The Japanese program attracts students who are interested in Japan’s unique culture, language, and technological industries.

The Japanese program complies with the National Standards for Japanese Language Learning. Students gain a strong foundation in the language and attain socio-cultural competency.

The program invites Japanese visitors for cultural presentations and as conversation partners, and it connects students with Japanese communities both in the Bay Area and in Japan. Total immersion is the goal of the program, and the use of English in the classroom is gradually phased out by Japanese III.

Throughout the program, important aspects of Japanese history and culture are studied and discussed. Calligraphy is occasionally practiced, and word processing and other technology are integrated into the classes.

In the first year of Japanese, students learn the basic structures essential for communication through kinetic exercises, skits, and cultural activities. The class seeks to encourage mastery of Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji (at this level, recognition is emphasized). Students read and write extensively and learn to use a Japanese word processor.

Japanese I Course Description

In the second year of Japanese, students continue to learn basic structures essential for communication, while adding more compound and complex expressions. Students create skits and a cooking video, study culture, and read Japanese stories. Students continue to master Kanji, while reading and writing extensively. 

Japanese II Course Description

In the third year of Japanese, students start learning respectful and humble expressions in addition to basic compound and complex sentence structures essential for communication. More advanced adjective and verb forms are mastered. Students prepare speeches and video projects. They study culture, read authentic Japanese material, and continue to master Kanji, while reading and writing extensively. Throughout the year, the class covers Japanese literature and film; examples include TV drama series The Chef, animation films by Hayao Miyazaki, etc. This course has been designated as an Honors course by the University of California.

Japanese III Course Description

AP Japanese is focused on preparing students for the AP examination.  It is designed to develop advanced communication skills in Japanese.  Interpersonal, interpretive and presentation activities will be emphasized.  In addition, reading, writing, aural and oral comprehension, conversational skills, and elements of Japanese culture are woven into the class. The class is taught in the immersion style and only Japanese is spoken.

During the course of the year, the class covers Japanese literature and film; examples include Ikiru by Akira Kurosawa, a TV drama series (Densetsu no Kyooshi), animation films by Hayao Miyazaki, etc. In the second semester the class turns to the history of Japan.  Students read authentic Japanese materials, and produce and present PowerPoint projects or video commercials in Japanese. These projects strengthen the students’ comprehension of and fluency in Japanese.  At the end of this course, students are expected to attain ACTFL Oral Proficiency at the Intermediate Low to Mid level. Technology is fully integrated into the class activities and students’ projects. For example, emails and voicemails are exchanged with the teacher in Japanese. Students may take the AP Japanese Language and Culture Exam in May.

 Japanese IV -V Course Description

Japanese V - AP Course Description