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the genkijacs system

  • Study
  • System

About Classes at Genkijacs

Rolling start

Our Japanese language school works on a rolling start basis, meaning we have several ongoing classes studying different points in the curriculum at any time. When new students join on Monday, they fall into the class studying material that is closest to their level.

Study speed

Everyone studies at their own pace. We do not recommend rushing to finish a level. We want to make sure you have a really good grasp of the subject being studied. As we are focused on real Japanese conversational ability, we also believe your aptitude to naturally use the language in a conversation is crucial.

Class placement

When you arrive at GenkiJACS, you are placed into the ongoing class that is most appropriate for you. Your placement is decided based on the results of your online level check test, and the results of the placement test and interview held on your first day at school.

At Genki, we believe you can't learn a language using only a textbook. You need to feel it, to use it, to live it. That's why we focus not only on teaching you the basics of grammar, but also on how to live in Japan and communicate with real Japanese people.

Teaching Method

Japanese language classes at GenkiJACS consist of two main sections: an input session, and an output session. What do we mean by input and output?

INPUT session : "G" (Grammar)

Input
Your input session is called the "G" session (short for "Grammar").

Input" basically means "putting" things "in"to your head. You will learn new grammar, sentence structures, words, kanji, and how to apply these concepts when you speak and get spoken to.

This section usually forms one half of your study day, so the amount of new knowledge that you take in can be quite intense!

Not to worry, though! Once you have learned the new content in class, teachers will give you some homework to reinforce all your new knowledge and make sure you really understood what was taught.

output session: "4S" (Four skills)

This is where the fun stuff happens! When you come to school the next day, your first session will be the output session. Here, you will apply the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

This is where you will apply all of the grammar, new words, sentence structures, kanji and so on you learned the day before in real-world situations.

Teachers will pair you up with your classmates to practise conversation in fun roleplay situations. You'll get to do listening excercises, read interesting articles not included in our textbooks, and even prepare a presentation for your class!

If you're extra lucky, you might even get to go on an out-lesson where you'll get to use your new Japanese on actual Japanese people in the real world...
Output

 

Daily lesson setup

Usually, your second session of the day will be an input/grammar session, where you learn new grammar, vocabulary etc. Then, your first session of the following day will be an output/four-skills session, where you practise all the things you learned the previous day.

From Beginner 0-2 level, you will have all of your four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in every output session. At Pre-intermediate and above level, these will be split into one langauge skill per day, for example, conversation practise on Monday, Kanji on Tuesday, listening on Wednesday, etc.

Example beginner 0-2 lesson setup

Session Type   Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
4S
100 min
1   Output Output
2   Output Output
G
100 min
1 Input Input Input
2 Input Input Input
After school: Homework Homework Homework

Example pre-intermediate & above lesson setup

Session Type   Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
4S
100 min
1 Output: vocabulary Output: listening & reading Output: kanji
2 Output: vocabulary Output: listening & reading Output: kanji
G
100 min
1 Input Input Input
2 Input Input Input
After school: Homework Homework Homework

We offer the best Japanese language courses in the world.

All about GenkiJACS class levels

Information on the different levels we offer, including their equivalent JPLT/CEFR level and the average time it takes to complete them. Please note the times mentioned here are an example, and should not be taken as standard for all students.

  • Beginner 0-1

    CEFR: A0-A1
    JLPT: N5
    Objective

    Use basic verb sentences to hold simple conversations such as self-introductions and shopping. Use adjectives, past tense sentences. Use the "te" form to describe, explain and provide reasons. Use the short form to give opinions and pass on information. Use comparatives and supporting verbs to have more natural conversations.

    Proficiency:  

    800 words   100 kanji    Average time to complete: 13~15 weeks

  • Beginner 2

    CEFR: A2
    JLPT: N4
    Objective

    Use potential verbs, modals and volitional forms to hold more complex conversations. Use simple formal Japanese, as well as transitive and intransitive verbs, to describe complex situations and feelings. Use polite and formal Japanese to hold conversations with a range of people. Use the passive, causative, and passive causative to describe complex situations and emotions.

    Proficiency:  1,500 words   300 kanji    Average time to complete: 11~15 weeks
  • Pre-intermediate

    CEFR: A1-B2
    JLPT: N4-N3-N2
    Objective

    Review and master the especially difficult beginner grammar, and prepare for the Intermediate courses.

    Proficiency:  4,000 words   350-700 kanji    Average time to complete: 5~8 weeks
  • Intermediate

    CEFR: C1
    JLPT: N2-N1
    Objective

    Learn intermediate grammar and practice it on longer reading passages, while improving speech ability.

    Proficiency:   6,000 words   1,000 kanji    Average time to complete: 20~23 weeks
  • Upper-intermediate

    CEFR:C2
    JLPT: N1~
    Objective

    Speak to Japanese people with few communication problems, and read and understand simple newspaper articles.

    Proficiency:  10,000 words   2,000 kanji    Average time to complete: 10~12 weeks

Average timeline to fluency

Beginner 0-1

14 weeks

Beginner 2

13 weeks

Pre-intermediate

6 weeks

Intermediate

22 weeks

Upper-intermediate

11 weeks

Advanced/fluent

the rest of your life...

Teaching Philosophy

At GenkiJACS, we believe that good teaching is:

  1. Purposeful
    All of our lessons are structured to give you essential Japanese in a way so that you will remember it, and be able to use it yourself.
  2. Practical
    Lessons are focused on the skills and topics most useful to actually getting out there and becoming proficient in the language. Activities involve real-world situations, guest instructors, field trips and more.
  3. Professional
    All of our Japanese teachers are graduates of a 420-hour Japanese teacher training course at a recognized study institution, and have extensive experience teaching to foreigners. We don't just teach whatever comes up like some other schools; we follow a curriculum designed with the needs of English-speakers in mind.
And, as much as anything else, we believe lessons must be interesting! You can't learn if you're not engaged. Our materials and methods are designed to draw you in to the class, and to make any topic exciting.

Read what our students have to say about GenkiJACS!

The GenkiJACS method has been honed over several years to allow for the maximum retention of learned material, using techniques of rapid response, and real-world use of previously learned materials. For a demonstration of this method, see our example lesson.

Begin the journey of a lifetime. Speak Japanese, live Japan.

About Us

Accredited and award-winning Japanese school in Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka and Nagoya. Learn real-world, communicative Japanese in small, intimate classes. Kickstart the journey of a lifetime in Japan, or bring your existing skills to new levels.

Head Office

Hakataekihigashi 1-16-23,
Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi 812-0013,
Japan

+81 (0)92 472 0123

Tokyo School

Hanazono Bldg 3F, Shinjuku 5-17-6,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022,
Japan

+81 (0)3 6457 3554

Kyoto School

Hayashi Bldg 2F, Shimizuchō (Kawaramachidōri), 454-1,
Shimogyō-ku, Kyōto-shi 600-8025,
Japan

+81 (0)75-353-0003

I.C.Nagoya

Meieki-Nagata Bldg 4F, Meieki 3-26-19, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0002,
Japan

+81 (0)52-433-3152