GenkiJACS Okinawa

The Core Japanese Course is suitable for students aged 16 and over who want to learn Japanese in Japan. It welcomes complete beginners with no previous experience, although learning hiragana is required before the course starts!, as well as students who already have Japanese language skills and want to continue improving.
Many students join the course to prepare for university, enhance career opportunities, experience Japanese culture more deeply, or simply gain confidence using Japanese in everyday situations. Classes are grouped by ability, so you'll study alongside students at a similar level.

The Core Japanese Course is available at many levels, typically from complete beginner to intermediate. Before your course begins, you'll complete a placement test so we can assess your current ability and place you in the most suitable class.
This ensures you'll be studying at the right level from your first day, allowing you to learn at a comfortable pace alongside classmates with similar language skills.
Level availability depends on the campus; advanced-level classes are typically not available at this location.

You can study Japanese for as little as two weeks or for more than a year, depending on your goals and visa requirements. Short-term students often join to improve their conversational Japanese while visiting Japan, while longer courses provide the opportunity to build fluency and develop a deeper understanding of the language.
If you're unsure how long to study, our team can help you choose a course length that matches your experience, objectives, and schedule.

Yes. Many GenkiJACS students arrive in Japan with almost no knowledge of Japanese (learning to read and write hiragana is required before the course starts, but that’s all!). The Core Japanese Course is designed to help beginners develop confidence step by step, starting with essential vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday expressions before progressing to more complex grammar and conversation.
Your teachers will guide you through each stage of learning, helping you build a strong foundation while encouraging you to use Japanese in class and during daily life in Japan. If you’re new to Japanese, you can get started with our Hiragana Quiz to practice reading hiragana and make sure you’re ready for your first class.

The Core Japanese Course develops all four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Alongside these, you'll study grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and practical communication to help you use Japanese naturally in everyday situations.
Lessons combine textbook learning with interactive activities, conversations, and real-world practice, helping you build both accuracy and confidence. As your level increases, you'll also explore more complex topics and expressions used in everyday Japanese.

The Core Japanese Course includes 20 lessons each week, with four 50-minute classes a day from Monday to Friday. Two classes focus on building a strong foundation in grammar, while the other two develop your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through practical communication. The schedule provides plenty of classroom learning while still giving you time to explore Japan and put your Japanese into practice in everyday situations.