Learning Japanese can seem daunting at first. With three different writing systems, complex grammar, and cultural nuances, it’s no wonder some see Japanese as one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers. However, thanks to online courses, more people than ever are taking the plunge into studying this rich language. In fact, there are over 3.8 million Japanese learners globally as of 2021, a 30-fold increase since 1979!
The rising popularity of Japanese media has certainly fueled interest, but online courses also make the language more accessible. Learners can study anywhere at their own pace through engaging video lessons, games, flashcards, and more. And with so many options now available, from AI tutors to immersive virtual classrooms, finding the right fit is key. This article will highlight 10 of the best online Japanese courses for beginners to advanced students. Whether you’re looking to watch anime without subtitles or become fluent for business, these courses have proven effective for learners across the globe.
Importance of Learning Japanese
As Japan continues to be a dominant economic force, proficiency in Japanese is becoming an increasingly valuable skill in the global job market. Positions in tourism, tech, manufacturing, business development, and more all seek Japanese speakers to aid communication and provide cultural insights. In fact, job postings requiring Japanese have grown over 50% in the past 5 years. With over 400 Japanese companies in the US alone, career opportunities for Japanese speakers are abundant and continue rising across industries.
10 Best Online Japanese Courses
Here is the list of 10 best Online Japanese Courses to choose from
| Name of the course | Number of students helped | Duration of the course | Price Range/Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preply | 20,000+ tutors | Flexible | $15-25/hour average |
| Clozemaster | 100K+ downloads | Self-paced | Free version available, Pro $8/month |
| Bunpo | 2M+ downloads | Self-paced | $7-25/month subscription |
| JapanesePod101 | 1M+ users | Self-paced | $4-23/month subscription |
| Udemy | 57M+ students | Self-paced | $10-200 per course |
| Memrise | 50M+ learners | Self-paced | Free version available, Pro $9/month |
| edX Courses | 35M+ learners | Self-paced | Free or $50-300 per course |
| Lingodeer | 10M+ downloads | Self-paced | $3-10/month subscription |
| NHK World | Public broadcaster | Self-paced | Free |
| Duolingo | 500M+ learners | Self-paced | Free version available, Pro $6-12/month |
1. Preply
Key Takeaways
Preply connects learners with native Japanese tutors for personalized online lessons. With Preply, users can find a tutor that fits their schedule, learning style, and budget. Lessons are one-on-one, which allows the tutor to adapt the lessons specifically for the learner’s needs. This individualized approach helps to progress faster.
Tutors can help learners with conversational Japanese, business Japanese, JLPT test prep, and more. Learners can take lessons on their computer or mobile device, which makes scheduling easy. Preply also has a range of qualified and experienced tutors to choose from, with options for adults and kids. The platform handles payment processing and tutor vetting, so learners can focus on learning. Overall, Preply is a great option for learners that want an online Japanese course tailored to their unique goals with the guidance of a real tutor.
2. Clozemaster
Key Takeaways
Clozemaster is an online platform focused on helping students to learn Japanese vocabulary in context. It uses cloze exercises, where learners fill in the blank in a sentence, to test and build vocabulary. With Clozemaster, learners see each new word used properly in a full sentence, which improves retention compared to flashcards.
The platform uses gamification to make learning engaging. Learners gain points and level up as they provide correct answers. Clozemaster tracks progress so learners can see which words they’ve mastered. There are also leaderboards to compete against other learners.
Clozemaster is suitable for intermediate to advanced students. The sentences come from native material and increase in difficulty as learners advance. Along with standard play mode, there are features like Grammar Challenges and Cloze-Listening to develop other skills.
Overall, Clozemaster provides a fun and fast-paced way to build Japanese vocabulary by seeing words used properly in context. The gamification elements help motivate learners to keep practicing and improving.
3. Bunpo
Key Takeaways
Bunpo is an online Japanese learning platform focused on helping learners to master Japanese grammar. It covers all levels, from beginner to advanced. Bunpo provides detailed explanations of grammar points, example sentences, and quizzes to test their knowledge.
The courses are structured around the JLPT levels, so Bunpo is great for JLPT prep. There are specific courses for JLPT N5 up to N1 that cover the grammar points and vocabulary needed for each test. Beyond grammar, Bunpo also helps develop reading and listening skills.
An adaptive spaced repetition system helps learners to review grammar points at optimal times to boost retention. Learners can track progress through the courses and identify weak spots needing more practice. Bunpo also has community features so learners can ask questions and get help.
