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Classes and Textbooks
The following classes are available at our online Japanese school. All classes are 50 minutes in length. Please click these links for
more information:
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We recommend
TheJapanShop.com for all your Japanese study materials.
JOI students can save 7% on all products—books, manga, and more— from TheJapanShop.com.
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Textbook Purchasing Options |
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We start from the basics: hiragana and katakana alphabets, Japanese phonetics, and basic vocabulary.
You'll learn greetings and other basic sentence patterns as well.
Improve your pronunciation, practice listening, and extend your vocabulary live online.
At the Introductory level, lesson materials are presented in Romaji (Roman characters like these) alongside
the Japanese hiragana and katakana.
All FlexLessons at our online Japanese school are conducted in Japanese, but, at the Introductory and Beginner levels, English may be used
as needed to explain new concepts. In FlexLessons, explanatory languages other than English are not supported.
(At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, Japanese is used exclusively—students are expected
to understand new content in Japanese.)
FlexLessons classes are 50 minutes in length, and work on a module system—as much as possible, later lessons don't depend
on earlier lessons—so you can join any of our online Japanese classes at any time.
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Minna-no Nihongo—Shokyu 1 Honsatsu
みんなの日本語—初級1本冊
ISBN: 4883191028
This class uses sections 1 through 3.
Honsatsu (本冊) means "main text"—please check the title carefully.
This book is written in kana, not romaji. If you don't yet read kana,
please consider buying the Honyaku book (see below), too.
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Minna-no Nihongo—Shokyu 1 Honyaku
みんなの日本語—初級1翻訳・文法解説・英語版
ISBN: 4883191079
Supplemental text containing English translations, romaji, and grammar notes.
Not required, but beneficial for most students.
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Supplemental translation texts are available in other languages
(details here). For ordering information,
please contact us.
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Your first steps turn to giant strides! As you progress through Beginner 1, you learn to use the
vocabulary and grammar in daily conversation and master the first 200 necessary kanji.
At the Beginner 1 level, lesson materials are presented in Romaji (Roman characters like these) alongside
the Japanese hiragana and katakana.
All FlexLessons at our online Japanese school are conducted in Japanese, but, at the Introductory and Beginner levels, English may be used
as needed to explain new concepts. In FlexLessons, explanatory languages other than English are not supported.
(At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, Japanese is used exclusively—students are expected
to understand new content in Japanese.)
FlexLessons classes are 50 minutes in length, and work on a module system—as much as possible, later lessons don't depend
on earlier lessons—so you can join any of our online Japanese classes at any time.
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Minna-no Nihongo—Shokyu 1 Honsatsu
みんなの日本語—初級1本冊
ISBN: 4883191028
This class uses sections 4 through 25.
Honsatsu (本冊) means "main text"—please check the title carefully.
This book is written in kana, not romaji.
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Supplemental translation texts are available in other languages
(details here). For ordering information,
please contact us.
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Minna-no Nihongo—Shokyu 1 Honyaku
みんなの日本語—初級1翻訳・文法解説・英語版
ISBN: 4883191079
Supplemental text containing English translations, romaji, and grammar notes.
Not required, but beneficial for most students.
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Supplemental translation texts are available in other languages
(details here). For ordering information,
please contact us.
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Keep sailing! Building on your skills from Beginner 1, you'll strengthen your daily conversation skills.
The 200 additional kanji studied in Beginner 2 classes bring your total to 400 characters.
For the most comprehensive Japanese lessons at this level, we recommend you take this course and the
grammar-focused Beginner 2 Grammar (incl. JLPT 3) course at the same time. Both courses are
FlexLessons classes, so you can freely mix and match individual sessions as your schedule allows.
All FlexLessons at our online Japanese school are conducted in Japanese, but, at the Introductory and Beginner levels, English may be used
as needed to explain new concepts. In FlexLessons, explanatory languages other than English are not supported.
(At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, Japanese is used exclusively—students are expected
to understand new content in Japanese.)
