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Beginner Courses

Casual Japanese Conversation Course

I liked how each lesson used realistic examples and situations to practice the different grammar points. I was able to use what we learned in class right after class!
I liked how each lesson used realistic examples and situations to practice the different grammar points. I was able to use what we learned in class right after class!
The instructors were really kind and friendly so even though I started at a low level, I finished the course with the confidence to speak in public. I’m not embarrassed to have conversations anymore.
The instructors were really kind and friendly so even though I started at a low level, I finished the course with the confidence to speak in public. I’m not embarrassed to have conversations anymore.
Take a little vacation from textbook studying! You won't regret it. You'll have well-experienced instructors. Their courses will definitely help you in your studies and build confidence in your Japanese abilities.
Take a little vacation from textbook studying! You won’t regret it. You’ll have well-experienced instructors. Their courses will definitely help you in your studies and build confidence in your Japanese abilities.
The structure of the course is fun and effective with little warm-ups, vocabulary overview and the grammar of the day. Plus, the casual environment makes it more inviting and relaxing.
The structure of the course is fun and effective with little warm-ups, vocabulary overview and the grammar of the day. Plus, the casual environment makes it more inviting and relaxing.
In my case, this course, together with some self-study for background on basic grammar, yielded excellent results and fast. Especially when compared to more traditional learning methods.
In my case, this course, together with some self-study for background on basic grammar, yielded excellent results and fast. Especially when compared to more traditional learning methods.
The course was fun and used real-life examples of conversations from a Japanese TV show, which was an unconventional yet intriguing way of learning. It covered all main aspects of language learning, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, and even games and fun warm-up activities. There was not a single moment where I felt bored throughout the course.
The course was fun and used real-life examples of conversations from a Japanese TV show, which was an unconventional yet intriguing way of learning. It covered all main aspects of language learning, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, and even games and fun warm-up activities. There was not a single moment where I felt bored throughout the course.
I liked learning natural responses and intonation for casual conversation. That's something that's always made me nervous when speaking in public.
I liked learning natural responses and intonation for casual conversation. That’s something that’s always made me nervous when speaking in public.
I really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and didn't feel afraid to ask questions. There was an open peer-learning vibe that I really appreciated.
I really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and didn’t feel afraid to ask questions. There was an open peer-learning vibe that I really appreciated.
I liked that there were 2 instructors with different backgrounds so that we could hear how each person heard each phrase or word used in their own experiences.
I liked that there were 2 instructors with different backgrounds so that we could hear how each person heard each phrase or word used in their own experiences.
I enjoyed learning the difference between textbook and real-world Japanese. Now I understand how much abbreviation is going on in everyday life and I can pick up on more of what's going on around me.
I enjoyed learning the difference between textbook and real-world Japanese. Now I understand how much abbreviation is going on in everyday life and I can pick up on more of what’s going on around me.
When you study Japanese, everything is focused on perfection and test-taking but after this course, I’m actually able to use Japanese to make things happen in my life and not just get high scores.
When you study Japanese, everything is focused on perfection and test-taking but after this course, I’m actually able to use Japanese to make things happen in my life and not just get high scores.
I ‘ve been to a formal language school as well as JLMI and I honestly think the JLMI course was just more accurate to real, spoken Japanese. It’s good to have basic knowledge of Japanese before you start this course, but when you’re ready to learn how to speak conversational Japanese, this course is the way to go!
I ‘ve been to a formal language school as well as JLMI and I honestly think the JLMI course was just more accurate to real, spoken Japanese. It’s good to have basic knowledge of Japanese before you start this course, but when you’re ready to learn how to speak conversational Japanese, this course is the way to go!
Bill and Karin were fun and nice. They really made me feel like I could laugh and enjoy the lesson without the pressure of being super formal and just be myself.
Bill and Karin were fun and nice. They really made me feel like I could laugh and enjoy the lesson without the pressure of being super formal and just be myself.
The instructors were reassuringly conversational in nature which felt like much more realistic practice than just repeating phrases from a book.
The instructors were reassuringly conversational in nature which felt like much more realistic practice than just repeating phrases from a book.
I liked that the course used real-world, casual Japanese as the baseline, instead of textbooks or overly polite speech.
I liked that the course used real-world, casual Japanese as the baseline, instead of textbooks or overly polite speech.
Even if your speaking is shaky, you get reassurance from experts who push you in the right direction, not just give you the answer. You'll leave the lesson feeling like you can try out new sentences right away.
Even if your speaking is shaky, you get reassurance from experts who push you in the right direction, not just give you the answer. You’ll leave the lesson feeling like you can try out new sentences right away.
Everyone at JLMI is extremely friendly and this is a great blend of pop content and fun language learning.
Everyone at JLMI is extremely friendly and this is a great blend of pop content and fun language learning.
Learning casually online instead of in a more formal setting like a classroom felt really relaxing and helped me stress less and get more meaninful practice in.
Learning casually online instead of in a more formal setting like a classroom felt really relaxing and helped me stress less and get more meaninful practice in.
At JLMI, it was super fun, super casual, and we used a lot of realistic phrases that I could take from the class and use immediately in my real life.
At JLMI, it was super fun, super casual, and we used a lot of realistic phrases that I could take from the class and use immediately in my real life.
Since I do not have a partner to practice with at home, I was very happy to practice everything I studied with other learners in real time, make mistakes together and enjoy the time we spent learning.
Since I do not have a partner to practice with at home, I was very happy to practice everything I studied with other learners in real time, make mistakes together and enjoy the time we spent learning.

