approach, with a focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking, plus extra kanji catch-up classes once a week. This ensures a balanced development of Japanese-language skills. For higher-level students, CBC offers advanced classes for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N1 and N2 versions) and business Japanese.
Other options include a full-time course that meets 22 hours per week for three or six months, as well as three-month beginner courses with three weekly sessions of three hours each. Long-term students can receive travel discounts and student visas; group lessons are also available to corporations. Any questions? CBC takes inquiries in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.
The Kawasaki area is a heartland of cinematic and musical culture, boasting grand concert halls, rocking live houses and a host of movie theaters. It is easily accessible from Haneda Airport, Yokohama and Tokyo station, making it the ideal spot for The College of Business and Communication’s new campus, which opens this month.
☛ 22-9 Ekimae-Honcho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-3200. Email: jpn@cbc.ac.jp. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. www.cbc.ac.jp
EBISU JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Ebisu Japanese Language School is a friendly, informal school for Japanese learners of all levels—students range from those who have never cracked a book to those who are preparing to ace Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). The school also offers assistance with resume writing, business skills and interview practice.
Lessons are taught by friendly, experienced instructors who adapt their methods to suit each student. Classes take place in a relaxed environment where the coffee flows freely and improvement is noticeable after each lesson.
The lineup of programs includes a JLPT course for all levels ahead of the test in July and December (¥3,000 for 90 minutes). Private tutoring can be arranged to fit any schedule and tailored to focus on specific areas of language learning, priced at ¥3,800 per 50-minute session. For those who need to pick up Japanese quickly, the school offers a concentrated study course, which includes 10 days of intensive private lessons at ¥3,800 per 90 minutes. A survival course, which consists of two weeks of daily instruction, also costs ¥3,800 per 90 minutes, while group lessons of two to four students can also be arranged (¥3,000 for 50 minutes). EJLS is centrally located within walking distance of both Ebisu and Hiroo stations.
☛ 4F Hiroo Stone Bldg, 1-3-17 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3441-4713. Email: ebisujls@aol.com. Nearest stn: Ebisu or Hiroo. www.ebisu-jls.com
Evergreen Language School
Evergreen Language School is located in the quiet residential area of Yutenji, just three stops from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko line. Established 61 years ago, the school has seen more than 50,000 students from around the globe pass through its classrooms.
Evergreen constantly strives to create effective, enjoyable classes to help students learn both the language and culture of Japan. There are several different courses to suit your daily life—just choose how many times a week you want to come in and how you want to learn. If there are specific materials you would like to study, private lessons are available. Group lessons offer the opportunity to learn Japanese and at the same time meet people from all over the world. Evergreen also offers an intensive kanji course, as well as classes designed to prepare you for studies at a Japanese university.
The school’s friendly, professional and qualified teachers help you build confidence in your Japanese ability and lay the groundwork for continued learning. Many students who have completed their courses go on to study higher levels of Japanese. For prospective students from abroad, Evergreen can help you apply for a college visa, allowing you to study in Japan while also working part-time up to twenty-eight hours a week.
Evergreen also operates two other campuses (located on the Tokyu Toyoko line), and can even dispatch teachers to your home—which means you have fewer excuses not to make 2010 the year you conquer the Japanese language.
☛ 1-21-18 Yutenji, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3713-4958. Email: info@evergreen-s.com. Nearest stn: Yutenji. www.evergreen-s.com
Human Academy
Human Academy wants nothing less than to encourage the globalization of the Japanese language. Licensed by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education, the school offers a variety of courses that equip students for a fast-changing society.
To help ensure an appropriate learning environment, Human Academy uses direct teaching methods that focus on genuine communication ability, as well as providing detailed assistance for career guidance and arranging a monthly language exchange event. It also fully supports its students in obtaining college visas.
Over 500 students from 47 countries are enrolled at Human Academy. Classes range from the Practical Japanese Course and the Preparatory Course, which take a long-term approach to improving reading, listening, writing and speaking, to the Intensive Course, which allows students to choose the classes that best fit their current level. The Short-Term Intensive Course, meanwhile, lasts from one to three months and focuses on practical Japanese.
Human Academy also offers private, group and corporate lessons, as well as a JLPT preparation course and a business Japanese program. Based on many years of experience in language education, the school uses its own original textbooks, and a free trial lesson and level-check test are always available.
☛ 7F Waseda Yobiko, 4-9-9 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5348-8951. Email: tjp22@athuman.com. Nearest stn: Takadanobaba. www.athuman.com/hajl/e
Intercultural Institute of Japan
The Intercultural Institute of Japan is in its third decade, making it one of the most established language schools in the country. Nearly 400 students from over 50 nations attend classes at the institute’s campus in Akihabara. The school adheres to a philosophy of cross-cultural communications (CCC), which posits that people should live together by understanding and respecting each other’s language and culture. IIJ places tremendous importance on mutual trust between the students and the school. There are two types of course on offer. The weekly short-term course takes a goal-oriented approach to learning: rather than progressing from the easiest expressions to the more difficult, the focus is on the language that’s most important to communication. The long-term course, on the other hand, is for students who plan to spend 1-2 years studying and provides a balance of reading, listening, writing and speaking skills, with lessons structured to emphasize both the practical and theoretical aspects of Japanese.
