Self-education is a never ending journey and the last two years have been a testament to that in the most rewarding but extreme ways. With the world going into a global quarantine to COVID, citizens have been reaching for the tools of online classes and courses to help broaden their skillset more than ever. When you consider the fact that this method of learning can often be more productive, with learners being able to attend classes no matter where they are virtually and attend more than one class due to not necessarily having to be in a classroom it’s a wonder that this modality of learning didn’t more popular a lot sooner. However, although this method of learning has mostly pros, it also comes with some cons, one of them being that it can be quite difficult to find the correct classes to suit every budget and schedule, today we will break down some of the best online Japanese courses available in 2022 to hopefully help make the decision making the process a lot easier.
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The Advantages of Japanese Tutoring
Japanese is well known for being a complex language to understand and grasp, especially when factoring in the importance of cultural practices. Although there are many ways in which you could teach yourself the language it is often best to have a professional tutor that can act as a guide and sounding board as well as providing vital speaking and pronunciation practice when it comes to learning Japanese. Not only this but having a tutor allows for a more in-depth and complex understanding of the many nuances of the language and just why they matter so much especially when it comes to colloquial everyday use.
10 Best Japanese Classes Online
1. AmazingTalker
Source: AmazingTalker
Bringing the world of online tutoring to you, the tutors at AmazingTalker structure the lessons in a way that allow any learner to schedule them around their lifestyle and learning preferences. The tutors from AmazingTalker also stand from the rest due to the fact that they are native Japanese speakers. Prospective students can scroll through a list of a wide of variety of teachers, who have all been accredited by AmazingTalker to ensure that lessons are of the highest standard, however for those who are doubtful many tutors do allow trial lessons in order to find the best matches. Depending on the teacher chosen, students can select the days of the week during which they would optimally hope to attend lessons with lessons varying in price from as little as $11 for 25 minutes to $18 for 50 minutes.
TAKA先生 😊 初心者歓迎 🇯🇵 JLPT 🌼 文法会話 ⚾️ 中国語ＯＫ, Certified Japanese Online Tutor
2. edX – Learn Japanese Online
Acting as a hosting platform for various teachers edX offers students the opportunity to browse through a host of online Japanese courses and tutors until they find the one that best suits their needs. With a plethora of courses available, newcomers will be able to find the best course for their experience level regardless of what it is, whether beginner, intermediate or expert. Students may rest assured that all tutors are thoroughly vetted and certified in order to ensure that the best level of education is offered. With beginner Japanese courses students may look forward to receiving an in-depth education on everything from written Japanese characters, pronunciation of the language to basic conversational skills, attributing to an easier integration into Japanese society. With a variety of courses available each student will be able to find the right course for their time schedule and budget, with most courses running for a total of 4 months at an entry-level cost of $222 for the full course.
3. Udemy – Japanese Language Classes
Source: Udemy
Known worldwide for its educational classes and services, Udemy has long since had its hand in the educational field, helping people around the world to upskill themselves. The platform acts as a host for various online learning institutions, offering prospective students the opportunity to find the courses that would best suit their budgets and time constraints. Students can choose from lessons that range from the basic understanding levels to professional proficiency with online tutors being certified Japanese speakers. Whether students are looking to master the act of simply speaking Japanese and understanding the importance of pronunciation or looking to develop a better understanding of how to write and read the language, Udemy has the right course for everyone in store. Most courses offer downloadable resources and are priced at various price points, allowing everyone access to education from tutors that will best suit their learning style. Classes start from as little as JPY $86
4. Marugoto – Japanese Online Classes
Source: Marugoto Japanese
Created based on the understanding that learning Japanese could lead to better communication between Japanese people, the JF standard was created in order to ensure that a common way of teaching Japanese was standardised in order to best teach all learners. Based on the course book Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture, which was developed by the Japan Foundation and based on the above mentioned JF language education standard, the Marugoto learning centre offers students online courses based on the methods used in this guide. This makes the courses offered by Marugoto specifically unique as they take a focus on helping learners understand and better integrate into Japanese culture. Currently, the courses are ideal for students from A1 to C2 levels and are taught by qualified native Japanese speakers. Marugoto also offers students the choice between lessons that are focused on self-study or tutor supported which offer a combination of self-study combined with the help of an accredited tutor. Students can sign up for lessons lasting up to six months, giving them an in-depth understanding of the language with all lessons being free of charge.
5. Loecsen Free Online Language Courses
Source: Loecsen
Breaking the traditional mold of learning languages via long, arduous in-person classes, Loecsen was started as an answer to a question, could languages be taught and learned with the same efficiency online? The answer of course was yes! With this thought in mind and burning desire to help foreigners acclimate more easily when abroad, the founders of Loecsen developed a learning method that could be utilized with the same effectiveness as in class learning would, however this new approach using the tools that the digital world provided meant that the classroom was now free to roam the world, with lessons being able to take place anywhere at any time providing a mobile device and internet connectivity was at hand. The platform prides itself on being able to teach new students the nuances of many international languages including Japanese through the use of quizzes, audio guides, and videos to not only help the mind retain information more easily but to keep the process fun. As all lessons take place in app, they are free once the app is downloaded and students can look forward to lessons on various topics including the essentials, language for restaurant, business, feelings and transportation needs.