Advanced Courses

Japanese for Professionals Course

「あ、これは『どうして 日本人はそんなふうに書いた』の理由なんだ」を学ぶ機会が あって、この授業は本当に 役に立ちました。
「あ、これは『どうして 日本人はそんなふうに書いた』の理由なんだ」を学ぶ機会が あって、この授業は本当に 役に立ちました。
文章を書く能力が上がった 気がします。普段あまり読書 しないので、そのせいで書く 自信もありませんでした。 プロから色んなアドバイスを もらって、今後の文書に 活かせます。
文章を書く能力が上がった 気がします。普段あまり読書 しないので、そのせいで書く 自信もありませんでした。 プロから色んなアドバイスを もらって、今後の文書に 活かせます。
The teachers are helpful and do not only teach language skills, but also how to think like a native Japanese speaker which is so important.
The teachers are helpful and do not only teach language skills, but also how to think like a native Japanese speaker which is so important.
I feel that after this course, I am able to better understand the Japanese way of thinking. I can read more between the lines and determine the actual message instead of stressing about every individual word.
I feel that after this course, I am able to better understand the Japanese way of thinking. I can read more between the lines and determine the actual message instead of stressing about every individual word.
カリキュラムに無駄な 内容がないのがよい。 また、講師たちが理論的に丁寧に（そして、とても やさしく）教えてくれた のがうれしかった。
カリキュラムに無駄な 内容がないのがよい。 また、講師たちが理論的に丁寧に（そして、とても やさしく）教えてくれた のがうれしかった。
This course is good for those who wish to improve their reading and writing skills. You can receive constructive feedback from the teachers.
This course is good for those who wish to improve their reading and writing skills. You can receive constructive feedback from the teachers.
自分の考えを日本語で もっと気楽に発信出来る ようなるためのコース。 初めて習うことが多いけれども、日本語を母国語のように 書く、伝える知識を得られる。講師が二人とも明るく、 経験豊富で説明がとても 分かりやすい。
自分の考えを日本語で もっと気楽に発信出来る ようなるためのコース。 初めて習うことが多いけれども、日本語を母国語のように 書く、伝える知識を得られる。講師が二人とも明るく、 経験豊富で説明がとても 分かりやすい。
It was helpful listening to the lectures and I definitely picked up new words. Most useful though was the insight into how Japanese is written, and how to be more effective as a writer.
It was helpful listening to the lectures and I definitely picked up new words. Most useful though was the insight into how Japanese is written, and how to be more effective as a writer.
The teachers are kind and the course is well designed. It's definitely not generic, nor text-book based. It's a great chance to learn something.
The teachers are kind and the course is well designed. It’s definitely not generic, nor text-book based. It’s a great chance to learn something.
We worked with business articles, newspapers, magazine columns, etc. and then shifted to novels and essays. So there was a good mix of points that are useful in both business and leisure scenarios.
We worked with business articles, newspapers, magazine columns, etc. and then shifted to novels and essays. So there was a good mix of points that are useful in both business and leisure scenarios.
The goal of language is communication. For that to happen, we need to use words that get our points across. I learned that it's not big words and long sentences that make you a good speaker. It's the ability to be brief and to the point that make a good speaker, an intelligent person.
The goal of language is communication. For that to happen, we need to use words that get our points across. I learned that it’s not big words and long sentences that make you a good speaker. It’s the ability to be brief and to the point that make a good speaker, an intelligent person.
The most fun part was the homework! It was great to focus and try writing something on my own and get feedback as well. We got different prompts each week so we learned how to produce all different kinds of writing styles.
The most fun part was the homework! It was great to focus and try writing something on my own and get feedback as well. We got different prompts each week so we learned how to produce all different kinds of writing styles.
I really enjoyed the student and instructor discussions that we had. There were lots of debates on word choice and nuance that I had never even considered before.
