A perfect starting point for new learners who want to learn Japanese letters.
Students will learn three types of alphabets used in Japan: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
Lesson Overview: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji
The goal of this lesson is to help students learn to read Japanese characters through real-life examples such as tourist destinations, station names, and food.
Students will also learn proper stroke order and pronunciation. As they practice reading, they will explore the meanings and origins of these names, along with cultural and historical background related to famous places in Japan.
Location: Education Center
Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm
JFGM Member: $20 | Non-member $35
*Admission is included in the ticket. This class is non-refundable 7 days before the event.
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