OMG Japan trip in 2 months! The "Must Know Before You Go" Crash Course

OMG Japan trip in 2 months! Crash Course

Learn the phrases you’ll absolutely need to know when visiting Japan by practicing scenarios live!

This class is entirely speaking-based. If you choose one of the cheatsheet options, you’ll get a phonetic (non-romaji) version as well. Obviously, it’s better for you if you can read the kana character system but it’s not a requirement.

 

For all classes, Office Hours (Hold my hand option) are online Wednesdays 7:30 – 8PM Central.

Please sign up 3 hours or more before the first class. Sessions may be cancelled/moved if there are no students.

2025 In-person

[Session 5 In-person] Sept 4, Sept 11, Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9
5:30 – 6:30PM
Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library (1150 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)

2025 Online

[Session 2 Online] Fridays 11:30AM – 12:30PM Central Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28, Apr 4, Apr 11
Mondays 7:30PM – 8:30PM Central Mar 3, Mar 10, Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7

[Session 5 Online] Mondays, Wednesdays 8:30 – 9PM Central
Aug 11, Aug 14, Aug 25, Aug 27, Sept 3, Sept 8, Sept 10, Sept 15, Sept 17, Sept 22, Sept 24, Sept 29

 

Choose how much help you need learning

  • Leave me alone
    For those who have an amazing memory and are diligent about studying often.

    You'll practice on your own and ask questions in class or through our private Discord Japanese learning community.
  • Check in on me (Recommended)
    For those who need feedback on how they're doing but can otherwise study regularly by themselves.

    You'll get the cheatsheet PDF and audio, audio practice review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community.

    If you're signing up for in-person, you'll also receive the laminated cheatsheet.
  • Hold my hand
    For those who have trouble sticking to a study schedule or who need more ways to study.

    You'll get the cheatsheet PDF and audio, Japan Planned Packed Primed PDFs, weekly 30-minute online Office Hours, audio practice review and access to our private Discord Japanese learning community.

    If you're signing up for in-person, you'll also receive the laminated cheatsheet and printed copies of the 2-book Japan Planned, Packed, Primed.
 

Discounts

Each additional person for the same class option is 75% off.
Online class: Use code GOJPNLMA (Leave me alone), GOJPNCIOM (Check in on me) or GOJPNHMH (Hold my hand).
In-person class: Use code GOJPNLMAIP (Leave me alone), GOJPNCIOMIP (Check in on me) or GOJPNHMHIP (Hold my hand).

If you're attending in person, please note you'll only get 1 cheatsheet printout (Check in on me option) or 1 cheatsheet printout and hard copies of the 2 books (Hold my hand option) to share between all individuals included under the discount.

Description

If all you want to do is learn enough Japanese for your trip to Japan and you don’t plan on ever diving into the Japanese language, then this is the course for you.

When you choose the Check in on me option or the Hold my hand option, phonetic pronunciation sheet is provided for the phrases we’ll cover. It’s not in romaji. It uses American English words you already know to help you pronounce the sounds accurately. (Too many people mistake the pronunciation when reading romaji. In fact, I don’t teach Japanese using it at all!)

Who can join?

This class is geared towards adult learning speeds but younger students are welcome. (Children younger than 12 must join the class with an adult.)

While I normally make sure younger students have everything available to help them learn, as adults, you know how much support you need when picking up something new. You can choose the option that works best for you.

This was a great start! Where can I learn more?

If you have the time to study properly and learn kana or already know the kana characters, grab the full book Japan Planned, Packed, Primed.

Can the laminated cheatsheet (Check in on me option) or laminated cheatsheet and hard copies of the 2 books (Hold my hand option) be mailed to me?

I’m setting up places where you can order them. Me getting them printed and then mailing it to you would be more expensive for you right now.

Soon you’ll be able to order the books through Amazon and have them printed and shipped to you.

As for the cheatsheet, I’m testing a few options. It will be a separate link and not a part of this course.

Additional information

Schedules FAQ

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE A FEW OF THE CLASSES TO DIFFERENT DAYS/TIMES?
The schedules listed at the top of the page do not have wiggle room except:
— when there is one student or one family in the class
— when the class hasn't started yet.

We can change the weekdays/times 1 time. Once we decide on a new schedule, we won't be able to change it. This is to help us not forget when we're meeting up and give the class a dedicated time slot.

If there isn't one set up currently (or at a place where I offer classes), contact me and we may be able to start as soon as the next week.

WHAT IF I CAN'T ATTEND SOME OF THE CLASSES?
— If you bought the version with worksheets or guides, review the material for the missed class. Practice with the video and/or audio if it also comes with it. What we learn builds on top of things from previous classes so definitely plenty of review. You can also ask questions in Discord.

— You might be able to attend the in-person class if you're in the online class and the online class if you're in the in-person class. It might not be possible if the classes are moving at different speeds. But, please reach out as soon as you know which class you will be missing so you can join on the right day.

— If you need to stop half way through the session you're signed up to take, please let me know as soon as you know so you can continue from where you left off in a different session.

WHEN CAN I MAKE UP THE MISSED CLASSES?
— I do not offer make-up classes or allow classes to be moved except for the situations mentioned in the first question above. There are just too many classes and I only have so much time each week to fit everyone in, create materials and review homework. (Each reschedule or adding a make-up class takes at least 25 minutes between figuring out a time that fits both our schedules, checking for conflicts on the current calendar, moving/creating the event and possibly asking other students if they would be able to move their lessons.)

On occasion, I may agree to move or hold an additional class but more than likely I won't be able. So, please sign up for the classes that fit in your schedule or if it was set to your schedule, make sure you're available all of those days.
Topics

— Versatile travel phrases
— Buying things
— Ordering food
— Japanese language troubles
— General etiquette
— Health issues

Return policy

Refunds possible (restrictions apply): see specifics under In-person courses in the Refund and Returns Policy.

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