After taking the first lesson, I decided to keep on taking lessons at JOI. I have taken substantial lessons for a year but I am still not able to speak in Japanese as I wish because I don't have any practice in reality. During my JOI lesson, I have much chance to practice even by taking Flexlessons. Although my Japanese is very poor, the teacher was still very patient in teaching me and communicating with me.

Furthermore, I don't need to commute here and there and waste the time on traffic when I want to take Japanese lesson. Time of taking lesson is always on my own discretion.

Lately there has been a lot of stress in my life, but one of the few things that keeps me going is JOI. When I put my headphones down after having taken a Japanese class where I just spent almost an hour speaking exclusively in Japanese, there is no comparison to the joy I feel.

It's such a great feeling to be learning such a beautiful language. The teachers are all so fun and encouraging and they push you to step outside your comfort zone to do things that make you think and grow and learn Japanese even better!

I really enjoy my learning at JOI. Fujinawa sensei has been very patient with us, we are not just learning grammar phrases in the class, we also get to learn lots of new Japanese vocabulary and practice writing our own sentences.

JOI lessons have given me more confidence with my Japanese speaking skills as well. They motivate me to get better each day. I really enjoy the learning atmosphere here at JOI. All the senseis are very qualified and dedicated.

I started at JOI because the Japanese language school in my area shut down and I was finding private lessons very expensive. I liked the look of the trial lessons and thought 'what have I got to lose?' so I gave it a try. I was extremely nervous, but I soon found that my friendly teachers made me feel welcome and I felt like I fit in. I have had lessons from 3 teacher, and they have all been brilliant. They put up with my mistakes!

I can take lessons as I can afford them and I can keep track of what I've done on the Stepping Stones system, which is really useful for me. I can also check what the lesson is covering before I pick the class, so if I've taken it I can chose a different class. Overall I really recommend JOI and I am learning a lot! My Japanese has improved so much since I joined.

Thank you everyone for the brilliant experience. I'm looking forward to continuing to enjoy my online lessons here.

With JOI's method you can improve your language skills. You can speak a lot with Japanese teachers and at the same time you can also learn Japanese grammar in a nice way. The flexibility of the timetable is great because you can always find a lesson right for you. So after 50 lessons and still counting, I am a supporter of JOI online courses!!!!!! If you like Japanese language you have to study here.

It has been several months since I started studying Japanese online with JOI. In the past 10 years, I have studied at universities not only in the US but also in Japan. I have had numerous Japanese teachers and I have seen a great range of teaching methods and techniques used.

I am so very impressed with the quality of teachers at JOI and the instruction methods used in the courses. The teachers are very gifted in teaching and seem to really care about the students and check to see if the student is really grasping the material to be learned in each session.

Classes are very focused on the task set and I love that at the end of each class, the instuctors always ask if the students have any questions. This is a great opportunity to go back and ask anything about the class material that a student may be uncertain of.

I believe that fluency in the Japanese language is attainable through hard work and dedication; however, it will be an ongoing process. I am so very thankful to have found JOI and to have these wonderful teachers to help me achieve my dream of becoming fluent?which I expect to be one day in the near future.

I have taken only about 20 online lessons at JOI thus far, but my experience has been absolutely wonderful. All of the teachers are friendly, excellent, and engaging. The reservation system is so easy to use, and it seems there is always a topic on an upcoming lesson plan to fit my needs. The group lessons are a great deal of fun, and it is exciting to bring people together from all over the world in the pursuit of Japanese study.

The quizzes are a great bonus, and the technology works very well. What I like most, though, is the flexibility to design my own study program. For example, if I realize I need to work more on my vocabulary, I can focus on discussion classes, but if there is grammar class that I feel would be useful I can fit that in too. In this way I can learn exactly what is most practical for me each week.

An unexpected benefit of JOI is the chance to learn from and practice with a variety of teachers and students each class. In most face-to-face lessons you get used to your teacher and become comfortable speaking to him/her, but when you meet new people and try to talk to them it is difficult. With JOI, you can practice speaking to new people all the time so it is great preparation for real life interactions.

I have been trying to learn Japanese on and off for about a year, but it was always inconvenient for me to have to travel to classes. I started using Joi a couple of months now and I am really enjoying the classes.

The class sizes are small and you get to know the other students as well as the teachers, which helps you to feel more comfortable when learning.