6. SNG Japanese Language School
With websites available in both Japanese and English The Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute is the perfect way for those either living in Japan or abroad to brush up on their Japanese skills or learn them anew. The lessons provide a fun and interactive way for students to learn the language no matter their skill level. Taught using a proprietary teaching method that heavily utilises visual aid, the teachers at the institute have found that this method offers the most long-lasting effect, giving students the best chance possible to memorise and integrate their newfound skills. All lessons are taught by professional, certified and trained teachers teaching at Japanese schools in Tokyo. The courses offer students a wide variety of choices, whether they’re learning Japanese for everyday, casual use or use in the business world, The Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute has it all. All courses require attendance at least twice a week with the lessons cumulatively taking over 30 hours to complete. Lessons are also reasonably priced at $422 for group lessons and $639 for individual 10-hour lessons
7. Coto Online Japanese Group Lessons
Source: Coto Japanese Academy
Wanting to create a personalised way of learning Japanese, The Coto Japanese Academy was started by a group of volunteer teachers wanting to teach international expats living in Japan the Japanese language in a way that felt less impersonal, not from a textbook and helped them to better understand the Japanese way of life and the country’s rich culture. The academy helps its students by teaching them Japanese the way it would be spoken in the modern world, in a more everyday sense. Although the academy does offer in-person classes, it also offers high-quality online courses, from which students can choose from. The academy offers students the choice between online private Japanese lessons that are taught by qualified and verified teachers which not only focus on the more learned approach or speaking approach, with teachers helping students with their pronunciation. All classes take place over a month-long period and students may sign up for as many months as they would like using the Academy’s monthly subscription programs. Lessons range from being taught once to five times per week depending on the students’ chosen package and preference with lessons starting at $111 per month to $609 per month.
8. Busuu Learn Japanese Online
Source: Busuu
Carving a lane for itself in the world of digital learning Busuu sets itself apart from other service providers by offering its students a complete and in-depth understanding of the Japanese language. With a focus on a self-study approach, the app takes the guesswork out of where to begin for students by crafting the perfect study plan based on their skill level and schedule. Not only this but students get to keep track of their progress with notifications and progress reports sent directly to their mobile phones. The app also provides the perfect method for learners to improve their writing and speaking comprehension by offering them the opportunity to speak to the Busuu community’s group of native Japanese speakers, helping them hone their skills in the best way possible. With all lessons being done via the app, students can choose to learn at their own pace when signing up, with the app offering its learners various subscription packages including the premium package which comes at a standard $59.98 once-off fee.
9. Duolingo Japanese Online Course
Source: Duolingo
Needing no introduction, the Duolingo app has taken the world by storm and helped millions of people around the world learn the languages of their choice in a fun and interactive way. Since its establishment in 2011, the app has helped many discover a love of language by offering lessons on many major world languages as well as many not too well-known languages. The fun app with its bright colours will keep your attention through even the most arduous of lessons and the short and interactive manner in which they are taught will ensure that they are optimally absorbed and retained mentally. The app offers its students a tailored plan based on their existing skill level to help them progress at the perfect pace. With many paid and free options, there is something for everyone with the lessons taking place whenever the learner should choose to do so. Using Duolingo proves to be a fun, colourful experience guaranteed to leave a lasting impression that will have learners coming back for more with its interactive and completive nature.
10. Japonin Learn Japanese Online
Source: Japanese Online Institute
Since its establishment over 20 years ago, The Japanese Online Institute has perfected the art of online learning. The academy has found a way to offer its students well rounded Japanese classes based on their existing skill level, through the use of highly qualified native Japanese speaking teachers. The brand offers students the ideal way to learn with an almost plug and play modality of being able to simply log in and connect with a teacher at any time that best suits them. Students may also look forward to gaining access to a host of free online learning resources that can be used post-lesson to continue the learning, these include videos, fun interactive quizzes and access to forums and chat rooms to help improve their everyday linguistic Japanese skills. Students may choose to sign up for as many lessons as they please, with various tiered packages including the FlexLesson package, Private Silver Lessons and Private Gold Lessons. Lessons vary in price from $50 for five 50 minute Flex lessons to $1120 for forty 50 minute Private Gold lessons.
Taking charge of your educational destiny
In summary, learning a new language can come with many challenges but those willing to put in the time will undoubtedly reap the rewards. Not only is it fulfilling to be able to acquire any new skill but being able to converse with the locals of any travel destination is assuredly only going to improve on your experience within that country. Learning Japanese will provide any student with a deep appreciation for the rich cultural history and practices of Japan. We hope that the above article has enticed anyone on the fence about learning the language to take the plunge and find the correct tutor for their needs as often the tutor is the key to a successful and fulfilling learning journey. AmazingTalker offers students a broad variety of native, qualified Japanese speakers who act as the perfect guide through this journey, to find your perfect tutor click here.