Students can also take private lessons or courses tailored to business needs, and JLPT preparatory courses may be available when sufficient numbers are enrolled.
☛ 2-20-9 Taito, Taito-ku. Tel: 03-5816-4861. Email: incul@incul.com. Nearest stn: Shin-Okachimachi. www.incul.com/eng
Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC)
Angling for a top-flight position in industry or academia, but let down by your Japanese? The Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC), housed in the famous Pacifico Yokohama building in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, is a Stanford University-affiliated program that provides advanced Japanese language education. Its strict screening process is designed to admit only the 50-60 most promising students each September.
The program is geared toward acquiring proficiency in academic and specialized areas of Japanese, while cultivating the ability to read, write and converse in specialized subject matters. Many graduates go on to assume positions of leadership in their respective disciplines and professions. The IUC, which was founded in 1963 and is run by a consortium of 15 premier academic institutions under direct management by Stanford University, mainly hosts students from North America, Europe and a variety of Asian countries. Its 1,600 alumni include renowned researchers, businessmen, government officials and academic experts in various Japan-related fields.
During the 40-week program, students will master advanced-level reading, listening, speaking and writing skills in Japanese, and hone their language skills to their specific field of research or industry. A six-week summer program is also provided to about 40 students.
☛ Pacifico Yokohama 5F, 1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-223-2002. Email: iuc@iucjapan.org. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. www.iucjapan.org
J’s Language School
J’s Language School provides a fun and stimulating learning environment: classrooms have funky names like Ramen, Soba, Udon and Beer, and students can enjoy tea or Japanese sweets in the lounge area. There are also free books and DVDs to borrow, as well as free internet.
J’s offers courses in daily conversation, test preparation and business, as well as a one-week intensive program and private lessons. Students can also study Japanese culture via comics or calligraphy. The certified instructors are all fluent English speakers, so beginners have nothing to worry about. Another attractive feature of J’s Language School is the small class size; each lesson has just 2-4 students.
The school hosts many events, including cruises, house parties, hanami, and a year-end bash—all of which provide real-life communication opportunities for students and teachers. J’s is conveniently located in Ebisu, between Shibuya and Roppongi stations.
☛ 2F Miura-Bldg, 3-16-10 Higashi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6277-2191. Email: info@js-language.com. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.js-language.com
KAI Nihongo School
Founded in 1987, KAI Japanese Language School was one of the first institutions in Japan to be certified by the International Association of Language Centres. The school attracts students from nearly 40 countries, who use Japanese as the common language of communication both in and out of the classroom. At KAI, students live Japanese.
KAI offers a pair of flexible study programs to suit all learners’ needs. The General Course is for students whose goal is to master the language. One term lasts 10 weeks, and the course can be continued for up to two years. The content is highly concentrated to bring strong results fast.
The Open Monthly Course is a three- to four-week conversation program for students who wish to study on a shorter-term basis. The course includes four levels ranging from complete beginner to intermediate, with an emphasis on immediate use of Japanese by developing communication skills.
Private and corporate lessons are available as well. KAI also organizes a variety of cultural and social activities, including ikebana, sobauchi (noodle-making), visits to kabuki plays, sumo bouts and sake breweries, and parties at izakaya. The school supports students with scholarships, as well as offering homestays, a conversation salon and an advisory service for academic and career planning.
☛ Miyuki Bldg, 1-15-18 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3205-1356. Email: admission@kaij.co.jp. Nearest stn: Shin-Okubo. www.kaij.jp
Kanrin Japanese School
Located in Yokohama, just a 23-minute train ride from Shibuya, Kanrin Japanese School boasts an enrollment of 400 students who hail from dozens of countries around the world. Courses are offered to suit all ability levels, from the anxious first-timer to the graduate looking to enter a Japanese university. Highly trained instructors ensure that students learn at the pace that’s best for them.
The atmosphere at Kanrin Japanese School is a relaxed one: after classes, students chat in a plethora of languages—although, of course, Japanese is foremost among them. Within six months of enrolling, all students are able not only to write and read Japanese, but also engage in daily conversation. Teaching materials include everyday media such as television news, in addition to traditional resources like books, newspaper articles and extracts from novels.
Students at Kanrin Japanese School also learn about traditional culture and customs, which results in a holistic understanding of their host country. Frequent extracurricular events range from tea ceremonies to sumo fights; excursions include trips to feudal Odawara Castle, Tokyo Disneyland, Sagami Picnic Land, temples, Mt. Fuji, hot springs in Hakone and more. And as your understanding of Japanese language and culture deepens, so too will your friendships.
