Learn Japanese
From quick guides to full learning tracks to solutions that narrow in on your Japanese struggle, it’s all below.
No more separate pages.
I was getting as confused about where to send people as students were trying to figure out where to go!
Everything (free and paid) I offer is grouped by purpose and the order they should be taken.
-
せんせいにしつもん! Ask Sensei!
Are you on the right track? Tap Sensei for help with whatever you’re working on at the moment!
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Japanese for Adults I
We will cover basic sentences and how to do your self-introduction. You must know 75% of the kana characters on sight.
Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library (1150 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)
Tuesdays 6:35 – 7:55PM for 4 weeks
Starting March 18thPlease message me by Feb 5th if you’d be able to do Wednesdays 5 to 6PM for 6 weeks and I’ll set up another class to start on February 12th.
Note class will be cancelled or pushed back if there are no sign-ups. I won’t be at the library if this is the case.
Choose how much help you need learning:
Leave me alone
For those who have an amazing memory and are diligent about studying often.
You’ll practice on your own and ask questions in class or through our private Discord Japanese learning community.Check in on me (Recommended)
For those who need feedback on how they’re doing but can otherwise study regularly by themselves.
You’ll get a workbook, worksheet review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community.Hold my hand
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
For those who have trouble sticking to a study schedule or who need more ways to study.
You’ll get a detailed curriculum, workbook, video course, weekly 30-minute online Office Hours every Wednesday night, worksheet review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community. -
Japanese for Adults: Kana
We will cover the basic Japanese writing system. (Know these already? Go to Japanese for Adults I.)
Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library (1150 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)
Tuesdays 6:35 – 7:55PM for 6 weeks
Starting February 4thNote class will be cancelled or pushed back if there are no sign-ups. I won’t be at the library if this is the case.
We’ll definitely be there! Come join your classmates.
Choose how much help you need learning:
Leave me alone
For those who have an amazing memory and are diligent about studying often.
You’ll practice on your own and ask questions in class or through our private Discord Japanese learning community.Check in on me (Recommended)
For those who need feedback on how they’re doing but can otherwise study regularly by themselves.
You’ll get a workbook and audio, worksheet review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community.Hold my hand
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
For those who have trouble sticking to a study schedule or who need more ways to study.
You’ll get a detailed curriculum, workbook and audio, video course, weekly 30-minute online Office Hours every Wednesday night, worksheet review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community. -
OMG Japan trip in 2 months! Crash Course
Learn the phrases you’ll absolutely need to know when visiting Japan by practicing scenarios live!
This class is entirely speaking-based. If you choose one of the cheatsheet options, you’ll get a phonetic (non-romaji) version as well. Obviously, it’s better for you if you can read the kana character system but it’s not a requirement.
For all classes, Office Hours (Hold my hand option) are online Mondays 8:30 – 9PM and Wednesdays noon – 12:30PM Central.
2025 In-person
Please sign up 3 hours or more before the first class. Sessions may be cancelled/moved if there are no students.
Saturdays for 6 weeks starting March 1st
Time TBA (please list several times you are free for an hour in the purchase comments)
In-person location TBA (please write down your 2 nearest Chicago libraries in the purchase comments)Note class will be cancelled or pushed back if there are no sign-ups. I won’t be at the library if this is the case.
2025 Online
Fridays 11:30AM – 12:30PM Central
Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28, Apr 4, Apr 11Mondays 7:30PM – 8:30PM Central
Mar 3, Mar 10, Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7Choose how much help you need learning
- Leave me alone
For those who have an amazing memory and are diligent about studying often.You’ll practice on your own and ask questions in class or through our private Discord Japanese learning community.
- Check in on me (Recommended)
For those who need feedback on how they’re doing but can otherwise study regularly by themselves.You’ll get the cheatsheet PDF and audio, audio practice review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community.
If you’re signing up for in-person, you’ll also receive the laminated cheatsheet.
- Hold my hand
For those who have trouble sticking to a study schedule or who need more ways to study.You’ll get the cheatsheet PDF and audio, weekly 30-minute online Office Hours, audio practice review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community.
If you’re signing up for in-person, you’ll also receive the laminated cheatsheet and printed copies of the 2-book Japan Planned, Packed, Primed.
Discounts
Use code GOJPNLMA, GOJPNCIOM or GOJPNHMH for a family discount: each additional person for the same class option is 75% off.
Please note you’ll only get 1 cheatsheet printout (Check in on me option) or 1 cheatsheet printout and hard copies of the 2 books (Hold my hand option) to share between all individuals included under the discount.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page - Leave me alone
-
$1.00
Simplifying Japanese Sentence Structure in 6 Steps
You can finally stop puzzling over the sentence order and know exactly what it says in English!
