About
Japanese Language Programs offers Japanese language classes and workshops that focus on themes such as vocabulary preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), travel lingo, business Japanese, casual everyday conversations, and anime. The program also offers private tutoring tailored to specific language needs, as well as private Japanese language instruction tailored to help organizations meet their goals.
• Schedule: Spring 2026 registration is closed; the schedule and registration for Summer 2026 will be available at the beginning of April, and all courses are conducted in Pacific Time.
Founded in 1905, the Japan Society of Northern California created these programs as part of its mission to spread knowledge of Japanese language, arts, industry, history, folklore, and customs, and to promote U.S.-Japan cooperation. The Society offers various affordable Japanese language programs that aim to connect the U.S. and Japan, with four levels of Japanese from beginner to advanced that emphasize conversation, listening, reading, and writing. Language instructors are described as seasoned teachers of Japanese who have taught both in the U.S. and Japan. For more than 100 years, the Japan Society of Northern California has fostered collaboration and understanding between the United States and Japan by providing Northern Californians with language, cultural, and business programming and opportunities for fellowship. The organization also offers speaker events, symposia and conferences, social events, school education programs, and language lessons, along with programs and networking opportunities for people and organizations in the Bay Area with a strong interest in Japan. The Japan Society of Northern California has hosted an “Award of Honor” Gala and Innovation Awards.
One parent shared that they have been taking classes at the Japan Society of Northern California in San Francisco since 2016, starting at an intermediate level and advancing two levels to a pre-advanced class. This parent noted that the time, location, and workload of the classes are convenient for a working professional, that the homework is challenging but not overwhelming, and that the textbooks are modern and have a good reputation. They also described the class format as fairly consistent, with structured content, and said that their instructor, Maeda-sensei, sets aside time for discussion, sometimes has impromptu discussions based on class content or homework, and notes useful words or phrases that are not in the text.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
• Schedule: Spring 2026 registration is closed; the schedule and registration for Summer 2026 will be available at the beginning of April, and all courses are conducted in Pacific Time.
Founded in 1905, the Japan Society of Northern California created these programs as part of its mission to spread knowledge of Japanese language, arts, industry, history, folklore, and customs, and to promote U.S.-Japan cooperation. The Society offers various affordable Japanese language programs that aim to connect the U.S. and Japan, with four levels of Japanese from beginner to advanced that emphasize conversation, listening, reading, and writing. Language instructors are described as seasoned teachers of Japanese who have taught both in the U.S. and Japan. For more than 100 years, the Japan Society of Northern California has fostered collaboration and understanding between the United States and Japan by providing Northern Californians with language, cultural, and business programming and opportunities for fellowship. The organization also offers speaker events, symposia and conferences, social events, school education programs, and language lessons, along with programs and networking opportunities for people and organizations in the Bay Area with a strong interest in Japan. The Japan Society of Northern California has hosted an “Award of Honor” Gala and Innovation Awards.
One parent shared that they have been taking classes at the Japan Society of Northern California in San Francisco since 2016, starting at an intermediate level and advancing two levels to a pre-advanced class. This parent noted that the time, location, and workload of the classes are convenient for a working professional, that the homework is challenging but not overwhelming, and that the textbooks are modern and have a good reputation. They also described the class format as fairly consistent, with structured content, and said that their instructor, Maeda-sensei, sets aside time for discussion, sometimes has impromptu discussions based on class content or homework, and notes useful words or phrases that are not in the text.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
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