☛ 5-3 Enokigaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-983-2228. Email: info@kanrin.net. Nearest stn: Aobadai. www.kanrin.net
Kumon Japanese Language Program
Too busy for language school? Thanks to the Kumon Japanese Language Program, you can learn from the comfort of your own home. Kumon is an individualized learning system that allows each student to study at a comfortable level, regardless of ability or age. The program is already used by more than 85,000 students.
Kumon’s Japanese Language Program is designed for self-study. Everything that the student needs can be found in the CDs and worksheets. Learners acquire reading, writing, listening and speaking skills one step at a time, starting at a level suited to their current ability and proceeding at their own pace.
Kumon’s style of self-study is also perfect for distance learning by correspondence. You can practice Japanese at your convenience with Kumon’s remote course, using the same materials as would be used in a class. In addition, Kumon offers correspondence students complimentary one-to-one online reading lessons, where an instructor listens to them reading, offers advice and fields questions. The online classes are a fantastic opportunity to practice using the vocabulary and expressions studied in the material. Contact Kumon for an information pack.
☛ Tel: 0120-49-4625. Email: japanese@kumon.co.jp. www.kumon.ne.jp/jpn
Matsudo International School
Matsudo International School has been offering Japanese lessons to foreign students for over 20 years. Their well-qualified instructors bring a high level of professionalism and care to teaching the language using Matsudo’s methods. The goal is to immerse students in Japanese for a positive—and practical—learning experience. Classes feature materials that highlight Japan’s visual culture, including films and anime, as well as news articles for discussions about current affairs.
Matsudo’s lessons place a strong emphasis on communication, but the support that students receive doesn’t end when class finishes. Guidance is provided in areas related to daily life, from finding employment to applying for college, to help students have a stress-free experience while living in Japan.
Matsudo firmly believes in creating a conducive, friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for students so they can maximize their learning potential. The staff look forward to seeing you soon.
☛ 3F Yuasa Bldg, 1-1-6 Higurashi, Matsudo, Chiba. Tel: 047-389-0901. Nearest stn: 1 min from Yabashira (Shin Keisei line) or Shinyahashira (JR Musashino line). Email: admin@mijpschool.com. www.mijpschool.com
Mejiro University
The intensive Japanese language programs at Mejiro University offer a strong grounding for learners of all nationalities. There are two main options: the Japanese Language Program (JALP), which draws students from more than ten countries; and the Japanese and Asian Studies Program (JASP), whose enrollees tend to hail from Europe and the US. Both courses run for a full academic year, although qualified applicants can enroll for single semesters.
The school has recently begun a third program, called the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Program (JALC), which is held during the summer. All students in these programs can take advantage of the university’s full range of academic facilities and extracurricular events.
Mejiro University boasts not only a high caliber of teaching, but also an optimum learning environment for foreign students. The views from the central Tokyo campus are fantastic, the 5,000-plus attendees of the junior college, university and graduate schools can enjoy plenty of green space—a rare luxury in Tokyo. Program participants also have the opportunity to improve their practical conversation skills by communicating with Japanese students enrolled in the university’s Department of Japanese Language Studies.
☛ 4-31-1 Nakaochiai, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5996-3201. Email: int.center@mejiro.ac.jp. Nearest stn: Nakai. www.mejiro.ac.jp/eng/index.html
Meros Language School
Your Japanese language skills are improving little by little just from living in Japan. But is that enough? Are you really satisfied with your Japanese? While language skills do, of course, sink in naturally over time, a teacher is essential for learning grammar rules, correcting bad habits, and generally supporting your upward trajectory. Established in 1985 near Ikebukuro’s Sunshine Building, Meros Language School gives you the tools you need to develop your Japanese skills more effectively.
Meros offers both group and private lessons, with 680 students from around the globe currently enrolled in its courses. A variety of programs cater to a wide range of ability levels, so new students can always find a suitable class. Professional, experienced teachers identify students’ needs and match their lessons to individual aims and interests. Additionally, Meros students can interact with their classmates and enjoy Japanese culture through a variety of extracurricular events and activities.
For those who are too busy to join a full-time course, Meros provides private lessons, semi-private lessons and group lessons starting from just ¥2,500 for 90 minutes. Corporate classes can also be arranged for the workplace. From this year, special courses for students hoping to enter a graduate school or to find employment in Japan have also been added to the menu.
☛ 2-45-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. Tel: 03-3980-0068. Email: info@meros.jp. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. www.meros.jp/en
NIC (Nihongo Instructor Club)
Located just steps from Azabu-Juban station, NIC offers private and group lessons to students of all ability levels. NIC’s instructors all hold Japanese teaching certificates and, on average, bring a decade of experience to the classroom. Beginner-level students will be happy to know that teachers can speak English, and usually another language as well.
