Basic Japanese Courses
Provides detailed coverage of topics in preparation for JLPT N5 and N4. Students will study basic to complex grammatical patterns and will be able to engage in simple, day-to-day conversation after completion of Basic Japanese courses.
Basic Japanese 1
In-Person Classes: 76 Hours
Online Classes: 66 Hours
This class sets the foundations for studying Nihongo. First, students learn Japanese scripts: Hiragana and Katakana, which enable them to read, understand, and answer the exercises in the materials provided. Then, students learn about the general features of Nihongo – parts of speech, predicates, and the order of words in a sentence. Students will be able to use the vocabulary they have learned in simple sentences across various situations such as: Introducing themselves, buying items from a store, and accepting or turning down invitations politely.
Basic Japanese 2
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
Online Classes: 54 Hours
In Basic Japanese 2, learners will be able use complex sentences to talk about past experiences and give their impressions of it, understand simple instructions, and talk to close friends about their hobbies and the things that they like.
Basic Japanese 3
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
Online Classes: 54 Hours
With enough experience to state their own opinions, learners are expected to comprehend and if possible repeat specific instructions. They begin to find more than one way to express things they can do or recount how their day went.
Upon completion of Basic 3, a learner would have gained basic knowledge to prepare for JLPT N5 Exams.
Basic Japanese 4
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
Online Classes: 54 Hours
From Basic 4, a learner will be well on a journey to mastering Nihongo. The learner will be able to state their plans for the future, interpret and pass along messages from other people and describe events from other perspectives. Instructions given and received will now differ depending on the recipient and their relationship with the speaker.
Basic Japanese 5
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
Online Classes: 54 Hours
The final Basic course prepares the learner towards using what they have acquired and engage in official situations where they are expected to work with people of authority and higher standing. Given the hierarchical nature of Japanese culture, this course will facilitate a learner’s successful integration into the Japanese workforce.
Upon completion of Basic 5, a learner would have gained basic knowledge to prepare for JLPT N4 Exams.
Within one year since I started Basic Japanese 1 at NCF, I was able to meet new friends, experience Japanese culture at the annual Open House, and participate in a Japanese speech contest. Because of these experiences, what was initially a hobby soon became a life-changing passion. To this day, my mentors at NCF continue to be my source of inspiration and motivation in my studies. I hope that aspiring Japanese language learners who will also be joining NCF get to experience the same fulfilling journey that I have had.
I started learning nihongo in 2000 simply because I married a Japanese and had to deal with the school requirements of my son.
I never thought of this as a career. But my teachers in NCF inspired me to be one because of their holistic approach. They just don’t teach but they also personally attend to your needs by motivating you to get better and generously share how to deal with different situations using the language. My teachers from Basic, Intermediate 1-4, even the Teacher Training Course have that passion to make the nihongo learning journey of each student meaningful and productive.
Intermediate Japanese Courses
Provides approximate coverage of topics in preparation for JLPT N3 and N2. Students will study practical techniques in reading, writing and speaking Japanese and will be exposed to more training in the usage of higher-level Nihongo expressions.
Intermediate Japanese 1
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
The first intermediate or advanced course encourages learners to regularly converse with native speakers and fellow learners to facilitate cultural exchange between everyone involved.
Intermediate Japanese 2
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
This course provides scenarios that challenge the learner, such as various forms of asking for directions, providing detailed explanations or convincing another person to take a prescribed course of action.
Intermediate Japanese 3
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
The lessons in this course teach the learner important aspects of Japanese culture, such as: offering a humble apology or clearing up minor misunderstandings. The level of communication for this section demands some level of skill and social calibration.
Upon completion of Intermediate 3, a learner would have gained basic knowledge to prepare for JLPT N3 Exams.
Intermediate Japanese 4
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
This course encourages the learner to take a look at the merits of storytelling. Stories that encourage and motivate are just what every learner needs to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and the language.
Intermediate Japanese 5
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
The focus for this course is on conversation. Conflict resolution, brainstorming and the classic small talk start out and end differently, yet follow almost the same rules for their progress, regardless of the relationships involved.
Intermediate Japanese 6
In-Person Classes: 64 Hours
This course brings us to the level of what every language learner aspires for: Self-expression with a purpose. Job interviews. Speech contests, debates and presentations. What would make for a good topic? Integrating all the skills learned from the entirety of the intermediate courses, the learner would be able to state and defend positions, encourage and convince different audiences.
Upon completion of Intermediate 6, a learner would have gained basic knowledge to prepare for JLPT N2 Exams
I know that through NCF, I will be provided the appropriate resources I need to enhance my Japanese language skills, I will be made accountable for my learning progress, and I will have the chance to rediscover my passion for the Japanese language. After attending several courses at NCF, I gained not only the knowledge but also the confidence to once again take the JLPT, and this time, pass the test that I was aiming for.