For a structured approach to build grammar skills, Bunpo is a top choice. The detailed lessons, sample practice questions, and spaced review help the concepts stick. It provides a clear path to improve Japanese grammar ability.
4. JapanesePod101
Key Takeaways
JapanesePod101 is an extensive online learning system centered around audio lesson podcasts. With thousands of lessons across multiple levels, it provides a huge amount of Japanese listening practice.
Lessons are organized by difficulty level, ranging from beginner to advanced. Each lesson features natural dialogues between native speakers that target grammar and vocabulary. Lessons build on each other to progressively improve skills. Reviewing previous material helps reinforce retention.
Supplementary vocabulary lists, line-by-line breakdowns, and quizzes reinforce the concepts. The website also has additional tools like flashcards, dictionaries, and kanji writing lessons. While mainly focused on listening practice, reading, writing, and speaking skills are developed through the structured curriculum.
With the massive back catalog of lessons, JapanesePod101 is best suited for intermediate learners looking to improve their listening comprehension. The structured approach provides clear learning pathways. However, absolute beginners may find the immersive audio lessons intimidating at first.
5. Udemy
Key Takeaways
Udemy has a wide selection of online Japanese courses focused on teaching conversational skills and preparing for JLPT exams. The courses are structured as video lessons that comprehensively cover grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, and speaking.
Lessons build on each other in a systematic progression across multiple levels, from beginner to advanced. Courses teach vocabulary in the context of dialogues and everyday situations. Grammar points are explained clearly with examples. Review quizzes reinforce the concepts.
For JLPT prep, they offer courses aligned to the N5 up to N1 exams. These courses methodically cover the grammar and vocabulary needed to pass each level. Practice tests also help learners gauge their progress.
A key advantage of Udemy is the video format of the lessons. Learners can learn through watching native speakers converse and clearly explain concepts. The platform also handles all the video hosting and delivery.
Overall, Udemy provides structured, comprehensive Japanese courses focused on conversational fluency and JLPT prep. The video format can be more engaging than textbooks for some learners. The wide selection allows them to pick a course suited to their goals.
6. Memrise
Key Takeaways
Memrise is an online and mobile app platform focused on building vocabulary through spaced repetition. It uses flashcards, videos, and games to help learners to learn and review Japanese words and kanji.
The courses are organized by JLPT level, starting from N5 up to N1. Students will learn vocabulary in context, with example sentences and pronunciation. Native speaker videos demonstrate word usage. The spaced repetition algorithm schedules reviews at optimal times to boost retention.
Memrise gamifies the experience – learners earn points and level up as they provide correct answers. This helps motivate them to keep practicing and mastering more vocabulary. The app can track overall progress.
With thousands of flashcards covering all levels, Memrise is best for intermediate learners looking to expand their vocabulary. The JLPT courses help students to learn the terms needed for each test. The platform handles hosting the content and delivering it through app or web.
7. edX Courses
Key Takeaways
edX offers a wide selection of online Japanese language courses from top universities like Waseda University, Tsinghua University, and more. The courses provide structured curriculums to build up skills in a progressive manner.
Lessons include video lectures, practice exercises, quizzes, and community discussions. Courses cover beginner to advanced levels, conversational Japanese, JLPT test prep, and business Japanese. Some courses align with JLPT N5 up to N1 to methodically prepare for each test.
A key advantage of edX is courses are taught by real instructors from prestigious universities. This provides high-quality, trusted content. The self-paced format also allows students to learn on their own schedule. While self-studying, learners can still engage with other learners in course discussions.
Overall, edX provides university-level Japanese courses spanning various topics and difficulty levels. The structured curriculums and quality instruction from real professors can provide effective online Japanese language learning.
8. Lingodeer
Key Takeaways
Lingodeer is an online and mobile app platform focused on helping students learn Japanese systematically from beginner to intermediate levels. The structured curriculum covers reading, writing, listening, grammar, and conversation through short 5-10 minute video lessons.
The courses progress in difficulty from learning hiragana and katakana, to basic grammar and vocabulary, to more advanced sentence structures. Review exercises reinforce the concepts learned in each lesson. Courses are created by professional teachers and use native speaker audio and video.