NIC offers a free level check so that prospective students can be placed in the most suitable class for their needs. Uniquely, students learn about 15 hours’ worth of “survival Japanese” before going into the curriculum proper, bringing them up to speed from the get-go. If you’d rather study Japanese in your own space, NIC instructors can be dispatched to offices or homes throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area.
NIC caters to all levels of proficiency, with prep classes for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and Business Japanese Test (BJT). Fees are reasonable, with 90-minute classes priced at ¥2,980 or less and private lessons at ¥4,200 or less per hour. Diplomats can receive a tax-free DS (Designated School) certificate.
NIC supports learning beyond the classroom via its website, which features a “study room” of quizzes for beginner, advanced and business students, as well as articles introducing aspects of Japanese culture. A monthly newsletter keeps subscribers informed of class schedules and seasonal Japanese topics, so you can be sure never to miss a thing during your stay.
☛ 2-20-10-205 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3454-5002. Email: info@nicjapanese.com. Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban. www.nicjapanese.com
Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin — Japanese Language Institute (JLI)
Founded in 1967, the Japanese Language Institute (JLI) offers a wide variety of courses to meet the needs of all learners. Students can choose from intensive daytime programs that focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing; early morning, afternoon, night and Saturday courses; and private lessons that cater to specific goals. Among the subjects and skills taught are daily/business conversation, TV news, reading the newspaper, thesis research and writing, and JLPT/BJT preparation.
Located in the center of Tokyo, the JLI has attracted more than 7,000 Japanese learners from 90 countries. Classes are taught in Japanese using original textbooks, with lessons proceeding through a four-step process of introduction, practice, development and reinforcement. Advanced learners use TV programs, magazines and other media to practice presenting their own opinions in discussion and debates.
In addition to Japanese lessons, the JLI provides a variety of English-language education programs and engages in various international exchanges. Activities include the International Speech Contest in Japanese, which is broadcast on NHK, and a variety of other cultural forums, including the Japan-America Student Conference, which was originally founded in 1934.
☛ 1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3359-9600. Email: jli-info@nichibei.ac.jp. Nearest stn: Yotsuya. www.nichibei.ac.jp/jli
Nihongo Partners
No matter how hard you study Japanese, there comes a time when you hit a wall and find that your progress becomes sluggish or stops altogether. The key is whether you overcome this barrier—and that’s where Nihongo Partners can help. During private one-to-one lessons, highly experienced teachers analyze students’ use of Japanese to search for their stumbling block and then help them to get past it one step at a time. Finely tuned coaching methods and a service-first mindset help to develop the Japanese ability of people who had previously been struggling.
Lessons cover everything from business Japanese to daily conversation, and students can even book lessons at their office or home. Even if you’re already attending a Japanese school but find yourself stuck, Nihongo Partners can help—instructors are happy to adjust their lessons to suit each student’s pace.
The customer feedback speaks for itself. Phil Chang, CEO of Sairis Group KK, says, “Nihongo Partners has a great ability to traverse the English-Japanese gap, with an excellent understanding of my individual needs. A+!”
☛ 1-6-4-103 Shiba, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5765-6015. Email: kaiwa@nihongo-partners.com. www.nihongo-partners.com
Sendagaya Japanese Institute
During Sendagaya Japanese Institute’s 35-year history, more than 20,000 students have passed through its doors, and over 8,500 Japanese instructors have graduated from its teacher-training course. That’s easier said than done: instructors must master linguistic theory as well as practical teaching techniques so that students can be assured of quality education.
SJI offers free level checks, trial classes and a variety of lesson options, including the Every Day Course (Mon-Fri, four-week minimum), Part-Time Evening Course (twice a week), JLPT N1 Prep Course, and individual lessons.
For regular group classes, SJI has developed an original textbook series, Communication Nihongo, that’s designed to introduce the Japanese language systematically through vocabulary, grammar and step-by-step sentence patterns. Classes are conducted almost exclusively in Japanese, using pictures and gestures to convey the meanings effectively and naturally.
With classmates from many different countries and professional backgrounds, students can enjoy a relaxed and multicultural atmosphere while sharing experiences and learning new ideas.
☛ 3-18-14 Takada, Toshima-ku. Tel: 03-3987-7001. Email: info@jp-sji.org. Nearest stn: Takadanobaba. www.jp-sji.org/sji_english
Shinjuku Heiwa Japanese Language School
The intensive classes at Shinjuku Heiwa Japanese Language School are the perfect way to improve your abilities quickly and effectively. The fee structure is extremely reasonable: ¥60,000 for one month of lessons; ¥96,000 for two months; and ¥120,000 for three months. What’s more, the school offers room and board, which allows non-residents to immerse themselves completely in the local language and culture. During winter and summer, a special one-month course is available for just ¥198,000. The fee includes tuition, dormitory accommodation, breakfast and dinner, and a variety of extracurricular events. (A two-week course is also available for ¥120,000.) Student visas can be arranged for long-term learners, with special offers available for anyone who enrolls for the start of the new term in April 2011.
