What you'll learn
Begin your journey into the dynamic world of Japanese language and culture with our Japanese language courses online!
Whether your interest comes from film, anime, food, travel, or simple curiosity, this beginner-friendly course offers a clear and supportive introduction to Japanese — no prior experience required.
From your very first class, you’ll start using practical, everyday Japanese. Lessons are interactive and structured to help you build confidence step by step, with a strong focus on real-life communication.
Japanese is often more approachable than people expect. It has consistent pronunciation, no grammatical gender, and clear sentence patterns. Once you become familiar with the basics, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can begin forming your own sentences.
Alongside speaking and listening, you’ll be introduced to Hiragana, the foundational Japanese writing system. You’ll learn to recognise and pronounce key characters while building vocabulary and simple sentence structures for everyday use.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to communicate in basic Japanese with growing confidence and a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and communication styles.
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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Michael said: Student gavce 4.9 Stars
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Margaret said: Overall a well focused course. It was challenging. We got through a lot. Zoom has limitations in that only one person can really speak at one time. Hence people are shy to speak up. I did have a few questions but the class mov d on so quickly I didn’t want to take up limited time by interrupting with a question. More audio exercises would be helpful. I will revise these in the holiday break. tutor was excellent- clear and concise in her explanations. Lovely voice - encouraging and easy to listen to.
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Gina said: The course was very good and the tutor was well prepared, patient and effective.
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Nicola said: Yukari Sensei was a great tutor, the classes were convenient to attend and went at a good pace.
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Madeleine said: The open and encouraging learning environment the teacher fostered.
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>Begin your journey into the dynamic world of Japanese language and culture with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/japanese">Japanese language courses</a>
...<p>Begin your journey into the dynamic world of Japanese language and culture with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/japanese">Japanese language courses</a>
...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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