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Language & Culture School


The Japan-America Society offers Japanese and English language instruction and other classes for special cultural activities.

Japanese Language School

The Japan-America Society operates the oldest and largest Japanese language school for adults in the Washington DC area. Many of our students say that it is also the best. In a recent survey, 96% of our students said that they would recommend the Japanese Language School (JLS) to others. Students say they value the quality of instruction from our native speakers, the school’s convenient downtown location near two Metro stops, and its evening class hours.

During the year JLS offers 15 different classes at four basic levels, from beginning to advanced. JLS holds preparatory classes in the summer and fall for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is recognized worldwide as the standard examination for determining Japanese language competency.

Class semesters begin four times a year. Classes meet once a week and are conducted in the evening in the Society’s language classrooms at 1819 L Street NW, conveniently located near the Farragut North and Farragut West Metro stations in downtown DC.

Frequently Asked Questions

During the 2012 year, JLS plans to begin and end its Japanese language semesters as follows. Dates may change.
  • Winter 2012    January 16 - March 22
  • Spring 2012    April 30 – July 6
  • Summer 2012    July 16 – September 21
  • Fall 2012      October 1 – December 6
JLS is more than a language school. When JLS students join the Japan-America Society, they also get to participate in the full range of the Society's activities and interact with our Japanese and American members.

Winter 2012 Semester
Starts January 17, 2012
--Class Change: Dokkai Review Cancelled, Japanese 402 added--
Schedule & More Information>>
Placement Tests >>
Online Registration>>


English Language School

ワシントンDC日米協会では英語講座を行っております。教師は日米で１５年以上の英語教師経歴をもち、現在は在米日本大使館で個人指導もされている方です。授業はすべて英語で行われます。英語でのコミュニケーションにもっと自信をもちたい方、楽しんで英語を勉強したい方、大歓迎です。

授業は当協会の教室で午前１１時、又は午後１時より始まります。申し込み、来期の予定、質問等がある方はJaswdc@us-japan.orgまでご連絡ください。

Winter 2012 Semester
Starts January 9, 2012
For more information >>
Online Registration >>

Shodo (Calligraphy) Classes

JASW Shodo Classes are for people who are new to Japanese calligraphy. Classes start with basic techniques: how to hold and use the brush, how to position the paper, how to ink the brush, how to make basic brush strokes. Students will use the techniques they have learned to write hiragana, as well as their own names, and then followed by writing kanji in the basic kaisho style. The kaisho style is improving your technique while learning proper balance and spacing. Knowledge of the Japanese hiragana and katakana writing systems, as well as some familiarity with kanji, is required.

The timing of classes depends on teacher availability. If information is not on our website in the “What’s New” section, please check with JASW for the next scheduled Shodo class.

お話会-Japanese Story Time-
ワシントン日米協会では日本語が理解できるお子様（３歳～５歳）を対象に日本のお話や歌を教えています。祝日、年末年始、さくらまつり期間を除く毎週水曜日１０時４５分から１１時３０分まで日米協会の教室で無料で行っております。申し込みはEmailにてInterndc@us-japan.orgにお名前、住所、電話番号、子供の年齢、参加人数をお知らせください。
-Ohanashi Kai WINTER BREAK-There will be NO Ohanashikai between 12/21/11-1/18/12. Will RESTART on 1/25/2012-

Other Cultural Classes

Throughout the year JASW offers a variety of Japanese and American cultural activities, including learning activities. In the past, JASW has conducted Sushi Making Workshops, Kitsuke (Kimono Dressing) Workshops, Living in the USA Seminars, and many other events. Please click on our Events Page for a list of upcoming events

(Current as of 8/01/11)

The Japan-America Society of Washington, Inc.
1819 L Street NW, Level 1B, Washington DC 20036
(T) 202-833-2210 (F) 202-833-2456 Email: jaswdc@us-japan.org