Located just one minute’s walk from Okubo or Shin-Okubo stations and ten minutes from Shinjuku station, Shinjuku Heiwa Japanese Language School provides lessons for all levels. Last-minute JLPT preparation courses take place in October and November, covering levels N1, N2 and N3. Thanks to small class sizes—no more than ten students per teacher—learners can enjoy individualized attention. Reasonably priced private lessons (¥38,000 for ten sessions) are also available, with longer-term programs that include the Japanese Immersion Course and College Preparation Course. For new students, Shinjuku Heiwa Japanese Language School offers free model lessons, and if you’re interested in private instruction, three sample lessons are available at a rate of ¥3,000 per class. See the website for more details.
☛ 1-13-14, Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-6304-0088. Nearest stn: Okubo. www.shinjuku-heiwa.com
Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute
If you’re going to study Japanese, you may as well benefit from some cutting-edge learning techniques. Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute (a.k.a. Shinjuku Nihongo Gakko, or SNG) uses the Ezoe Method, a unique teaching system that makes grammar easier to learn by employing color coding to engage students’ visual memory—especially handy in a school with students from 38 different countries.
Another progressive feature of the Ezoe Method is the Sound Reader, a state-of-the-art, computer mouse-like machine that can “read” aloud a code that’s printed on normal paper. This high-tech equipment—used only at SNG—saves teachers from having to carry around heavy CD players or unwieldy cassettes. The institute has also created an image-based software system that helps students learn kanji in a playful and constructive way.
More importantly, SNG teaches Japanese for daily life, and no other language is spoken during classes. Instructors help students integrate into daily life via cultural and recreational activities, including cooking courses, ski trips, shrine tours and sumo tournaments. Courses are available from beginner to advanced levels, with business classes and even Japanese teacher-training lessons. Each of the eight available levels can be completed in just three months, with classes on weekdays, evenings and even Sundays.
☛ 2-9-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5273-0044. Email: jimu_sng_1975@sng.ac.jp. Nearest stn: Takadanobaba. www.sng.ac.jp
TCC Japanese Institute
TCC Japanese Institute is located in a quiet residential area just a one-minute walk from Arai-Yakushimae station on the Seibu Shinjuku line, or a ten-minute train ride from Shinjuku. The school welcomes more than 200 students from around the world, with a family atmosphere and a highly experienced, all-female teaching staff. First-time Japanese learners will appreciate the special attention paid to the basics, and many higher-level students go on to enter a Japanese university or find work in Japan.
TCC Japanese Institute offers eight levels of instruction, from beginner to advanced. After a personal consultation, staff assess each new student’s abilities and assign them to a specific class. But there’s a lot more about TCC than just studying—the school offers extracurricular activities throughout the year for everyone to enjoy.
Lessons are offered weekdays from 9am-12:30pm and 1-4:30pm, and new terms begin in January, April, July and October. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the next course starting October 7. For the long-term course starting April 7, the application period is until the end of October. Tuition can be paid on a pro-rated basis.
☛ 5-28-4 Arai, Nakano-ku. Tel: 03-3388-6728. Email: tcc-ji@tcc-ji.com. Nearest stn: Arai-Yakushimae. www.tcc-ji.com/en/01_first.html
Tokyo Central Japanese Language School
Tokyo Central Japanese Language School offers the perfect study environment: it’s surrounded by greenery and historical buildings in a central location near Yoyogi station, within walking distance of Shinjuku and Harajuku. The school hosts students from many countries, allowing learners to experience a variety of cultures in class and out. There are also daily opportunities for cultural exchange with students enrolled in the Japanese Language Teacher Training Course.
Study options include a daily intensive class, short-term courses and private lessons, with a curriculum designed to match a variety of needs. Teachers can also be dispatched to companies, schools and homes.
TCJ is currently accepting applications for its Business Japanese Course, which has been specifically designed for students who are seeking employment in Japan or who need to use Japanese in a work environment. Enrollment is available in January, April, July and October, and students can choose terms from 12-, 18-, or 24-month schedules. A short-term business course (one month and up) is also available, and TCJ welcomes all students, irrespective of age or nationality.
☛ 4-30-3 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku. Telv: 03-5411-3331. Email: info@tcj-nihongo.com. Nearest stn: Yoyogi. www.tcj-nihongo.com
UJS Academy
We all have to start somewhere. UJS Language Institute knows this all too well, which is why on September 1 it launched the UJS Academy, which offers Japanese-language classes aimed squarely at beginners. Located in the cosmopolitan area of Roppongi, UJS Academy inherits from its parent school over two decades of experience teaching Japanese to foreigners. Its courses are perfect for beginners who have never studied the language, or who have tried but found themselves struggling.
The curriculum at UJS Academy takes some of the sweat out of learning Japanese by paying extra attention to the basics, providing students with a strong foundation to build their proficiency and confidence. After successfully completing their beginner-level work, students are invited to progress to the UJS Language Institute for intermediate and advanced classes.
