Table of Contents
Who We Are
Blue House Okinawa Japanese School
Take our online placement test to find the class that best fits you.
Come and visit our school for a trial lesson!
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FAQs
How much time do I need to spend studying outside of class?
It depends on your goals.
If you want to progress rapidly, you will need to devote a considerable amount of time studying, practicing, and generally exposing yourself to the language in as many ways as possible.
However, if you’re like most people, you are juggling various other commitments including work, family, school, etc. and you probably don’t have endless time to devote to Japanese.
Don’t worry, that’s okay!
Many people have made considerable progress without studying for 10 hours a day.
Ideally, we recommend finding a little bit of time every day (or even every other day) to practice — this will be much more effective than a multi-hour cram session every few weeks.
And this practice doesn’t necessarily mean you’re sitting at a desk staring at a book.
Reading road signs, playing audio flashcards while you walk the dog, watching youTube videos, and of course listening and speaking to locals are all great ways to practice!
Compared to others learning Japanese around the world, living here in Okinawa, we are fortunate to be surrounded with endless opportunities to practice Japanese, so have fun with it!
How fast can I learn Japanese?
According to the United States Foreign Service Institute, Japanese is considered one of the five most difficult languages for a native English speaker to learn, along with Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin), and Korean.
These languages require an average of 2200 hours of dedicated practice to achieve “professional working proficiency,” compared to a language like Spanish which averages about one quarter of this time.
So what does this mean?
Probably not a whole lot.
Language learning varies a lot based on the individual, previous language experience, dedication, interest, and countless other factors.
In addition, most Japanese learners don’t need to achieve “professional working proficiency.”
Your best bet is to talk to some of our current students and ask about their experiences and progress.
We think you’ll find that most students are absolutely amazed at how much they have learned in a short period of time!
It is incredibly rewarding when, after a few short months, you can walk out your front door and immediately apply what you’ve learned to your daily interactions with Japanese speakers.
I've already studied Japanese.
Do I still have take the beginner classes? Which class should I take?
No, you can join whichever class is most appropriate for your skill level.
To find your best fit, take our placement test, and talk to us during your trial lesson (if applicable) at Blue House Okinawa.
We will work with you to ensure you’re placed in the best class for your skill level!
What if I miss some classes?
Unfortunately, we are not able to refund or make-up individual classes that you may miss after registering.
Please review our student agreements for further information.
Do you offer a military discount?
Unfortunately, we are not able to refund or make-up individual classes that you may miss after registering.
Please review our student agreements for further information.
Do you support a student visa?
Unfortunately our school is too small to support a student visa.
However, many of our classes are only two to three months long, so you can complete one on a tourist visa!
Do you offer private classes or private tutoring?
Unfortunately not.
We find that a community approach to language learning (practicing with classmates and native speakers) is most effective, and one-on-one instruction does not provide this same opportunity.
Can I take this course for less than 2 months?
No. At the moment, our curriculum is not designed for drop-in or short-term (less than 2 months) students.
Student Agreement
Flex Class
In the Flex Class, you have the flexibility to purchase as many coupons as you wish, allowing you to book and attend lessons at your convenience.
With the Flex Class, you can:
- Adjust the number of lessons each month to suit your needs.
- Use your coupons for any available class.
- Coupons are valid only for the current 4-week subscription period and cannot be carried over to the next 4-week subscription period.
- Book lessons online, anytime and from anywhere.
- Easily reschedule your lessons if needed.
Lesson Booking Policy
- You can book a lesson from 1 hour up to 5 weeks in advance.
- Coupons become available for use from the day your subscription renews and remain valid for up to 4 weeks and they cannot be carried over to the next 4-week subscription period.
- Coupons are displayed on the payment page and can be selected when booking a lesson.
Booking Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the scheduled lesson: Your coupon will be reactivated and can be used to book another lesson.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled lesson: Your coupon will be forfeited and cannot be used for future bookings.
Tuition Subscription Renewal Date
- The subscription renews monthly on the date you signed up. You have the flexibility to cancel your subscription at any time if needed.
Class Cancellation Policy
- You may cancel your class, provided the coupon hasn’t been used.
- Cancellations made within 5 days of payment: 90% refund
- Cancellations made more than 5 days after payment: No refund
Upon cancellation of your subscription, access to lesson booking coupons, and online materials will be discontinued.
Regular Class
In the Regular Class, your class schedule and tuition are fixed, allowing you to build a consistent Japanese study habit.
With the Regular Class, you can:
- Develop a steady and consistent study routine.
- Attend 8 lessons per month at a lower cost compared to the Flex 8 plan.
- Follow a fixed class schedule, attending the same class at the same time each week.
- Pay a fixed tuition fee, it covers one month/term regardless of your attendance.
- Rescheduling or make-up lessons for missed classes are NOT available.
- Begin the class at the start of each month.
Early Bird Discount
- Payments for the upcoming term or month made by the 20th of the preceding month are eligible for a 20% early bird discount.
Payment Methods Two payment methods are available:
- By Term: Covers a 2-month period.
- By Month: Covers a 1-month period.
Tuition Subscription Renewal Date
- The subscription renews on the 20th of the preceding month. You have the flexibility to cancel the subscription at any time if needed.
Class Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation more than 7 days prior to the first day of class: 90% refund.
- Cancellation 1-7 days prior to the first day of class: 50% refund.
- Cancellation after the first day of class: No refunds.
Registration Fee and Class Materials
A registration fee and the cost of class materials are required for all new students for both Flex Class and Regular Class.
