This FlexLesson level is for absolute beginners.

We start from the basics: How to read and write Japanese and the hiragana and katakana alphabets.
You'll learn greetings, basic vocabulary and other basic sentence patterns as well.
Improve your pronunciation, practice listening, and extend your vocabulary live online.

Recommended Textbook The books below are the recommended  texts for this level of class. For the class texts, the teachers use this text's material as well as other self-created text materials. Please try out the classes first, before purchasing texts. For the Trial lessons, textbooks are not necessary.
	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 to 3. Honsatsu (本冊) means "main text"---please check the title carefully. This book is written in hiragana and katakana, not romaji.
	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	The Translation & Grammatical Notes provides a translation of all the new vocabulary, reference words, sentence patterns, example sentences and conversations found in Minna no Nihongo as well as an easy-to-understand explanation of all the important grammatical structures. To be used in conjunction with the Main Textbook.
To buy the textbook, click country link for Shipping from - USA ,  Europe  , UK ,  Japan

Your first steps turn to giant strides! As you progress through Beginner 1, you learn to use the vocabulary and grammar in daily conversation.At the Beginner 1 level, lesson materials are presented in Romaji (Roman characters like these) alongside the Japanese hiragana and katakana.

Recommended Textbook The books below are the recommended  texts for this level of class. For the class texts, the teachers use this text's material as well as other self-created text materials. Please try out the classes first, before purchasing texts. For the Trial lessons, textbooks are not necessary.
	Minna-no Nihongo---Shokyu 1 Honsatsu みんなの日本語 初級１本冊 ISBN: 4883191028	This level uses sections 4 through 25. Honsatsu (本冊) means "main text"---please check the title carefully. This book is written in hiragana and katakana, not romaji.
	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	The Translation & Grammatical Notes provides a translation of all the new vocabulary, reference words, sentence patterns, example sentences and conversations found in Minna no Nihongo as well as an easy-to-understand explanation of all the important grammatical structures. To be used in conjunction with the Main Textbook. .
To buy the textbook, click country link for Shipping from - USA ,  Europe  , UK ,  Japan

This FlexLesson level is for those who can speak  basic Japanese but need to learn more complex structures.

Keep sailing! Building on your skills from Beginner 1, you'll strengthen your daily conversation skills in Japanese.
For the most comprehensive online Japanese lessons at this level, we recommend you take this course and the grammar-focused Beginner 2 Grammar (incl. JLPT N4) course at the same time.
Both courses are FlexLessons classes, so you can freely mix and match individual sessions as your schedule allows.

Recommended Textbook The books below are the recommended  texts for this level of class. For the class texts, the teachers use this text's material as well as other self-created text materials. Please try out the classes first, before purchasing texts. For the Trial lessons, textbooks are not necessary.
	Minna-no Nihongo---Shokyu 2 Honsatsu みんなの日本語---初級２本冊 ISBN: 4883191036
	Minna-no Nihongo---Shokyu 2 Honyaku (The Translation & Grammatical Notes) みんなの日本語 初級２翻訳・文法解説・英語版 ISBN: 4883191087
To buy the textbook, click country link for Shipping from - USA ,  Europe  , Japan

This FlexLesson level  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.

Recommended Textbook The books below are the recommended  texts for this level of class. For the class texts, the teachers use this text's material as well as other self-created text materials. Please try out the classes first, before purchasing texts. For the Trial lessons, textbooks are not necessary.
	Do-it-Yourself; Beginner -Level Japanese Grammar Review ひとりでできる初級日本語文法の復 習　英語版 ISBN 978-4-88319-541-1	Do-it-Yourself; Beginner -Level Japanese Grammar Review 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.
To buy the textbook, click country link for Shipping from -  USA,  Europe  , Japan

This FlexLesson level 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.

Recommended Textbook No textbook is used in this course. You may wish to purchase Minna no Nihongo Chuukyuu (Intermediate) if you wish to study or review material presented in class. Note: Textbook purchase is optional.
	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
	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
To buy the textbook, click country link for Shipping from - USA ,  Europe  , Japan

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 level 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 N2/N3 classes as regularly as possible. The teacher can provide more information in class.

Recommended Textbook For grammar study, the new textbook Shin Kanzen Masuta Bunpo is used. There was a previous textbook (Kanzen Master Level 2 text) which was previously used primarily. However, classes have switched to the new textbook. If you have the older text, please continue to use it, page numbers for the lesson topics are shown in lesson plans. If you are planning to purchase a new textbook then we recommend the new text. Various additional instructional materials are used in this class. Please try out the classes first, before purchasing texts. The teacher will give you more information on the textbooks in class.
	Old Textbook 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
	New Textbook Shin Kanzen Masuta Bunpo: Nihongo Noryoku Shiken N2 (New Complete Master Series -The Japanese Language Proficiency Test: N2 Grammar) ISBN: 978-4-88319-565-7
To buy the old textbook, click country link for Shipping from - Amazon ,  Europe  , Japan
To buy the new textbook, click country link for Shipping from - Amazon

If you're planning to take the Japanese Language Proficency Test (JLPT) N1 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 N1 classes as regularly as possible. The teacher can provide more information in class.

Recommended Textbook For grammar study, the new textbook Shin Kanzen Masuta Bunpo is used. There was a previous textbook (Kanzen Master Level 1 text) which was previously used primarily. However, classes have switched to the new textbook. If you have the older text, please continue to use it, page numbers for the lesson topics are shown in lesson plans. If you are planning to purchase a new textbook then we recommend the new text. Various additional instructional materials are used in this class. Please try out the classes first, before purchasing texts. The teacher will give you more information on the textbooks in class
	Old Textbook 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
	New Textbook Shin Kanzen Masuta Bunpo: Nihongo Noryoku Shiken N1 (New Complete Master Series -The Japanese Language Proficiency Test: N 1 Grammar) ISBN: 978-4-88319-564-0
To buy the old textbook, click country link for Shipping from - USA ,  Europe , Japan
To buy the new textbook, click country link for Shipping from - Amazon

Tensaku is our writing review and correction service. For the cost of just 1 FlexLesson ticket, you write and submit a short essay, which a professional JOI Japanese 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.

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.)