At the Introductory level, where students are just starting out in their Japanese language study, first and foremost I try to make sure learning Japanese is enjoyable. Students learn greetings such as "Thank you" and "Hello!" in Japanese, learn how to introduce themselves in Japanese, and practice small talk regarding shopping, meeting people for the first time, and so on.

In addition, I introduce new students to hiragana and Japanese pronunciation patterns. Although many students may worry about taking a Japanese class when they don't understand a single word of Japanese, there is no cause for concern. At the Introductory level, we use English as well, while everyone gradually gets accustomed to speaking in Japanese. As students take more and more lessons, they build up their ability to listen to and respond in Japanese.

The Intermediate/Advanced Discussion Dojo class is an opportunity for students to practice their conversation skills. With the class topic in mind, students can freely express their own opinions and relate their personal experiences in Japanese.

I feel the Discussion Dojo is an effective add-on to our other classes, a way for students to put the grammar and vocabulary they learn in our school's FlexLessons classes to practice in real Japanese conversation.

To students who say, "Japanese is interesting, but I've heard it's really hard," I'd like to invite you to give JOI lessons a try.

We JOI teachers keep in close contact regarding students' progress, so you should feel free to choose any class without concern about being "the new student". What I view as my personal success is when a student moves from feeling Japanese is too difficult to feeling enjoyment at learning Japanese. I hope you can join us and students from all over the world learning and speaking Japanese.