Japanese

Learn Japanese

ようこそ!Welcome to the Japanese Language Program at Simon Fraser University! Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese language and culture. From the intricate writing system to the graceful art forms of origami and tea ceremony, our courses offer an exciting journey into the heart of Japan. Whether you're captivated by anime, eager to explore the bustling streets of Tokyo, or intrigued by the country's rich history, our courses will guide you on a path of linguistic and cultural discovery. Join us and embark on an unforgettable adventure into the world of Japan. いっしょにがんばりましょう!

Which Japanese language course should I take?

Students with no background in the language may enroll themselves into the relevant introductory course.

Students who have some background in Japanese should contact the course instructor for a placement interview if they are enrolling in a Japanese course for the first time.

Students who have transferred from a college or a university and took Japanese in their prior institution should take the next level course.

* We reserve the right to move students to more proficiency-appropriate courses or to unenroll students when there is no appropriate course for them.

All Japanese courses require students to attend a placement interview with the course instructor prior to enrolling in a JAPN course for the first time.

Placement interviews

Students who are unsure about their level or background in Japanese should attend a placement interview with the course instructor before they register for courses.

Please contact Chie Furukawa at cfurukaw@sfu.ca to schedule a placement interview for JAPN 100  JAPN 200. 

Please contact Rima Ibata at ria3@sfu.ca to schedule a placement interview for JAPN 110 and JAPN 210.

*Please note that JAPN 100 is an introductory course in Japanese as a foreign language, and is for students who have no background in Japanese.

Students are expected to provide true information about their language background and language learning experiences to the best of their knowledge. Concealing your knowledge of the language and/or providing false information are considered academic dishonesty and can be recorded on the your academic record. For more information, read SFU's academic integrity page.

Put your course work towards a certificate. 

 Certificate in Japanese →

Which Japanese language course should I take?

Students with no background in the language may enroll themselves into the relevant introductory course.

Students who have some background in Japanese should contact the course instructor for a placement interview if they are enrolling in a Japanese course for the first time.

Students who have transferred from a college or a university and took Japanese in their prior institution should take the next level course.

* We reserve the right to move students to more proficiency-appropriate courses or to unenroll students when there is no appropriate course for them.

All Japanese courses require students to attend a placement interview with the course instructor prior to enrolling in a JAPN course for the first time.

Summer Courses 2024

JAPN 100 - Japanese I

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 100 D100 Motoki Nozawa
Sessional
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
JAPN 100 D200 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
JAPN 100 D300 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
JAPN 100 D400 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
JAPN 100 E500 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby

JAPN 110 - Japanese II

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 110 D100 Naoko Takei
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
JAPN 110 D200 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby

JAPN 200 - Japanese III

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 200 D100 RIMA IBATA
Sessional
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

JAPN 210 - Japanese IV

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 210 D100 Naoko Takei
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Even more Japanese courses

Interested in knowing what other Japanese courses you can take in future semesters? See our full course offering on SFU's Student Services website.