- Learn how to break down a sentence.
- Learn what should go where when switching from Japanese to English.
- Gain speed and confidence as you simplify more and more sentences.
- Get new methods at no extra cost!
- Show me how you think if nothing is working and I’ll put together one that does!
-
The Principal Principles of Speaking Japanese
Want to learn how to speak Japanese the way I did? It’s all here in this book!
And whether you’re the type of person who’d rather jump into a fire ant colony than say a word to anyone or you’re the type of person who’d be so energized making new friends, I’ll walk you through creating your path to conversations in Japanese.
Inside you’ll find:
- the 9 principles that’ll help you start speaking Japanese and keep speaking it
- doable step-by-step action plans
- fun ways to get you out of your head (and out of a rut)
-
Set Off the Hanabi Under Your Japanese Studies
This is the customizable Japanese learning toolbox you’ve been looking for all your life. If you want to set off the はなび and not just light a fire under your Japanese studies, then come join us for the explosions!
Add to cart -
Japanese Tutoring
Tutoring is for you if you’re shy, need focused help or have a hard time staying motivated.
We can meet for shorter lessons more often or a longer lesson once a week or every few weeks. Tutoring times are flexible.
Can be online, any length of time, or in person if 45 minutes or longer.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Monthly subscription for Japanese Tutoring
Japanese tutoring, but with one less worry!
You can pause or cancel any time from your Account Dashboard.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
$98.00
“6 days to simpler Japanese” parTAY
You can finally stop puzzling over the sentence order and know exactly what it says in English!
If you want to practice what you see in the guide but don’t know how or can’t find the time to sit down and do it, this is your chance!
Add to cart -
Japan Planned, Packed, Primed
Everything you need to know before you even book that Japan trip to what words and phrases might be really helpful when you’re there.
It’s got personal photos and anecdotes, things I wished someone had told me and prep for situations I hope you don’t run into ever.
Plus, you get free access to my Killing it with Kana course when you sign up! Start getting used to seeing and hearing Japanese pronunciation and basic writing now.
Add to cart -
Japan Planned, Packed, Primed PALS
Want to make planning and prepping for your Japan trip even easier?
Want to have a worry-free trip while you’re in Japan?
Get all your ducks in a row and quacking with Presentations (in video format), Audio recordings, Lists and Study materials.
On pre-sale now!
Add to cart -
$38.00 / year
Vocab Visualizer Vault Access
If you’re done with constantly forgetting words, being in a clueless fog and feeling frustrated by particles, then get in on this super low membership pre-sale rate.
Let the Vocab Visualizer Vault™ naturally teach you words and simple sentences through curated sets of images, video and audio in a sensory experience.
First release launches Fall 2025.
Sign up now -
$9.00
Killing it with Kana: Workbook
Intuitively learn the basic Japanese writing system using the methods in this book at your own pace. Comes with audio files for the practice pages.
Add to cart -
$88.00
Killing it with Kana Course
A perfect companion to the workbook:
- More tips and tricks for learning the characters
- A step-by-step 10-day study guide to use over and over again
- The workbook as video lessons
- Audio playlist of the lessons
- Monthly online group Study Sessions with me for a year (this alone usually costs 6x what you’d be paying!)
-
$11.88
Self-Study Course Beginner Japanese I: Workbook
Made for those who don’t have a lot of free time, this 39-page workbook is great for anyone who loves studying on their own and at their own pace.
You will be walked through how
- to piece together your self-introduction,
- to make simple sentences with nouns and い-adjectives,
- to understand when to use what particle, and
- to conjugate verbs into polite future/general form.
Comes with answer keys for most worksheets.
Add to cart -
$68.00
Beginner Japanese I Course
What do people want when they meet you for the first time?
To get to know you!
In 5 days, you’ll be able to say and write a basic self-introduction in Japanese.
Comes with
- A step-by-step 5-day study guide
- Video lessons with transcripts
- Audio playlist of the lessons
- Monthly online group Study Sessions with me for a year (this alone is worth 7.5x the cost of this course!)
-
$88.00
Beginner Japanese II Course
In 7 days, describe objects and actions with basic Japanese sentences.
This on-demand video course lets you learn at your own pace whenever and wherever you want while still giving you some help through Worksheet Review, a year of monthly group Study Sessions and access to our Discord learning community.
Monthly Study Sessions themselves are worth 6x the cost of this course!
If you’re signing up for the live course, go to Teens’ Beginner Japanese II.
Add to cart -
$118.00
Beginner Japanese III Course
In 10 days, describe what you’re wanting to do, thinking and feeling in basic conversations.
