Basics – Hiragana and Katakana
Members Open Day
Beginner N5 Classes
Beginner+ N4 Classes
Anime / Manga: Short Course
Individual Japanese Language Class
先生
Our Teachers
Hiromi Spinola
Head Teacher
Hiromi grew up in Machida, Tokyo. After finishing her BA degree in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, she taught in Taiwan for 4 years. She has lived and taught Japanese in SA since 2004. She lives in Pretoria with her SA husband and two daughters. She loves sports and music, watching soccer games and playing many instruments such as piano, pipe organ, clarinet and ukulele.
Haruna Yamada
Teacher
Haruna is originally from Japan and moved to Somerset West, Cape Town. She loves adventures, nature and travel! She loves to talk to people (sometimes too much talking? – she thinks😂❤️) She loves trying new things, being in nature makes her happy! She also makes Origami Jewellery.
Lessons are excellent, offered at a great pace and easy to follow. I have learnt so much in such a short time I highly recommend the lessons.
I appreciate the cultural explanations and examples from the teacher's personal life to explain certain grammar conventions.
So kind and supportive. They make trying even when not certain feel accepted and encouraged.
Excellent authentic learning.
frequently asked questions
You can go onto our website at https://www.jlcsa.co.za/courses/ where you can book classes by clicking on the “book” button! For individual classes you are also given an option of choosing available time slots that suit your schedule.
Course start times depend on the course! Our N5 course has two intakes during the year,in January and July. Our N4 course begins in January. Our other courses will begin later this year! And for individual classes, you get to choose a start date yourself!
Each class has a different schedule. We, therefore, need to know your Japanese level to find out which course is the best for you!
Furthermore, classes have different intakes. N5 (beginner) classes have two intakes in January and July, while N4 and N3 classes have just one intake every year in January.
If you miss a class due to loadshedding, there will be no missed class fee. As our classes are recorded, if you miss one, we will be able to send over video of the class so you can catch up in your own time. If you miss an individual class due to loadshedding, you will be able to reschedule with your teacher.
It depends on the class. Our N5 class is taught by our wonderful Hiromi-sensei, and our individual classes give you the chance to choose your teacher. We have some great Japanese teachers here at the club!
Our teachers utilise a mix of Japanese and English during teaching. Using Japanese during classes may be daunting at first, but is a trusted method to get students engaged and immersed in the target language.
We would like all students who start the N5 course to be able to read hiragana and katakana. For those who cannot, we highly recommend our short hiragana and katakana course which will help you quickly learn the characters. In regards to kanji, there is no requirement to learn the character before any classes, you’ll be learning the characters in the class!
We tend to limit class sizes to around 20 students per class, so sign up quick so you don’t miss out!