Learn Japanese Online From Your Home or Office - japonin.comRefer a friend to JOI and get free online Japanese lessonsGet free Japanese lessons with TrialPayLearn Japanese online with Stepping Stones at JOI
日本語
Learn Japanese Online - Japanese SchoolHome
What Is JOI?
Compare JOI
How To Enroll
 
FlexLessonsTM
Stepping StonesTM
Class Features
 
Classes & Textbooks
Our Teachers
Classroom Test Drive
Counseling Room
Lesson Schedule
Student Voices
Lesson Blog
FAQs
Terms of Use
Company Overview
About Us
 Enrolled Students
Reserve a Class
Chat Events
Chat Rooms
Buy Lessons
Support
Corporate and Business Japanese Language Training
Quality Japanese language learning resources at TheJapanShop.com
Save 7% on everything!
Worldwide timezones
JOI日本語教師募集
 

Learn Japanese Online at JOI

JOI is an online Japanese school, where you can learn Japanese online in real time from professional Japanese teachers. Our online Japanese classes include group classes, private lessons, and JLPT lessons.

Connect a headset to your PC or Mac (webcam optional), and you have an instant online Japanese school. You can hear and talk to your JOI teacher, just like a real classroom, and learn Japanese online at your own pace.

What makes JOI different from other online Japanese schools?
  •  Flexible FlexLessons you can take on your schedule
  •  JLPT classes, including JLPT Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3
  •  Private Japanese lessons
  •  Online Japanese classes free with TrialPay
  •  Tensaku essays, free Japanese quizzes and chat rooms, and more

For corporate customers, JOI offers customized Japanese language training solutions. Learn more here.

RSS feed Subscribe to JOI's RSS feed to keep up on our latest videos, blogs, and news.
Add to GoogleAdd to My Yahoo!
What's New gradient
2009-06-30   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Japanese terms for home electronics
2009-06-29   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog My Boom (an obsolete Japanese term?) , submitted by JOI instructor Noritomi-sensei.
2009-06-21   Here's a free JOI video to help you learn Japanese online: New JOI video Environmental vocabulary in Japanese
2009-06-21   Try reading Japanese with our latest lesson blog: blog “Don't touch my moustache”, provided by Lilly-sensei.
2009-06-13   Learn new Japanese phrases with this new lesson blog from Jabali-sensei. blog Phrases in Japanese that cannot be translated
2009-06-11   Please welcome our newest Japanese teacher Mariko Inamoto, who starts June 29. Inamoto-sensei will offer Beginner 2 and JLPT Level 2 FlexLessons, as well as private lessons at the beginner 2, JLPT 2, and intermediate levels.
2009-06-07   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Learn Japanese idioms online
2009-06-07   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog Foreign doors and Japanese doors , submitted by JOI instructor Ichoda-sensei.
2009-06-06   Starting in August, chat events will be moderated by JOI teachers. Be sure to watch the chat events schedule for your favorite teacher, and join the conversation. Chat events are free to all JOI students.
2009-06-01   Try reading Japanese with our latest lesson blog: blog Local dialects, provided by Igarashi-sensei.
2009-05-31   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Learn Japanese online: hospital phrases
2009-05-24   Learn new Japanese phrases with this new lesson blog from Okazaki-sensei. blog H1N1 ( Swine Flu)
2009-05-24   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Learn Japanese words: mimetic phrases
2009-05-17   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog 'Conveyor belt' sushi or 'Revolving' sushi, submitted by JOI instructor Sakude-sensei.
2009-05-17   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Learn Japanese vocabulary: computer terms
2009-05-11   JOI students can save 7% on all products from TheJapanShop.com TheJapanShop.com. The Japan Shop carries all kinds of study materials, including manga, Kanji and kana flashcards, Japanese DVDs, and instant-download Japanese listening packs. Get TheJapanShop.com coupon code (login required).
2009-05-10   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video How to reserve a class at JOI
2009-05-09   Try reading Japanese with our latest lesson blog: blog Fixed amount stimulus payment, provided by Seno-sensei.
