Classes
I believe that in most cases, in-person learning is the best. If you can find a local Japanese Language School, college classes, playgroup, or tutor near you, look into those options. But if in-person learning is not ideal for you, there are many online options available.
To be honest, I was very skeptical of online learning at first. BUT I’ve learned that online classes are not all bad. Creative and innovative teachers around the world have stepped up to the plate and made online learning WORK. Technology has allowed us access to amazing classes and teachers, and we have saved so much time and money by not having to travel to lessons.
Here are a few online resources I recommend:
I am a fan of Cafetalk! I have blogged about them before (read here). My children took private Japanese lessons and their teachers were excellent. I thought the pricing was reasonable and scheduling was easy. Not only can you take Japanese language lessons, but you can also learn other skills (in Japanese!) like music, dance, abacus, art, etc.
I have personally not used Outschool before but have heard many great things about their classes. I have actually considered teaching for them, and can tell you that they have high standards for the teachers they hire. They have several beginner and intermediate Japanese classes currently available.
3) Classes by JASC (Japanese American Service Committee)
“Donguri Kai continues to provide Japanese education through online classes for children from kindergarten to elementary school. Class meets in a live online classroom once a week to fortify reading, pronunciation, conversation, and communication in Japanese. Teachers interactively guide students to enhance their communication skills. Students interact on-screen to stimulate and encourage each other through various learning activities.”
“Tampopo Kai is an online Japanese cultural program for preschoolers. Through various engaging activities such as singing, storytelling, and arts & crafts, children and their parents are exposed to the richness of the Japanese language and culture.
Topics that will be covered in Tampopo Kai classes are, but not limited to: Japanese holidays, customs, traditions; Japanese vocabulary words (e.g. colors, numbers, shapes, sizes, family members, greetings, seasons, weather, body parts); Japanese arts (songs, kamishibai-style Japanese story boards, origami).”
Online Japanese Language School (オンライン日本語補習校）
We participated in classes through Online Hoshuko for 2 years. They use the same text books as children in Japan and meet weekly. Online Hoshuko is geared towards students who can already speak the Japanese language. The advantage of this program is that you will meet with the same teacher and small group of kids every week. In my child’s 1st ad 2nd grade classes, each week consisted of: Singing a song, reading a story together, learning new kana/kanji, quizzes, show-and-tells, and games. This program is great for busy families who need a more flexible schedule than in-person Japanese School.
Online Hoshuko also offers one-on-one tutoring for more individualized learning.
4) Free, self-paced lessons
I think the best way to learn Japanese, especially for a beginner, is to have a real-life teacher who interacts with you. But if you want to learn at your own pace, or want to learn for free, some of the following resources might be for you!
My high schooler uses this app to help maintain her Japanese. It is great for learning and reviewing vocabulary.
Easy Japanese Conversation Lessons by NHK
A wonderful series of 48 lessons that teaches basic conversational skills as well as teaching about the Japanese culture.
I’ve shared this resource before (here) but it’s worth repeated mentions. Hundreds of 10-minute videos covering a wide range of subjects such as Japanese grammar, math, history, science, and bullying. Videos are for preschool though high-school students. Often, there are accompanying printable worksheets and questions you can use along with the videos.
And then of course, there’s many YouTube channels and even Instagram pages that teach Japanese. Those are all awesome supplements and fun/entertaining but I find that it’s easy for kids to watch them mindlessly instead of putting in the work of learning Japanese.
Are you aware of any other online classes for learning Japanese? Please share in the comments section!
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Hiragana Mama 
What do you think? どうおもう？