I really enjoyed the student and instructor discussions that we had. There were lots of debates on word choice and nuance that I had never even considered before.
日本の文芸、作品、記事など に関する文化が学べますので、日本語力が自然に 上手になったと思います。
日本の文芸、作品、記事など に関する文化が学べますので、日本語力が自然に 上手になったと思います。
日本語力の同級者がいたので、自分のレベルもちょっと ゲージすることができました。緊張感が解かれて、 楽に話し合いができました。
日本語力の同級者がいたので、自分のレベルもちょっと ゲージすることができました。緊張感が解かれて、 楽に話し合いができました。
日本語をうまく使えるように 色んな方法を通して勉強 したいと思っているので、 JLMIのコースもその一つで、 いい勉強になりました。
日本語をうまく使えるように 色んな方法を通して勉強 したいと思っているので、 JLMIのコースもその一つで、 いい勉強になりました。
I think the small class size provides a good chance to develop relationships with the teachers who are approachable and leave plenty of time for questions. They always make sure we understand and confirm any points we are finding difficult.
I think the small class size provides a good chance to develop relationships with the teachers who are approachable and leave plenty of time for questions. They always make sure we understand and confirm any points we are finding difficult.
受講する人数が少ないので、 心配でしたが、ちょうど 良かったです。そのおかげで 課題とクラス内の話をちゃんと見てもらったと感じました。
受講する人数が少ないので、 心配でしたが、ちょうど 良かったです。そのおかげで 課題とクラス内の話をちゃんと見てもらったと感じました。
The homework was always interesting. The teachers were also kind and always left time for questions. I also appreciated the teachers’ feedback on homework.
The homework was always interesting. The teachers were also kind and always left time for questions. I also appreciated the teachers’ feedback on homework.
I enjoyed analyzing different pieces of real Japanese news and ads. It helped me to understand how they were created from the Japanese point of view. I really liked the corrections of our writings. I learned that speaking and writing Japanese doesn’t have to be complicated.
I enjoyed analyzing different pieces of real Japanese news and ads. It helped me to understand how they were created from the Japanese point of view. I really liked the corrections of our writings. I learned that speaking and writing Japanese doesn’t have to be complicated.
日本語で文書を 書くコツを非常に楽しく 学べた。言葉の選び方の ポイントが理解できた ので自信を持って 日本語を書ける ようになった。
日本語で文書を 書くコツを非常に楽しく 学べた。言葉の選び方の ポイントが理解できた ので自信を持って 日本語を書ける ようになった。
I really liked the two teachers. They were kind and supportive, but also knowledgeable. I really looked forward to the classes.
I really liked the two teachers. They were kind and supportive, but also knowledgeable. I really looked forward to the classes.
「できていない」「間違っている」 ところを「怒る」のではなく、 参加者に日本語のライティング、 リーディングにとにかく 「自信を付けさせる」という ユニークなやり方。日本語の学習にありがちな漢字と文法の暗記ばかり ではないところも非常によかった。 授業の雰囲気も楽しい。
「できていない」「間違っている」 ところを「怒る」のではなく、 参加者に日本語のライティング、 リーディングにとにかく 「自信を付けさせる」という ユニークなやり方。日本語の学習にありがちな漢字と文法の暗記ばかり ではないところも非常によかった。 授業の雰囲気も楽しい。
I'm more aware of the different writing styles of the author when I read any text now. This class also reassured me that when I read a sentence and don't understand it immediately, it's not that I am not good enough, it's possible that the wording is purposely confusing because of that author's style.
I’m more aware of the different writing styles of the author when I read any text now. This class also reassured me that when I read a sentence and don’t understand it immediately, it’s not that I am not good enough, it’s possible that the wording is purposely confusing because of that author’s style.
There's plenty of business Japanese courses out there but they're so focused on honorifics. I can learn that in a textbook. In this course, we learned how to write succinctly and effectively. It was such a practical and fresh approach to learning.
There’s plenty of business Japanese courses out there but they’re so focused on honorifics. I can learn that in a textbook. In this course, we learned how to write succinctly and effectively. It was such a practical and fresh approach to learning.