2009-05-04   Learn new Japanese phrases with this new lesson blog from Iwaki-sensei. blog Jigsaw Puzzles
2009-04-26   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog Maiko san - Geisha girls, submitted by JOI instructor Ikuta-sensei.
2009-04-26   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Learn Japanese verbs: toru (2)
2009-04-19   Try reading Japanese with our latest lesson blog: blog Otori-yose: Ordering for things, provided by Matsusaka-sensei.
2009-04-12   Learn new Japanese phrases with this new lesson blog from Takase-sensei. blog Sitting Seiza (kneeling with feet bent flat on the floor)
2009-04-05   Try reading Japanese with our latest lesson blog: blog Hakama (a skirt worn over a kimono or man's divided skirt), provided by Arase-sensei.
2009-04-05   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Learn Japanese verbs: toru (1)
2009-04-05   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog Would you like to go cycling?, submitted by JOI instructor Shimada-sensei.
2009-03-29   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Learn Japanese abbreviations
2009-03-22   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Japanese vocabulary: onomatopoeic words
2009-03-22   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog Vending Machines, submitted by JOI instructor Fujinawa-sensei.
2009-03-22   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Learn Japanese with cherry blossoms vocabulary
2009-03-15   Try reading Japanese with our latest lesson blog: blog Dreams of the Future, provided by Nakamura-sensei.
2009-03-14   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Japanese-English vocabulary
2009-03-14   Here's a free JOI video to help you learn Japanese online: New JOI video Learn Japanese verbs: tsukeru
2009-03-08   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Mimetic Japanese words (gitaigo)
2009-03-08   Learn new Japanese phrases with this new lesson blog from Ikura-sensei. blog Different Types of Sushi
2009-03-01   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog Hina Matsuri Festival Day, submitted by JOI instructor Itaya-sensei.
2009-02-28   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video More kuchi idioms
2009-02-24   Our newest Japanese teacher Maki Igarashi starts April 6. Igarashi-sensei will teach Introductory, Beginner 1, and JLPT Level 3 FlexLessons, as well as private lessons at the introductory and beginner levels.
2009-02-23   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Learn useful Japanese expressions
2009-02-23   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Learn Japanese idioms: kuchi
2009-02-16   Here's a free JOI video to help you learn Japanese online: New JOI video What is that in Japanese?
2009-02-15   Learn new Japanese phrases with this new lesson blog from Mizuno-sensei. blog Kashipan
2009-02-12   Refer a friend to JOI, and you can earn 3 free FlexLessons tickets. Plus, your friend gets a free FlexLessons ticket.
2009-02-09   Here's a free JOI video to help you learn Japanese online: New JOI video Japanese idioms using 'Ki'
2009-01-31   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Learn Japanese verbs: kakeru
2009-01-27   Please welcome our newest instructor, Yoko Ikuta. In addition to new sessions of Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 FlexLessons, Ikuta-sensei will offer private Japanese lessons at the beginner level. Ikuta-sensei starts February 17.
2009-01-25   Learn new Japanese phrases with this new lesson blog from Lilly-sensei. blog Oxford
2009-01-25   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Meals in Japan
2009-01-25   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Bob learns how to apologize
2009-01-24   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Basic Japanese colors
2009-01-18   Here's a free JOI video to help you learn Japanese online: New JOI video Learn Japanese greetings (1)
2009-01-18   Be sure to catch our newest Japanese lesson blog: blog Vague Japanese, submitted by JOI instructor Jabali-sensei.
2009-01-17   New Japanese study video! Take a look at our newest YouTube video: New JOI video Learn Japanese from movie blog
2009-01-01   Happy New Year! Thank you for making 2008 a great year at JOI, and we look forward to serving you in 2009. Learn more about Japanese New Year's traditions in our New Year's Community News.
2008-12-30   Several teachers and staff got together in Tokyo recently, at an event we called the JOI Tokyo Summit. See the photo album here.
2008-12-29   No classes will be held December 31, 2008, through January 3, 2009; however, all other services, including customer support, new enrollments, and lesson purchase processing will be handled without interruption. Thank you for your patronage, and we look forward to serving you in 2009.
