310-324-6611
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  • Seniors
    • Bento Program
    • Smartphone/Tablet Class
    • Tomo No Kai Membership & Classes
    • Tomo Cafe | 友カフェ
    • Meditation & More Class
  • Events/Programs
    • Japanese Language School >
      • JLS Graduates
    • Izakaya 2025
    • Upcoming Programs & Classes
    • Matsuri 2025
    • Car Show Pinewood Derby 2025
    • The Bridge: GVJCI Heritage Center
    • Day Of Remembrance >
      • DOR 2024
    • GVJCI Scholarship
    • TANOSHII Fun Camp >
      • Camper Registration
      • Counselor Registration
      • Activities
      • Testimonials
      • Camp Supporters
      • FAQ
    • Past Events
  • Organizations
    • Bando Hidesomi
    • Boy Scout Troop 683
    • Boy Scout Troop 719
    • Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai
    • Evening Optimist Club of Gardena
    • Gardena JCI Kendo
    • Gardena Judo Club
    • Gardena Kendo
    • Gardena Naginata
    • LA Men's Glee Club
    • Meito Calligraphy
    • Na Pua O Kapo
    • Sansei Baseball League
    • South Bay F.O.R Junior Sports Association
    • South Bay Youth Basketball
    • Southern CA Kyudo Renmei
    • Yuujou Taiko
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • 2025 GVJCI Raffle Drawing & Year End Appeal
    • Become a Friend of the GVJCI
    • Become a Bento Buddy >
      • Donate Your Car
    • Purchase a 2025 Calendar Ad
    • Shop on Amazon
    • Volunteer
  • Reserve our Facilities
  • About
    • About Us
    • Board and Staff
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Resources
    • Testimonies/PR
    • Blog >
      • Blog Terms of Use
      • Want to write for us?

Japanese language school
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日本語学校

Let's Learn Together
共に学びましょう


2025 Summer School

Enrollment is limited. Register Now!
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PLEASE NOTE: ENROLLMENT WILL BE CONFIRMED ONCE PAYMENT IS RECEIVED
ON-SITE 4-Week Summer Courses 

Children‘s Classes (Ages 5 to 13)
Saturdays:   July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2   

​Students will be introduced to Japanese culture, as well as events and activities that take place during the summer. They will learn basic words and expressions, such as greetings, colors, names of foods, and animals, through various craft activities, songs, storytelling, and games.   


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Children's 2025 Summer Registration & Payment

High School Japanese Class Level 1 (Ages 13-18)
Saturdays:   July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2
​This class is for 8th graders/incoming Freshmen who are planning to take Japanese Language Class, Level 1, in the High School this fall as a Head Start. This course offers the following lessons:  Greeting, Self-introduction, Number/Name of the Months/Time, Hiragana, Desu-Verb sentence, Masu-Verb (action verb) sentence and simple Kanji.

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High School 2025 Summer Registration & Payment
ONLINE 4-Week Summer Courses

Children’s Online Classes (Ages 10-17)
Fridays:  July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1
This class will emphasize conversational Japanese.  Each lesson will have a theme, and students will learn new words and grammar. They will start each class with new vocabulary and grammar points. The main focus is speaking, so students will spend most of the class practicing conversations using what they learned. Weekly topics and grammar will be introduced based on what the group needs. No experience is needed. Students will also join fun culture workshops.
Children's online 2025 Summer Registration & Payment

Adult Online Classes (Ages 18 and up) 

Saturdays:   July 12, 19, 26,  August 2     
Designed for beginner and intermediate Japanese learners. This session focuses on speaking, providing students with the opportunity to actively practice Japanese conversation. Participants will receive guidance on proper verbiage and sentence structure to enhance their communication skills. Speaking correctly is essential for effectively conveying your thoughts and ideas in a meaningful way. It also plays a key role in having enjoyable and successful conversations.
Adult 2025 Summer Registration & Payment
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (310) 324-6611 ext 109

2024 to 2025 JLS School Year
for Children & Adults

   September 6, 2024-June 20, 2025  
CHILDREN'S CLASSES
​子供のクラス
Class textbook can be purchased on the first day of class
(On-site) Nyumon:  This first year class introduces the students to everyday greetings, vocabulary, and writing in Hiragana.
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(On-site) Primary:  This is the next progression following the Nyumon class. The objective will include more vocabulary, reading, writing and grammar skills, basic conversational skills, as well as Katakana and Kanji.

(On-site) Intermediate 1 & 2:  Grammar, reading and writing of Kanji is the focus of this class. Students will practice speaking about obligations, hobbies, and experiences.  Students will also learn to exchange opinions, predictions, and explain about situations that they may encounter on an everyday basis.

