Kokusai Class
- International Class -
セントルイス日本語教室
(St. Louis Japanese Language School)
Thank you for visiting the St. Louis Japanese Language School website! In addition to our Saturday classes for children of Japanese heritage, our school also offers International Classes for children without Japanese backgrounds, as well as Adult Classes for learners of all levels who are interested in the Japanese language and culture.
Our International Class is designed for children who are new to the Japanese language. In a fun, supportive environment, students develop foundational skills in speaking, reading, and writing while also experiencing traditional Japanese customs and seasonal events. Classes are held in small groups, allowing for personalized attention and steady progress.
We also offer Adult Classes for those who wish to learn Japanese for personal interest, travel, business, or cultural enrichment. Whether you are an absolute beginner or already have some experience, our classes are structured to match your level and goals. The class atmosphere is friendly and respectful, with opportunities to engage in both language and cultural learning.
Through both programs, we aim to foster not only language skills but also cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. We welcome students from all backgrounds and encourage everyone to explore the richness of the Japanese language and culture with us.
If you’re interested, please don't hesitate to contact us by email at yukiko.raak@stlnihongo.org for more information or to schedule a class visit. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Yukiko Raak
Principal
St. Louis Japanese Language School
Program Overview
Our International Class offers Japanese language and culture education for youth (ages 10–18) and adults (18+). Classes are held on Saturdays, following the Japanese school calendar (40–43 sessions per year). Each lesson is 60 minutes.
Class Schedule
【Youth Classes (Kokusai 1A/1B)】
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Introductory (9:30–10:30)
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Beginning (10:50–11:50)
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Intermediate (9:30–10:30)
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Advanced (10:50–11:50)
【Adult Classes (Kokusai 2)】
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Advanced: 9:00–10:00
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Intermediate: 10:10–11:10
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Beginning: 11:20–12:20
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Introductory: 12:30–1:30
Tuition
【Youth Classes (Kokusai 1A/1B)】
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Deposit: $50
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Initial Fee: $50
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Monthly Tuition: $65
【Adult Classes (Kokusai 2)】
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Deposit: $50
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Initial Fee: $50
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Monthly Tuition: $75
Note:
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The deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided all tuition has been paid.
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Tuition is charged regardless of attendance.
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Textbooks are not included in the tuition..
Location & Contact
Location: East Academic Building, Webster University
545 Garden Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Phone: 314-246-7750 (Saturdays only)
Email: yukiko.raak@stlnihongo.org
Kokusai 1A (Youth Class)
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Introductory - This beginner-friendly course introduces students with little or no Japanese experience to the basics of the language and culture. Students will learn hiragana, pronunciation, numbers (1–100), simple greetings, self-introductions, and essential daily vocabulary. The course also explores Japanese customs and major annual events, enriching cultural understanding.
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Beginning - This course is for students who have mastered hiragana and basic pronunciation. Students will learn katakana, improve natural pronunciation and intonation, and expand vocabulary for daily life. Topics include family, counting, shopping, and school life. The course also introduces Japanese customs and major annual events.
Kokusai 1B (Youth Class)
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Intermediate - This course focuses on practical language skills for daily life and public situations. Students will learn verb and adjective conjugations (including te-form), sentence structure, and question words like “what,” “when,” and “how.” The class also covers making polite requests, giving permission, and basic kanji writing practice.
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Advanced - This class helps students strengthen communication skills through real-life themes like travel, hobbies, and health. Emphasis is on practical speaking, listening, grammar, and kanji. Students will learn to express actions, desires, experiences, and reasons through role-plays, listening exercises, and presentations using natural speech.
Kokusai 2 (Adult Class)
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Introductory - This class provides students with a foundation for learning spoken and written Japanese and offers basic information about Japanese language and culture. Students learn basic Japanese characters, Hiragana and Katakana and basic phrases in daily communicative situations with lectures of the cultural background. (JLPT Level: N/A)
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Beginning - Students learn listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing, with emphasis on understanding and speaking. This course seeks to start developing all four language skills at the very elementary level: listening, speaking, writing and reading Japanese. The goal is fluency in the basic Japanese needed for everyday situations and the recognition of challenges in intercultural communication. (JLPT Level: 4-5)
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Intermediate - Students learn listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing, with emphasis on understanding and speaking. It consolidates grammar, vocabulary building, and development of conversational skill with group discussions, covering practical and cultural aspects of the language. Proceeds from the basic language of everyday situations to expressions of ideas and opinions, with the goal of achieving intermediate level fluency and basic intercultural competence. (JLPT Level: 3-4)
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Advanced - Presents an integrated picture of the social, economic, political, and cultural forces that have shaped the Japanese-speaking world. Includes a variety of audiovisual materials, guest speakers, and media articles and reports. (JLPT Level: 1-2)