UJS Academy’s faculty is made up entirely of licensed Japanese teachers, and their own experiences of learning foreign languages make them enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Lessons are offered on weekdays, with classes of two to ten students; enrollment is available anytime. Group lessons make learning fun, and classes cover the four core skills of reading, writing, speech and listening comprehension. With conversation practice thrown into the mix, students will be on the path to a comfortable, stress-free life in Japan.
☛ 3F Yanagi Bldg, 3-1-26 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6277-7522. Email: info@ujs-academy.com. Nearest stn: Roppongi-Itchome or Roppongi. www.ujs-academy.com, www.ujsli.jp
Unitas Japanese Language School
Founded in 1983 by the Teikyo University Group, Unitas Japanese Language School is just a ten-minute walk from Shin-Okubo station or a three-minute walk from Higashi-Shinjuku station. All levels of students are welcome, from beginner to advanced, for group classes (Mon-Fri 9am-12:50pm or 1:30-5:20pm), private lessons and corporate classes. Terms start four times a year—in January, April, July and October—but students can join any time. (Those who have never studied the Japanese language before, however, are encouraged to start at the beginning of a new term.)
In addition to friendly instructors who create a cozy and comfortable learning environment, Unitas has competitive class fees: one-month group lessons start from just ¥43,500 and private lessons from ¥3,300 per hour. A six-month pre-college visa course is available for ¥370,000.
☛ 2F 22 Sankyo Bldg, 2-2-9 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5287-5636. Email: japanese-tokyo@unitas-ej.com. Nearest stn: Shin-Okubo or Higashi-Shinjuku. www.unitas-ej.com
We Japanese Language School
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Shibuya, We Japanese Language School prides itself on innovative customer service and effective, results-driven training for professional types. Experienced instructors offer customized lessons to meet learners’ specific business and communication aims, so you’re guaranteed to acquire the Japanese you actually need for your working life.
Further setting We apart is its stylish, sophisticated offices and classrooms, which make for a relaxing learning environment. The school also has an English language division in the same building, meaning that international students can mix with their Japanese counterparts. To encourage further exchange of language, culture and ideas, We also organizes parties and other social events that offer the chance to put your developing Japanese skills into practice.
We’s Student Partner System is a unique program that matches learners with an experienced support counselor, ensuring they receive feedback that helps them continually improve. In private lessons, these partners customize programs to suit each student’s learning style and objectives. In the Group Lesson Course, teachers use time-proven teaching methods and original materials for maximum results.
☛ 4F Higashi Nihon Bldg, 1-22-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5489-6480. Email: info@we-japan.com. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.we-japan.com
Yokohama Design College
The Japanese language courses at Yokohama Design College place equal balance on reading, writing, speaking and listening, while also preparing students for their next step—whether that means a university, graduate school or other specialized institution. With themed classes such as “Japanese Language Proficiency Test and proceeding to university” and “Japanese Language Test at second grade,” and with some courses that take just a month to complete, Yokohama Design College emphasizes goal-oriented learning at a pace that suits the student. The school also runs a variety of classes that encourage students to apply their Japanese skills to their hobbies, be it fashion, design, dance, martial arts or flower arranging. What’s more, students can learn comic and fine art illustration with a weekly evening lesson; trial lessons are offered for free.
Yokohama Design College offers five courses. The Regular Course, which runs at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, is concerned with improving general proficiency and gearing up for exams. The Catch-Up Course lets you overcome the weak points of your skills and move on to the next level (minimum lesson period is one month). The Business Course teaches professional Japanese and business conversation while preparing students for the BTJ Business Japanese Ability Test and STBJ Standard Business Japanese Test. For the Private Course, the timetable and syllabuses are based on each student’s needs. Again, a trial lesson is also provided. Finally, the Intensive Course allows students to make excellent use of their long vacation in spring, summer and autumn for a chance to quickly “level up.”
☛ 1-33-6 Chuo, Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-323-0300. Nearest stn: Tobe. www.ydc.ac.jp/eng
Yokohama International Education Academy
The Yokohama International Education Academy makes the most of its Minato Mirai location. Close to such attractions as the Yokohama Museum of Art, Landmark Tower and National Convention Hall, and with the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center and several libraries and music halls in the vicinity, the academy provides a fantastic environment for study. And thanks to all its dormitories being located within walking distance of the campus, there’s an appealing community vibe.
Courses at Yokohama International Education Academy do more than simply teach the language: the academy strives to turn out well-rounded students as well. As such, it provides counseling, guidance and general subjects such as math, and keeps students primed with regular short essays and interview training.
EJU and JLPT exams are compulsory at the academy, and the school’s high pass rates speak for themselves. There’s plenty of incentive to get your head down—students who hit the highest marks get recommended to the best universities—but speech contests and sport events keep the competition friendly. And when you’re ready for a study break, Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and even Mt. Fuji are just a short train ride away.
