Living on Okinawa for a year and a half, I've taken several Japanese classes.
I started with the basic classes at Camp Foster Personal Service Center and moved on to a two-month long class at Kadena USO. Both courses were helpful and gave me a good foundation. But afterwards, I didn't know where to turn next. It seems that many of the long-term Japanese programs here are expensive, too academic for my needs, or offered at inconvenient times.
Well, last summer, I found Izumi's Japanese School, conveniently located near Camp Lester. I've been studying there ever since.
Izumi offers both group and private classes. The group class meets on Thursday nights from 6:00-7:30 and costs 4,000 yen/month. Private classes meet according to your schedule one hour/week and cost 6,000 yen/month. Anyone who has researched classes in the area knows these prices are a great deal.
There are definitely benefits to both classes. I really liked practicing with other students in the group class. And privately, I appreciated personalizing lessons based on what was relevant to me.
Overall, my language goal is simple. I want to interact in Japanese and make a few local friends.
However, even though I still consider myself a beginner, I can function in situations I never thought possible. I've ordered a pizza over the phone, made various reservations for hotels and appointments, and negotiated over price at Yomitan Pottery Village. Often I even understand simple conversations I hear around me in town.
If interested in basic practical classes, give Izumi a try. You might be surprised how fast you absorb the language.
Directions: From Kadena Gate 2, take Rte 23 towards the 58. On the left side, you'll pass Coco curry and you'll see a bowling pin sign for the Chatan Sports Center. Turn left there and go straight. You'll pass the sports center on the right. Continue straight to the high school. Just past the school, you'll see a red vending machine on the right side. Turn right there and park. Izumi's school is on the second level of that building.
Is the school still open?
Yes. I am still teaching, but I had to move the other place in Chatan. The price also has changed.
You can contact me [email protected] or my phone.
are there any Japanese classes w/reasonable home stay accommodations on Okinawa. I am planning to go to Okinawa w/my nephew to see where my father (his grandfather)fought during WW2. We would like to try Japanese classes as well.
She's back in business. Might still get kick back from email because it's a cell.
I just tried to call with no answer. The school is located right around the corner from my home so I'll get the latest contact information.
Do they have classes for 11 year olds?
Yeah, I did the same and it bounced back.
I just tried to send an email to the address given in the post, but it got returned to me. Does anyone know of a different email address that works? Thanks!
Owles language center used to be located in Ginowan, but not sure still open…. Ask the Japanese lady at A&FRC Kadena 634-3366. I've heard she used to teach Japanese there before.
Why would you need an English menu for bento's at a school that teaches Japanese?????
There is also a bento place on the first floor. It is great. The lady has an English menu of the different bentos. Prices are also great.
What is the one in Ginowan? Do you remember much about it?
Mary, that's awesome. I went to the class offered on Kadena airman and family readiness center for awhile and at Owles Language Center in Ginowan, but that one was too far. Funny how hard it is to find Japanese language classes! (But maybe that's just me 'cause I'm a language teacher and I'm picky about my classes!) Good to know about these even though I don't even live in Oki now. Hopefully it's still around when/if I get back there!