FlexLessons classes are 50 minutes in length, and work on a module system—as much as possible, later lessons don't depend
on earlier lessons—so you can join any of our online Japanese classes at any time.
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Minna-no Nihongo—Shokyu 2 Honsatsu
みんなの日本語—初級2本冊
ISBN: 4883191036
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Minna-no Nihongo—Shokyu 2 Honyaku
みんなの日本語—初級2翻訳・文法解説・英語版
ISBN: 4883191087
Supplemental text containing English translations, romaji, and grammar notes.
Not required, but beneficial for many students.
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Supplemental translation texts are available in other languages
(details here). For ordering information,
please contact us.
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In the intemediate classes, JOI teachers use a intermediate grammar list
as the basis for improvement in vocabulary and conversation skills. Armed with this solid foundation in grammar,
you'll learn how to express yourself freely in Japanese in a variety of business and everyday situations—talking
on the telephone, giving directions, mastering keigo (honorific language), and so on.
Aim to master 1,000 kanji characters.
All FlexLessons at our online Japanese school are conducted in Japanese, but, at the Introductory and Beginner levels, English may be used
as needed to explain new concepts. In FlexLessons, explanatory languages other than English are not supported.
(At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, Japanese is used exclusively—students are expected
to understand new content in Japanese.)
No textbook is required. Please refer to the intermediate grammar list.
During each class session, your teacher will focus on one or several of these forms. For best results, we recommend
students print their own copy of the list and keep track of your progress.
FlexLessons classes are 50 minutes in length, and work on a module system—as much as possible, later lessons don't depend
on earlier lessons—so you can join any of our online Japanese classes at any time.
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Intended for Beginner 2 students who have completed half or more of the Beginner 2 curriciulum and for intermediate students,
this class is a Japanese-language
discussion forum. Just like a martial arts dojo, our discussion dojo is
the place to polish your conversation skills in Japanese.
We focus on how to express our thoughts and opinions, how to conduct
a friendly debate, and so on—all in Japanese, of course!
All Discussion Dojo classes are 50 minutes in length.
No textbook is used—this is purely a conversation class.
Just bring your own point of view to the discussion!
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If you want to sharpen your Japanese conversation skills, Discussion Dojo is the place to start.
See sample lessons here.
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Welcome to the top, where high flyers look to test their wings!
Aim to understand a high level of vocabulary, situationally appropriate Japanese,
and cultural awareness. In JOI's Advanced classes, you'll learn to
make speeches, conduct debates, read newspapers, and understand university lectures.
Aim to master 2,000 kanji.
All FlexLessons at our online Japanese school are conducted in Japanese, but, at the Introductory and Beginner levels, English may be used
as needed to explain new concepts. In FlexLessons, explanatory languages other than English are not supported.
(At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, Japanese is used exclusively—students are expected
to understand new content in Japanese.)
No textbook purchase is required. At this level, JOI instructors create their own
instructional materials.
FlexLessons classes are 50 minutes in length, and work on a module system—as much as possible, later lessons don't depend
on earlier lessons—so you can join any of our online Japanese classes at any time.
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This course focuses on Japanese grammar at the beginner 2 level, including the grammar forms
covered on the JLPT N4 (formerly level 3) test. You'll also improve your Kanji and vocabulary skills through this course.
As a comprehensive beginner 2 grammar course, it is recommended
for all beginner 2 students, even if you do not plan to take the JLPT.
For the most comprehensive Japanese lessons at this level, we recommend you take this course and the
conversation-focused Beginner 2 course at the same time. Both courses are
FlexLessons classes, so you can freely mix and match individual sessions as your schedule allows.
A solid understanding of grammar is essential to understanding and being understood in Japanese.
The grammar forms are not studied in isolation, however. You will learn practical, ready-to-use
grammar that you can apply to everyday situations in Japanese speaking and writing.
