Beginner Japanese Class at Blue House Okinawa
Start Learning Japanese from Zero at Blue House Okinawa
Your First Japanese Class Can Be Fun, Too
You do not need to know Japanese before you begin.
Beginners 1 Class truly starts from zero, so you can learn the basics in order without wondering what you are supposed to know already.
You’ll begin with pronunciation, numbers, greetings, and simple Japanese — then keep building step by step.
This is where you start.
¥55,400 / 2 Months with Early Bird
¥66,500 / 2 Months with Regular
Registration Fee: ¥11,000
Beginners 1 & 2 Materials: ¥7,700
First Time Payment
By the 20th: ¥74,100
After the 20th: ¥85,200
On This Page
Start with the Basics — Then See What You Can Do
Your first lessons begin with pronunciation, counting, greetings, and useful everyday expressions.
From there, you’ll start building simple sentences, adding vocabulary, and learning Hiragana little by little.
Japanese may look completely unfamiliar at first, but you do not have to learn everything at once.
You build it one step at a time.
Imagine Being Able to Say:
I’m Lisa.
Lisa to mōshimasu.
I like curry.
Karē ga suki desu.
Please say it again.
Mō ichido itte kudasai.
Please speak more slowly.
Motto yukkuri itte kudasai.
They are simple sentences, but they are the beginning of actually using Japanese.
Choose the Way You Want to Start
If you are starting from zero, Beginners 1 is your first course.
Beginners 1 is available in three different ways:
- Lecture
- Intensive-Lecture
- Self-Paced
Choose the one that fits how much time you have and how you want to learn.
Lecture
Want a regular schedule and a clear class rhythm?
Lecture meets twice a week for two months. You move through Beginners 1 together on a fixed schedule with your instructor and classmates.
Intensive-Lecture
Want to focus on Japanese for a shorter period of time?
Intensive-Lecture meets four times a week for one month, giving you a more concentrated way to complete Beginners 1.
Self-Paced
Prefer to move through the Beginners curriculum according to your own progress?
With Self-Paced, you work through structured Japanese course material at your own pace while still receiving instructor support in class.
After Beginners 1
Beginners 2, Beginners 3, and Beginners 4 are available through Self-Paced only.
After completing Beginners 1 — or if you already know the Beginners 1 material — you can continue through Beginners 2–4 at your own pace with instructor support.
This means you do not need to wait for a new Beginners group class before moving on to the next level.
Already Studied Japanese? See Where You Fit
Beginners 1 is the starting point for complete beginners.
If you have studied Japanese before, you may not need to start over.
Compare the learning content below with what you already understand. Start around the point where the Japanese begins to feel new.
What You’ll Learn in Beginners 1–4
| Level | Main Learning Content | Lesson Style |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners 1 | Pronunciation, Hiragana, numbers, greetings, self-introduction, basic sentence structure, question words, particles, adjectives, likes and dislikes | Lecture / Intensive-Lecture / Self-Paced |
| Beginners 2 | Dates, time, locations, food, asking for things, counters, past tense, verb conjugation, polite and informal speech | Self-Paced only |
| Beginners 3 | ある / いる, locations, more particles, invitations, verb patterns, Katakana, and Japanese for everyday places | Self-Paced only |
| Beginners 4 | Adjectives, informal verb forms, た-form, connected sentences, reasons with から, する, and complete Katakana | Self-Paced only |
Open the level that feels closest to your Japanese to see the vocabulary, grammar, and actual examples.
Beginners 1 — Start from Zero
Beginners 1 covers the foundation of Japanese.
You’ll work with pronunciation, Hiragana, numbers, greetings, self-introduction, useful vocabulary, basic sentence structure, and simple questions.
Vocabulary & Topics
- Numbers
- Greetings and farewells
- Self-introduction
- Body parts
- Things in your room
- Family members
- Colors
- Sports and entertainment
- Fruits
- Transportation
Grammar & Expressions
- Basic Japanese sentence structure
- Making questions
- What / Which / Who
- は
- へ
- が
- の
- と
- Ko-So-A-Do words
- Adjectives
- Likes and dislikes
- じゃない
- Wanting and not wanting
Examples
これはなんですか。
What is this?
カレーがすきですか。
Do you like curry?
もういちどいってください。
Please say it again.
Available through Lecture, Intensive-Lecture, or Self-Paced.
Beginners 2 — Dates, Time, Counters & Verbs
Beginners 2 builds on those basics with dates, time, locations, food, asking for things, counters, and verbs.
You’ll work more with verb sentences, conjugation, and past tense while completing Hiragana.