It gives me the flexibility I need in study so that I can fit it in around my busy schedule. Being able to attend classes during my lunch hour at work has allowed me to increase the number of hours a week I am having teacher/student contact and so help me to improve my understanding and ability in Japanese.

I would recommend JOI to anyone; it is a great service with great people.

I started to take lessons to prepare for JLPT3. The classes are small in size, so there's plenty of opportunities to speak up and ask questions when a certain concept is unclear. The teachers are very friendly, which makes the learning process all the more pleasant!

I also love the flexibility of being able to attend classes of different difficulty levels according to my own learning needs and at my own schedule! I will definitely continue to take lessons from JOI to improve my Japanese beyond JLPT3!

I've got Ikeda-sensei as my primary teacher, but whenever possible I attend Mizuno-sensei's classes as well. Thank you so much!

It had been such a long time since I stopped studying Japanese. I was really afraid of using the language, but then I decided to start preparing to enter the Master's Degree. For that, I need to take the proficiency test in Japanese, and JOI has been playing such an important role in my preparation.

I love the flexibility in learning Japanese online that JOI has to offer! I really enjoy being able to reserve a lesson with as little as 2 hours notice - for my busy lifestyle it's perfect!

Living and working in Japan, I have an immediate need to communicate effectively in Japanese business situations; the JOI instructors always use top notch correction techniques and an immersive environment to really help me achieve my goals of proper Japanese grammar usage and pronunciation!

I feel that JOI is THE BEST value for my money when it comes to learning Japanese online!

Classes are conducted in Japanese, which has helped increase my listening skills. Reviews of material covered previously are incorporated into many of the lessons. Each of the six JOI teachers I have taken classes from has been very patient and supportive. All my fears about speaking Japanese and making mistakes disappeared in my first two lessons. I have been happy with every class I have taken. I have learned a lot in the two months I have been taking JOI's FlexLessons.

Here is more about what I really really like about JOI. There are so many helpful resources on their web site. The online quizzes have helped boost my vocabulary and knowledge of particles. Plus, it is fun to see all the little stars and the Japanese word for "Congratulations!" when you have gotten a perfect score. Through the Community News and Lesson Blog features, I have learned much of interest about Japanese culture. Moreover, the blog has enhanced my ability to read hiragana and kanji. And...Thank you for the new Stepping Stones which allows me to follow and map my progress.

I can schedule JOI FlexLessons classes at times that are convenient for me and take them from any quiet place. I must also mention JOI's prompt response to emailed questions I have sent. There is much to love about JOI. What more could I ask for?

Thank you so much, JOI! I am very happy with my results--so much so that, even though I had originally planned to take JOI classes only over the summer, I have decided to continue taking classes even when I return to university classes in the fall.

Thank you again! Dee

I took my first 3 lessons just last week and I absolutely loved every minute of them. Everyday after work all I could think about was how many more days until my next class! Now I can't wait to set up some private lessons and get started with learning more Japanese! Arigatou Gozaimasu!!!

My JOI teacher does an excellent job in facilitating the online Japanese lesson. I enjoy the format of the lesson plan, in which I continue to learn new grammar, vocabulary and proper pronunciation of the Japanese words.

Receiving the lesson plan on paper to review allows me to go over the lesson plan as many times as necessary. The visual of the lesson plan is very good. I have to stay focused because once I learn a new concept, the sensei requires me to respond with an answer. The 50-minute lesson goes by quickly because of an energetic teacher and enthusiastic student. Thank you, JOI.

I have been teaching myself Japanese for a while. I live in Oklahoma and find it hard to find conversation partners. You can learn a lot by yourself, but to really communicate you must have another person to talk to.

The way JOI works by teaching face to face is absolutely fantastic. I find myself just as excited for my fellow students as I am for myself. The interaction with other students is great. Your ears get a good workout listening to others and listening to the instructor.

I also want to thank TheJapanShop.com for recommending JOI. That was the best advice I ever had.

JOI allows me to study Japanese from anywhere, anytime. It's very flexible and offers lesson at times that are convenient for me. Also, being able to take the lesson from home means that I can save the time, money, and effort compared to the old days where I had to commute to school in order to receive Japanese lessons.

The teachers at JOI are also very knowledgeable and helpful with my studies. It's interesting to have classmates from all over the world so I can learn about other cultures while I'm studying Japanese.

JOI lessons are simple yet comprehensive. Having experienced other online Nihongo classes, I was apprehensive to use any instructional software for language learning. However, being a visual learner I quickly became a fan of the virtual classroom environment.

