Japanese classes in Singapore
Thanks to subtitles, many of us have managed to watch classic anime films such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and most recently, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. But it’s not as fun when you always have to keep part of your vision fixed on the bottom of the screen to read those subs. And dubbed shows usually sound pretty weird.
If you’re an otaku or just someone who’s in love with Japan and its culture, perhaps it’s time to pick up a new language. Here are some Japanese classes in Singapore – some of which are among the many SkillsFuture claimable courses.
Table of Contents
- Japanese classes in Singapore
- Price breakdown of Japanese classes in Singapore
- 1. Bunka Language School
- 2. Language Explorer Learning Centre
- 3. Lingo School of Knowledge
- 4. Taiyo Japanese Learning School
- 5. Alpha Language Consultancy
- 6. Inlingua School of Languages
- 7. UDEMY
- 8. onePA
- 9. National University of Singapore
- – Bonus –
- 10. Language learning apps
- 11. Japanese language books
- Where to learn Japanese in Singapore
Price breakdown of Japanese classes in Singapore
| Language school | Best feature | SkillsFuture claimable | Level of lessons | JLPT testing |
| Bunka Language School | Learning through games | Yes | Elementary to business | No |
| Language Explorer Learning Centre | Flexible private class options | Yes | Beginner to intermediate | No, but syllabus follows testing guidelines |
| Lingo School of Knowledge | Extensive class dates & timings | No | Beginner to advanced | Offers test preparation classes |
| Taiyo Japanese Learning School | Free online trial class | No | Beginner to advanced | No, but syllabus follows testing guidelines |
| Alpha Language Consultancy | Small class sizes of 2-8 pax | No | Beginner to advanced | No, but syllabus follows testing guidelines |
| Inlingua School of Languages | Free tennis courts & BBQ pits | No | Beginner | No |
| UDEMY | Self-paced online classes | Yes | Beginner to expert | No |
| onePA | Affordable & community-based | Yes | Beginner | No |
| National University of Singapore | Detailed classes & worksheets | Yes | Beginner to advanced | No, but syllabus follows testing guidelines |
1. Bunka Language School
Learning through interaction & games
Bunka Language School is one of the most popular Japanese language schools here for their comprehensive and accessible classes in Orchard. All their teachers hail from Japan, and the 3-hour classes involve writing, conversation, as well as fun interactive games that allow students to apply what they’ve learnt. You will first learn hiragana in the earlier stages, and proceed on to katakana should you decide to take up further levels.
Class sizes are a reasonable nine to 14 pax, with safe distancing. Tables are also arranged in a “U” shape so everyone gets equal attention.
Image credit: @bunkals via Instagram
There’s a good mix of weekday and weekend classes, and if you happen to miss one, you can sign up for a replacement class to keep up. Lesson fees include materials such as a textbook, totebag, and notebook. From time to time, they hold cultural events where you get to learn about Japanese food, festivals, and fashion.
Image credit: @cire_gn via Instagram
What’s more, first timers get $30 class credit that they can use to register for classes.
Find out more about Bunka Language School.
SkillsFuture claimable: Yes
Price: From $180 (4 lessons)
Bunka Language School review: “Had a great experience with my beginner Japanese courses at Bunka. Classes have an emphasis on making meaningful conversations with fellow classmates, which makes learning easier. The senseis are also chill and build a stress-free class environment.
Overall, highly recommended for an immersive Japanese learning experience as a start.”
– S Y via Google Maps
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2. Language Explorer Learning Centre
Flexible private class options
Image credit: Japanese Explorer
Rest assured that you’ll be in good hands at the Language Explorer Learning Centre. All Japanese classes are taught by bilingual native-speaking teachers, meaning there won’t be instances of miscommunication and students will also learn to speak naturally in both casual and professional settings.
Students will be able to review learnt content at their own pace after class, with additional materials such as audio files and recordings provided. If your schedule requires flexibility, consider signing up for private classes to choose your preferred date, time, and venue.
Find out more about Language Explorer Learning Centre.
SkillsFuture claimable: Yes
Price: From $700 (13 lessons)
3. Lingo School of Knowledge
Choose classes based on your desired pace
Image credit: Lingo
Lingo School of Knowledge offers all sorts of language classes, from Russian to German and even Hebrew. Of course, Japanese is on the list as well, with all their teachers native speakers of the language.
Their class schedule includes an extensive range of dates and timings, and working adults needn’t worry as there are plenty of evening classes on weekdays if you can’t make it on weekends. Another plus point is its convenient location at Beach Road, an easy walk from Bugis MRT station, so you can easily hop over after work.
