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:

November 29 — Shichi-Go-San & Seijin-shiki
Theme: Japanese Life Events and Traditions
Explore two important milestones in Japanese culture: Shichi-Go-San, the traditional celebration of children's growth, and Seijin-shiki, Japan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Students will also learn about the differences between Shinto shrines (神社) and Buddhist temples (お寺) while discussing Japanese customs and family traditions.

December 13 — Japanese Music & NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen
Theme: Music, Entertainment, and Japanese Culture
Discover Japanese music from the 1970s to today through NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, Japan's famous New Year's Eve music program. Students will learn vocabulary related to music, entertainment, and personal preferences while discussing favorite artists and songs.

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.

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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.