This on-demand video course lets you learn at your own pace whenever and wherever you want while still giving you some help through Worksheet Review, a year of monthly group Study Sessions and a Discord learning community.
Monthly Study Sessions themselves are worth 4.5x the cost of this course!
If you’re signing up for the live course, go to Teens’ Beginner Japanese III.
Add to cart -
$118.00
Beginner Japanese IV Course
In 10 days, express your thoughts and feelings in more natural, complex Japanese sentences.
This on-demand video course lets you learn at your own pace whenever and wherever you want while still giving you some help through Worksheet Review, a year of monthly group Study Sessions and access to our Discord learning community.
Monthly Study Sessions themselves are worth 4.5x the cost of this course!
If you’re signing up for the live course, go to Teens’ Beginner Japanese IV.
Add to cart -
こどものにほんご Japanese for Kids
Full immersion everyday except Tuesday 5:30 – 5:50PM Central. No class on national holidays, May 18 – 20 or December 18 – 31 and other dates that’ll be announced in advance.
Students tell me one of the hardest things about Japanese is pairing the right nouns and verbs together. With these classes, kids will naturally pick up words and phrases through images, actions and other senses.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Monthly subscription for こどものにほんご Japanese for Kids
こどものにほんご Japanese for Kids, but with one less worry!
Everyday except Tuesday 5:30 – 5:50PM Central. No class on national holidays, May 18 – 20, December 18 – 31 and other dates that’ll be announced in advance.
You can pause or cancel any time from your Account Dashboard.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
にちじょうのにほんご Everyday Japanese
Full immersion Mondays 6:50 – 7:30PM Central. No classes December 18 – 31.
Young kids*, teens and families are welcome!
* Kids who have a hard time focusing for 40 minutes should take the こどものにほんご Japanese for Kids classes.
Naturally pick up words and phrases through images, actions and other senses.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Kill it with Kana
A fresh take on studying hiragana and katakana, let’s use the way your brain works to make learning 92 Japanese kana characters a breeze!
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Beginner Japanese I
The intro course to Japanese with everyday vocabulary and grammar, you learn how to “intro”duce yourself!
Picks up from Teens’ Kill it with Kana, covering the rest of the sounds needed to say things in Japanese.
6 hours of class over 4 weeks live online or in person. Workbook and videos. Weekly Office Hours.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Beginner Japanese II
Continuing from Teen’s Beginner Japanese I, you’ll be able to give more details and say what you or other people are doing. No more ‘This is a pen.’ sentences!
You can change which Session you’re attending by emailing me the Session number. All Teen’s Beginner Japanese II Sessions are the same price.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Beginner Japanese III
Describe what you’re thinking and feeling in basic conversations.
Covers more verbs, participle verb conjugation, na-adjectives, expressing wants and thoughts, greetings, feelings.
Once a week for 7 weeks. Can be online or in person (preference of the entire class).
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Beginner Japanese IV
Continuing from Teens’ Beginner Japanese IV, learn how to express thoughts and feelings in more natural, complex sentences.
Covers conjunctions, honorifics, becoming, greetings and feelings continued, essay writing practice.
Once a week for 7 weeks. Can be online or in person (preference of the entire class).
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Beginner Japanese V
Over 2 months, you’ll learn everything you need to create a paper play where you share a little about yourself and your hopes and dreams.
Covers where you’re from, transitive/intransitive verbs, getting specific, reasons, more verbs, potential verb conjugation, paper plays.
Once a week for 7 weeks. Can be online or in person (preference of the entire class).
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Beginner Japanese VI
In 2 months, you’ll learn to nicely ask for and give directions.
Covers more particles, connecting nouns, languages, general counting, giving and receiving, directions, more verbs, volitional verb conjugation.
Once a week for 8 weeks. Can be online or in person (preference of the entire class).
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Intermediate Beginner Japanese I
Teenagers who know all the material in the Teens’ Beginner track are ready for the next level: learning Japanese with かんじ!
Over 6 weeks, you’ll really dig into counters.
You’ll know how to count 20 different types of things; how to read, write and recognize かんじ; number かんじ; conversation practice; understanding and making nouns created from verbs and adjectives.
Classes move to meeting twice a week online for 45 minutes each so you can practice speaking more often.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Intermediate Beginner Japanese II
You’ll learn ways to compare things and humbly talk about your own abilities.
Covers かんじ that describe the state of things.
Twice a week for 4 weeks online. Times and dates based on schedule of students in the class.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Teens’ Intermediate Beginner Japanese III
Once you’re done with this class, you’ll be able to tell or ask someone for a time and date so you can describe your day down to the last second.
Covers days-of-the-week かんじ and time-related grammar.
Twice a week for 4 weeks online. Times and dates based on schedule of students in the class.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