Vocabulary & Topics
- Animals
- Food
- Desserts and drinks
- Nature
- Directions
- Around the house
- Around school
- Places
- Insects
- Dates and years
- Time
- Restaurant and fast-food expressions
Grammar & Expressions
- は / が
- Past tense
- よ / ね
- も
- ください / おねがいします
- Polite and informal speech
- Verb conjugation
- へ
- に
- から
- まで
- Sentence structures using verbs
- Counters for different kinds of objects
Examples
なんじですか。
What time is it?
ごご7じ10ぷんです。
It’s 7:10 p.m.
わたしのしごとは8じから5じまでです。
My work is from 8 to 5.
すみません、そばはいくらですか。
Excuse me, how much is the soba?
Self-Paced only.
Beginners 3 — ある・いる, Locations & Katakana
Beginners 3 introduces the important existence verbs ある and いる.
You’ll talk about where people and things are, count living things, use more particles and verb patterns, and begin Katakana.
Vocabulary & Topics
- Around the house
- Around the kitchen
- Stores and shops
- Around the office
- Food
- Body parts
- On the road
- At the airport
- At the train station
- Katakana
Grammar & Expressions
- ある
- いる
- Existence verbs
- Regular verb conjugation
- と
- の with locations
- Location expressions
- ひだり / みぎ
- となり / よこ
- どの / どれ
- Counting living things
- を
- で
- Particle review
- 〜ませんか
- 〜ましょう
- もう
Examples
らいげつ、にほんに いきます。
I’m going to Japan next month.
だれと いきますか。
With whom are you going?
にほんに マクドナルドが ありますか。
Are there McDonald’s in Japan?
はい、たくさん あります。
Yes, there are many.
Self-Paced only.
Beginners 4 — Informal Forms & Connected Sentences
Beginners 4 moves further into adjectives, informal verb forms, connected sentences, reasons, and more natural everyday Japanese.
You’ll also work with する, expand your vocabulary, and complete Katakana.
Vocabulary & Topics
- Japanese family relationships
- Dating
- Post office
- Technology
- Health and illness
- Money
- Animals
- Nature
- Weather
- School
- Katakana
Grammar & Expressions
- Adjective past tense
- い-adjective past forms
- よく
- あんまり
- Informal verb forms
- Regular and irregular verb conjugation
- Negative informal form
- た-form
- Question-making の
- Emphasis with の
- よ
- から for reasons
- Connecting sentences
- どんな
- する
- Making verbs with する
- を + する
- なぜ / なんで
- まだ
- Inexact time and amount expressions
Examples
きのう、むすめが ロンドンに いきました。
My daughter went to London yesterday.
らいげつの じゅうごにちに にほんに かえります。
She is coming back to Japan on the fifteenth of next month.
むすめさんは よく ロンドンに いきますか。
Does she go to London often?
きょうは ともだちの たんじょうびだから、はちじに レストランで パーティーを します。
They will have a party at the restaurant at eight because today is her friend’s birthday.
Self-Paced only.
Which Beginners Level Feels Closest to You?
Beginners 1 may be the right place if pronunciation, Hiragana, basic questions, particles, adjectives, or simple sentence structure still feel new.
Beginners 2 may be closer if those basics feel comfortable but dates, time, counters, past tense, or verb sentences are less familiar.
Beginners 3 may fit when the earlier material feels comfortable but ある / いる, location expressions, more particles, invitations, or Katakana still need practice.
Beginners 4 may be the better comparison when you are comfortable with the earlier material but informal verb forms, た-form, から, する, or connected sentences still feel new.
Already comfortable with most of Beginners 4?
You may be ready to compare Pre-Intermediate.
Learn at Home. Bring It to Life in Class.
Beginners learning continues between lessons.
Study Room and Workbook activities help you review what you are learning, practice it, and notice the parts you still want to check.
Then bring that Japanese back into class.
Ask. Check. Say It Out Loud.
Class gives you time to ask questions, check what you studied, work on pronunciation, and actually say the Japanese out loud.
Your teacher can help you notice what went wrong, correct it, and try again.
Mistakes are part of learning a language.
You are not expected to get everything right the first time.
Start Making Japanese Part of Your Life
As the basics begin to connect, Japanese becomes more than something you see in a textbook.
You start recognizing words, understanding simple questions, introducing yourself, saying what you like, and knowing what to say when you need someone to repeat something.
Those little moments can feel surprisingly exciting when you are starting from zero.
Something that looked completely unfamiliar begins to make sense.