The JOI system is very convenient and accessible 24/7! I can both track my progress via the "Stepping Stones" feature and make a reservation or cancellation from my location of choice.

Another highlight of JOI is the "My Reminders" feature. As a busy working mother I check my electronic calendar and email frequently. It is very convenient to get a reminder.

Lastly, the best feature of this Japanese language institute is the teaching staff! My teachers are both skilled and caring. They are very patient with me and take the time to answer any questions.

JOI's teachers are always extremely patient and continue to offer correction and support, no matter how many obvious errors I make. Additionally, the daily quizzes make sure that I have some opportunity to practice my Japanese a little bit every day.

Michael in Japan says...

I recently moved from a city with a large Japanese population to a city with relatively few Japanese, and it became much harder to find a local Japanese tutor who could fit into my hectic schedule at a price within my budget. My studying began to suffer and I was afraid I would have to give up on my dreams of passing the JLPT. But then I found JOI, and realized I could take a whole week of Japanese classes for about the same cost as one session with my local teacher. And this doesn't include the time or money I would spend in traveling to and from my sensei's house.

I love the ability to learn with bright students from all over the world. I find that the group classes are much better at helping me remember than studying on my own. There is something wonderful about telling a joke in Japanese and hearing someone from Europe or Australia laughing.

I can easily find classes that fit with my busy schedule and I don't have to miss out on spending time with my friends and family. I no longer have to stick to a regular weekly time, but can fit classes in around my next day's plans.

I would like to thank the teacher's and students at JOI for keeping Japanese fun and allowing me to continue pursuing my dreams.

I just had my first lesson and am excited beyond words. It's like being in a real classroom, but you don't need to go anywhere. It can't be beat if you live far from big cities and universities. Plus, it's much more structured and disciplined than self-study, so I'm pretty confident I'll make good progress. I'm certainly buying more lessons and looking forward to my next one tomorrow!

I am travelling to Japan in a few months and desperate to learn some Japanese so I can at least eat while I am there :o) I purchased 4 language books and did a 6 week Japanese course in a real classroom. Then I found JOI on the internet and had my first lesson today.

It was simply amazing and to be honest, far - far better than I ever expected. I took the trial offer because I was not sure that the lessons could be as good as the site describes. IT IS - and more. I can not believe how well this system works. It is just so convenient. My teacher is fantastic and her English is excellent. Thanks JOI - I'm staying!!!

It's just keep getting better and better. I took an Introductory course with Arase-sensei, and it was such fun and pleasant experience! Arase-sensei is very gentle and understanding. She makes sure that the student feels comfortable and relaxed. I enjoyed every single class with her. Thank you so very much, Arase-sensei.

Now, I'm taking a Beginner 1 course with Ikura-sensei and we just have a blast! We laugh all the time and the atmosphere is just perfect for studying. She is very kind and I love how she makes sure that the student pronounces every word the right way. I'm always looking forward to her classes. Thank you for your teachings, Ikura -sensei.

So taking classes here at JOI is totally worth it?the staff (teachers, support) are very very helpful, the material being covered in class is very interesting. Plus you get to choose the time when you want to take a class. Just perfect!

So, in conclusion, I just want to express my gratitude to everybody here at JOI. Thank you for all your work and time. 心より感謝します。

I have always wanted to practice my Japanese with a native Japanese. However, I do not have the courage to approach any Japanese tourists who visit my country, as I was worried my poor Japanese will make them laugh. The teachers are patient and kind. They tolerate the mistakes I make and correct me immediately.

JOI’s students are from all corners of the earth. We joke and learn together. There is no fear or shame when we made a mistake. We share our learning skills and strike for a better learning experience. Therefore, JOI will still be my only choice when I take the JLPT test in future. Ganbatte ne!

I have to admit I was apprehensive about joining JOI as a student. The fear of not quite knowing what to expect, but I took the plunge and signed up for Flex lessons. I was pleasantly surprised by the classes. Although they are brisk and often wild rides into the world of Japanese, you are put in an environment where you can listen, read, and speak Japanese with your peers. I was very nervous at first about making mistakes, but realize that everyone in the class will make mistakes and grow from them. I personally adore Itaya-Sensei. She makes me laugh and is very interested in helping her students improve. I enjoy working with her so much that I actually take private Japanese lessons with her as well.

JOI is a convenient, well designed, and easy to use Japanese online school. It is perfect for someone who wants to learn Japanese but doesn't want to go to a traditional classroom environment. I highly recommend the school to anyone.

