All lessons are communication skills based Japanese classes. The program includes testing and revision classes. The classes require preparation time and private study. You will need to prepare for classes and submit homework tasks. All students also have free access to the online resources being produced for Yamasa's distance learning project (the OCJS) as they are published.

In addition students can choose to participate in an optional culture program (approximately 2 program hours per week) that is paid for separately and is offered on Friday afternoons. The culture program usually starts from 12.40 and depending on the event finishes around 2.30pm. During the summer you may need to reserve a place in the culture program. The cost of the activity will differ each week. For details of the culture program schedule, please contact Admissions

Classes are taught via the direct method. The fastest way to learn Japanese is to be taught in Japanese and hear nothing else. Japanese is the language of instruction, however all of the texts at elementary level also have supporting translations and grammatical notes available in a range of foreign languages and other multilingual aids. You will be able to prepare your lessons in advance so that you can understand the Japanese language only lessons. The program concentrates on communication skills - learning to speak and understand Japanese.

The program has an emphasis on improving listening and speaking skills, although you will also learn to read in Japanese. At the elementary level you do not need to be able to read Kanji as all of the texts have "furigana" (the reading of each kanji indicated with small hiragana - see the curriculum section). You can of course study the Kanji and learning aids and faculty assistance is available throughout. From intermediate level you will need to study Kanji. Bringing a good kanji dictionary is helpful. Correct grammar use is a major focus. It is a key objective of the program that you will be able to communicate using precise and correct grammar.

As a result a large number of classes are discussion based classes interacting with both Yamasa faculty and your fellow students. In the seminar class format where students already have a grammar base to build upon, faculty focus on correcting errors and keeping the communication skill level rising. Your mistakes are always corrected. This is why lesson preparation and homework is so important. Particularly in the seminar format, where there is a lot of time allocated to debates, role-plays, and conversational fluency, lack of preparation will prevent you from making the most of your opportunities.