☛ 43 Miyazaki-cho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-250-3656. Nearest stn: Sakuragicho, Minatomirai, Hinode-cho. http://yiea.com/english
Open campus
From Kimono lessons to rock 'n' roll, the learning never stops
Columbia University, Teachers College
The Japan Campus of Teachers College, Columbia University was officially designated by the Monbukagaku-sho as a foreign graduate school in 2006. The university currently offers an MA in TESOL program, providing opportunities to study the theory and practice of teaching EFL in Japan. All courses are held on weekends, so working teachers can take full advantage of the program. Applications are accepted online throughout the year, which means that students can start in the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Taught by an international faculty, the program is designed to help teachers integrate theory and practice in ways that best serve their students and their institutional contexts. Instructors introduce teachers to the latest developments in English language teaching and encourage them to interact with their peers to consider how these ideas can support positive changes in their practices. Participants will then be able to relate current practices and theories in TESOL to their day-to-day teaching.
☛ 4F Leaf Square Suidobashi Bldg, 2-21-2 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3221-9771. Email: office@tc-japan.edu. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. www.tc-japan.edu
ShyoShyoAn
Once upon a time, kimono (literally “things to wear”) were everyday attire in Japan. Nowadays, these elegant T-shaped robes, tied at the back with an obi sash, are reserved for special occasions only. Since kimono are not tailored to fit, the wearer needs a certain skill to put them on properly—easy enough to learn when they were the only thing in your wardrobe, but not so simple in 21st-century Japan.
The answer is lessons in kitsuke (kimono dressing) from a certified expert. ShyoShyoAn offers instruction in English, with a painless, natural approach that makes it easy to dress up and look stunning. A one-off yukata (light cotton robe) lesson lays down the essentials, while the basic komon and taiko dressing takes just three lessons to learn. Longer courses that lead to certification are also available, and at ShyoShyoAn, you’ll have the opportunity to make friends with other people who have the same interest in these unique and beautiful garments.
If you’ve bought a kimono or yukata of your own, don’t just stash it away—as pretty as it looked when you bought it, just imagine the heads you’ll turn and conversations you’ll start when you wear it to the temple market or a dinner party.
☛ See http://sites.google.com/site/shyoshyoan for more info.
JMEC Business Plan Training
Looking for an opportunity to improve your business skills, find a job, get promoted, or expand your network of professional contacts? Then JMEC (Japan Market Expansion Competition) is for you. Since 1993, nearly 800 professionals in Japan have gained hands-on business training with the JMEC “mini-MBA.”
JMEC is a business training program centered on a competition to write the best business plan. Beginning every autumn, it features a series of Saturday lectures covering basic business topics, business plan writing, and doing business in Japan. Every January, participants are placed in teams of five or six people and paired with a company seeking to enter or expand in the Japanese market. Teams spend the next four months being trained and mentored by experts to prepare a business plan for their project client. JMEC then awards first, second and third place winners of the competition. Members of the winning teams receive exciting prizes, such as laptops and airline tickets.
The 17th JMEC competition begins this autumn.
☛ To learn more or register for an information session, see www.jmec.gr.jp.
Tokyo Film Center School of Arts
Tokyo Film Center School of Arts (a.k.a. FC Tokyo) is known as “a road to Hollywood”—the talent and training offered at this specialty school foster skills necessary to succeed in today’s movie industry. A three-year program features courses structured for high school graduates, but middle school graduates can enroll as well; the student body also consists of foreign exchange students and those working full-time. Partnered with the Los Angeles-based New York Film Academy, Studio Arts and Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, FC Tokyo’s curriculum includes a week’s training at one of these schools.
Courses cover directing, camera work, lighting, fine arts, makeup, editing, computer graphics, distributing/advertising and acting. Students learn how to work independently and as part of a team, as well as how to write a screenplay. In addition to their major area of study, students can take specialty courses that allow them to develop a wider set of skills. Over 200 student films are created each year from such coursework. Hands-on industry experience comes from projects ranging from movies, commercials and TV dramas to anime, promotional videos, editing and acting. This on-set experience equips students with the practical skills that film companies are looking for.
FC Tokyo’s campus features a 200-seat theater, film studio, CG room, editing room, 5.1 surround-sound studio; fine arts room; hair/makeup facilities; dance studio, and lots more. Facilities are open 24 hours a day and can be reserved for private use. And for students who dream of finding a career in the animation industry or as a voice actor, FC Tokyo’s sister school, Tokyo School of Anime, will open in April 2011.
☛ 3-14-9 Nishikasai, Edogawa-ku. Tel: 0120-233-557 (toll free). Email: info@movie.ac.jp. Nearest stn: Nishikasai. www.movie.ac.jp
LiVEJAM music school
What’s that smell? Teen spirit? Yes, pent-up energy comes as part of the package when you’re a teenager—which is why so many take up music. But lessons can be dry and uninspiring, and rarely teach you songwriting methods or the dynamics of playing in a band. And even once your band is formed, the pay-to-play system operated by most Tokyo venues can make it difficult to build up the chops necessary to become the stuff of legend.