2008-12-07   Starting January 4, new instructor Michiko Lilly will offer Beginner 1, Beginner 2, JLPT 2, and JLPT 3 FlexLessons at 5 and 6 a.m. (Japan time). These classes will continue on this schedule for one year (through December 30, 2009). In November, we will announce details of the following year's schedule.
Important message from JOI If you plan to buy a FlexLessons package primarily for these FlexLessons from Lilly-sensei and have no other times on the lesson schedule that suit your needs, please purchase a lesson package that you can complete by December 30, 2009.
2008-12-07   Japanese instructor Michiko Lilly starts January 4. Lilly-sensei will offer Beginner 1, Beginner 2, JLPT 2, and JLPT 3 FlexLessons, and she will offer private Japanese lessons at these same levels.
2008-10-27   Taking the JLPT in December 2008? Our JLPT FlexLessons classes are a sure way to prepare. JLPT classes (FlexLessons) at JOI Detailed class schedule information here:
2008-09-29   Japanese instructor Yuriko Jabali starts November 1. Jabali-sensei will offer FlexLessons at the Introductory, Beginner 1, Beginner 2, and Intermediate levels, and she will offer private Japanese lessons at the introductory through intermediate levels.
2008-09-29   Starting November 1, new instructor Yuriko Jabali will offer FlexLessons at 5 and 6 a.m. (Japan time). These classes, from the Introductory to Intermediate level, will continue on this schedule for one year (through October 31, 2009). In September, we will announce details of the following year's schedule.
Important message from JOI If you plan to buy a FlexLessons package primarily for these FlexLessons from Jabali-sensei and have no other times on the lesson schedule that suit your needs, please purchase a lesson package that you can complete by October 31, 2009.
2008-09-15   Our newest Japanese teacher, Yukari Ichoda starts October 1. Ichoda-sensei will teach Beginner 2, Beginner 2 (JLPT 3), and Intermediate FlexLessons, as well as private Japanese lessons at all levels. Welcome!
2008-08-19   Looking to sharpen your Japanese conversation skills? Discussion Dojo, our premier conversation-based FlexLessons class for intermediate and advanced students, is a great place to start.
2008-08-18   Read the latest JOI Community News (2008-08-18). Take a look at Japanese culture and learn Japanese words and phrases from everyday life in Japan. Obon history and tradition in Japan.
2008-08-16   Please welcome a new teacher, Machiko Nakamura, to our online Japanese school. Starting September 15, Nakamura-sensei will teach Beginner 1 FlexLessons, as well as private lessons at the introductory, beginner, and JLPT 3 levels.
2008-08-05   Read the latest JOI Community News (2008-08-05). Summer festivals in Japan.
2008-08-01   A JOI vacation is coming up! No classes will be held August 11-15, 2008 (Japan time), in celebration of the O-bon holiday. During the holiday, our support staff will be reduced; however, we will handle support requests as quickly as possible.
2008-06-17   New video to help you learn Japanese online! Take a look here: New JOI video Learn Japanese online at japonin.com
2008-06-16   We're happy to announce a new partnership with TheJapanShop.com is our recommended seller of Japanese books and other products TheJapanShop.com, the leading source for Japanese language learning resources. We recommend The Japan Shop for all your study materials. Plus, exclusively for JOI students: Save 7% on everything at The Japan Shop!
2008-05-22   Learn Japanese online from our newest Japanese teacher Shoko Matsusaka. Starting June 15, Matsusaka-sensei will teach Introductory and JLPT 3 FlexLessons, and will offer private Japanese lessons at the introductory, beginner, and JLPT 3 levels.
2008-04-01   Read the latest JOI Community News (2008-04-01). Just in time for spring in Japan! Find out some of our teachers' favorite sakura viewing spots.
2008-02-25   Read the latest JOI Community News (2008-02-25). Learn Japanese systems of counting years (or, what does Heisei 20 mean to you).
2008-02-20   We are pleased to welcome our newest online Japanese teacher, Chiharu Takase. Starting in March, Takase-sensei will teach Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 FlexLessons, and will offer private Japanese lessons at the introductory and beginner levels.
2008-02-03   Read the latest JOI Community News (2008-02-03). Setsubun and the Chinese calendar are featured in this issue. (Did you know spring started today?)