My time studying at the Nihongo Center Foundation was vital in achieving my goal of living in Japan. It was here that I was finally able to seriously study Nihongo. There were other language schools that I had tried, but none were as good. NCF is a place not only to study the Japanese language but also a place to appreciate the Japanese culture. They also provide information on scholarship and job opportunities related to Japan. Through the kindness and help of the sensei and staff at NCF, I was able to successfully apply for the MEXT scholarship. I will always be grateful for that.
Conversational Japanese
Conversational Japanese 1
26 Hours Online
A beginner’s conversational course designed to enable students to acquire practical communication skills for every-day situations. It involves extensive listening and speaking exercises based on Lessons 1 to 10 of the coursebook “Marugoto Japanese Language & Culture A1” endorsed by The Japan Foundation. Topics include: Myself, Food, Home, Daily Life. The course does not include reading and writing Japanese characters.
Conversational Japanese 2
26 Hours Online
This is a continuation of the Conversational Japanese 1 course. It covers Lessons 11 to 18 of the “Marugoto Japanese Language & Culture A1” coursebook. Topics include: Holidays, Towns, Shopping. Reading and writing in Japanese are not covered.
Simple everyday situations such as buying at a store or ordering at restaurant and their staff speaking to me in keigo (polite form); had I not studied basic keigo back at NCF, I would’ve just stared at the staff politely with a puzzled look on my face. But I was able to comprehend it perfectly, and only in the first few months of moving here. That is the advantage of having a good amount proficiency and a solid foundation of the language.
I have been fascinated by anything related to Japan since I was a child. Thanks to Nihongo Center Foundation, I was able to not only learn about the Japanese language but also about the culture of Japan. I have been a student of NCF since my grade school days, so the teachers and staff members have all become like family to me. Even until now that I am in my second undergraduate studies, they are still looking after me by helping me achieve one of my dreams in life through one of their scholarship offers – to study at a university in Japan.
Special Courses
After passing N2, go even higher. Aim to pass the highest level N1. To prepare you for the N1 test, we offer N1 review course and one-on-one tutorials.
N2合格後は、ぜひ最高レベルのN1を目指してください。N1受験準備には、当校の「N1受験対策コース」や「１対１の個人レッスン」をご活用ください。
One-on-One Tutorials
Students who wish to practice Nihongo at their own pace can apply for one-on-one tutorials. This arrangement is particularly useful for returning residents who have studied or worked in Japan and would need specialized training to brush up, begin or advance their Japanese language skills under a personalized scheme. The tutorial objectives, scope, schedule and expectations will be agreed upon by the student and instructors. NCF recommends Filipino teachers of Nihongo for beginners, semi-native Japanese instructors for intermediate-level learners and a native Japanese to tutor advanced students.
マイペースで勉強したい方には、１対１の個人指導をお勧めします。特に日本での留学や仕事の経験があり、帰国後も日本語に磨きをかけ、より高いレベルの日本語を自分に合った方法で身に付けたい方に最適です。授業の目的、教材、スケジュール、到達目標などは事前に教師と話し合って決めていただきます。初級レベルの方にはフィリピン人教師、中級レベルの方にはハーフか日本人教師、上級レベルの方には日本人教師をお勧めします。
JLPT Exams Review Classes
Students preparing to take Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT-N4, N3, N2 and N1) can enroll in review classes featuring intensive practice tests and mock exams. All instructors of these review classes are certified JLPT passers or native Japanese sensei. Review classes are offered only twice yearly, each requiring 60 classroom hours.
日本語能力試験 (JLPT-N4, N3, N2 and N1)の受験準備は、定評あるレベル別試験対策コースにお任せください。毎回、本番と同じ形式の練習問題や模擬試験を使って実践力を養います。担当講師は全員JLPT合格者で、N1は日本人教師が担当します。試験対策コースは年２回開講し、各コースは合計６０時間です。
Translation Course
Two types of translation courses are offered: Japanese to English (J-E) and English to Japanese (E-J). The J-E course is conducted by a Filipino instructor highly proficient in English with good reading comprehension of Nihongo. The EJ class, on the other hand, is handled by a native Japanese with good reading comprehension skills in English. Both courses are designed to train a learner translate various texts, including business letters and legal documents.
翻訳コースには２種類あり、日本語を英語に翻訳する「日英コース」は、日本語の読解力の高いフィリピン人が担当し、英語を日本語に翻訳する「英日コース」は英語の読解力の高い日本人が担当します。どちらのコースでもビジネスレターや法律文書を含めさまざまなテキストを翻訳する練習をします。
Business Japanese
The NCF Business Nihongo course is designed to train business people use polite Nihongo in business situations, read and write business correspondences, specifically for JLPT N3 + passers planning to work for a Japanese company or engage with Japanese clients. The instructor and teaching materials will be determined based on specific objectives, as well as Nihongo proficiency of learners. The program involves at least 60 class hours.
