Discover who we are and what our blog is all about.
Introduction: What is the gokigen japanese blog?
Welcome to the gokigen japanese blog! We aim to connect Japanese-language learners with interesting content, useful tips, and a deeper look into Japan’s rich culture. Whether you’re just beginning to learn Japanese or you’re already an advanced speaker, we hope to be a helpful resource for anyone looking to explore the language and the country behind it.
What You’ll Find Here
- Learning Tips: Fun, simple strategies to make your Japanese studies more effective.
- Cultural Insights: Articles on festivals, traditions, travel spots, and everyday life in Japan.
About gokigen japanese
Who We Are
gokigen japanese is an online, one-on-one Japanese lesson service run by 27th Co., Ltd. We help learners worldwide connect with native Japanese tutors to discover the country’s culture and traditions in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Check Out Our Introduction Video
We’ve prepared a short video to give you an inside look at how our lessons work:
Our Learning Materials: Three Ways to Explore Japanese
We currently offer three distinct sets of study materials, each designed for a specific learning goal:
- Grammar Course (N5–N4 level)
- Thorough foundation in basic grammar for beginners or anyone aiming for JLPT N5/N4.
- Includes pre-study videos, lesson slides, and homework tasks to solidify key grammar points.
- Travel Japanese (Absolute Beginners)
- Focus on quick, essential phrases and cultural know-how for a more enjoyable trip to Japan.
- Minimal grammar, maximum real-life conversation practice—ideal for visitors and short-term stays.
- Article Course (N3+)
- In-depth reading materials for intermediate to advanced learners, covering current events, culture, and more.
- Great for boosting comprehension skills and expanding nuanced vocabulary.
Grammar Course (N5–N4 Level)
Our Grammar Course is designed for learners who want a solid, systematic approach to fundamental grammar. It’s excellent for those preparing for JLPT N5/N4 or for anyone who wants confidence in constructing correct sentences.
What Makes Us Different: 4 Key Features
1. Online Private Lessons
Take lessons at your own pace, anytime. You don’t have to commute, and since it’s one-on-one, you can ask questions.
2. Comprehensive Learning Materials
Everything is on our website. We provide:
- Grammar lessons (100)
- Pre-study videos & homework (76)
- Articles for intermediate+ (50+ and counting)
3. Japanese Culture Explanations
Discover cultural insights through our lesson materials, “Coffee Break” discussions, and articles that focus on unique aspects of Japan.
4. Lessons in English
Perfect for beginners—our instructors can clarify grammar or nuances in English, so you never feel lost.
Note: Features #2 (Pre-Study & Homework) and #3 (Coffee Break) are unique to the Grammar Course. However, all courses include one-on-one online lessons and English-based explanations.
Indirect Method vs. Direct Method
Unlike many Japanese language schools that use the Direct method (conducting classes mainly in Japanese), gokigen japanese employs the Indirect method, where tutors use English explanations to clarify grammar, vocabulary, or cultural nuances. This ensures that even absolute beginners feel comfortable and supported as they progress toward fluency.
Our 3-Step Learning Approach
To help you learn, practice, and review effectively, gokigen japanese follows these three steps:
- Pre-study
- Videos (76 total): Short clips covering essential grammar or vocabulary you watch before lessons.
- Lesson
- Slides (100 total): Interactive materials you’ll use live with your tutor for exercises and real-time practice.
- Review
- Handouts (76 total): Homework sheets or summaries reinforcing what was covered in your lesson.
By cycling through Pre-study → Lesson → Review, you’ll retain more of what you learn—and gain confidence faster!
Travel Japanese (Absolute Beginners)
If you want to make the most of your Japan trip—but don’t have the time or desire to dive deep into grammar—this is the course for you. We keep things simple, fun, and laser-focused on what travelers truly need:
Real-World Focus
Each lesson targets practical scenarios, such as riding trains, checking into hotels, ordering at restaurants, and more. You’ll learn the words and phrases you actually need on the go.
“Traveler’s Insight” + “Traveler’s Phrase”
Every unit includes two main parts:
- Traveler’s Insight: Bite-sized cultural or local knowledge (e.g., how to use a Japanese onsen, why no tipping is customary, or must-try local foods). Think of it as insider info that makes your journey more rewarding.
- Traveler’s Phrase: Handy expressions that you can put to use immediately. We break down the words, grammar (if any), and give practice dialogues or role plays to help you retain them.
Minimal Grammar, Maximum Utility
Because the emphasis is on traveling comfortably, we skip heavy grammar explanations. Instead, we focus on survival phrases and how to say them naturally.
Engaging Role Plays
Role-playing short scenarios—like reporting a broken hotel TV or asking for a fork in a restaurant—helps you build real conversational skills and gain confidence quickly.
Perfect for Zero-Experience Learners
If you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry. Our tutors are ready to guide you step by step in English or simple Japanese. You’ll be speaking enough to explore Japan by yourself in no time!
Article Course (N3+)
Our Article Course is designed for intermediate to advanced learners who want to sharpen reading comprehension, learn fresh vocabulary, and engage in thoughtful discussions about modern Japan. Here’s what sets it apart:
In-Depth Reading Materials
Each lesson includes a full article on a topic such as pop culture, social issues, travel, or culinary trends. It’s ideal for learners who want more authentic material than simple textbook dialogues.
Furigana On/Off
All kanji come with optional furigana (phonetic guides). You can turn furigana on if you’re not fully confident with kanji, or switch it off to challenge yourself as an advanced reader. This customization helps you focus on exactly the skills you need to improve.
Beyond Just Reading
After reading, you’ll tackle comprehension questions to ensure you fully grasp the content. Then comes the interactive part: a tutor-led discussion where you ask questions, share opinions, and clarify tricky points—perfect for deepening your cultural knowledge and building conversational fluency.
Expand Vocabulary & Cultural Understanding
Each lesson features a vocabulary list with sample sentences. You’ll see how native speakers actually use these words and phrases. Whether you’re aiming for N3 or pushing beyond, you’ll grow your lexicon while exploring fascinating cultural topics.
Interactive & Flexible
Depending on your goals, you can focus on reading speed, advanced vocabulary, or discussion skills. The articles come with English translations if needed, but you’re free to challenge yourself by reading entirely in Japanese.
By blending real-world texts with full support for varied reading levels, the Article Course ensures you build both comprehension and communication skills—while staying motivated through interesting, modern-day content.
Voices from Our Learners
Curious about what one-on-one lessons feel like in practice? Here are a few testimonials from students who’ve experienced our lessons firsthand:
Japanese level: Beginner, 20s in United States
“The lessons were really nice to go through and having to speak through them was really refreshing for me compared to just doing duolingo.”
Japanese level: Pre-intermediate, 20s in Hong Kong
“I think the learning material is very efficient and easy to understand. One very outstanding point is that the lesson touch on cultural information and also practical usage learning.”
Japanese level: Advanced, 60s in United States
“I like that the lessons offer such a good mix of culture, vocabulary, grammar, etc. They cover so many topics at once.”
Conclusion: Where to Go From Here
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to learn more about us. We hope this blog sparks your curiosity, inspires you to study Japanese, or even motivates you to visit Japan one day!
- Want to see what our lessons are like?
Sign up for a free trial lesson and experience our one-on-one 50-minute sessions firsthand. - Have questions?
Feel free to reach out anytime—or explore the blog further to discover more tips on language learning, cultural insights, and student stories. - Stay Connected
We update this blog regularly with new articles and resources, so don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay in the loop!
We look forward to accompanying you on your Japanese learning journey. Let’s make it fun, engaging, and truly worthwhile—together at gokigen japanese!
