What you'll learn
Start speaking Japanese from your very first lesson with our Japanese language courses online!
Whether you're dreaming of travelling through Japan, fascinated by Japanese culture, or inspired by anime, manga, food or film, this welcoming course is the perfect place to begin. No previous knowledge is required.
From your very first class, you'll start speaking practical Japanese in everyday situations. Through interactive activities and plenty of conversation practice, you'll steadily build confidence while developing useful vocabulary and expressions you can use straight away.
You'll also be introduced to Hiragana, the foundation of the Japanese writing system, and discover that Japanese is often more logical and approachable than people expect, with consistent pronunciation and clear sentence patterns.
By the end of the course, you'll be able to communicate in simple everyday Japanese while gaining a deeper appreciation of Japan's language, culture and way of life—providing a strong foundation for further study or your next trip to Japan.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Japanese: Beginners Level 1 course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- Greeting people and introducing yourself and others
- Asking and answering simple questions about personal information
- Using numbers for time, dates, money, and phone numbers
- Talking about daily routines, family, and personal life
- Asking for directions and understanding simple responses
- Ordering food and making simple purchases
- Using basic Japanese in travel and everyday situations
- Recognising and pronouncing Hiragana characters
- Demonstrating an introductory understanding of Japanese culture and customs
Course content
What will be covered in this Japanese: Beginners Level 1 course?
During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:
Topics
- Greetings and introductions
- Everyday conversations and personal information
- Daily routines and activities
- Locations and directions
- Numbers and basic transactions
- Shopping, travel, and accommodation
- Family and social interactions
- Introduction to Japanese culture and customs
Language skills
- Speaking and listening practice through real-life scenarios
- Pronunciation and clarity
- Building confidence in conversation
Grammar and writing
- Basic sentence structure and word order
- Introduction to Hiragana (reading and pronunciation)
- Foundational vocabulary and expressions
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Intended audience
Who is this Japanese: Beginners Level 1 course for?
This course is suitable for:
- Complete beginners with no prior Japanese knowledge
- Learners interested in Japanese language and culture
- Travellers preparing for a trip to Japan
- People curious about learning a new writing system
- Anyone wanting a practical introduction to spoken Japanese
Course venue
Online via Zoom
Zoom details will be provided with your enrolment confirmation.
Requirements:
- A device with a stable internet connection
- A computer is recommended for the best learning experience
Course materials
What to bring to class
- Notebook and pen
- Course textbook (see below)
Textbook
Please purchase the course textbook used across our Beginners Level 1 and Beginners Level 2 courses:
Japanese for Busy People 1 (4th Edition, Romanized Version)
ISBN: 9781568366197
We recommend purchasing your textbook once your course has been confirmed (usually within three working days of the proposed start date). The textbook is not included in the enrolment fee.
Certificate of completion
Achievement Recognition
Students who attend at least 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Sydney Community College.
This certificate recognises your commitment to learning Japanese and can support your personal or professional development.
Additional information
Japanese language bundle
Continue your learning and save — enrol in three Japanese language courses and receive an automatic 15% discount.
What's next?
What other Japanese classes do we offer?
After completing this course, you can continue your learning with our Japanese: Beginners Level 2 course, where you’ll expand your vocabulary, sentence structures, and confidence using Japanese in everyday situations.
Enrol in both Japanese Course: Beginners Level 1 and Beginners Level 2 and save 10% using the promo code GROUP10 at checkout. Please visit our discounts page for full details.
Course testimonials
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David said: Very enthusiastic and supportive tutor.
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Michael said: Student gavce 4.9 Stars
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Nicki said: The tutor brought lots of colour to the course, discussing aspects of Japanese life. She explained the grammar well and was engaging
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Saray said: Good introduction to Japanese culture and language. Tutor always available and very supportive. Convenience of online learning.
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Rob said: The course was very helpful as a beginner to the Japanese spoken language in a relaxed atmosphere. It was well paced, and encouraged communication during sessions on both the content, and also importantly the cultural meaning and context behind it. I feel it has made me more confident to identify fundamental conversation patterns and progress.
Course tutors
Kari Yu
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
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Classes Online Courses
<p>Start speaking Japanese from your very first lesson with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/japanese">Japanese language courses</a> online!</p>
<p>Whether
...<p>Start speaking Japanese from your very first lesson with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/japanese">Japanese language courses</a> online!</p>
<p>Whether
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Japanese Course: Beginners Level 1
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Japanese Course: Beginners Level 1
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