In my city we don't have japanese schools, therefore the only choice were CD-Rom and Textbooks or a Private Teacher. With the cost of 1 hour of a Private teacher I can take 4 online lessons! That's a Great value! Thank you!

JOI's support services are excellent, too. One time I had a problem logging in to the website. The next moment, before I sent an email to ask about the problem, Moses (JOI support) had sent me a email to explain the situation. Wow, excellent service. Then, I had an echo problem with my headphone. So my sensei asked me to login to counseling room to check with Moses. But again before I did that, Moses had sent me email explaining how to fix the echo problem.

JOI is in Japan, I am in Singapore. If there's any problem it's definitely impossible for me to phone them. But with their professional and quick support, I don't worry. I feel safe and comfortable continuing my online Japanese lessons.

Anyway, to saving commute time to Japanese school and keeping improving my Japanese, I will definitely continue my online Japanese lessons with JOI.

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.

This is perfect for me. I've already recommended to two other friends of mine who absolutely need what JOI has to offer. JOI classes will keep me busy 3x per week until I go to Japan in March next year. Recommend this to anyone who wants to improve their Japanese quickly and effectively.

Aside from the friendly teachers and selecting the times the fit your schedule, what I really like the best about learning Japanese online at JOI is how simple the teachers make the Japanese language seem. Anything questions you have, the teachers will answer the accurately.

kokoro kara
karl rocco

Everything is well laid out and explained every step of the way. What's great is that my teacher emails class notes after the lesson. That's so helpful as my notes are usually a bunch of scribbles that I've made during the class.

I especially like that my classmates and I not only study new Japanese words and grammar in class, but we also get to talk freely - even in a beginner class - which feels awesome!

In the beginning, I was worried whether the little Japanese I spoke would suffice for the Beginner 1 classes but it's absolutely no problem. If I don't understand a question, my sensei rephrases or translates it for me and kindly corrects my Japanese answers. She's also able to tell every student's individual difficulties with the language and helps whenever there is an opportunity.

I will definitely stick with JOI and keep on taking FlexLessons, as I feel I have learnt more in week at JOI than in a couple of months studying by myself - and additionally, I finally get the chance to speak Japanese nearly every day which is a great motivation for learning!

At first , I was a little scared . I was wondering whether I would be able to understand and be understood . But Arase Sense was so nice, I found it really easy to talk in Japanese. I enjoyed the lessons I took so much and had so much fun I am ready now to take more lessons . It's really a good way to improve my Japanese and so practical learning Japanese online!

Thanks a lot for giving me such an opportunity, and good luck to all online Japanese learners. Jean-Michel

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!

-Sara Cooney

My interest in Japanese is part professional. I work (as a doctor) in a tourist area in Australia and we have a few Japanese visitors. So I started learning Japanese from a couple of CDs from the library. Unfortunately, I could not find a course, nor an evening class, nor a private tutor where I live.

I stumbled across JOI about four months ago and it has been a revelation.

1. The classroom format is very well designed. It is great building up a rapport with the tutors and your regular classmates, even from the other side of the world.
2. There are levels to suit everyone. I am in Beginner 1, and occasionally dip my toe into the next level as well.
3. The lesson plans posted in advance are very good and the sessions take on a bite-size piece of the language each time?e.g., how to construct a conditional sentence "if such-and-such, then X happens", etc.
4. The support staff are very prompt and there is always a personalised and accurate response. e.g. I am keen to do the Japanese Language Proficiency Test next year
5. The option to submit written work (tensaku essay correction) is a great feature for me. You have to force yourself to write, just like schooldays and homework. But it really helps your Japanese ability and the marking by the teachers is very detailed and helpful.

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.

I am going to stay with JOI to archive my goal for a mastery level in understanding Japanese, and with JOI this goal is within my grasp.

[Note from JOI: We've recently added several new lessons that fit European schedules better. Please see the latest lesson schedule here.]

At 70 years old, I decided to learn Japanese while planning a trip to Japan next year. For several months I struggled attempting to teach myself. I found a link to JOI on The Japan Shop website and decided to give it a try. I felt both the trial class cost and the FlexLessons were reasonable. After my first trial lesson I realized JOI was for me. I immediately signed up for a bunch of classes. I find the pace perfect and the Sensei's excellent instructors and, more importantly, good listeners.