Special Interest Courses

Voice Acting in Japanese Course (Beginner & Advanced)

It is a good course to gauge what you are capable of linguistically and even though you might not want to be a voice actor professionally, you can learn lots of good tips on how to speak properly so either way, it is an excellent course.
It is a good course to gauge what you are capable of linguistically and even though you might not want to be a voice actor professionally, you can learn lots of good tips on how to speak properly so either way, it is an excellent course.
My favorite aspect of the course was the variation and interaction among participants, making it an exciting experience. The dynamic engagement with others added a unique dimension to the learning process.
My favorite aspect of the course was the variation and interaction among participants, making it an exciting experience. The dynamic engagement with others added a unique dimension to the learning process.
The knowledge that you get here is universal, meaning you can apply it to voice acting in other languages or even projects unrelated to voice acting. I think this makes this course worth the money.
The knowledge that you get here is universal, meaning you can apply it to voice acting in other languages or even projects unrelated to voice acting. I think this makes this course worth the money.
I loved the variety within the classes. Each week was about different genres and you really learned about the entire world of voice acting. I was able to fully understand the difficulty of learning Japanese as a foreigner as well as establish realistic expectations of working as a voice actor in Japan.
I loved the variety within the classes. Each week was about different genres and you really learned about the entire world of voice acting. I was able to fully understand the difficulty of learning Japanese as a foreigner as well as establish realistic expectations of working as a voice actor in Japan.
Jenya is the type of teacher who gives both positive and negative feedback on our performances which I think is the best style since you get to understand your strengths and weaknesses very clearly.
Jenya is the type of teacher who gives both positive and negative feedback on our performances which I think is the best style since you get to understand your strengths and weaknesses very clearly.
I enjoyed being able to network with other students, the variety of content we went over, and the positive stress-test of the final project.
I enjoyed being able to network with other students, the variety of content we went over, and the positive stress-test of the final project.
The instructor was cheerful and enthusiastic in presenting knowledge and information to the students in a clear and easily understandable manner. It is clear that she loves what she does and she wishes for her students the same enthusiasm and confidence necessary to become successful within the voice acting industry.
The instructor was cheerful and enthusiastic in presenting knowledge and information to the students in a clear and easily understandable manner. It is clear that she loves what she does and she wishes for her students the same enthusiasm and confidence necessary to become successful within the voice acting industry.
I like how Jenya-sensei shared information related to the voice-acting industry in Japan. She also teaches while giving examples so it's easier to understand. I also have new friends from this course and they are all awesome!
I like how Jenya-sensei shared information related to the voice-acting industry in Japan. She also teaches while giving examples so it’s easier to understand. I also have new friends from this course and they are all awesome!
I like how this course was so accessible! It was so practical to be able to learn so much about voice acting, its industry and Japanese linguistics, even if I am far away from Japan.
I like how this course was so accessible! It was so practical to be able to learn so much about voice acting, its industry and Japanese linguistics, even if I am far away from Japan.
I loved it. Instructors were chill. All the class material was presented really clearly with translations for everything. I didn’t realize how much I improved until it was over and I found myself having a conversation and not stressing myself out.
I loved it. Instructors were chill. All the class material was presented really clearly with translations for everything. I didn’t realize how much I improved until it was over and I found myself having a conversation and not stressing myself out.
I finished this course actually being able to say stupidly complicated sentences with only minimal mistakes! I finally feel like I'm making some language progress.
I finished this course actually being able to say stupidly complicated sentences with only minimal mistakes! I finally feel like I’m making some language progress.
