The rise of online education has made it easier for Canadians to learn the Japanese language. Online Japanese courses offer flexibility and convenience for those seeking to expand their language skills from the comfort of their homes.
In this article, we have curated a selection of the finest online Japanese courses to help you search for a course that suits you.
| Course Name | Students Enrolled | Reviews |
| Udemy – Complete Japanese Course: Learn Japanese for Beginners | 81,000+ | 50,000+ |
| Udemy – Online Japanese Beginner Course (All 12 lessons) | 28,000+ | 15,000+ |
| University of Toronto – Japanese Courses | 20,000+ | 12,000+ |
| Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre – Japanese Language Program for Adults | 35,000+ | 20,000+ |
| Vancouver Island University – Japanese Courses | 18,000+ | 8,000+ |
Udemy – Complete Japanese Course: Learn Japanese for Beginners
This comprehensive course will take you on a transformative language-learning journey, empowering you to communicate fluently and authentically in real-life situations in Japan.
Throughout this immersive course, you will embark on a fascinating adventure, mastering the intricacies of the Japanese language faster than you ever thought possible. It is designed to equip you with practical skills for everyday interactions.
The course covers many essential topics, including vocabulary, reading and writing, useful phrases, basic sentence structures, and even grammar rules often overlooked in other beginner courses.
This course is the first of a series thoughtfully designed to establish a robust foundation for your Japanese language proficiency. With this solid base, you’ll be able to confidently and proficiently advance your skills as a Japanese speaker.
Regardless of your purpose for learning Japanese, this course caters to all aspiring learners. So, if you’re looking to accelerate your Japanese language journey, Udemy’s Complete Japanese Course for Beginners is the perfect starting point.
Discover the course at this link.
Udemy – Online Japanese Beginner Course (All 12 lessons)
This Udemy course utilizes dynamic video materials to guide you through Japanese pronunciation and writing intricacies. From mastering the elegant hiragana and katakana scripts to delving into the nuances of daily greetings and expressions used in everyday life, you’ll swiftly gain confidence in communicating with native Japanese speakers.
One of the highlights of this course is the inclusion of a PDF file textbook, enabling you to practice writing hiragana and katakana as many times as you desire. This resource ensures you develop a strong foundation in reading and writing Japanese characters, a fundamental aspect of language learning.
Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to cover various topics, including pronunciation nuances such as long vowels, nasal consonants, double consonants, contracted sounds, and accents. The clarity of the course’s narration, complemented by English subtitles, empowers even those new to Japanese to immerse themselves in the materials freely.
This course accommodates all foreign learners seeking to unravel the secrets of the Japanese language. With its flexibility and adaptability, the course caters to learners of all backgrounds and levels, making it suitable for beginners and advanced students.
Explore the course by clicking here.
University of Toronto – Japanese Courses
The University of Toronto’s Japanese language courses caters to diverse aspirations and proficiency levels, making them accessible to both seasoned learners and curious beginners.
The courses will meticulously guide you through the essentials of Japanese grammar and vocabulary, enabling you to break language barriers and connect with locals on a profound level. These courses are tailored to help you embrace the beauty of the Japanese language and communicate when you travel in Japan.
From mastering the art of reading and writing in Japanese to developing conversational fluency, these comprehensive courses equip you with the necessary skills to navigate diverse scenarios in both professional and social settings.
Beyond practical language skills, UoT’s courses invite you to explore the cultural nuances that shape Japan’s identity. Experience the joy of learning traditional Japanese customs and modern trends, creating unforgettable travel memories, or connecting with your family’s Japanese heritage.
UoT is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment to ensure that you’ll thrive as you embrace the beauty of the Japanese language.
Access the course materials here.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre – Japanese Language Program for Adults
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s Japanese Language Program for Adults offers a range of levels to suit your needs and aspirations.
The Beginner I course is the perfect starting point for those studying Japanese for the first time. You will learn basic functional conversation strategies, essential vocabulary, and an introduction to the Hiragana writing system.
Building on the foundation established in Beginner I, the Beginner II course continues to focus on practical communication for everyday life. Additionally, you’ll delve deeper into basic grammar and become acquainted with the Katakana system.
For those who have completed Beginner II or have basic knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana, Beginner III is your next step. This level emphasizes practical communication skills such as asking permission, refusing, and expressing preferences while exercising your grasp of Hiragana and Katakana.
As you progress to the Intermediate levels, you’ll strike a balance between active communication and mastery of reading, writing, and grammar. You’ll build on your knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana, and some Kanji will be introduced. The focus remains on honing your language skills to engage confidently with native speakers.
If you wish to maintain and improve your knowledge through oral communication skills, Conversational Japanese is the class for you. This course is open to those who have completed Intermediate III or have an equivalent level and offers a supportive environment to enhance your conversational fluency.
Find the course details right here.
Vancouver Island University – Japanese Courses
Vancouver Island University offers various Japanese language courses to accommodate students with varying proficiency levels and interests.
For absolute beginners, JAPA 100 and JAPA 111 introduce the fundamentals of modern Japanese and spoken communication skills, respectively. These courses are perfect for students without previous language knowledge and reinforce theory with practical aural-oral practice.
Continuing to JAPA 101 and JAPA 112 will build on the knowledge gained in the introductory courses, which will allow students to deeply understand the Japanese language and further enhance their oral communication skills.
As students progress to intermediate levels, JAPA 200 and JAPA 201 focus on increasing reading, writing, and speaking proficiency. More complex grammar, vocabulary, and kanji characters are introduced, providing a solid foundation for more advanced language use.
Beyond language proficiency, Vancouver Island University also offers insights into the culture and society of Japan through JAPA 211 and JAPA 212. These courses explore various aspects of Japan’s history, art, literature, customs, cinema, and more, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Get started with the course by following this link.
Conclusion
All the Japanese language courses listed above offer valuable opportunities for Canadian learners.
While each course has unique advantages, we highly recommend Udemy’s Complete Japanese Course: Learn Japanese for Beginners. This comprehensive course focus on practical skills for everyday interactions and offers excellent value for money.
Ultimately, your choice of course will depend on your goals, interests, and level of proficiency. Whichever course you choose, you will surely gain valuable language skills and a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and society.
