Japanese Lessons
日本語を話しましょう！ Let's Speak Japanese!
The BTSCC had to shut down in-person gatherings after the 2020 pandemic. But now, the BTSCC's FREE Japanese Lessons have returned! Click the link below to join the Google Classroom and look forward to our first monthly virtual lesson of 2026 on June 17th!
The BTSCC's Japanese lessons are open to all, regardless of skill level or previous experience. Older children are welcome, but most students are high school age to adults, and the curriculum and activities are more suitable for older learners. Lessons are designed to be modular and require minimal knowledge from previous weeks. The focus of the class is on casual conversation and practical functionality for visitors to Japan.
Japanese lessons will now be conducted virtually through Google Classroom and Google Meet! This provides additional convenience for students whether they are unable to travel for in-person lessons, or have missed previous lessons and would like to review materials. Lessons will be held on the 3rd Wednesdays of June–December from 7pm–7:50pm EST, so stay tuned for meeting links and lesson materials!
Looking for a more intensive
Japanese learning experience?
日本語
JPNS101 & JPNS102 Japanese Foundations
Aki-sensei is conducting a 2-part summer course on Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese Book 1 (2nd Edition)! These courses cover the entirety of the Genki Book 1 Textbook & Workbook–including textbook PDFs, homework assignments, quizzes, and testing materials. This course is perfect for beginner high school to adult age learners!
JPNS101: Genki Lessons 1–6
Summer 2026 (June 1–August 20)
What's included:
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PDFs of the Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese 1 (2nd Edition) Textbook AND Workbook*
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Lessons 1–6
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Virtual-Remote Classes via Google Meet 2x/week
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Monday and Thursday from 7:00pm–7:50pm EST
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Structured Homework Assignments
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Quizzing on Vocabulary, Grammar, and Writing Systems
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Two (2) Progress-Based Oral Exams
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One (1) Unit Exam (L1–L3) and One Final Exam (L1–L6)
*Students can opt in to receive materials for a small fee
Registration Closes May 22nd!
*Proceeds go directly to the instructor.
JPNS102: Genki Lessons 7–12
Summer 2027 (Dates TBA)
What's included:
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PDFs of the Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese 1 (2nd Edition) Textbook AND Workbook*
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Lessons 7–12
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Virtual-Remote Classes via Google Meet 2x/week
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Monday and Thursday from 7:00pm–8:00pm EST
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Structured Homework Assignments
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Quizzing on Vocabulary, Grammar, and Writing Systems
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Two (2) Progress-Based Oral Exams
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One (1) Unit Exam (L7–L9) and One Final Exam (L7–L12)
*Students can opt in to receive materials for a small fee
Meet the Sensei
Aki あき
Aki-sensei, although not a native speaker, has studied Japanese language and culture for 10 years, earning a BA in Asian Studies with a Minor and Certificate of Specialization in Japanese. After 5+ years in the classroom, she is an experienced educator with a great passion for sharing knowledge, and making learning a fun and memorable experience for all!
Aki-sensei is a previous student of the 2018-2019 BTSCC Student Exchange Program now acting as a member of the commission. She enjoys sharing her love for Japanese language and culture through teaching Beginner's Japanese and participating in the annual BTSCC Cherry Blossom Festival.