A key advantage is Lingodeer’s focus on Japanese specifically, rather than just offering Japanese among many languages. This allows the lessons and features to be tailored for learning Japanese. For example, lessons on mastering the writing systems, particle usage, and honorific forms – areas Japanese learners often struggle with.
With over 100 hours of lessons spanning beginner to lower intermediate levels, Lingodeer provides an organized curriculum for self-study. While suitable for motivated beginners, it best serves learners with some foundation looking to systematically build skills.
9. NHK World
Key Takeaways
NHK World offers a wide selection of free online and radio Japanese lessons for beginners through their Easy Japanese program. The lessons use a conversational audio drama format to teach practical phrases and grammar.
The course spans 48 lessons starting from introductions and greetings to travel conversations to expressing wants and desires. Dialogues feature native speakers and everyday situations. Lessons build on each other to systematically develop skills.
Supplementary PDF lesson notes allow users to read along. The website also includes grammar and vocabulary resources, as well as quizzes to test comprehension. Video lessons demonstrate body language and gestures.
As Japan’s public media broadcaster, NHK provides high-quality Japanese language lessons. The audio-focused approach is ideal for listening comprehension. While suitable for motivated beginners, complete novices may need to supplement with reading/writing focused resources.
10. Duolingo
Key Takeaways
Duolingo is a free language learning app and website that uses gamification techniques to teach conversational skills. The Japanese course focuses on beginners looking to build a foundation.
Lessons cover topics like introductions, food, travel, and shopping. You’ll learn hiragana, some katakana, and basic kanji while building vocabulary and grammar skills. The bite-sized lessons take just 5-10 minutes each to complete.
Duolingo teaches through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. It uses spaced repetition to reinforce material. You earn points and level up like a game as you complete lessons, which helps motivate you to keep practicing. The platform tracks your overall progress.
While great for beginners, Duolingo may not take you beyond a low intermediate level. The gamified, conversational approach means less focus on writing and formal grammar. But as a free supplement, it provides a solid start for Japanese basics.
Benefits of Learning Japanese Online
Learning Japanese online provides flexibility, affordability, and an engaging experience. Online courses allow you to study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace. They are often more budget-friendly than in-person classes and provide interactive features like games, videos, and quizzes to make studying fun. Additional benefits include pausing lessons, rewatching explanations, joining online communities, and accessing a wealth of resources. With online courses now abundant, the Japanese language is more accessible than ever for beginners to advanced learners alike.
FAQs Related to Online Japanese Courses
What are some of the best online courses for beginners learning Japanese?
These platforms offer engaging and interactive lessons that help beginners grasp the basics of the Japanese language.
Which online courses are recommended for intermediate learners of Japanese?
For intermediate learners, Preply, JapanesePod101, and NHK World are highly recommended. These platforms provide more advanced lessons and resources that can help intermediate learners further improve their Japanese language skills.
Which online courses are best for mastering Japanese grammar?
Bunpo and Clozemaster are the top choices for mastering Japanese grammar. These platforms provide detailed explanations of grammar points, example sentences, and quizzes to test learners’ knowledge
How long does it typically take to learn Japanese online?
The duration to learn Japanese online varies depending on the intensity of the course and the learner’s dedication. On average, it takes about 1-2 years to gain proficiency.
What are the benefits of learning Japanese online?
Learning Japanese online offers flexibility, affordability, and an engaging experience. Online courses allow learners to study anywhere, anytime, at their own pace. They are often more budget-friendly than in-person classes and provide interactive features like games, videos, and quizzes to make studying fun.
Are there any free online Japanese learning courses?
Yes, there are several free online Japanese learning courses. For instance, NHK World offers free online and radio Japanese lessons for beginners. Duolingo is another free language learning app and website that uses gamification techniques to teach conversational skills.
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Conclusion
Learning Japanese online offers an accessible and flexible way to gain proficiency in this important global language. The best online courses like edX, JapanesePod101, and Duolingo use innovative teaching methods and engaging content to make learning Japanese simple and enjoyable. These courses offer lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced, integrating audio, video, games, and cultural insights to create an immersive learning experience.
With the convenience of self-paced online platforms, supplemented by interactive tools like tutoring services and community forums, anyone can realistically attain fluency in Japanese. As technology continues to enhance online education, these digital language learning solutions provide an optimal blend of quality instruction and flexibility for mastering Japanese in the digital age. Integrating cutting-edge resources with proven teaching techniques, the best online courses make learning Japanese achievable for learners worldwide.