「ビジネス日本語コース」では、日本人との商談に必要なビジネス敬語とビジネス文書の読み書きを学びます。中級レベル（JLPT N3合格）以上で、日本企業への就職をお考えの方や日本人と直接日本語でビジネスをしたい方に最適なコースです。コースの総時間数は60時間以上で、講師と教材は学習者の目標と日本語能力を考慮してお決めします。
Through the discipline I learned from their full-time Japanese Language and Culture program, I realized my dream of attaining a master’s degree in Japan and developed a plentiful number of personal and professional relationships along the way. Their lessons, mentoring and wisdom have certainly enriched my life and I will forever be grateful for the trust and guidance they have extended to me.
宜しくお願いします。
PIJLC paved a solid growth path for my future. The institution not only taught me the Japanese language and culture, but my senseis and founders (daisempais) instilled discipline and unleashed my inner strengths to pass JLPT Level 2 (later on Level 1), place 3rd at Nihongo Speech Contest, and gain scholarship and pursue advanced studies in engineering in Japan. After graduating at Tokyo Metropolitan University, I was interviewed and offered jobs at local Japanese companies. Today, in conducting business and building E-commerce innovations in Japan and around the world, I continue to leverage the Japanese language skills and cultural competence the way PIJLC have educated me.
奨学金
Scholarships
NCF provides tuition fee scholarships for outstanding students. It also facilitates applications for scholarships offered by correspondent universities in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours are required to complete a course?
- Until otherwise revised, the classroom hours prescribed by Course is as follows:
Basic Japanese 1 (76 Hours In-Person Classes or 66 Hours Online Classes)
Basic Japanese 2 (64 Hours In-Person Classes or 54 Hours Online Classes)
Basic Japanese 3 (64 Hours In-Person Classes or 54 Hours Online Classes)
Basic Japanese 4 (64 Hours In-Person Classes or 54 Hours Online Classes)
Basic Japanese 5 (64 Hours In-Person Classes or 54 Hours Online Classes)
Intermediate Japanese 1 (64 Hours In-Person Classes)
Intermediate Japanese 2 (64 Hours In-Person Classes)
Intermediate Japanese 3 (64 Hours In-Person Classes)
Intermediate Japanese 4 (64 Hours In-Person Classes)
Intermediate Japanese 5 (64 Hours In-Person Classes)
Intermediate Japanese 6 (64 Hours In-Person Classes)
Conversational Japanese 1 (26 Hours Online)
Conversational Japanese 1 (26 Hours Online)
- In-Person Classes are usually held Mondays to Saturdays at various times, such as: 09:00 AM to 12:00 noon; 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM; 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Online Class schedules are more flexible. Inquire now.
- Typically, regular classes are scheduled on either three sessions, two sessions, or one session per week.
- Based on the foregoing schedule, sessions configured on thrice weekly basis can be completed in three (3) months, while those scheduled twice or once weekly can be completed in four (4) and five (5) months respectively.
What aspects of the Japanese language are taught in NCF?
- Reading (hiragana, katakana, kanji)
- Writing (hiragana, katakana, kanji)
- Listening comprehension
- Conversation
How many kanji characters are taught at NCF/PIJLC
- Approximately 20 or 30 Kanji characters are expected to be memorized for each course level.
- There are over 2,000 Kanji for general use. Obviously, writing and reading these Kanji will require much time for practice and memorization.
- For JLPT N5 and N4, listening and reading competencies are described, as follows:
JLPT N3
Reading – Typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji
Listening – Conversations about topics encountered in daily life and classroom situations
JLPT N4
Reading – Passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji
Listening – Conversations about topics encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents
https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/levelsummary.html
How do I practice what I learn in class?
You can practice what you learn in class by having conversations in Nihongo with other Nihongo-speaking people, maybe your classmates or some Japanese friends.
You can also further enhance your Nihongo skills by watching Japanese movies, shows, dramas, and anime, listening to Japanese music, translating lyrics or articles from Japanese to English (and vice-versa), etc.
What is the NCF grading system?
- The final grade is the sum of a student’s
i) Midterm Examination Score = 40%; and
ii) Final Examination Score = 60% - Examination Scores are broken down as follows:
Grammar (Bunpou 文法) 100
Reading (Dokkai 読解) 30
Writing (Moji 文字) 30
Listening (Choukai 聴解) 40
TOTAL: 200 - Students who obtain a final grade of 120 may enroll in the next level.
- Students who fail to take the midterm exams must obtain a grade of 150 in the final exams to qualify for enrollment in the next level.
- No make-up or late tests will be allowed.