See What Beginners Class Feels Like
You do not have to imagine what learning Japanese at Blue House looks like.
See the Materials
See the Class
Hear from Students
I remember my first class at Blue House Okinawa!
I was brand new to Okinawa and the Japanese language.
I was able to have basic exchanges, and it made me so happy to practice with native speakers and have such a fun community to learn in.
I’m two years into studying now and am so glad I found Blue House Okinawa from the beginning — it introduced me to some of my favorite people in Okinawa and is such a special place ❤️
A few points:
1. This is not a traditional school — they utilize the “flipped classroom” and “blended learning” models (if not familiar, google those terms. They’re interesting!). Independent learners thrive here!
2. Since this is both an English & Japanese language school, I love that there are opportunities to both learn Japanese and help others learn English through Blue House’s conversational exchange club, read aloud club, and public speaking practice in our target language.
If you’re someone who takes initiative, there are so many real-life practice opportunities and study buddies here!
Beyond language-learning, I’ve loved the extra curriculars (trips, hikes, karaoke, BBQs, field trips).
It’s a wonderful group of people making a community learning program come to life!
It’s really made my time in Okinawa extra adventurous and interesting!
Choose How You Want to Take Beginners 1
Beginners 1 is available through Lecture, Intensive-Lecture, or Self-Paced.
Each option gives you a different way to work through the Beginners 1 foundation.
Choose the one that fits how you want to learn and how Japanese can fit into your life.
Beginners 1 Lecture Class
Structured, Supportive, and Perfectly Paced
If you’re just starting your Japanese journey and want the support of a guided, instructor-led program, Beginners 1 Lecture Class gives you a clear place to start.
You’ll follow a clear step-by-step curriculum, study alongside classmates, and get consistent guidance from your instructor — all in a supportive and motivating environment.
Perfect for:
- Learners who want regular, scheduled lessons to stay on track
- Students who feel motivated by classroom structure and teacher-led instruction
- Beginners who want a structured path to build a strong foundation
What to Expect
- Fixed Weekly Schedule
- Instructor-Led Classes
- Interactive Group Learning
- Clear Curriculum
- Consistent Progress
Program Details
- Duration: 2 months
- Frequency: 2 lessons per week
- Total: 16 lessons
- Level: Complete beginners
- Focus: Pronunciation, Hiragana, basic grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking
2027 Beginners 1 Lecture Class Schedule
Monday 6:20–7:30 PM & Wednesday 8:10–9:20 PM
January–February
4 Jan – 25 Feb, 2027
May–June
3 May – 24 Jun, 2027
August–October
30 Aug – 28 Oct, 2027
Before You Enroll
Beginners 1 Lecture Class uses a Fixed Schedule.
Your class days and times remain the same during the two-month term.
If you miss a Fixed Schedule lesson, it cannot be rescheduled or made up.
Pay by the 20th of the previous month to receive the Early Bird rate.
Schedule
Monday 6:20–7:30 PM & Wednesday 8:10–9:20 PM
Duration: 2 months
Frequency: 2 lessons per week / 16 lessons total
Total Tuition
Tuition:
¥55,400 by the 20th
¥66,500 after the 20th
Registration Fee:
¥11,000
Beginners 1 & 2 Class Materials:
¥7,700
First Payment Total
By the 20th: ¥74,100
After the 20th: ¥85,200
Intensive Beginners 1 Lecture Class
Build a Solid Foundation in Just 4 Weeks
Want to start learning Japanese from zero – with structure, guidance, and momentum?
This is a 4-week program with live lessons 4 times per week, designed to help beginners make fast, confident progress with the support of a professional instructor and a proven curriculum.
With Intensive Beginners 1, You Can:
- Follow a fixed weekly schedule
- Learn through live instructor-led lessons
- Follow a step-by-step curriculum
- Build momentum through regular attendance
- Stay focused in a structured learning environment
Perfect for Learners Who:
- Want to commit to a regular learning schedule
- Prefer to be guided by an instructor rather than study alone
- Need structure and routine to stay motivated
- Want to see real progress in just 4 weeks
Program Details
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Frequency: 4 lessons per week
- Total: 16 lessons
- Level: Complete beginners
- Focus: Hiragana, basic grammar, vocabulary, listening and speaking
2027 Intensive Beginners 1 Lecture Class Schedule
Monday–Thursday 3:10–4:20 PM
January
4 Jan – 28 Jan, 2027
March
1 Mar – 25 Mar, 2027
May
3 May – 27 May, 2027
July
5 Jul – 29 Jul, 2027
August–September
30 Aug – 23 Sep, 2027
November
1 Nov – 25 Nov, 2027
Before You Enroll
Intensive Beginners 1 uses a Fixed Schedule.