The Kanzen Master Level 3 textbook is used primarily. This text is intended for JLPT N4 preparation,
but it is an excellent study guide for all beginner 2 grammar learners. For your own review,
we recommend you purchase a copy from one of the sources listed below.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has been revised.
Previously, the test consisted of four levels, but starting in 2010 the test will include five levels as follows:
N1 |
Similar to original level 1 (the most advanced level), but measures slightly more
advanced skills
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N2 |
Same as original level 2
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N3 |
In between original levels 2 and 3
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N4 |
Same as original level 3
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N5 |
Same as original level 4, the most basic level
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Textbooks for the new testing levels are not yet available. In the meantime,
JLPT classes at JOI will follow textbooks and grammar patterns designed for the original JLPT levels.
We anticipate revising our JLPT lesson content shortly.
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Kanzen Master Level 3 Grammar
完全マスター3級 日本語能力試験文法問題対策
ISBN: 4883193543
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This course is intended for students who are stepping up from beginning-level Japanese,
or for students who plan to take the JLPT N3 test. If you have completed a beginning course
in Japanese, but feel that intermediate is still a little difficult, this course can help
you make strong progress toward intermediate.
The goal is to understand fairly well Japanese used in everyday situations.
As you make use of the skills from beginning Japanese, these lessons focus on the Japanese vocabulary,
expressions, and grammar you'll need to advance to the intermediate level.
Like other FlexLessons, this JLPT-focused course is taught using a self-contained, modular
curriculum. That means each session doesn't depend on other sessions, so you can take
lessons when you have time, take a break when you need to, and never fall behind.
If you are planning to take the JLPT N3 test, however, the best results come from taking
lessons as regularly as possible.
No textbook is used in this course. You may wish to purchase Minna no Nihongo Chuukyuu (Intermediate)
(shown below), if you wish to study or review material presented in class.
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Minna no Nihongo Chuuyuu I Main Text (CD included)
みんなの日本語 中級I本札(CD付)
ISBN: 488319468X
Note: Textbook purchase is optional. See above.
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Minna no Nihongo Chuuyuu I Translation & Grammatical Notes (English)
みんなの日本語 中級I文法解説 英語版
ISBN: 4883194922
Note: Textbook purchase is optional. See above.
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If you're planning to take the Japanese Language Proficency Test (JLPT) N2 or N3 (formerly level 2)—or if you want
to master intermediate level grammar and vocabulary—this is the Japanese class for you.
You'll study the essential skills for passing the test—grammar, vocabulary, Kanji, and
reading comprehension—using textbooks and other materials specifically designed for the JLPT.
Like other FlexLessons classes, this class is 50 minutes in length and is as modular as possible—meaning later classes don't
depend on earlier sessions so you have the
flexibility to take classes whenever you like. However, some sessions will include a review of earlier
classwork or a quiz involving topics from earlier sessions. To make the most of your test preparation time,
it is recommended that you take JLPT 2 classes as regularly as possible. The teacher can provide more information in class.
For grammar study, the Kanzen Master Level 2 text shown below is used primarily, but
various additional instructional materials are used in this class, so no immediate
textbook purchase is required. The teacher will give you more information in class.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has been revised.
Previously, the test consisted of four levels, but starting in 2010 the test will include five levels as follows:
N1 |
Similar to original level 1 (the most advanced level), but measures slightly more
advanced skills
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N2 |
Same as original level 2
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N3 |
In between original levels 2 and 3
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N4 |
Same as original level 3
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N5 |
Same as original level 4, the most basic level
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Textbooks for the new testing levels are not yet available. In the meantime,
JLPT classes at JOI will follow textbooks and grammar patterns designed for the original JLPT levels.
We anticipate revising our JLPT lesson content shortly.
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Kanzen Master Level 2 Grammar
完全マスター2級 日本語能力試験文法問題対策
ISBN: 4883190889
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If you're planning to take the Japanese Language Proficency Test (JLPT) N1 (formerly level 1)—or if you want
to master advanced grammar and vocabulary—this is the Japanese class for you.
