Frequently Asked Questions

No. Children with no previous Japanese experience are welcome to join.

Many of our current students have had some exposure to Japanese—for example, through a preschool Japanese program or from having a Japanese-speaking parent. Our classes are especially well suited for children who can understand or speak some Japanese but have had fewer opportunities to develop their reading and writing skills.

We help each child build a balanced foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while learning at an appropriate level.

Our children’s programs are designed primarily for students ages 5 to 12. Classes are organized by Japanese language level rather than by age.

Middle school students may also be able to participate if the class level and activity-based learning style are a good fit for them. Please contact us so we can recommend the most appropriate class.

Yes. We provide simple homework to help students review what they learned in class. Our goal is to encourage consistent learning while keeping Japanese enjoyable and manageable for families.

The assignments are designed for practice and reinforcement rather than introducing new material. We also provide audio recordings to support pronunciation and listening practice, making it easy for families to practice together at home.

In many cases, yes. Depending on your child's experience and the progress of the class, we may be able to recommend an appropriate starting point. Please contact us to discuss your child's needs.

Blooming Japanese is a beginner Japanese program divided into six progressive levels. Each level is taught as a 10-lesson course, allowing students to build their Japanese skills step by step.

During the ninth lesson of each course, students complete a level check to help us evaluate their progress and recommend the next level.

The level check is intended as a guide rather than a strict examination. We also consider each student's confidence and learning pace, and families are always welcome to discuss class placement with us.

No. All learning materials and worksheets for the Blooming Japanese program are provided by Iroha Sha.

Each student receives a binder during the first class, which will be used throughout the course. We simply ask students to bring their binder to each lesson.

Singing is an important part of the Blooming Japanese curriculum. Each course introduces about five carefully selected Japanese songs, including seasonal songs and children's favorites.

Songs help students develop natural pronunciation, listening skills, and confidence while making Japanese fun and memorable. They also encourage children to continue practicing at home with their families.

Japan Ready is a five-session program designed to help adults prepare for traveling to Japan or communicating with Japanese people. Each class combines practical Japanese language with cultural knowledge and everyday etiquette.

As a bonus, participants also receive a one-on-one consultation after the program. Whether you would like personalized travel advice, conversation practice, or guidance based on your individual goals, we'll tailor the session to your needs.

Japan Ready is perfect for first-time visitors to Japan, returning travelers, business professionals, and anyone interested in learning practical Japanese language and cultural etiquette.

No. Japan Ready is designed for beginners. No previous Japanese language experience is required.

You'll learn useful Japanese phrases, travel tips, dining etiquette, shopping customs, transportation, and everyday cultural practices to help you feel more confident and comfortable in Japan.

We offer a variety of hands-on Japanese cultural workshops, including sumi-e art, tea ceremony, and kimono dressing.

We also collaborate with guest instructors to offer new and seasonal workshops throughout the year. Additional programs are added regularly, so workshop offerings may vary.

Not at all. Our workshops are designed for beginners as well as those who would like to deepen their appreciation of Japanese culture.

Most materials are provided. If a workshop requires participants to bring specific items, such as a kimono, we'll let you know in advance.

Learning the language is important, but understanding Japanese culture helps you communicate more naturally and build stronger relationships. Our programs introduce both language and culture to help you experience Japan more deeply.