You attend four lessons per week for one month.
Your class days and times remain fixed during that Intensive term.
Schedule
Monday–Thursday 3:10–4:20 PM
Duration: 4 weeks
Frequency: 4 lessons per week / 16 lessons total
Total Tuition
Tuition:
¥55,400 by the 20th
¥66,500 after the 20th
Registration Fee:
¥11,000
Beginners 1 & 2 Class Materials:
¥7,700
First Payment Total
By the 20th: ¥74,100
After the 20th: ¥85,200
Self-Paced Beginners
Learn at Your Own Pace — Without Learning Alone
Your schedule does not always stay the same.
Work gets busy. Family plans change. Sometimes you simply need more time to understand one lesson before moving on.
Self-Paced gives you the freedom to keep learning Japanese according to your own progress.
Self-Paced does not mean learning alone.
Your instructor is still there to answer questions, help with pronunciation, and support you when something is difficult.
With Self-Paced Learning, You Can
- Learn at your own pace
- Spend more time on difficult lessons
- Continue where you left off
- Ask questions in class
- Practice pronunciation
- Receive instructor feedback
- Adjust your study rhythm when life changes
Beginners 1 can be taken through Self-Paced.
After Beginners 1, Beginners 2, Beginners 3, and Beginners 4 are Self-Paced only.
Self-Paced with a Fixed Schedule
Keep a Regular Weekly Routine
Choose Fixed if you want a predictable weekly schedule while still moving through the Beginners curriculum at your own pace.
For this Beginners page, we show the 2-lessons-per-week Fixed option.
Fixed Self-Paced Schedule
Choose one weekly time:
Tuesday & Thursday 1:15–2:25 PM
Tuesday & Thursday 6:20–7:30 PM
Tuesday & Thursday 8:10–9:20 PM
If you miss a Fixed Schedule lesson, it cannot be rescheduled or made up.
Schedule
Tuesday & Thursday
Choose:
- 1:15–2:25 PM
- 6:20–7:30 PM
- 8:10–9:20 PM
Frequency: 2 lessons per week
Duration: 1 month
Total Tuition
Tuition:
¥27,700 by the 20th
¥33,900 after the 20th
Registration Fee:
¥11,000
Beginners 1 & 2 Class Materials:
¥7,700
First Payment Total
By the 20th: ¥46,400
After the 20th: ¥52,600
Self-Paced with Flex
More Control Over When and How Often You Attend
Choose Flex if your schedule changes from week to week.
Self-Paced describes how you learn.
Flex describes how you attend and pay.
With Flex, you choose the number of lessons you want, then book from available Japanese lessons on the weekly schedule.
Self-Paced Lesson Times on the Weekly Schedule
Available Self-Paced time blocks include:
- Tuesday 1:15–2:25 PM
- Thursday 1:15–2:25 PM
- Tuesday 6:20–7:30 PM
- Thursday 6:20–7:30 PM
- Tuesday 8:10–9:20 PM
- Thursday 8:10–9:20 PM
With Flex, you book available lessons rather than reserving one Fixed weekly pair.
Before You Enroll
- Choose the number of lessons you want.
- Book available lessons from the weekly schedule.
- Coupons are valid for four weeks.
- Cancel more than 24 hours in advance and the coupon is returned.
- Cancel within 24 hours and the coupon is forfeited.
Schedule
Book available lessons from the weekly Japanese schedule.
Flex 8
8 lessons per 4-week subscription period
Tuition:
¥33,400
Registration Fee:
¥11,000
Beginners 1 & 2 Class Materials:
¥7,700
First Payment Total
¥52,100
Not Sure Which Option Fits You?
If you want a regular teacher-led class, choose Lecture.
If you want to complete Beginners 1 in a concentrated month, choose Intensive-Lecture.
If you want to move through the curriculum according to your own progress, choose Self-Paced.
For Self-Paced:
Fixed gives Japanese a regular place in your week.
Flex gives you more control over when and how often you attend.
And remember:
Beginners 1
Lecture / Intensive-Lecture / Self-Paced
Beginners 2–4
Self-Paced only
Visit Blue House Okinawa
Blue House Okinawa is located near Sunabe Seawall, close to Kadena Air Base Gate 1.
Ready to Start Japanese?
You do not have to know Japanese before you start.
Beginners 1 gives you three ways to begin:
Lecture. Intensive-Lecture. Self-Paced.
Choose the one that fits your life and start from there.
