Course Information
These Conversational Japanese courses are structured to supplement our core curriculum Japanese Courses (Levels 1-13) of the 10-week semester. Courses are conversation-intensive, with the aim of strengthening the student’s ability to communicate effectively. The course materials emphasize vocabulary and grammar that are useful in everyday activities. Using the Marugoto textbooks, the priority is to practice language used in real-life situations, and grammar is taught through meaningful context rather than targeted study. At the more advanced levels, these courses utilize authentic materials to engage students in more fluid discussion and dialogue.
Students with no previous background in Japanese should complete core curriculum Level 1 before enrolling in a Conversational course. If you have previous background in Japanese and are unsure of which Conversational level is right for you, please take a look at the sample materials for each class linked in the course descriptions, or the Level Guide (Conversational Levels).
More course options at all levels will be offered in the upcoming 10-week semester.
These courses are designed for adults aged 18 and above.
For a printer friendly version of these courses, please click here: 2024 Late Summer Conversational Japanese Courses (PDF).
Select a level to learn more.
Courses are listed by increasing difficulty/level. Please note that the letter designates a different time/date, but all sections of a level cover the same material (e.g., Conv1, Section A and Conv1, Section B cover the same material).
Conversation 1 | Conversation 2 | Conversation 3-4 | Conversation 5-6
Conversation 7-8 | Conversation 9-10 | Conversation 11-12 | Conversation 13
For tuition & registration, additional information, and textbooks & instructors, please see further down after the course list.
Please note that some courses are online via Zoom, and others are in-person at Japan Society in NYC. All times listed are New York time (ET).
ONLINE COURSES: To participate fully, you will need access to a device with internet, microphone, and camera (such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet).
IN-PERSON COURSES: In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances, a class session may need to be conducted online or on another date. By signing up for a course, you assume this risk and understand that circumstances may change. Please see full details under “How to Register.”
Course Descriptions
Conv 1, Section A
ONLINE·5 classes·Naoko Date
Conversation 1 (Conv 1) Description (All sections)
For students who have finished Level 1 of our Japanese Courses, or equivalent; most importantly, students must understand how to use the particles wa, o, de, ni, and e, and be able to make sentences such as, “I eat a sandwich at a restaurant at 1 o’clock.” For a full list of grammar patterns covered in Level 1, see Level Guide (Numbered Levels). Recognition of hiragana is also expected.
Elementary social/situational conversation skills will be introduced.
This course covers the first portion of the textbook (Topics 1-6).
Required Textbook: Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Starter (A1) Katsudoo. See Table of Contents and Sample.Conv 1, Section B
Thursdays, August 15 – September 12, 12 – 2 pm ETONLINE·5 Classes·Yumiko Kakutani
All Conv 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Conv 1, Section A above.Conv 1, Section C
Tuesdays, August 13 – September 10, 6 – 8 pm ETIN-PERSON·5 Classes·Mana Kobuchi
All Conv 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Conv 1, Section A above.Conv 1, Section D
Tuesdays, August 13 – September 10, 12 – 2 pm ETIN-PERSON·5 Classes·Yumiko Kakutani
All Conv 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Conv 1, Section A above.Conv 2, Section A
ONLINE·5 classes·Atsuko Shio
Conversation 2 (Conv 2) Description
For students who have finished Level 2 of our Japanese Courses, or equivalent.
Students will learn more social/situational conversation skills.
This course covers the second portion of the textbook (Topics 7-9).
Required Textbook: Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Starter (A1) Katsudoo. See Table of Contents and Sample.Conv 2, Section B
Tuesdays, August 13 – September 10, 6 – 8 pm ETIN-PERSON·5 Classes·Kaori Murata
All Conv 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Conv 2, Section A above.Conv 3-4, Section A
ONLINE·9 classes·Momoyo Kitaura
Conversation 3-4 (Conv 3-4) Description (All sections)
For students who have finished Level 3 or 4 of our Japanese Courses, or equivalent, and feel confident with Level 3 content/grammar. This class will be a nice challenge for the student who has just finished Level 3, and more comfortable for those who have finished Level 4. If you are not confident in Level 3 patterns, Conv 2 may be a better conversational course for you.
The course will focus on skills needed to survive in Japan. Frequently used expressions will be practiced in context.
The course is taught in two parts (odd lessons and even lessons); the even lessons of the textbook will be covered this Late Summer semester.
Required Textbook: Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Elementary 1 (A2) Katsudoo. See Table of Contents and Sample.Conv 3-4, Section B
IN-PERSON·9 classes·Yumiko Kakutani
All Conv 3-4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Conv 3-4, Section A above.Conv 5-6, Section A
ONLINE·9 classes·Kazue Kurahara
Conversation 5-6 (Conv 5-6) Description
For students who have finished Level 5 or 6 of our Japanese Courses, or equivalent, and feel confident with Level 5 content/grammar. This class will be a nice challenge for the student who has just finished Level 5, and more comfortable for those who have finished Level 6. If you are not confident in Level 5 patterns, Conv 3-4 may be a better conversational course for you.
