For complete beginners and those with a little knowledge (i.e. have completed a WEA languages for Fun and Travel course. Course focuses on conversational practise and introduces students to Japanese symbols (Hiragana/Katakana). There is a short break between terms. Books required: "Japanese for Busy People" Vol 1 4th Edition (Romanised not Kana version)
Japanese 1
Course Description
This course is designed as an introduction to Japanese language and culture and is suitable for complete beginners and those with a little knowledge from other courses such as the WEA Japanese for Fun and Travel course.
The course focuses on conversational practise and introduces students to Japanese scripts (Hiragana and Katakana), so that those who complete the course can continue their learning with the WEA Japanese 2 course in which Hiragana and Katakana are required, and Roma-ji is not used any more.
The course covers lessons one to twelve of the prescribed textbook. In addition to the textbook exercises, the course takes an activities-based communicative approach integrating language learning and cultural information. It includes:
- Conversation with the teacher and fellow students and role-plays
- Reading and writing
- Visual images and aural work
- Grammatical explanations
- Exercises, card games, and board games
- Homework
Course Structure
The course will cover the following lessons:
Pre Lesson 1 – Japanese pronunciation rules and frequently used expressions
Lesson 1 – Self-introduction – name and nationality
Lesson 2 – Whose pen is this? and numbers 0-9 and phone numbers
Lesson 3 – What time is it? and numbers up to 100
Lesson 4 – Shopping – how much is it? and bigger numbers such as 1000s and 10,000s
Lesson 5 – Shopping – colours and counters of things
Lesson 6 – Going places – I go to … and present/past tense of verbs
Lesson 7 – Going places – days of the week, days of the months, months and transportation
Lesson 8 – Doing things – verbs, food and drink, and locations
Lesson 9 – Doing things – frequency
Lesson 10 – Adjectives to describe things
Lesson 11 – Past tense of adjectives
Lesson 12 – Asking about places – there is a thing (there are things) at a place …
Course Learning Outcomes
This introductory course will enable students to communicate in Japanese at a basic level, and improve students’ comprehensive ability to speak, listen to and read Japanese scripts in Hiragana and Katakana.
By the end of the course students should be able to carry out a conversation in everyday Japanese. Students who complete the course may wish to continue their learning by enrolling in the WEA Japanese 2 course.
Course Textbook
Textbook: Japanese for Busy People
Volume 1, Revised 4th Edition
Romanised**,** not Kana version
Available online at booktopia.com.au and Intext www.languageint.com.au
or ring 03 9857 0030 and mention you are from WEA Adult Learning for free
shipping (if ordering online use the code WEA-BRO at the checkout phase for
freeshipping) (price approx $50).
This course is taught by one of the following WEA Tutors:
Emiko Kobashi
Emiko Kobashi was born and raised in Japan, where she spent 13 years teaching English at secondary schools. In 1998, Emiko came to Adelaide as an exchange teacher through a program between Okayama Prefecture (her hometown) and South Australia, which are Sister States.
Since then, Emiko has been teaching Japanese across various sectors in South Australia, including at UniSA, public schools, WEA, and PCE, working with a diverse range of learners, from young children in Reception to adults.
Emiko has in the past taught at WEA for 10 years, from 2005 to 2014, and she is thrilled to be returning in 2025. Emiko looks forward to meeting and teaching adult learners once again.
In addition to teaching, Emiko has also been creating Japanese language learning videos on YouTube.
Outside of work, Emiko enjoys watching Japanese comedy shows, exploring new cafes for delicious pastries, and taking walks in nature.
Yoshimi Mizobe
Yoshimi Mizobe has been teaching at WEA since 2016.
Yoshimi is a qualified Japanese teacher. She taught at a Japanese college in Japan from 2010 to 2013, and at Japanese community schools in Sydney and Adelaide from 2014 to 2018.
Yoshimi believes it's important to have passion when learning languages and her goal is to make you fall in love with the Japanese language and culture!
She also loves sharing elements of Japanese culture, including its unique food and art techniques, and travel tips for those planning to visit Japan.
Yoshimi runs her own business, Daisuki Japanese Language, and regularly appears at markets and events promoting Japanese culture and products.
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