Hello Japan! Language & Culture
Intermediate

Building on the basics, this course takes students deeper into Japanese grammar and sentence structure while developing real conversational fluency. Through dialogue, role-play, and cultural context, learners will move beyond textbook phrases to express ideas and navigate everyday situations with confidence. By the end, students will hold conversations more naturally and connect with Japanese culture on a more meaningful level.

Theme of the month:

July
Theme: Tanabata
Goal: In this class, students will read about the Tanabata Festival, a traditional Japanese event, and explore its story and cultural significance. 

August
Theme: Bon Season / Hanabi Taikai
Goal:  By the end of the lesson, students will be able to describe Obon customs, talk about festival activities, and use basic verbs to express daily actions

September
Theme: Undōkai (Sports Day) in Japan
Goal: Read about Undōkai, explore sports vocabulary, and practice expressing skill levels, with emphasis on reading aloud and conversing about personal strengths in sports

Location: Education Center

Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm

JFGM Member: $30 | Non-member $45

*Admission is included in the ticket. This class is non-refundable 7 days before the event.

register here intermediate class

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.