One primary reason to take the class is the ability to talk to and see the instructor. I get immediate feedback to my speaking. Also, I have got more confidence in being able to speak to someone. The Stepping Stones concept makes it easy to find where you are in the course and allows me to review some areas I feel lax in. I make certain I take both the visual and audio quizzes each day.

I've been studying Japanese for nearly two years on my own. Though I love studying the language I really wanted to be able to use and also improve my language skills. There are no classes nearby and even if there were, working full-time means I would find it hard travelling for a set time on a set day. JOI is great. I can do a lesson at a time that suits me--with the added advantage of having my feet up with a cup of coffee! In addition, the FlexLessons means that I can dip into a whole range of language learning. I can revise areas I'm a little rusty on or stretch my skills with the challenging grammatical structures. I'm still very much a beginner but every time I take a lesson my confidence increases.

The teacher's here are very supportive, whether this is by lessons notes sent as an attachment or simply responding to an e-mail with compassion and advice. Within the lessons themselves, the small group environment means that you really have a great opportunity to use the language whilst the kind teacher will often give unobtrusive help if you need it (thank you!).

The JOI experience offers you a great chance to be part of a friendly class environment and a community where fellow students offer supportive advice on the message board. I hope to one day to subscribe to the JOI private lessons; I feel my confidence and language skills improving all the time. In essence, if you like learning Japanese, you'll love JOI.

Imagine the time you spend to go to the school to study?

Been searching for something like this for quite some time. In addition, must really say that the teachers are very very caring. I think i will continue the lessons here at JOI. JOI, it's the place that you wanna be, the place where East meets West. JOI, Sugoi! (Fantastic!)

My goal is to learn enough Japanese to move to Japan, and I think I can reach that goal with JOI. The learning is fun and I can learn at my leisure. I highly recommend JOI for anyone wanting to learn Japanese in the privacy of their own home or office. C.L.

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.

I'm amazed how well the JOI classroom works. The teachers are very accessible, and I love that students can progress as fast or slowly as they wish.

The best point is the lesson plans, which you can see when you make a class reservation. Another feature that has helped me is the e-mail from the teacher after the class, summarizing the main points from the class.

I love that I'm finally learning. I bought all these self taught books, all of which lead me absolutely nowhere, but now I love classes at JOI. The teachers are soo sweet, and they take the time to explain everything so patiently. Thanks soo much, JOI!

After trying unsuccessfully to take classes at JOI a year ago (connection problems with the old classroom software), I had a try a few weeks ago with the new software and was enthusiastic about it: straightforward; nothing to install, no more compatibility problems with antivirus, and so simple to use!

I wanted to get lessons to prepare for JLPT3,and especially to review all the level 3 grammar. I had up to now half a dozen lessons with Hidaka-sensei's preparatory course, it is great and perfectly fits my needs! So I am fully satisfied, and I only wish that JOI will be soon able to schedule more courses at times convenient for European students!!!

All the teachers are very nice, patient and experts at working around obstacles that the class may come across. This is definitely worth the money!

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!

As a working mom I am really happy to be able to fit Japanese lessons in my busy schedule. I don't have to spend time to commute to language school, and I am able to study late at night when everybody at home is sound asleep. I can sit down with a nice cup of tea and enjoy the lessons in a relaxed atmosphere.

My teachers are really patient, and it's very interesting to "meet" people from all over the world.

I like the extras that help me improve my Japanese?daily quizzes, listening comprehension tests, blogs, etc. I've been taking lessons with JOI for about four months, and it's been a great experience!

Seno-sensei is always helpful and patient. Even in a group lesson, my sensei is very attentive to each student's particular needs. Plus, the quizzes help me review and discover if I need to work extra in any area.

I am confident that I will master Japanese with the expert teaching methods of JOI and staff! *smiles*

I wanted to tell you how effective and personalized the JOI lessons are. Mizuno-sensei has been able to determine just where I need improvement and exactly how to plan the lessons to help build my speaking, reading and writing skills. I can't tell you how exciting this has been for me?she challenges me to do my best!

I've also been taking advantage of JOI free chat events. The teachers have such a great way of guiding the chat events but making sure that we all speak as much as possible. I highly encourage every student to try the chat events. Since I am taking private lessons, it has been a great chance for me to meet other students and practice my verbal skills.

Thank you, JOI!

I started in introductory and after the first lesson, I felt like I could have gone on for hours and hours. The teachers are great and nice. They gave me time and didn't rush me.

