Learn Japanese Online: Classes to Get You Started

According to the latest report by the Modern Language Association of America, Japanese ranked as the fifth-most-studied language in America in 2016. Reasons for this interest include the growing popularity of manga and anime, as well as a fascination with Japan’s unique culture.

Travel, business, and prospective job opportunities also factor into the popularity of this language. Every year, more than 5,000 U.S. college students study abroad in Japan. For those interested in traveling after graduation, learning Japanese can lead to a position as an English teacher and many other business opportunities.

Japan’s economy ranks as the third largest in the world, surpassed only by China and the U.S. Americans with Japanese-language skills may be able to find increasing job prospects and advancement opportunities at companies doing business with and within Japan.

Read on to learn more about online Japanese classes. Each of the following courses offers something unique in terms of format, features, and lessons. Many platforms also provide free courses or free trial periods.

Developed by the Japan Foundation, Marugoto offers an online course based on the book “Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture.” This online platform emphasizes learning Japanese through the lens of culture and lifestyle. Students can enjoy looking at photos and illustrations and taking part in recorded conversations as they learn to converse in Japanese.

You can study the art of Japanese communication while learning about Japan’s festivals, food, travel, and manga. Marugoto offers a trial version so you can see whether this approach is right for you before buying the full course.

JapanesePod101 provides lessons through audio podcasts. Whether you want to learn Japanese before you study abroad or are simply interested in culture, you can choose lessons that correspond to your goals. Learn the language through audio and video lessons and discussions that allow for interaction between teachers and students.

For a monthly fee, JapanesePod101’s premium subscription includes a personalized program and weekly assignments from your own teacher. Conversations are conducted via private messenger. Additionally, the platform provides access to over 3,800 audio and video lessons.

A leading provider of massive open online courses (MOOCs), edX hosts free, university-level online courses and programs from numerous institutions. Founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012, the platform has since grown to include over 2,800 online courses with 34 million students around the globe.

You can learn Japanese from Waseda University’s program, which consists of three courses meant to be completed within four months. Tsinghua University also offers two courses in Japanese, with a focus on culture and lifestyle. While both programs offer free options, Waseda University charges for the full program experience. Tsinghua University provides graduates with a certificate if they pay a fee.

Busuu’s language-learning app offers three programs. The platform’s Japanese course serves travelers and students preparing to study abroad by teaching them commonly used phrases, whereas a complete Japanese course teaches you how to read, write, and speak the language.

The app also includes a conversation feature that allows you to get direct feedback from a Japanese native speaker regarding your speaking and/or writing abilities. Busuu offers a free basic plan or premium plans with monthly fees.

Founded in 2012 by Stanford University, this MOOC hub offers online courses, degrees, and certificates from over 200 universities and companies.

For example, Saint Petersburg State University offers two 20-hour beginner Japanese courses. Coursework focuses on everyday communication and pronunciation, with lessons that include online videos, readings, and quizzes. While all course materials are free to access, students must pay a one-time fee to have their assignments graded and receive a certificate of completion.

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