2008-01-18   Today we introduce last-minute reservations, a new option that lets you reserve most FlexLessons (small-group classes) as little as 2 hours before class. No other online Japanese school makes it so convenient! Learn more.
2008-01-12   Learn Japanese free with TrialPay. With our new TrialPay option, you can take JOI's online Japanese classes (FlexLessons) for free. Get your free Japanese lessons, or read the press release.
2007-12-24   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-12-24). Christmas customs in Japan are highlighted in this Christmas eve edition. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone!
2007-12-18   No JOI classes are held from December 31 through January 3. New enrollment, lesson purchases, support services, and chat rooms are available as usual. Happy Holidays!
2007-12-05   Please welcome our newest Japanese teacher, Noriko Yokozuka. Starting early next year, Yokozuka-sensei will teach Intermediate and JLPT 3 FlexLessons, and will offer private Japanese lessons at the beginner and intermediate levels (including JLPT Level 2 and JLPT Level 3).
2007-11-17   Our FlexTalk class is now called Discussion Dojo. Just as a dojo is the place for martial arts training, our discussion dojo is the place to polish your discussion skills in Japanese. Of course, you'll hear new words and phrases, but the focus is on connecting the Japanese vocabulary and grammar you already know into real Japanese conversation.
2007-11-01   More JLPT classes start in December! Our newest FlexLessons class, Advanced (JLPT 1), prepares you for Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, Kanji, and reading comprehension skills. Learn more about the JLPT.
2007-10-22   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-10-22). Tatami mats and tensaku are this issue's focus.
2007-10-16   Introducing Tensaku, our essay/composition correction service for JOI students. Practice your Japanese writing skills, and have your composition corrected by a professional JOI teacher. Log in for full tensaku details, and get started writing today!
2007-10-09   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-10-09). Learn all about Japanese onsen and ryokan, in peak form for autumn.
2007-09-10   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-09-10). Topics include: Japanese school uniforms and an all-new intermediate grammar list, great for intermediate students and those working toward the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 2.
2007-08-16   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-08-16).
2007-08-11   Starting August 16, JOI introduces all-new Japanese language classrooms! The latest technology gives every student of our online Japanese school better sound and video, plus the easiest installation of all—none!
2007-08-09   JLPT Level 3 Preparation Classes start August 16. This new FlexLessons course prepares you for Level 3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, Kanji, and reading comprehension skills. Learn more about the JLPT. Registration for the 2007 JLPT is now open worldwide.
2007-08-06   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-08-06).
2007-07-09   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-07-09).
2007-06-30   Please help us welcome Chie Shimada, our newest teacher joining our online Japanese school on July 23. She will teach Introductory FlexLessons, as well as private Japanese lessons at the introductory and beginner levels.
2007-06-25   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-06-25).
2007-06-18   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-06-18).
2007-06-11   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-06-11).
2007-06-05   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-06-05).
2007-05-28   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-05-28).
2007-05-26   JLPT Level 2 Preparation Classes start June 4. This FlexLessons course prepares students comprehensively for Level 2 (the next-to-highest level) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, Kanji, and reading comprehension skills. Learn more about the JLPT.
2007-05-21   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-05-21).
2007-05-14   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-05-14).
2007-05-07   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-05-07).
2007-04-30   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-04-30).
2007-04-23   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-04-23).
2007-04-16   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-04-16).
2007-04-09   Read the latest JOI Community News (2007-04-09).
2007-04-01   Have a look at the first issue of the JOI Community News. We're introducing this new regular feature to keep you up to date on what's happening and what's being planned at JOI, share some thoughts on Japanese language and culture, and pass along support tips.
2007-04-01   In response to student requests, JOI is pleased to extend our private-lesson offerings with PrivateGold Lessons. With the PrivateGold plan, you have priority reservation access, progress reports, and more. Compare features here.
2007-04-01   Here's another new JOI exclusive—a weekly lesson blog! This is your chance to meet your online Japanese teachers, keep up on what's happening in Japan, and learn Japanese phrases along the way. Click the Lesson Blog link from your Current Reservations page, and post your comment today!
