Current and Recurring Classes

Three are on offer right now. Scroll down to learn about each one.

  • Beginner Japanese
  • Japan Trip Prep Course
  • The Movie Circle:  Hanabi no Kai

Beginner Japanese 

A new course! I am excited to announce a new course for people who are interested in my native country Japan, but who have not yet launched into the exploration. As a foreign language learner myself, (and for a very long time!) I understand it takes courage to take the first step. It is even more challenging when you age, even though we are getting wiser, well, that’s what I hope every day!

Limited to 2 to 6 participants so that we can start building a solid foundation of the Japanese language in a harmonious environment, getting familiar with our two essential alphabets called Hiragana and Katakana. Once you get to the mastery of these letters, you gain liberation, meaning that you are now set free to read and pronounce correctly. With you and your classmates together, I am pretty sure your initial effort won’t be too difficult.

The fun begins. We will take a close look at various forms of Japanese culture. By the way, you are welcome to request your interest area(s)! You will also be introduced to proverbs and sayings that are the core of who we are, how we live in Japan as well. Overall, this is a cultural exchange, a joyful and meaningful one.

Let’s get started, いっしょに　はじめましょう！ 

Particulars of Beginner Japanese:

  • Class size:  2-6 people
  • Session length:  75 minutes
  • Duration:  10 weeks
  • Format: Zoom, live, interactive 
  • Level: absolute beginner, no experience needed
  • Pricing: 2-3 participants $35 / 4-6 participants $25 (per person, per session)
  • Start Date: May 5 (Children’s Day in Japan!!!) 

Each session weaves in a cultural theme, such as:

  • 🍜 Food & dining etiquette
  • 🍵 The art of tea
  • 🏯 Architecture & history
  • 🚄 Trains & travel
  • 👘 Fashion & design
  • 🏛️ Museums & arts
  • 🌏 Regional places & landscapes
  • …and more, shaped by the group’s curiosity!

🗾 Japan Trip Prep Course

Get Ready to Experience Japan Like You Belong There

Moji-Ko, my hometown near Kitakyushu

As much as I enjoy living in the US, I miss my native country. I feel lucky to have a place in my heart that makes me feel this way. So, it’s a profound joy and honor that so many people are curious about and even dream about going to Japan. This 8-week course is specifically designed to make your dream trip to Japan as delightful and unforgettable as possible. 🙂  

Particulars: of Japan Trip Prep Course

  • Class size:  2-6 people
  • Session length:  75 minutes
  • Duration:  8 weeks
  • Format: Zoom, live, interactive 
  • Level: no experience needed, as long as you desire to visit and discover Japan!
  • Pricing: 2-3 participants $35 / 4-6 participants $25 (per person, per session)
  • Start Date: May 4

Focus and Objectives:  

Who We Are: The Japanese: An introduction to the Japanese people — our values, mindset, social customs, and what makes Japanese culture truly unique. A warm foundation before your trip begins.

Our unique calendar: Explore the richness of Japan’s traditions through its calendar — seasonal events, national holidays, festivals, and the cultural significance woven into each. Do you know that Japanese school begins in early April along with Cherry Blossom? For a long time, I could not adjust to the September school year in the US. Knowing these facts makes you feel comfortable at the time of landing. 

Conversations with Locals: Practice useful phrases and expressions for real-life situations — restaurants, hotels, train stations, and shops, etc. You will not depend on your phone app, instead, you are going to actually communicate with locals with your own words! How exciting! 

Facts About Japan: From geography and transport to etiquette, currency, and everyday life, I would like to share as much as I know so that you will not be surprised. For example, we call it Ao Ringo = Blue Apple, yes, that is right. Green Apple does not exist in Japan 😂

Besides the 4 areas above, I always ask every participant to engage in conversations. Together, we create a friendly, intimate environment where we can enjoy the exchange ideas, experiences, questions, discoveries.

What’s stopping you? 日本行き、実現 しよう！Nihon Iki, Jitsugen Shiyo!

And a Free Culture Get Together

📚The Movie Circle:  Hanabi no Kai 

I love movies. I love people. I really enjoy discussing movies after watching them. Someone told me recently that you have not fully watched a movie until you have discussed it with others. You may get a different perspective, or even a deeper insight. Well then, couldn’t we do the same in this case for Japanese movies? 

As an extension of my Japanese teaching, I would like to create an opportunity for anyone to whom movies are essential, as well as those who are passionate about Japan. I will pick a Japanese movie every month. Sometimes, you may be the one who chooses! Then in a harmonious group setting, we will reflect on it while practicing Japanese as much as you can handle. You will also deepen your knowledge of Japan by watching Japanese films, both classic and contemporary. 

Particulars of Hanabi no Kai

  • When: TBD (currently focusing on last Sat/Sun of the month, starting in May, then monthly afterward) 
  • Who: Anyone with love for film and Japanese culture
  • Length: one hour
  • Format: Zoom, interactive
  • Fee: No fee, but donation is appreciated, not required

My Hanabi no Kai stands for:  My Fireworks Gathering.

Takeshi Kitano’s Hana Bi (Fireworks)