Having the romaji voice acting scripts alongside the original Japanese scripts was really helpful to me as someone who is currently learning Japanese.
Having the romaji voice acting scripts alongside the original Japanese scripts was really helpful to me as someone who is currently learning Japanese.
The instructor was helpful and clear, really attentive and always made sure we understood the assignment. She also gave us time to practice pronunciation and acting for each script while also providing examples for us to use as reference when we didn’t get it right.
The instructor was helpful and clear, really attentive and always made sure we understood the assignment. She also gave us time to practice pronunciation and acting for each script while also providing examples for us to use as reference when we didn’t get it right.
This course is a one-of-a-kind experience that I have not seen anywhere else. I have seen many online acting classes and Japanese classes, but never a combination of the two. Plus, it is beginner-friendly!
This course is a one-of-a-kind experience that I have not seen anywhere else. I have seen many online acting classes and Japanese classes, but never a combination of the two. Plus, it is beginner-friendly!
As a beginner in the voice-acting field, I was really grateful for the teachers' honesty about the realistic pros and cons of the industry. It was really fulfilling information with examples and honest feedback.
As a beginner in the voice-acting field, I was really grateful for the teachers’ honesty about the realistic pros and cons of the industry. It was really fulfilling information with examples and honest feedback.
The course pushed everyone to bring their best, as we were asked to act live in the online session. In the end, everyone also produced their own audio reel, which was a great practical experience that I really appreciated.
The course pushed everyone to bring their best, as we were asked to act live in the online session. In the end, everyone also produced their own audio reel, which was a great practical experience that I really appreciated.
This course made my dreams of being a voice actor in Japan feel much more attainable! I loved learning helpful advice, not only about the acting and language aspects of my dream, but also about the industry and the logistics of coming to live in Japan as a foreigner.
This course made my dreams of being a voice actor in Japan feel much more attainable! I loved learning helpful advice, not only about the acting and language aspects of my dream, but also about the industry and the logistics of coming to live in Japan as a foreigner.
Jenya-sensei gave constructive, helpful criticism (some teachers are scared to say anything negative). This was very helpful because now I know what I should focus on.
Jenya-sensei gave constructive, helpful criticism (some teachers are scared to say anything negative). This was very helpful because now I know what I should focus on.
I was able to learn more about Japanese pronunciation which you would never get from a typical textbook or course. I was also able to understand the ways in which I could improve my pronunciation of Japanese words and allow for a more native-like tone and expression.
I was able to learn more about Japanese pronunciation which you would never get from a typical textbook or course. I was also able to understand the ways in which I could improve my pronunciation of Japanese words and allow for a more native-like tone and expression.
Living in the countryside, there aren’t many opportunities to practice my Japanese in a fun, stress-free environment so I was happy to join the group each week and catch up with everyone while learning at the same time.
Living in the countryside, there aren’t many opportunities to practice my Japanese in a fun, stress-free environment so I was happy to join the group each week and catch up with everyone while learning at the same time.
I really enjoyed learning about the different character archetypes, different types of voice acting, Jenya's firsthand experiences and especially receiving feedback on my own performances and listening to others’ to continue improving.
I really enjoyed learning about the different character archetypes, different types of voice acting, Jenya’s firsthand experiences and especially receiving feedback on my own performances and listening to others’ to continue improving.
The "team teaching" approach, one instructor with professional experience and one facilitating understanding and activities, felt like a very effective way of delivering the material and made it easy to get a clear and honest view of the voice acting industry.
The “team teaching” approach, one instructor with professional experience and one facilitating understanding and activities, felt like a very effective way of delivering the material and made it easy to get a clear and honest view of the voice acting industry.

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