Hello Japan! Language & Culture
A perfect starting point for new learners who want both language skills and cultural understanding.
Students will learn simple grammar, paired with cultural lessons about food, festivals, manners, and modern life in Japan. By the end of the course, students will feel confident using basic Japanese and more connected to the heart of Japanese culture.
Theme of the month:
April: Start of the School / Company year in Japan - Japanese New Year greetings, bowing etiquette (お辞儀), meaning of bow: respect and apology
May: Kodomono hi (Children’s Day) - Family vocabulary, Basic sentence patterns
June: Traditional Japanese comedic storytelling - Numbers
Location: Education Center
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
JFGM Member: $25 | Non-member $40
*Admission is included in the ticket. This class is non-refundable 7 days before the event.
Meet the Instructor
Atsuko Nakamura (Molly): Born in Osaka, she majored in English at a university in Japan and holds a certified teaching license for English (middle and high school). After graduation, she also obtained a certified teaching license in Japanese as a Foreign Language. She worked at five-star hotels, where she developed strong hospitality and communication skills.
She has lived and worked in Singapore, Hong Kong, Italy, and Thailand, gaining experience in cultural event management and language education. In Hong Kong, she volunteered at a Japanese Speaking Club, supporting local learners of Japanese on a weekly basis. In Bangkok, she taught Japanese mainly to Thai working professionals and young students.
Currently based in San Diego, she works as an office administrator in the battery industry while conducting monthly Japanese lessons for her colleagues. In addition, she is involved in corporate Japanese language lessons. She speaks five languages: Japanese, English, Italian, Cantonese, and Thai.
Questions? Email education@niwa.org