Class Cancellation
Classes are currently offered only if a minimum of six students are enrolled. If a class does not reach this minimum enrollment, we regret to inform you that the class will be canceled.
In the event that your class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, you have the following options:
- Enroll in another class that is currently open; or
- Wait until your preferred class reaches six enrollees.
Please inform us of your preference, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Delays / Absences / Vacations
- Delays: If you are running late, please notify your instructor through the Message on Living Room on Blue House Okinawa website.
- Absences: If you need to miss a class, kindly inform your instructor in advance via the Message on Living Room on Blue House Okinawa website
- Vacations: If you plan to take a vacation, please notify your instructor using the Message on Living Room on Blue House Okinawa website. To secure your place in class upon your return, remember to register for the upcoming term if you wish to continue with Blue House Okinawa.
Access to Online Resources
The Blue House Okinawa online resources are available exclusively to tuition-paying students.
- Access to the online resources begins on the first day of the term and continues through the last day of the term.
- If tuition for the upcoming term is not paid by the last day of the current term, your access to the online resources will be discontinued. Access will be restored once the tuition payment is completed.
- Extended Access Option: If you are taking a break from classes but wish to continue using the online resources to maintain your studies, you may opt to pay a ¥3,300 usage fee per month for up to a maximum of three months. Please speak with your instructor for more information.
Making Friends
Blue House Okinawa provides a welcoming environment for students to learn and form new friendships. We encourage students to collaborate and practice their language skills with one another.
To foster intercultural learning and experiences, we also offer various events and activities.
However, please note that Blue House Okinawa is an educational institution, not a dating service. We discourage the use of our school and events for dating purposes.Our expectation is that all students interact respectfully and contribute positively to a healthy, supportive learning community.
Damage or Loss of Personal Property
Blue House Okinawa does not assume any responsibility, whether explicit or implied, for the damage or loss of personal property or for any injuries sustained by students, either on the premises or during off-site activities.
House Rules
Slippers
Make sure to remove your shoes and put on slippers at the school entrance.
If you prefer to bring your own slippers, choose ones that are comfortable and suitable.
Label your shoes to prevent mix-ups.
This habit enhances hygiene and preparedness for school, ensuring a smooth and organized day.
Beverages
Water, tea, and coffee are available at the school, so please help yourself as needed.
Please wash your cup after use and place it in the designated dish basket.
Be Persistent
Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint.
Be okay with being uncomfortable.
BE BRAVE!
Mistakes, awkward situations, and vulnerability are critical in language-learning.
When you are discouraged, remember: you’re not only learning a language — you’re building your ability to persevere in life.
Take Initiative
Make eye contact and greet others.
Although many students might be shy, don’t hesitate to break the ice and introduce yourself.
Be proactive in your learning as well.
Don’t just wait to be taught; seize every opportunity to learn.
Got a question? Look it up online.
Forget what you learned? Use Study Room to review and enhance your memory through repetition.
Struggle with listening? Listen to children’s stories on YouTube to improve.
Unsure about the best study method? Go through this Orientation course multiple times to discover your answers.
Looking for more speaking practice? Partner up with a study buddy and ask for their assistance.
Be proactive and fully engage with your learning journey!
Include Other Students in the Conversation
When practicing conversations with fellow students, aim for simplicity and clarity.
Consider whether the conversation topic is relevant and engaging for everyone involved.
Imagine how it feels when native speakers converse in Japanese without you understanding much.
It can be isolating and disheartening.
The same applies to native speakers when conversations are held solely in English.
We encourage you to keep lengthy discussions to a minimum and focus on being concise and straightforward.
If native Japanese speakers find it hard to follow you, please slow down and use straightforward, simple words and sentences to facilitate better understanding and inclusion.
Show and Tell
If your peers have difficulty understanding your verbal communication, enhance it with pictures, videos, sounds, music, gestures, and body language.
Who doesn’t appreciate a game of charades occasionally?
Let your intentions and ideas be visually understood.
We advise against relying on translation apps, as they can often produce inaccurate or nonsensical results. Instead, opt for using real photos to SHOW what you mean.
This approach not only bridges the language gap but also adds a layer of interaction and fun to your communication.
When in Doubt, Ask
You can often gauge your partner’s comprehension through their facial expressions, but if in doubt, don’t hesitate to ASK.
Sometimes, they might claim to understand when they actually don’t.
In such cases, ask them to explain what they’ve understood.
Leave it to the Instructor
Leave the technical grammatical explanations to your instructors, as attempting to explain Japanese grammar in Japanese by native Japanese speakers could lead to confusion, offering little benefit to anyone.
It’s best to steer clear of asking your Japanese friends about Japanese grammar specifics—this is what your instructors are there for.
Instead, concentrate on honing your pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills.
This focused approach facilitates more effective and enjoyable language practice.
Use Your Indoor Voice
While we recognize that lessons are enjoyable and engaging with the opportunity to interact with native speakers, it’s crucial to maintain a low noise level.
Remember, some of our students are hard of hearing.
Additionally, we have students who find it challenging to speak loudly.
Therefore, we kindly ask you to use your indoor voice during conversation practice. This consideration ensures a conducive learning environment for everyone, allowing all students to participate comfortably and effectively.
Who We Are
Beyond Language Learning
A Close-Knit Multilingual Community
Join us and become part of a vibrant community where Japanese and English learners teach and learn from each other.
Authentic and Immersive Practice
Experience genuine language practice with native Japanese speakers in our Japanese class providing endless opportunities for real-world application.
Supportive and Community-Centered
Embrace a relaxed, community-oriented approach to learning. Together, we support, grow, and share joyful moments, making every step of the journey enjoyable.
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