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.
Are you also interested in learning the Japanese Letters? Click here for more programs.
Meet the Instructor
Atsuko Nakamura (Molly) is a multilingual Japanese language instructor from Osaka, Japan, currently based in San Diego, California.
She is certified to teach both English (elementary, middle and high school) and Japanese as a foreign language. With international experience in Singapore, Hong Kong, Italy, and Thailand, she brings a global and culturally rich perspective to her teaching. In Bangkok, she taught Japanese to Thai spouses of Japanese nationals and provided private lessons to international students.
In Tokyo, she worked as an Airport Meet-and-Greet Escort Guide, assisting Italian travelers during airport–hotel transfers while sharing cultural insights. She also completed a tourism volunteer guide training program in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Atsuko creates a warm, supportive learning environment where students can enjoy both the Japanese language and culture. She speaks Japanese, English, Italian, Cantonese, and Thai.
Questions? Email education@niwa.org