We have compiled a list of popular online teaching resources, both from the Japan Foundation and from other organizations. Don't forget to check out our Learning Resources page for websites and publications you can share with your students.
The American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ) also has a list of classroom resources which you can find here.
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Check out the following new & fun YouTube video series for Japanese language learners, which was created by Prof. Yuko Kato (Austin Community College) in collaboration with other professors in the U.S., Yoshimoto Kogyo (Comedy Duo: Jaru Jaru), and The Japan Foundation! It will make you laugh and enjoy learning Japanese in a new way!
The series of short videos (approximately 15 minutes each) offers a unique professional development opportunity for Japanese language teachers. In them, experienced mentor teachers demonstrate and explain research-based teaching practices, with lessons and tips for conducting interpersonal tasks in the classroom Learn why Japanese language teachers are admired in the world language education community, and adopt some of their teaching practices in your own classroom!
Ever wonder what's the best way to tell your students on career possibilties with Japanese? Look no further! We interviewed some of our lovely senseis in US who learned Japanese as a second language and embarked on a career in teaching Japanese. Not only did they talk about their experience as a Japanese learner but their experience becoming a sensei and the positive effects it has had in their lives! We hope these videos encourage students in continuing their journey in learning Japanese and that they too, can be a sensei!
The JF Standard is a set of standards for Japanese language proficiency. By using the JF Standard, it is possible to see and understand your students' proficiency level by how well the learner uses Japanese, no matter where the learner began their studies. The JF Standard focuses on what the learner "can do," and so it is a straightforward way for teachers to assess the results of students’ efforts. It was developed based on the concepts supporting the CEFR, which serve as the basis of language education in Europe.
The Marugoto Portal site explains everything you need to know about Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture, a textbook which uses the JF Standard as a basis. An English introduction to the textbook, along with a FAQ, can be found here.
MARUGOTO (MARUGOTO Plus) is a website which accompanies the contents of Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture, a textbook which uses the JF Standard as a basis. It is free and available for everyone to use, and it has extra practice for each chapter of the textbook. It also has an "Introduction to Japanese"section for total beginners here.
Minato is a free e-learning website that let's you not only self study Marugoto materials but learn some Kansai-ben, flower arrangements, calligraphy, and Haiku! There are many useful tools to check out and you can take a look here!
“Hirogaru,” is a site for learning different things about Japan and the Japanese language through your own interests. You can engage with various aspects about Japan and the Japanese language through reading or listening to information related to 12 topics about Japan.
At the Minna no Kyozai site, you can share materials and resources with other Japanese language teachers from all over the world. After registering, try searching through the database of materials and ideas. Search through flash cards, photos, illustrations, videos, audio clips, and many other teaching materials created and shared by teachers.
This regularly updated site brings you information on teaching materials, ideas for the classrooms, current topics in Japan, and the current status of Japanese language education in Japan and abroad.
A free smartphone app for beginner learners. Learn Hiragana the fun way with mnemonic devices! Available for iOS and Android on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon. Click here for more info.
Click here for the Kanji Memory Hint 1 app information.
Click here for the Kanji Memory Hint 2 app informaiton.
Challenge with Erin app (either can be downloaded for Android or Iphone) can be used to study beginner-level vocabulary and expressions in an engaging way through card games, manga and quizzes, and it can also be used to check how much you were able to remember.
This is a site where you can search for and listen to Japanese songs that suit your interests and the level of your Japanese language ability. Lyrics subtitles are available on the pages where songs are played, and can be displayed in hiragana, katakana, or romaji. Even people who find Japanese kanji and the written characters difficult can still enjoy Japanese songs. Also, lyrics cards are available for download.
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles have supported various types of Japanese language projects through our Japanese-Language Education Project Grant (more info). Here is the list of teaching resources that we have provided support:
(The following resources do not necessarily reflect the views and recommendations of the Japan Foundation. Suggestions for additional websites can be sent to jflaeducation@jflalc.org)
Customize “Reading in Japanese” Stories for Creative and Innovative Classrooms!
The collection of thematic digital downloadable stories to supplement teaching aids, to meet the needs of students’ motivation, critical thinking, and diverse and inclusive classroom settings, and to promote equalities.
Games in Japanese class!
List of online games Japanese language teachers often use in class.
Kahoot!
Interactive quizzes and surveys.
Quizlet
Make flashcards, quizzes, and study games.
Irasutoya.com
A free-use Japanese image library.
JNTO's Japan Photo Library
Large database of beautiful photos of Japan and Japanese culture. Can be used only for nonprofit purposes which may increase the number of foreigners visiting Japan.
The Lives of Japanese Elementary School Students
A photo resource introducing children to elementary school life in Japan.
Royalty-Free Clip Art Collection for Foreign/Second Language Instruction
Created by Purdue University.
Illustrain
Free Japanese-style clip art
5700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036
jflainfo@jpf.go.jp
323.761.7510