The course will focus on strengthening speaking skills by having students engage in various exercises.
The course is taught in two parts (odd lessons and even lessons); the even lessons of the textbook will be covered this Late Summer semester.
Required Textbook: Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Elementary 2 (A2) Katsudoo. See Table of Contents and Sample.Conv 7-8, Section A
ONLINE·9 classes·Yumiko Kakutani
Conversation 7-8 (Conv 7-8) Description
For students who have finished Level 7 or 8 of our Japanese Courses, or equivalent, and feel confident with Level 7 content/grammar. This class will be a nice challenge for the student who has just finished Level 7, and more comfortable for those who have finished Level 8. If you are not confident in Level 7 patterns, Conv 5-6 may be a better conversational course for you.
The course will focus on activities in various situations and language structures (e.g. sentence patterns) which support communication.
The course is taught in two parts (odd lessons and even lessons); the even lessons of the textbook will be covered this Late Summer semester.
Required Textbook: Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Pre-Intermediate A2/B1. See Table of Contents and Sample.Conv 9-10, Section A
ONLINE·9 classes·Kazue Kurahara
Conversation 9-10 (Conv 9-10) Description (All sections)
For students who have finished Level 9, or are taking or finished level 10 of our Japanese Courses, or equivalent, and feel confident with Level 9 content/grammar. This class will be a nice challenge for the student who has just finished Level 9, and more comfortable for those at a higher level. If you are not confident in Level 9 patterns, Conv 7-8 may be a better conversational course for you.
The course will emphasize role-playing by the students in different social and business situations. The focus will be on maintaining a conversation and learning and using situational vocabulary.
The course is taught in two parts, first and second half. The first half will be covered this Late Summer semester.
No textbook required. See Sample here.Conv 9-10, Section B
Tuesdays & Thursdays, August 13 – September 10, 12 – 2 pm ETONLINE·9 classes·Kazue Kurahara
All Conv 9-10 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Conv 9-10, Section A above.Conv 11-12, Section A
IN-PERSON·5 classes·Yuko Aizawa
Conversation 11-12 (Conv 11-12) Description (All sections)
For students who have finished at least one semester of Level 11 (and are conversationally fluent at that level) of our Japanese Courses or higher. If you are not confident in Level 11, Conv 9-10 may be a better conversational course for you.
Students will study and discuss various Japanese cultural topics, including social media. New vocabulary and expressions will be introduced. The course is repeatable and will cover different content every semester.
No textbook required. Sample coming soon.Conv 13, Section A
ONLINE·5 Classes·Yuko Aizawa
Conversation 13 (Conv 13) Description
For students who have finished at least one semester of Level 13 (and are conversationally fluent at that level) of our Japanese Courses or higher, and have passed JLPT N2 or equivalent knowledge. Students should recognize at least 1,200 kanji. If you are not sure, please contact the office to schedule a level assessment.
実際の日本の番組をみながら、実用的な慣用句、表現、生きた日本語の習得を目指す最上級者向けコースです。 さすが上級者！と言われるような洗練されたカッコいい日本語を会話で使いこなしてみませんか。
The course is repeatable and will cover different content every semester.
No textbook required. Sample coming soon.
Tuition
5-Class Courses
Non-members: $185
Japan Society members: $165
9-Class Courses
Non-members: $330
Japan Society members: $290
Inclusive of fees, where applicable.
To purchase or renew a membership, please visit the Membership page and pay online. Or, call 212-715-1270.
How to Register
Classes fill up quickly! We recommend registering as soon as possible to secure your first choice.
Please register by Thursday, August 8, if possible. Seats may not be available after this date; please contact the office for up-to-date availability.
New students with no previous background in Japanese should enroll in a Level 1 course (see Late Spring Japanese Level 1). Students with some background should refer to the Level Guide (Conversational Levels) or course textbooks to determine the most appropriate class. There is no placement exam. If you are still not sure of your level, it may be possible to schedule a level assessment by phone with the Senior Director. Please email [email protected] to schedule.
Registration is accepted online (preferred), by phone at (212) 715-1269 or (212) 715-1293, or in-person (please inquire for hours).
Registrants will receive a Welcome Email and Zoom link from [email protected] on:
- the afternoon of Friday, August 9, 2024 (for classes beginning on Monday, August 12)
- the afternoon of Monday, August 12, 2024 (for classes beginning on Tuesday, August 13)
- the afternoon of Tuesday, August 13, 2024 (for classes beginning on Wednesday, August 14)
- the afternoon of Wednesday, August 14, 2024 (for classes beginning on Thursday, August 15)
For more information, please email us at [email protected], or call (212) 715-1269 or (212) 715-1293.
About Online Courses
Please follow your course schedule as much as possible. If you miss a class, please review any material you missed so that you do not fall behind in the course. Regular practice is important when learning a new language.
In addition, if you will miss a class, it may also be possible to arrange a make-up class in a different online or in-person section in the same semester. Ideally, this should be scheduled for the same material/class as your missed class, but please note that options may be limited. When possible, please reach out to schedule these in advance as slots are first come, first served. More information on how to schedule a make-up class will be provided in the Welcome Email.