You'll study the essential skills for passing the test—grammar, vocabulary, Kanji, and
reading comprehension—using textbooks and other materials specifically designed for the JLPT.
Like other FlexLessons classes, this class is 50 minutes in length and is as modular as possible—meaning later classes don't
depend on earlier sessions so you have the
flexibility to take classes whenever you like. However, some sessions will include a review of earlier
classwork or a quiz involving topics from earlier sessions. To make the most of your test preparation time,
it is recommended that you take JLPT 1 classes as regularly as possible. The teacher can provide more information in class.
For grammar study, the Kanzen Master Level 1 text shown below is used primarily, but
various additional instructional materials are used in this class, so no immediate
textbook purchase is required. The teacher will give you more information in class.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has been revised.
Previously, the test consisted of four levels, but starting in 2010 the test will include five levels as follows:
N1 |
Similar to original level 1 (the most advanced level), but measures slightly more
advanced skills
|
N2 |
Same as original level 2
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N3 |
In between original levels 2 and 3
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N4 |
Same as original level 3
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N5 |
Same as original level 4, the most basic level
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Textbooks for the new testing levels are not yet available. In the meantime,
JLPT classes at JOI will follow textbooks and grammar patterns designed for the original JLPT levels.
We anticipate revising our JLPT lesson content shortly.
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Kanzen Master Level 1 Grammar
完全マスター1級 日本語能力試験文法問題対策
ISBN: 488319356X
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Private Lessons
Here's your fastest way to improving your Japanese ability:
one-on-one classes with a professional JOI instructor. You choose a JOI teacher,
who then builds a customized curriculum for your private Japanese lessons. All private
lessons are 50 minutes in length.
All JOI private lessons are conducted in Japanese, but, depending on the teacher you choose, English or Korean
may be used as needed to explain new concepts.
( In private lessons, explanatory languages other than English and Korean are not supported.)
For details, please contact us.
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Consider our PrivateSilver and PrivateGold plans.
Both plans come with a personalized curriculum taught by a professional Japanese
language instructor. With PrivateGold, you also receive a follow-up email after
every class, a monthly progress report, and
priority reservations.
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Choose a JOI teacher. Look over the teachers' schedules and instruction levels. All of your private sessions will be conducted
by the teacher you select. Coordinated instruction from two or more
teachers is also available.
Please note: If you have a particular time period in mind, but it is
not on your selected teacher's schedule, some teachers
may be willing to accommodate your request. Please contact us
with details.
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Once you've decided on a teacher, contact us, and we'll
get you and your teacher in touch. (If you're having trouble selecting a teacher on your own,
please contact us.) The teacher will prepare a personalized curriculum for you,
based on your needs and goals.
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Purchase a private-lesson package, and reserve classes using
our reservation system.
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In consultation, you and your instructor will decide which textbook (if any) is appropriate
for your private lessons. Many Japanese language texts are available
from TheJapanShop.com (our recommended bookseller, ships from US) and
amazon.co.jp (ships from Japan, much of the site is available in English).
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Tensaku Essay Correction (FlexLessons service)
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Tensaku is our writing review and correction service. You write and submit a short essay,
which a professional JOI teacher
will review and correct. You'll receive a review document, detailing suggestions
for wording, grammar, and usage changes.
Writing is an effective add-on to the Japanese language instruction presented in classes at JOI.
By bringing together your knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, kana and kanji,
the challenge of writing in Japanese puts your language skill to the test—and
accelerates your Japanese learning.
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A variety of tensaku topics are published every month at several skill levels.
You choose a topic, write your Japanese text, and submit it to us via the reservation system.
After the teacher in charge of your topic has reviewed and corrected your submission,
you'll be emailed the results.
The tensaku service is available to all FlexLessons students, except students who have purchased only
the 3-lesson trial package. (Please use trial-lesson tickets to explore our FlexLessons classes.)
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