I'm a college student, but don't have space in my schedule to take Japanese classes at school. So, I tried studying alone, without any outside instruction?watching Japanese TV shows for listening practice. But I never get to actually speak Japanese with anyone except myself! But now, with classes at JOI, I get to practice conversation with native Japanese teachers.

First, I have enjoyed my intermediate lessons. Fujinawa Sensei has been very responsive, assessing my ability and giving me questions and challenges appropriate to my language level.

As a language teacher myself, I appreciate their flexibility in moving quickly through easier items, thoroughly reviewing unclear points, and taking time to explain new language items clearly and in context. I feel that the error correction has been gentle and consistent, and that they do a great job of balancing the needs and abilities of different students in the class.

Thank you very much for your prompt and friendly responses, and for reaching out to the students to find out about our language learning needs and goals. In addition to the strong language teaching, we appreciate the great support! Thanks for your help.

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!!

I was pretty excited I found JOI online. My first class with Momii-sensei was great! I even met two other students from the other side of the world!

In the past, I've had to juggle studying with working and commuting. Now I don't have to worry about making it to class on time and catching the train so I can get to work!

JOI is excellent for those who don't have the time for traditional classrooms. With real-time interaction with native sensei's, we students get a feeling that the classes are actually being taught, not that we're just looking at a web page.

Classroom size is also perfect, with an average of about 5 people, meaning that the sensei is almost always available for questions. I really enjoy being able to ask questions to not only my sensei, but also to the great support team at JOI, who almost always respond within 24 hours to help me with whatever problem I have.

The best part is that you have full control over when you take classes. The JOI staff and sensei are extremely accommodating and understand that our lives are busy.

I've just started at JOI, but have really enjoyed my Introductory lessons. For this reason I would like to continue my membership at JOI.

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

My JOI teacher is amazing. She works with me to make sure I get it right and learn Japanese correctly, and she is eager to answer my questions.

I like the webcam because you can actually practice saying Japanese phrases to the teacher! Sometimes in a regular classroom, what you say gets drowned out by other students trying to say the same thing. But with the web cam, the teacher can hear you and correct mistakes easily.

Because I had previously learned a bit of 日本語 before enrolling at JOI, I started in Beginner 1. Working with the other student(s) and the teacher showed me what I already know and what I really need to know/work on/don't know yet.

Finally, the price is fantastic! Other Japanese language schools ask for about $27 per lesson, but at JOI you can get a lesson for about $5 to $9.

Overall, the Japanese Online Institute is brilliant! I am eagerly looking forward to my next lesson.

Working two jobs (one of them full-time) leaves me with no time to attend a traditional Japanese school. The classes at JOI are relaxing, and I get to make the teachers laugh with my occasional use of 大阪弁 (Osaka-ben)!

Itaya-sensei made me feel at home the first time, was very friendly, and made the whole session fun. She inspired me to freshen up on my Hiragana / Katakana / Kanji skills, so I can learn Japanese even faster. I'll definitely be back, Itaya-sensei, arigatou gozaimasu! ^_^

I am using JOI as enrichment for my 8-year-old son. His regular school doesn't teach language until high school, when he'll be far less able to pick up a foreign language. After only a few weeks online with JOI, he can speak an amazing amount of Japanese.

I’ve tried classes with many different teachers, and they are all very nice. The class levels are perfect because there are many options and you can select the pace that is comfortable for you. JOI covers everything in the lesson (reading, listening, speaking, kanji) and it’s fun too! Taking class is extremely comfortable and convenient. It’s really easy to reserve and cancel classes.

JOI is definitely the best online language school!

I just took my first lesson and really enjoyed it. And I'm really looking forward to more classes at JOI!

I just finished my first lesson with Seno-sensei and she really impressed me. I learned a lot in so little time! Arigato, Seno-sensei!

The FlexLessons promote much individual attention, yet having other students in the class reinforces the material learned. The pace of Beginner 1 is quicker than Introductory, but the time flies by. I enjoyed the Intro classes so much that my preteen daughter is taking private lessons and is really enjoying them.

Being able to share facial expressions makes the learning experience more pleasurable and productive.

Since I am an employed person from India and fully occupied with my job, it is very difficult to find time to commute to a language school or institute (although in India there is no such good school). JOI's teaching method works so effectively, I will continue attending JOI until I become reasonably good in Japanese.

During the couple of private lessons that I chose as an intense preparation for my stay in Japan, the teacher assigned to me was always competent, well prepared and ready to help.