(On-site) Advanced 1 & 2:  In addition to learning more grammar and Kanji, students will continue to improve their reading as well as their conversational skills that can assist them when traveling and in other practical areas.

(On-site) Graduation Preparation:
This class reviews and covers all materials and instructions covered during all their previous years of study. Continuing to polish and refine the conversational skills they have acquired to this point will be emphasized and encouraged, with class instruction taught mainly in Japanese. 

​CHILDREN'S ONLINE CONVERSATION CLASS
Starts September 6, 2024 to June 20, 2025
The class is conducted on Zoom and will focus on and assist students who are interested in refining their basic Japanese language conversation skills, while learning the proper usage of the Japanese language. An overview of customs, traditions, and holidays will be covered for your knowledge. Students in Japan have been kind enough to offer help and assistance during the class and share insights into their experiences as students in Japan. Basic knowledge of Katakana and Hiragana will be necessary.
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Friday - Children’s Online Class:
Children's Online Japanese Conversation Class - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

​Saturday - Children’s In-Person Class:
Nyumon - 9:00 AM to 12:35 PM
Primary - 9:00 AM to 12:35 PM
Intermediate 1 - 9:00 AM to 12:35 PM
Intermediate 2 - 9:00 AM to 12:35 PM
Advanced 1 & 2 - 9:00 AM to 12:35 PM
Graduation Preparation - 9:00 AM to 12:35 PM

​Age:

 5 years and above

Tuition: 
1 Student $75.00; 2+ Students $140.00; 3+ Students $200.00
Due at the first of each month

Materials & Activity Fee: 
$75 per student
One time at registration for in-person students

PAYMENT: please read carefully
We accept PayPal or check payments. NO VENMO.
Those who would like to pay via check may do so by filling out the online form, printing it from their email, and mailing it with their check to the GVJCI. Please make check out to GVJCI and memo "JLS." 

​
ADULT ONLINE CLASSES
アダルトオンラインクラス
ONLINE ADULT BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE CLASSES
Students in the Beginner class will learn to make simple sentences such as “X is Y” and “there is X”, while focusing on the basic use of verbs, adjectives, and particles. Textbook and workbook used in the Beginner class is Genki 1, 3rd Edition.
Intermediate students will aim to describe events and to express ideas and opinions using the grammar introduced in the Genki 2, 3rd Edition textbook and workbook, “An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese”. 
Both classes will also learn hiragana, katakana, and simple kanji.
Students can purchase either textbooks and workbooks online or at a local Japanese bookstore.

CLASS SCHEDULE:
Saturday - Adult Online Class:
Beginner Class: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Intermediate Class: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Tuition: 
1 Student $75.00; 2+ Students $140.00; 3+ Students $200.00
Due at the first of each month

PAYMENT: please read carefully
We accept PayPal or check payments. NO VENMO.

Those who would like to pay via check may do so by filling out the online form, printing it from their email, and mailing it with their check to the GVJCI. Please make check out to GVJCI and memo "JLS."
PAYMENT METHODS
(Venmo NOT Accepted)
1. PayPal (Complete the online form and you will be automatically taken to PayPal at checkout. Do NOT refresh your page)
2. Check (Please make out to GVJCI and memo "JLS.")

ENTER CUSTOM JLS TUITION PAYMENT BELOW for 2024/2025 Fall School Year Only

JLS Tuition Payment

MONTHLY/MULTIPLE MONTH JLS TUITION PAYMENTS BELOW for 2024/2025 Fall School Year Only

JLS Tuition Payment Options
**Tuition Due: 1st of each month**​
Students will be disenrolled if the tuition has not been paid for 2 months. 

2025 to 2026 JLS School Year
for Children & Adults

   September 6, 2025-June 19, 2026  

Registration will be available soon
Coming Soon - Children's In-Person Class Registration
Coming Soon - Adult On-line Class Registration
Coming Soon - Children's On-line Conversation Class Registration

GVJCI JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S 2025 MESSAGE

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​​As the new principal of GVJCI Japanese Language School, I am honored and privileged to be surrounded by many talented teachers, supportive families, and a generous community. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize our past-principal, Lawrence Hada, for his 15 years of dedication and contribution to GVJCI Japanese Language School.  Under his extraordinary leadership and guidance, JLS thrived after the pandemics and we are eager to bring back hands-on cultural celebrations, End-of-the-Year Promotion and Graduation Ceremony on-site, JLS Open House on Matsuri Day, and many more immersive activities in the Fall of 2025.  

