Programs
Standard Japanese Course
Whether you are a first time learner or an advanced student, I will adapt the course to your individual level. I give a little homework every session, and usually begin every class with a review quiz.
Level 1 — First time learner
Hiragana and katakana; greetings; numbers; asking prices; how to say the time, dates, days of the week, dates of the month; basic verbs in the present tense; introducing yourself; how to type Japanese, and how to send text messages.
Level 2 — Basic communication skills for everyday life
145 kanji; simple grammar, adjectives, past tense; asking directions, polite requests; informal speech; comparisons; expressing hope; giving advice, and giving reasons.
University 100 level / JLPT N5 level
Level 3 — Increase your vocabulary and use everyday conversational expressions in both formal and informal style
Express something you can or cannot do, want or don’t want; express probability; make compound sentences; use the correct counter words for various nouns; understand different degrees of politeness; apologize, express your regret; use expressions of respect; use passive sentences; tell someone to do something; express a decision.
University 200 level / JLPT N4 level
Level 4 — Gain confidence in everyday conversations; understand short articles
Asking favors in different degrees; writing emails; advanced expressions of respect, humble expressions, making apologies; indirect expressions; how to decline an invitation in the Japanese way; medical terms; onomatopoeia; psychomimes; loan-words.
University 300 Level / JLPT N3 level
Level 5 — Exchange opinions with native speakers
This level is ideal for students who have a wide vocabulary, know colloquial expressions and idioms, learn up to 1000 kanjis and understand all common grammar rules in Japanese. It is for students who can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without searching for expressions.
University 400 level / JLPT N2 Level
Level 6 — For advanced students wishing to study university in Japan or work in Japan
2000 kanji characters. Long reading comprehension, faster listening speed, more expressions and the highest level of grammar. We read the Japanese Economic newspaper without any modifications.
JLPT N1 level
JLPT Prep Course
The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is held worldwide to evaluate and certify proficiency in Japanese for non-native speakers. It covers language skills (vocabulary, characters and grammar), reading comprehension and listening comprehension. The test consists of five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5, with N1 being the highest level. N1 is sometimes accepted in lieu of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for foreign students who wish to study at Japanese universities.
I teach all five levels and recommend that my students take this exam. You need to know your current level so you can aim for the next level. When you pass, it is an opportunity to add the official certified exam to your resume. High school students: definitely add this to your university application!
AP Japanese Prep Course
Officially called Advanced Placement Japanese Language and Culture, this program, created by the College Board, is offered in the United States and Canada, and offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students.
While policies for each college may differ, most require a minimum score of 3 or 4 in order to receive college credit.
I have taught AP Japanese for many years and am very proud of having all my high school students achieve the highest possible score of 5 for this exam!
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: Japanese Ab Initio Support
If you’re enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB)
Diploma Programme and taking Japanese ab initio, I can offer the
guidance you need to succeed. The IB Diploma Programme is a globally
recognized, rigorous pre-university course that challenges students
academically and prepares them for higher education.
I specialize in helping students prepare for both the oral
internal assessment and the external assessments — Paper 1 (Writing) and Paper
2 (Reading and Listening). My support is designed to build your confidence
and skill in Japanese, ensuring you’re well-prepared for all aspects of the
exam.
I accept students starting in the summer before Grade 11,
giving you the opportunity to develop a strong foundation before you officially
begin your IB studies.
Business Japanese Course
For students who have achieved at least an intermediate level of Japanese, and who have Japanese clients or who want to do business with Japan, I teach Business Japanese.
I focus on formal expressions that require the “respect form” and the “humble form,” and on how to express your opinions in a Japanese way. I also stress the specifics of business writing, which is completely different from casual writing. Through role-play, we practice the typical business telephone conversation, exchange business cards, and practice how to bow.
We also immerse ourselves in the world of business and read the Japanese newspaper together.
Japanese Speech Contests
Annual Japanese Speech Contests are held throughout the world. This contest is usually organized by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in each country. Within Japan, there are also several speech contests organized by a variety of organizations.
It is a great opportunity to participate and express your views in front of an audience, as well as meet other people at these venues who share your interest in Japan.
My specialty here is pronunciation. I will work on your speaking, focus on your intonation and guide you towards the native Japanese sound. If you live in British Columbia, there is a high school competition as well. You can add this achievement to your university application.
