Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan
Japan Foundation learning materials for practical communication, with audio and downloadable resources.
Languages Japanese
Japanese
Language Programme
Build Japanese from kana and first conversations towards more independent everyday comprehension.
JLPT N5 · JLPT N4 · JLPT N3
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Registration closed
We are preparing our upcoming course intake. Course dates and registration information will be published here when available.
Programme overview
A foundation for
using Japanese.
The Japanese programme begins with hiragana and katakana, then develops kanji, vocabulary and sentence patterns alongside everyday communication. Reading and listening targets follow the JLPT sequence from N5 through N4 to N3.
Online and onsite study also includes speaking and writing, so that exam-related knowledge has a practical use. Tasks gradually move from familiar short exchanges to connected conversations and longer texts.
Japanese writing systems take regular practice. The outlines balance sound, script and grammar without promising a fixed time to fluency or treating an exam label as a complete measure of communication.
Who this programme is for
Beginners and continuing learners who want structured Japanese study with clear script, comprehension and communication goals.
JLPT N5, N4 and N3 describe different reading, listening and language-knowledge targets. The JLPT does not directly test speaking or writing. CEFR references on qualifying score reports have limited scope; these courses are not advertised as blanket CEFR equivalents.
What you will learn
Review the starting point, language skills and intended outcomes at each stage.
JLPT N5Japanese foundations
Learn the core writing systems and simple Japanese patterns for introductions and familiar everyday exchanges.
Starting knowledge
No previous Japanese or knowledge of kana is required.
Learning objectives
- Read hiragana and katakana and begin recognising common kanji.
- Understand familiar short sentences and carefully spoken exchanges.
- Use basic polite Japanese to communicate personal information.
Speaking
Introduce yourself, ask simple questions and manage brief exchanges about time, places and everyday needs.
Listening
Understand short, carefully paced dialogues containing familiar words and expressions.
Reading
Read kana, familiar introductory kanji and short basic sentences with support.
Writing
Form kana, practise introductory kanji and write simple sentences about familiar topics.
Grammar & language focus
- Hiragana, katakana and introductory kanji
- Sound length, rhythm and pronunciation
- Basic particles and polite sentence endings
- Common verb and adjective forms
- Introductions, numbers, time, places and daily activities
Indicative structure
The outline starts with sound and script, then combines basic grammar with short reading, listening and conversation tasks. Script practice continues throughout; confirmed hours and materials are to be announced.
Resources & materials
- Kana and introductory kanji practice
- Short listening passages and graded reading
- Vocabulary records and sentence-pattern exercises
Completion expectations
Work towards basic Japanese comprehension and supported everyday exchanges. Course completion does not award a JLPT N5 qualification.
JLPT N4Everyday Japanese
Extend basic Japanese into familiar daily situations, with more connected sentences and a wider reading vocabulary.
Starting knowledge
An N5 foundation, including kana reading, introductory kanji, basic particles and familiar polite verb forms.
Learning objectives
- Understand straightforward everyday texts with familiar vocabulary.
- Follow common conversations when speech is clear and relatively slow.
- Describe activities and plans using a wider range of sentence patterns.
Speaking
Describe routines and past events, make requests and explain simple plans or preferences.
Listening
Follow the flow of familiar everyday conversations and identify practical information.
Reading
Read short passages, messages and notices using further kanji and familiar grammar.
Writing
Write connected short accounts and practical messages with attention to particles and verb forms.
Grammar & language focus
- Further kanji and vocabulary in context
- Plain and polite forms
- Te-form patterns, permissions and requests
- Reasons, comparisons and common sentence links
- Daily life, travel, services and personal plans
Indicative structure
The outline revisits basic forms and introduces longer dialogues and short connected texts. Practical speaking and writing develop alongside JLPT-related comprehension; final delivery details will be announced.
Resources & materials
- Short everyday reading and listening tasks
- Kanji and vocabulary revision
- Verb-form practice and writing prompts
Completion expectations
Aim to understand and use a wider range of basic Japanese in familiar contexts. A JLPT result requires a separate official examination.
JLPT N3Developing everyday comprehension
Bridge basic study and more demanding everyday Japanese through longer texts, connected speech and a wider range of expressions.
Starting knowledge
An N4 foundation with secure kana, developing kanji recognition, common verb forms and everyday comprehension.
Learning objectives
- Follow the main ideas of everyday conversations at a more natural pace.
- Read connected texts and identify supporting details.
- Explain experiences and ideas with more developed sentences.
Speaking
Discuss familiar experiences, explain decisions and ask for clarification in sustained everyday exchanges.
Listening
Follow connected dialogues and distinguish key information, intention and sequence.
Reading
Read longer everyday passages, correspondence and practical information, using context to support unfamiliar vocabulary.
Writing
Organise short connected accounts and explanations while extending kanji use and written accuracy.
Grammar & language focus
- Expanded kanji and vocabulary in meaningful contexts
- Connected clauses and common intermediate grammar
- Differences in register and expression
- Reading for main ideas, reference and detail
- Study, daily work, social situations and personal experiences
Indicative structure
Longer comprehension tasks alternate with discussion, vocabulary work and written responses. The final syllabus, teaching hours and assessment method will be published before registration opens.
Resources & materials
- Connected listening and longer reading activities
- Kanji review and grammar in context
- Discussion prompts and writing plans
Completion expectations
Work towards the comprehension described by an N3 learning target while developing productive skills separately. An N3 label alone does not certify speaking or writing ability.
Course structure
Choose live online classes or onsite study in Lahore. The timetable, course length and assessment arrangements will be published with each intake.
| Course detail | JLPT N5 | JLPT N4 | JLPT N3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
| Classes per week | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
| Class duration | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
| Teaching format | Live online and onsite in Lahore | Live online and onsite in Lahore | Live online and onsite in Lahore |
| Expected self-study | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
| Assessment | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
| Course materials | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
Course fees
| Course level | Online | Onsite |
|---|---|---|
| JLPT N5 | PKR 30,000 | PKR 40,000 |
| JLPT N4 | PKR 40,000 | PKR 50,000 |
| JLPT N3 | PKR 80,000 | PKR 90,000 |
Tuition is per course level. Required materials and payment arrangements will be confirmed with intake details. External examinations are booked separately.
Entry requirements
- JLPT N5: no previous knowledge of Japanese is required.
- For a later level, you should have completed the preceding stage or have comparable knowledge. Review the starting knowledge in each course outline.
- For online attendance, you need a reliable internet connection, a microphone and a device suitable for reading course materials. Specific platform requirements will accompany the intake announcement.
- Onsite classes are planned in Lahore. Venue and timetable information will be announced before registration opens.
- Any additional eligibility requirements and the process for confirming your starting level will be published before registration opens.
Read the admissions guide for registration steps and current course availability.
Learning resources
Reference material and practice to help you explore the language. Required course books and materials will be confirmed with intake details.
Explore resource
JLPT level descriptions
Official descriptions of what each JLPT level assesses.
JLPT and CEFR references
Read the limits of the CEFR reference information on JLPT score reports.
Learning resources
Guidance for script practice, reading, listening and independent study.