Image credit: Lingo via Facebook
A good mix of 1.5-hour and 2-hour classes are available for the same fee, where the former is completed in nine sessions and the latter in 12. This allows flexibility in choosing depending on your learning pace.
Find out more about Lingo School of Knowledge.
SkillsFuture claimable: No
Price: From $300 (10 lessons)
Lingo School of Knowledge review: “Lingo’s a great school for learning! The class arrangements were smooth and fast. Their responses are quick too, ensuring stress-free enrolments. The materials are great for learning too!”
– Hui Yi Isabel Tan via Google Maps
4. Taiyo Japanese Learning School
Complimentary online trial class
Image credit: Taiyo
Taiyo Japanese Learning School offers small group classes, capping them at 8 pax. The small student-teacher ratio means you’ll receive more attention during classes, which is especially helpful for beginners who may be too shy to speak up in a larger group.
For those utterly new to the language, the beginner course focuses on Kana, helping you master the Japanese writing system quickly. The school also teaches an interactive course if you’re looking to improve your conversational skills, where you’ll be trained to ask basic dialogue questions, and have chit-chat sessions about often discussed topics.
Taiyo offers a free online trial class for first-timers. This way, you can experience what it’s like during class and get a feel for their teaching style and materials before committing to the full price.
Find out more about Taiyo Learning School.
SkillsFuture claimable: No
Price: From $450 (12 lessons)
Taiyo Japanese Learning School review: “Had a great experience at Taiyo Japanese Language School… On days where I couldn’t make it physically, it was easy to switch to virtual classes. I will definitely be returning to Taiyo in the future to continue my Japanese education.”
– Jelo Tan (Jelotan) via Google Maps
5. Alpha Language Consultancy
Small class sizes of 2-8 people
Image credit: Alpha Language Consultancy
Class sizes at Alpha Language Consultancy are kept small and cosy, with a maximum of 8 students per class for more personalised teaching. This is great for those who may not be able to pick things up as quickly, and require additional individual guidance.
Teachers here all have a Master’s Degree in the language they instruct along with at least 5 years of teaching experience. The curriculum also follows Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) guidelines. More emphasis is based on speaking the language in practical daily situations – both polite and casual – though there will also be reading and writing with basic hiragana, katakana, and kanji.
They occasionally organise events so students and teachers can get to know each other better outside of the classroom.
Find out more about Alpha Language Consultancy.
SkillsFuture claimable: No
Price: From $680 (8 lessons)
Alpha Language Consultancy review: “The teaching passion at Alpha Language Consultancy is next level. I’ve soaked up so much knowledge and the way tricky stuff is broken down is genius. The classroom felt like a warm, supportive hangout… learning has never been this fun!”
– John Goh via Google Maps
6. Inlingua School of Languages
Free usage of tennis court & BBQ area
Offering 12 levels of Japanese classes from Elementary to Intermediate and Advanced, Inlingua School of Languages is one to stick with if you’re seriously looking to master the language.
Four to 12 students will be accepted into each class. Apart from teachers that are native speakers of the language, another great thing about this school is that the building comes with a tennis court and BBQ pits – all of which are free for students and teachers to use. If you need to freshen up, make use of the toilet’s shower facilities.
Image credit: Inlingua
They also have a listening corner that comes with MP4 players, which students can make use of for listening practice.
Find out more about Inlingua School of Languages.
SkillsFuture claimable: No
Price: From $380 (10 lessons)
Inlingua School of Languages review: “It was my first time studying at a language school, but I really enjoyed my time at Inlingua! I was able to focus on speaking with others and also study grammar and vocabulary through the textbooks. I do wish the exam content was the same as what we covered in our daily classes, but overall, I was very satisfied!”
– 。ゆ via Google Maps
7. UDEMY
Online classes for busy people
Busy folks who can’t fork out time to meet class schedules at language centres can consider signing up with UDEMY, which offers online classes you can complete at your own comfortable pace. As of 23 December 2023, classes at UDEMY are also claimable under SkillsFuture, making it an attractive option.
Lesson content includes basic conversational Japanese used in an everyday context, as well as vocabulary, grammar, and reading. By the end of the 10 lessons, you should be able to understand simple written Japanese in books and magazines.
Find out more about UDEMY.
SkillsFuture claimable: Yes
Price: From $89.98
8. onePA
Classes located in various neighbourhoods
Image credit: Quora
onePA’s language classes are probably the most affordable you’ll find in Singapore. Held at various Community Centres across different neighbourhoods, these are highly convenient for just about anyone, no matter where you live.
