Intensive Japanese Course
Offering elementary to upper-intermediate classes, this course is designed for students who wish to learn the Japanese language intensively within a limited time frame.
Only international students are eligible to take the courses.
The offered classes and schedules vary depending on the semester. Please check the latest course information on the Course Calendar for confirmation.
Please check the Course Level Guide for the minimum level required to take the course.
Though it's a short duration of 2 or 3 weeks*, this compact learning period is dedicated to covering key points specific to each level. For example, it involves acquiring practical skills, gaining insights for the next stage of learning, and other tailored aspects relevant to individual proficiency levels. With classes nearly every day, the content that would typically take a full term to cover in a regular Japanese course is condensed into approximately half the usual time.
*The course objectives have been revised from the AY 2024.
Given the structure of this course, it is important to attend all classes as a fundamental requirement. Inconsistent attendance not only hinders your progress but also has a negative impact on the learning experience of fellow classmates. If you have any plan to be absent at the time of enrollment, kindly consider exploring alternative terms for participation.
| Japanese proficiency levels required* | Japanese proficiency levels studied | Name of class | No. of lessons | No. of students per class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 【Level 1】 | Lower elementary | Intensive: Class 1 | 12 lessons （4 lessons ×3 weeks） |
12 |
| 【Level 2】 | Upper elementary | Intensive: Class 2 | 12 lessons （4 lessons ×3 weeks） |
|
| 【Level pre3】 | Elementary to intermediate | Intensive: Class pre3 | 10 lessons （5 lessons ×2 weeks） |
|
| 【Level 3】 | Lower intermediate | Intensive: Class 3 | 12 lessons （4 lessons ×3 weeks） |
|
| 【Level 4】 | Upper intermediate | Intensive: Class 4 | 12 lessons （4 lessons ×3 weeks） |
*proficiency determined from the Center’s level check
Class description
| Name of class | Description |
|---|---|
| [Intensive] Class 1 | This is an introductory course for Japanese where students will learn the basic structure of the language, receive focused training on speaking and listening, and cultivate skills to use simple and natural Japanese. Through this course, students who have never or only barely studied Japanese before will be able to acquire basic communication skills. Additionally, the course offers an introduction to Japanese characters, covering hiragana, katakana, and kanji. |
| [Intensive] Class 2 | They will learn the basic structure of Japanese, receive adequate training focusing on speaking and listening, and cultivate the skills to use simple and natural Japanese. The course will start with a basic knowledge of lower-elementary level (including hiragana and katakana), and by the end of the course students will be able to communicate more freely in Japanese. Additionally, the course covers some reading and writing skills. |
| [Intensive] Class pre 3 | This course is designed for students who have learned approximately 80% of the material taught in a general beginner’s level course but have not yet completed it. During the course, students will learn grammatical items as such as causative forms and polite speech (keego) through conversational practice and text reading. For those who have completed Grammar Index A & B, the original materials used in the latter part of the beginner’s course at the Center, this course offers an opportunity to learn content not covered in that course (Grammar Index C) and complete the beginner’s level. For those who have completed the beginner’s level through methods other than the Center’s, this course serves as an excellent level for reviewing and reinforcing their previously learned Japanese language skills. |
| [Intensive] Class 3 | The course is designed for students who have completed the elementary level and wish to progress to the next stage. In this course, we aim to enhance the ability to use natural Japanese through observation and practice of expressions commonly used in the Japanese language, with a focus on speaking and listening, and occasionally incorporating reading and writing as well. |
| [Intensive] Class 4 | The course is designed for students who are at an intermediate level and wish to enhance their practical skills for the next level. The classes are conducted in a task-based format. In particular, by focusing on delivering presentations on familiar topics and receiving feedback, students aim to become proficient in various aspects of Japanese, specifically in different language usage related to presentations, such as 'clear explanations,' 'understandable slides,' 'navigation for presentations,' and 'question-and-answer expressions. |
Comments from Previous Students
集中日本語コース / Intensive Japanese Course
クラスはとてもよく考えられています。学生たちが日本語の勉強にもっと興味を持つような良い環境を整えてくれます。（初級）
私の研究室に留学生が後輩として入ってきたとしたら、日本語のクラスに入らずに自然に日本語を習得することを期待する代わりに、最初の学期から日本語センターの集中コースに登録することをアドバイスします。（初級）
私は始めの学期に一般コース(レベル２)を受け、次の学期に集中コース（クラス３）を受けました。自分にはいい選択だったと思います。ゆっくり日本語学習を始めてしっかり基礎を作った上で、さらに上のレベルでもっと難しい学習を続けていくのは大事だと思うからです。同じ研究室に留学生が後輩として入ってきたとしたら、私はこの方法をおすすめします。
I think the entire course was great. I've become more fluent, making life in Japan easier. Additionally, learning new things like new kanji and grammar has increased my understanding of Japan. That's my main goal, so I'm happy.（Lower Intermediate）
In class, I discovered my weak points and was able to make progress. I wanted to adapt to life in Japan quickly, so I enjoyed studying the most through listening and speaking practice. Especially when speaking, I realized that using the handy n’ desu kedo can make conversations smoother.（Upper Intermediate）
I've become more capable of utilizing the grammar and expressions I know. (Upper Intermediate)
The course was enjoyable, and while I might not have become as proficient as some of my classmates, I believe my Japanese skills have improved significantly. My speaking ability especially improved, and I have started thinking in Japanese.（Upper Intermediate）