We welcomed Spring with a strong Parent Group Committee, Miki Gilmour (President), Milli Moto (Vice President), Hiromi Parks (Secretary), Seiko Kussman (Treasurer), Amy Kushigemachi (Fundraising Chair), Megan D. Baca (Promotion Ceremony Chair) who are passionate in enriching the JLS program and helping our community grow. On February 1st, students participated in the lively tradition of Setsubun as Nyumon teacher, Naoko Sensei, meticulously presented the Japanese ritual of throwing beans to drive away evil spirits and promote good health.  The students rolled up the eho-maki with sushi rice and cucumber and indulged in the delicious handmade sushi rolls.   March 3rd marked the special celebration of Hina Matsuri, a cherished event that honors the health and happiness of young girls. Our students learned about the history behind Hina Matsuri and enjoyed crafting emperor and empress hina dolls to take home.  I’d like to give a huge shout out to GVJCI Program Manager, Stephanie Mayeda, our wonderful teachers, and the incredible parent volunteers who came together to make these events a memorable experience for the students. 

Exciting News:  GVJCI Japanese Language School Registration is now open! This 4-week program from July 12th-August 2nd offers a great opportunity for both new and continuing students to enhance their conversational skills while engaging in fun cultural activities. Whether your child is a beginner or looking to refine their proficiency in the Japanese language, our summer curriculum is designed to meet their needs. Both in-person and online classes will be offered for ages 5 and above.  Adults who are interested in learning Japanese can sign up for the online courses. This summer, our veteran teacher, Chiaki Sensei, has generously offered to teach a specialized Head Start to Japanese Course that is catered to middle/high schoolers who are preparing to take Japanese Level 1 at the high school level.  Please check out the GVJCI website for details. 
In closing, I’d like to give our sincere gratitude for our dedicated teachers, Naoko Sensei, Noboru Sensei, Masumi Sensei, Mayumi Sensei, Chiaki Sensei, Asaka Sensei, and Aki Sensei, our Parent Group Committee,  and the gracious contribution of the students and families who are committed in building an inclusive and welcoming language learning environment GVJCI Japanese Language School.  In the near future, we look forward to implementing even more innovative and interactive programs that promote lifelong learning for Japanese culture, language, and traditions.  Issho ni ganbarimashou. 

With gratitude, 
​
Judy Kawazoe
Principal, GVJCI Japanese Language School

SKGOJapanese - A Resource to Support Japanese Language Learning!

Check out a new comprehensive learning tool developed by our JLS volunteers Shingo Morita and Keigo Morita. Their new website skgojapanese.com hosts a variety of tools and games aimed to help a wide range of Japanese language learners. To visit their website, click the button below!
Visit SKGOjapanese.com

CHECK OUT OUR SCHOOL YEAR ACTIVITIES!
1年の学校行事をご覧になってください!


ABOUT US
私たちについて

Originally established in 1912 as the Moneta Gakuen, the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute Japanese Language School has been providing classes to students who are learning Japanese as a foreign language.  Both adult and children's classes are taught.
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Students have the opportunity to learn about various Japanese cultural activities throughout the year including the New Year's Celebration, Mochitsuki (traditional rice cake pounding), Undokai (sports day and picnic event), Girl's Day, Children's Day, GVJCI Matsuri, and much more!

1912年ムネタ学園として設立され、ガーデナ平原日本文化会館は日本語を外国語として学んでいる学生にクラスを提供しています。

1年を通して、新年のお祝い、餅つき、運動会、こどもの日、GVJCI祭りや様々な日本の文化を体験する機会があります。
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​NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY/非差別的ポリシーの告知
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational and admissions policies or programs.
ガーデナ平原日本文化会館は人種、肌の色、国籍または民族を問わず、学校で生徒が一般に認められている、又は利用できるすべての権利、特権、プログラム、及び活動を認めています。教育および入学のポリシーまたはプログラムの管理において、人種、肌の色、国籍または民族に基づいて差別しません。
COME VISIT US!


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Would you like to get in contact with us? Donate, volunteer, or just have an idea for  an event/program?  Leave us a message, and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible!
連絡を取り合いませんか? 寄付、ボランティア、またはイベントやプログラムの提案? 
​メッセージを残して下さい。できるだけ迅速にご連絡します。
CONTACT US
[email protected]    
(310) 324-6611     
Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute
​1964 W. 162nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247 
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​A space to engage, share, and embrace the Nikkei experience and culture. 日系の経験と文化に関わり、共有し、受け入れる空間
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