Our classes are structured to be interactive and participatory, and you will get the most out of your classes if you can participate by both microphone and video whenever possible. We hope you will participate to whatever degree that you can, even when full engagement is not possible. Please communicate with your instructor about any needs/changes to your attendance and degree of participation (mic/video use ability, missing class, etc.).
About In-Person Courses
Japan Society strongly encourages everyone entering the building to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, including any boosters for which they are eligible. In-person students do not need to provide proof of vaccination and booster.
Masks, particularly respirator-style (KN95, N95, KF94, etc.), are strongly recommended but are no longer required. A mask can be provided at the Welcome Desk upon request.
Japan Society retains the right to cancel a class at its discretion due to inclement weather or other circumstances. In such circumstances the office will determine the best option for replacement class(es), which may be online or on another date. By signing up for this course, you assume this risk and understand that circumstances may change.
Please follow your course schedule as much as possible. If you miss a class, please review any material you missed so that you do not fall behind in the course. Regular practice is important when learning a new language.
In addition, if you will miss a class, it may also be possible to arrange a make-up class in a different online or in-person section in the same semester. Ideally, this should be scheduled for the same material/class as your missed class, but please note that options may be limited. When possible, please reach out to schedule these in advance as slots are first come, first served. More information on how to schedule a make-up class will be provided in the Welcome Email.
Our classes are structured to be interactive and participatory. Please communicate with your instructor about any needs/changes to your attendance and degree of participation.
Additional Information
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted until 12 pm ET on the business day before the course begins (for Shodo, until 12 pm ET on the business day before coursework begins). The Language Center’s business days are Monday – Friday, except for most federal holidays. After this deadline, cancellations are not accepted and tuition is not refundable or transferable for any reason (including for credit). Upon cancellation, the tuition paid minus a service charge ($20 for courses) will be refunded. Cancellations are only accepted via phone.
Japan Society also reserves the right to cancel any course or workshop if sufficient enrollment is not obtained. In such cases, students already enrolled will receive full refunds (no service charge).
By registering for a course, you accept and agree to the above terms of the cancellation policy.
We do not record these classes, and recording of these classes is prohibited. If a student misses a class, it may be possible to arrange a make-up class in the same semester, if available. More information will be provided in the Welcome Email.
If you need to switch to a different level or section after your course has begun, it may be possible pending availability and is only possible within the same semester (e.g., within the same 10-week semester, 5-week semester, weekend intensive, etc.). Please contact the office.
Required Textbooks
Please do your best to have your textbook by the first day of the course.
The following textbooks are required. A limited supply of textbooks is available for purchase at the Language Center on select days, as well as on the first day of in-person courses. Please contact the office to arrange purchase and pick-up.
You may also purchase your book in advance from an outside vendor. Either a digital or print textbook is fine.
Conv 1 and Conv 2 Students:
Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Starter (A1) Katsudoo
published by Japan Foundation | ISBN: 978-4-384-05752-2
Price at Japan Society: $22
Conv 3-4 Students:
Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Elementary 1 (A2) Katsudoo
published by Japan Foundation | ISBN: 978-4-384-05754-6
Price at Japan Society: $27
Conv 5-6 Students:
Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Elementary 2 (A2) Katsudoo
published by Japan Foundation | ISBN: 978-4-384-05756-0
Price at Japan Society: $27
Conv 7-8 Students:
Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture, Pre-Intermediate (A2/B1)
published by Japan Foundation | ISBN: 978-4-384-05758-4
Price at Japan Society: $30 (limited copies)
C 9-10, C 11-12, C 13 Students: No required textbook.
Instructors
Yuko Aizawa
Yuko Aizawa has taught at the Sendagaya Japanese Institute in Tokyo, Japan and at the Royal Hawaiian Academy in the United States…
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Naoko Date
Naoko Date holds a BA in English language from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. Since 2016…
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Yumiko Kakutani
Yumiko Kakutani has a BA in French Literature from Keio University in Tokyo and is a graduate of Japan Society’s Teacher Training Program…
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Momoyo Kitaura
Momoyo Kitaura has a BA from Tokyo Woman’s Christian University. She has been a certified Oral Proficiency…
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Mana Kobuchi
Mana Kobuchi grew up in Fukuoka City and began her Japanese teaching career in Tokyo. Later she moved..
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Kazue Kurahara
Kazue Kurahara received her BA at Hunter College and an MA in TESOL and Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language from New York University…
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Kaori Murata
Kaori Murata received her BA in Linguistics from the University of Tsukuba and MA degree from New York University…
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Atsuko Shio
Atsuko Shio has a BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Hoshi University in Tokyo. She has over 12 years of experience…
Learn MoreJapan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Support for Japan Society’s Language Center is provided, in part, by Mark F. Goldfield and Mary E. Hatch; Christopher Hong; Steven Giordano; and Dr. Bic Kanayjorn.
