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.

Fall Courses 2023

JAPN 100 - Japanese I

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 100 D100 Chie Furukawa
Tu, Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Tu, Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 2533, Burnaby
WMC 2533, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D200 Chie Furukawa
Tu, Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
Tu, Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5035, Burnaby
AQ 5035, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D300 We, Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 4115, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D400 We, Fr 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5048, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D500 Tu, Th 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
Tu, Th 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
AQ 5036, Burnaby
AQ 5036, Burnaby
JAPN 100 E100 Tu, Th 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
Tu, Th 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
AQ 5036, Burnaby
AQ 5036, Burnaby

JAPN 110 - Japanese II

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 110 D100 Naoko Takei
We, Fr 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
RCB 7300, Burnaby
JAPN 110 D200 We, Fr 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
AQ 5047, Burnaby
JAPN 110 D300 We, Fr 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
AQ 5047, Burnaby

JAPN 200 - Japanese III

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 200 D100 Naoko Takei
We, Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
RCB 7300, Burnaby

JAPN 210 - Japanese IV

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 210 D100 Naoko Takei
Tu, Th 3:30 PM – 5:20 PM
Tu, Th 3:30 PM – 5:20 PM
HCC 1520, Vancouver
HCC 1520, Vancouver

JAPN 351 - Japanese Language and Culture through Film

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 351 D100 Chie Furukawa
We 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 3533, Burnaby
WMC 3251, Burnaby

Previous Courses

Summer Courses 2023

Course Title Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 100 D100 Japanese I Naoko Takei
Tu, We, Th, Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 2104, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D200 Japanese I Naoko Takei
Tu, We, Th, Fr 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 2104, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D300 Japanese I We, Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 5017, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D400 Japanese I Tu, Th 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
AQ 5025, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D500 Japanese I We, Fr 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5025, Burnaby
JAPN 100 E100 Japanese I Tu, Th 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
AQ 5014, Burnaby
JAPN 110 D100 Japanese II Chie Furukawa
Tu, We, Th, Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 3511, Burnaby
JAPN 110 D200 Japanese II We, Fr 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5020, Burnaby
JAPN 200 D100 Japanese III Chie Furukawa
Tu, We, Th, Fr 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
WMC 3511, Burnaby

Japanese courses - Spring 2023

Course Title Instructor Day/Time Location
JAPN 100 D100 Japanese I Chie Furukawa
Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 3515, Burnaby
WMC 3515, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D200 Japanese I Chie Furukawa
Tu, Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
WMC 3531, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D300 Japanese I Chie Furukawa
We, Fr 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5049, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D400 Japanese I Chie Furukawa
We, Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 5017, Burnaby
JAPN 100 D500 Japanese I Chie Furukawa
Tu, Th 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
AQ 5038, Burnaby
JAPN 100 E100 Japanese I Chie Furukawa
Tu, Th 6:30 PM – 8:20 PM
AQ 5038, Burnaby
JAPN 110 D100 Japanese II Naoko Takei
We, Fr 3:30 PM – 5:20 PM
HCC 2945, Vancouver
JAPN 110 D200 Japanese II Naoko Takei
Tu, Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5027, Burnaby
JAPN 110 D300 Japanese II Naoko Takei
We, Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 5028, Burnaby
JAPN 200 D100 Japanese III Naoko Takei
Tu, Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 5035, Burnaby
JAPN 210 D100 Japanese IV Naoko Takei
Tu, Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5035, Burnaby
JAPN 300 L100 Intermediate Japanese I TBA
Location: TBA
JAPN 301 D100 Intermediate Japanese II Chie Furukawa
We 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 3515, Burnaby
WMC 3515, 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.