Instructors may be Singaporeans, but they would have obtained some form of Japanese language certifications and would still be well-equipped to teach. For Elementary classes, you will be taught how to read and write both hiragana and katakana at the same time, while delving into some grammar basics.
Find out more about onePA’s classes.
SkillsFuture claimable: Yes
Price: From $150 (9-12 lessons)
9. National University of Singapore
8 levels of Japanese classes open to public
Image credit: CLS Japanese Language Programme, NUS via Facebook
If you’re looking to learn Japanese and are a student at NUS, you can actually learn the language for free. Well, language modules are included in electives, so you’re not paying extra school fees to learn a new language.
There are 8 levels to conquer, from introductory to advanced. Classes follow a thorough syllabus, where students learn basic vocabulary, forming sentences, essay writing and greetings. Provided materials are in-class worksheets, alongside frequent tests and quizzes.
Classes are also available for sign up to any non-NUS student. Those interested can register for the course via the SkillsFuture website; yes, it’s claimable, and you’ll be scheduled for 10 weeks of online lessons. With the curriculum following JLPT guidelines, you’ll be eligible for the N5 level test once completion of levels 1-4.
Find out more about NUS Japanese classes.
SkillsFuture claimable: Yes
Price: From $654 (10 lessons)
– Bonus –
10. Language learning apps
Duolingo – Free with mini games to improve skills
Duolingo is a free and easy way to start learning Japanese anywhere if you don’t have the time or extra budget to commit to an entire course. Simply download the Duolingo app and start learning through bite-sized and fun lessons. There are interactive games to test what you’ve learnt, and you can also rack up points to compete with friends or keep on track with the Duolingo streak.
Courses are sectioned into different units, focusing on vocabulary and grammar through all aspects of speaking, writing, reading and listening. The programme is free, but you can also sign up for the Super Duolingo (~S$10/month) and Duolingo Max (~S$34.25) subscription plans to gain extra perks like skipping ads, chat roleplays, and personalised grammar feedback.
Find out more about Japanese classes on Duolingo.
Rosetta Stone – Real-world speech examples
Rosetta Stone provides language exposure using a dynamic immersion method through native-speaking audio, real-world visuals, and written words. The goal is to teach Japanese like it’s the first language we learn. What’s cool is that the programme features speech recognition software, which compares your pronunciation with native speakers and provides immediate feedback.
Additional learning tools, such as phrasebooks, downloadable lessons, live lessons, and tutoring sessions, are available to help enhance your skills.
Subscription plan:
3 months: $21.45/month
12 months: $14.10/month
Lifetime (all languages): $267.50
Find out more about classes on Rosetta Stone.
LingoDeer – Built-in flashcards
LingoDeer focuses on mastering Asian languages, so their Japanese classes have been well-received. Following a grammar-based curriculum, students learn through built-in flashcards that test vocabulary, lessons voiced by native speakers, and 5-minute review quizzes.
Though you can access the first couple of lessons for free, a subscription is needed for full access to the programme. Membership starts from $20/month, and there is a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more about Japanese classes on LingoDeer.
11. Japanese language books
Marugoto – Supplement learning with tutorials on YouTube
The Marugoto textbook lays the foundation for everyone studying Japanese and is suitable for starters practising basic phrases and expressions.
The writer uses many illustrations and dialogues that tie in Japan’s culture for a more well-rounded and comprehensive experience. To supplement your learning, you can easily find YouTube tutorials that guide you through the textbook.
Price: $27.70
Get the Marugoto textbook on Amazon.
Japanese from Zero! – Recommended by students
With a 4.8 rating on Amazon, the Japanese from Zero! workbook is a great way to learn professional Japanese. It uses teaching approaches that were successful in classrooms and is recommended by students with up-to-date and easy-to-learn grammar skills.
The integrated workbook includes answer keys for efficient marking and worksheets that introduce Hiragana writing.
Price: $39.60
Get the Japanese from Zero! workbook on Amazon.
Where to learn Japanese in Singapore
Learning a new language is always fun, but if you want to truly master it, be prepared to spend a lot of your own time revising and practicing what you’ve learnt! Even if you’re unsure whether you want to commit in the long-term, give it a go anyway – after all, picking up basic Japanese skills may come in handy for whenever it is we’ll finally be able to resume travelling to our fave destinations like Tokyo or Osaka.
As for those who have decided to sign up with the intention of becoming fluent – ganbatte!
For more similar articles:
- How to have a 3D2N Japan “holiday” in Singapore
- Japan marts in Singapore
- Japanese slangs
- Smart Japanese stationery
Cover image adapted from: Japanese Explorer, Taiyo
Last updated by Kelly Lai on 18th December 2024.
This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours.