Japanese Classes in Boston & Online
Structured, instructor-led Japanese courses from complete beginner through advanced levels, plus focused JLPT preparation from N5 to N1.
Study in person at Hellenic College in Brookline, MA, with free on-site parking, or join live online.
2026 Fall Semester
12 weekly classes beginning the week of September 5, 2026. View Calendar.
Japanese Mastery Courses
Structured Japanese classes from beginner through advanced.
JLPT Prep Courses
Focused preparation for JLPT N5–N1.
[New] Complimentary Keiko beta access included
Our AI-supported learning system for placement, personalized practice, and progress tracking.
Japanese Mastery Courses
A structured course sequence from complete beginner through advanced Japanese.
5 levels · Online and In-person
12 weeks · 100-min class/week
[NEW] Keiko* beta access included at no additional cost.
$400/course
Beginning level
Build a strong foundation in Japanese grammar, pronunciation, writing systems - Hiragana, Katakana, and essential vocabulary. Develop introductory skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Language of instruction: 90% English · 10% Japanese
Prerequisite: None for 1A; completion of the previous course for 1B and 1C
Japanese 1A
Focus: Kana · Pronunciation · Basic Grammar · Introductions
Online: JM1A01 · Tuesday · 6:00 PM ET · Tamaki-sensei
In Person: JM1A02 · Sunday · 11:00 AM ET · Usui-sensei
Japanese 1B
Focus: Everyday Conversation · Verbs · Particles · Kana
Online: JM1B01 · Thursday · 6:00 PM ET · Tamaki-sensei
In Person: JM1B02 · Saturday · 11:00 AM ET · Hattori-sensei
Japanese 1C
Focus: Basic Kanji · Reading · Listening · Conversation
Online: JM1C01 · Thursday · 7:50 PM ET · Tamaki-sensei
In Person: JM1C02 · Sunday · 1:00 PM ET · Hattori-sensei
Intermediate level
Strengthen everyday communication through expanded grammar, vocabulary, Kanji, listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Language of instruction: 75% English · 25% Japanese
Prerequisite: Completion of 1C or equivalent proficiency, or the equivalent of the JLPT N5 level
Japanese 2A
Focus: Comparisons · Preferences · Experiences · Expanded Grammar
Online: JM2A01 · Wednesday · 7:50 PM ET · Usui-sensei
In Person: JM2A02 · Sunday · 1:00 PM ET · Tamaki-sensei
Japanese 2B
Focus: Requests · Plans · Explanations · Practical Communication
Online: JM2B01 · Monday · 6:00 PM ET · Kowata-sensei
In Person: JM2B02 · Sunday · 11:00 AM ET · Hattori-sensei
Japanese 2C
Focus: Intermediate Grammar · Kanji · Reading · Extended Conversation
Online: JM2C01 · Monday · 7:50 PM ET · Kowata-sensei
In Person: JM2C02 · Sunday · 1:00 PM ET · Usui-sensei
Upper-Intermediate level
Improve discussion and communication skills, including talking, writing, and reading meaningfully about social topics.
Language of instruction: 50% English · 50% Japanese
Prerequisites: Completing “Japanese for Busy People I and II,” or the equivalent of the JLPT N4.
Japanese 3A
Focus: Reasons · Impressions · Description · Opinions
Online: JM3A01 · Tuesday · 6:00 PM ET · Kowata-sensei
In Person: JM3A02 · Sunday · 9:00 AM ET · Hattori-sensei
Japanese 3B
Focus: Discussion · Opinions · Cultural Topics · Detailed Expression
Online: JM3B01 · Tuesday · 6:00 PM ET · Asahina-sensei
In Person: JM3B02 · Sunday · 9:00 AM ET · Usui-sensei
Japanese 3C
Focus: Fluency · Complex Grammar · Reading · Structured Discussion
Online: JM3C01 · Tuesday · 7:50 PM ET · Asahina-sensei
In Person: JM3C02 · Saturday · 1:00 PM ET · Usui-sensei
Advanced level
Read, listen, and understand with logical complexity, comprehending both the structures and content comprehensively in a variety of settings.
Language of instruction: 25% in English and 75% in Japanese.
Prerequisites: Completing the Upper Intermediate courses (3C), or the equivalent of the JLPT N3.
Advanced Japanese
Focus: Authentic Materials · Summaries · Presentations · Advanced Discussion
Online: JMADV · Tuesday · 7:50 PM ET · Kowata-sensei
Mastery level
Engage with complex and abstract Japanese through literature, news, lectures, and in-depth discussion/presentation.
Language of instruction: 10% English · 90% Japanese
Prerequisites: Completion of Advanced Japanese or approximately JLPT N2–N1.
Master Reading & Discussion
Focus: Critical Reading · News · Interpretation · In-Depth Discussion
Online: JMRD · Wednesday · 6:00 PM ET · Usui-sensei
JLPT Prep Courses
Preparing for the JLPT exam? Our JLPT Prep courses offer focused guidance and structured study plans.
N1-N5, In-person
90-min instructor-led class + Q&A / week
12-week classes
[NEW] *Keiko™ beta access included at no additional cost.
$520 / course
Structured, instructor-led preparation with a clear knowledge roadmap for every JLPT level. Each level includes a level-specific Kanji list, grammar checklist, and essential-knowledge guide. Students can review and practice assigned content independently in Keiko.
JLPT N5
In-person
Saturday · 9:00 AM
Hattori-sensei
JLPT N4
In-Person
Saturday · 9:00 AM
Usui-sensei
JLPT N3
In-Person
Saturday · 11:00 AM
Usui-sensei
JLPT N2
In-Person
Sunday · 9:00 AM
Tamaki-sensei
JLPT N1
In-Person
Sunday · 11:00 AM
Tamaki-sensei
FAQ
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In-person classes are held at Hellenic College, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA. Free on-site parking is available for students.
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Yes. Japanese Mastery courses are available in both live online and in-person formats. Course format and meeting times are listed on the Courses page.
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Yes. High school students may enroll with parent or guardian consent. Students should also meet the prerequisite for the course they select.
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Complete beginners should start with Japanese 1A. Returning learners can take our free online placement assessment. You may also email your results to info@japanese-program.com for additional placement guidance.
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Courses include live, instructor-led classes and complimentary beta access to our AI-supported learning system for personalized practice and progress tracking between classes.
*Keiko is currently in beta. Features may change as we continue improving the learning experience.