The solution is LiVEJAM, a new performance-based “band school” specifically for junior and senior high school students. Three factors make LiVEJAM unique. First, it’s totally hands-on: private and ensemble classes teach technique as well as songwriting skills, building up to quarterly live performances in professional music venues. Second, the school caters exclusively to teenagers, helping them develop artistic competence and self-expression. And finally, it’s a truly international environment: the faculty consists of top professionals from around the world, and the students represent a mixture of international and local cultures.
If you already have a band, you can join the Band Course, consisting of supervised weekly ensemble rehearsals. If you don’t have your own group, just start with private lessons and later form a band with like-minded young musicians within the school. Even if you’ve never played an instrument, at LiVEJAM you can make those first steps to becoming a serious musician.
☛ B1 TDG Bldg, 2-12-2 Nakane, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-6421-3217. Open Wed-Sun 10am-6pm (summer hours). Nearest stn: Toritsu-Daigaku. www.livejam.co.jp/english
Global Talker Electronic Dictionary
If you need an innovative study tool to help improve your Japanese skills, look no further than the Global Talker multilingual electronic dictionary from Toko Trading. The company’s current lineup of dictionaries—available in 28 languages and featuring audio pronunciation functions—are already the electronic translators of choice for Japan-based executives. The new Global Talker has been designed specifically with foreigners in mind—it combines English, Japanese and Chinese dictionaries in a single device. Users can listen to over 10,000 everyday speech patterns and 2,000 patterns for travel use in all three languages. There’s also a recording feature that allows you to capture your own voice and compare it to the native pronunciation. Learn even more languages by buying special language cards. As an introductory special, the Global Talker is currently being offered for ¥10,000-¥17,800, depending on the model. Make your study faster, smoother and smarter with the Global Talker.
☛ For an order form see www.toko-trd.com/index_en or call 0120-919-689. Email: office@toko-trd.com.
Camp Roadless Summer
Behind you, the majestic backdrop of Mt. Fuji on the scenic shores of Lake Saiko. All around you, an immersive world of arts and nature. Yes, there’s no better place for the kids in fall than at camp, and the program at Camp Roadless Summer combines the practical with the imaginative to help children develop independence and confidence through a range of fun activities.
Dr. Emmet Brown summed it up in the classic 1985 movie Back To The Future when he told his trusty assistant Marty McFly, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!” While flying cars may not be a feature of the camp, the essence of adventure and camaraderie remains the same.
Each child is encouraged to communicate with other campers and engage in team-building pursuits during the three- or six-day camps (priced ¥45,000 and ¥100,000, respectively, including transportation and insurance). Whether they are enjoying guided hikes in English, supervised swimming, canoeing, singing, dancing, acting or writing, campers will be energized and absorbed throughout the day, and get to showcase their experiences through projects and performances at the camp’s closing ceremony.
Dedicated staff bring over ten years of teaching experience in major cities like Chicago and New York, creating a fun, safe atmosphere for campers to bunk down in comfortable, supervised Japanese-style cabins. Can’t wait for camp to start? Join the fun in Kiba Koen on weekends for a sample of the Camp Roadless Summer experience.
Sign up for a three-day camp by September 11 and receive 10 percent off!
☛ Tel: 080-3880-8914 (English) or 090-5992-4570 (Japanese). Three-day camps run in September and early October. www.rsummercamp.com
White Rabbit
Still baffled by kanji after all this time in Japan? Tokyo's White Rabbit Press holds the key to mastery with its outstanding kana and kanji flashcards. Designed to turn your in-between time into study time, these attractive, portable and durable cards, with rounded corners and a protective coating, hold up well in your pocket, handbag or backpack.
The product line starts with a set of kana cards designed to help you quickly master hiragana and katakana—as well as build vocabulary with hundreds of example words. The kanji flashcard series is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced sets. Each intelligently designed card includes all principle kun/on readings, a step-by-step stroke-order diagram and six example compound words showing the character in context. The series covers nearly 2,000 kanji, introducing over 10,000 new words in the process. The cards also show look-alike characters so you don’t confuse your new kanji friends.
With fans in over 80 countries, White Rabbit’s flashcards have achieved international word-of-mouth acclaim. The publisher’s reputation for high-quality study aids extends beyond flashcards to its bestselling kanji poster, which shows all 1,945 joyo kanji; MP3 audio companions; and sample flashcard downloads. White Rabbit Press also stocks a range of high-quality Japanese textbooks organized by level, providing you with an entire suite of materials to meet your language goals.
During September, mention “Metropolis magazine” in the Note field when you check out, and you’ll receive a free flashcard carrying case with your order.
☛ www.whiterabbitpress.com