2007-02-14   Starting March 1, we introduce a new FlexLessons course: FlexTalk. Intended for intermediate and advanced students, it's a great way to improve your Japanese conversation and discussion skills. There's no better way to learn Japanese than to practice real conversation, so please join us.
2007-02-14   Welcome to the new JOI! Along with the introduction of our corporate services, our online Japanese school becomes an Earth Communications, Inc., company. See the complete announcement (English), or in Japanese.
2007-02-14   In March, we kick off Chat Events, another free service for students of our online Japanese school! Join us for a moderated chat, hosted by our very own Keiko Sakakibara, and learn Japanese online in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
2007-02-01   Our online Japanese school is growing! We welcome new teacher Takako Noritomi, offering beginner Japanese classes and private lessons starting February 26.
2006-11-30   Check out the new Links page, where you'll find all kinds of Japan-related sites.
2006-09-02   Visit the new Message Board (login required), where you can exchange Japanese language tips with other students, set up times to chat in Japanese with other students in our 24-hour video chat rooms, and more! The message board is one more way JOI makes it easy to learn Japanese online.
2006-08-20   New Lesson Plans! The teachers' lesson plans are now part of the JOI reservation system (login required). Many lesson plans include links to free Japanese language quizzes that help you make the most of your classroom time.
2006-06-03   9am to Noon Japan Time is now Chat Time at our online Japanese school!
Go to the new video chat rooms to make friends with other JOI students and practice your Japanese live, online!
2006-05-01   JLPT Level 2 Grammar Course. (The application deadline for the 2006 JLPT Course has passed.)
Student VoicesFrom Our Students
“I have been taking courses online with JOI for almost a year and have been so pleased with the experience.”
Allen-US
“All the teachers are all so helpful and kind. I appreciate having my grammar corrected and getting the opportunity to practice Japanese with someone. The lesson plans published ahead of time make it easy to choose a class to reserve, too. Thank you so much!”
Olympia W. from Canada
“For their patience, understanding and the attention given to me in all my questions and doubts, I wish I could meet my JOI teachers in person. I have to say that I was kind of scared in my first lesson, but as soon the class began ,I felt right at home. I am very glad to be a student in this new way of learning a second language. どうもありがとうございます。Sidnei from Miami, Fl”
Sidnei Barboza
“When I had trouble with my email, I asked for help and it was provided immediately. I really look forward to my classes. I was a bit nervous at first, but after reading my teachers profile I already feel relaxed - thanks!!”
Chris-NZ
“I've been self-studying Japanese for months, since there isn't any language school or class nearby me. The daily quizzes help me decide which level I should take and what I still need to improve or study.”
SPRING
“The teacher was very helpful, and I was able to review a lot of material that immediately refreshed my memory. She was very effective at ensuring our pronounciation was correct and intonation on words, present, active, passive or transitive verbs were spoken correctly.”
Steve B
“It's hard to find the kind of interaction JOI offers in person, much less over the internet, but every JOI teacher I've tried has been polite, attentive, and helpful. I am glad I took the leap and joined this online Japanese school, and I'm excited about JOI being able to help me prepare for the JLPT so I can one day work as a translator. Thank you, JOI!”
Robert R.
“With JOI it is a great way to learn! Not only that you learn at the comfort of your home environment, you determine too your own pace of progress. With flexible structured curriculum, you need not worry about being late for a class or missing a lesson. JOI is the best way to learn Japanese with your time, energy and investment.”
TAN-SG
“JOI's teachers are wonderful! They're really nice and positive. When I am in their classes I feel really comfortable and at ease. Even when I make mistakes or don't understand they help me in a very encouraging way. They also put together Japanese lessons that are fun and practical, using good examples which I can apply to my everyday life. I feel that I'm making great progress because of them. Thank you, JOI!”
SaraC(US)
“I came to JOI because I was looking for preparation courses for the JLPT tests. After the three-lesson FlexLessons trial, I was convinced to have found what I was looking for: A usable Internet-teaching system, friendly teachers who are skilled in teaching "even the most complicated grammar" so that I was able to use it (and to keep it in mind) right after the class, and, as cream on the top, very reasonable prices.”
Jan-DE
Japan, Asia, and Language-Related Links    Link your site to JOI