Conversation Courses
Join a friendly, supportive online group class and start speaking Japanese with confidence.
My Conversation Courses are structured 36-week programmes (Sept 2026-June 2027) designed to help you improve your spoken Japanese step by step, while also strengthening reading and writing skills.
Classes are interactive and communication-focused, with plenty of speaking practice through pair work, group activities, and guided conversation tasks. You’ll use Japanese actively from the very first lesson in a relaxed, encouraging environment.
Whether you want to build everyday confidence or take your Japanese further, these courses help you move from learning Japanese to using it.
Not sure which level is right for you?
Book a free 30-minute Zoom consultation or email me for advice.
Jump to: Sakura Fuji How it works
Tuesdays, 12:00pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 15th Sept 2026 | 36 weeks
Who this course is for
This course is for true beginners or early beginners who already know a little Japanese (e.g. ~10-20 hiragana characters) and want to build a solid foundation.
If you are starting completely from zero, I recommend a few 1:1 lessons before joining.
You will already be able to:
Recognise a small number of hiragana characters (or are beginning to learn them)
Feel comfortable learning slowly and step-by-step
In this course you will learn to:
Introduce yourself and ask simple questions
Talk about family, friends, likes and dislikes
Order food and drinks in a restaurant
Ask and answer simple questions about places you are staying
Talk about where people and things are located
Build confidence reading hiragana and begin katakana
Start recognising a small number of common kanji
The focus is on practical, everyday Japanese for absolute communication basics.
Course details
Duration: 36 weeks (3 x 12-week terms)
Day/time: Tuesdays, 12pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons
Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter (starting from Lesson 3, free online)
Not sure if this is right for you?
Book a free 30-minute Zoom consultation or email me for advice.
Tuesdays, 12:00pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 15th Sept 2026 | 36 weeks
Who this course is for
This course is for true beginners or early beginners who already know a little Japanese (e.g. ~10-20 hiragana characters) and want to build a solid foundation.
If you are starting completely from zero, I recommend a few 1:1 lessons before joining.
You will already be able to:
Recognise a small number of hiragana characters (or are beginning to learn them)
Feel comfortable learning slowly and step-by-step
In this course you will learn to:
Introduce yourself and ask simple questions
Talk about family, friends, likes and dislikes
Order food and drinks in a restaurant
Ask and answer simple questions about places you are staying
Talk about where people and things are located
Build confidence reading hiragana and begin katakana
Start recognising a small number of common kanji
The focus is on practical, everyday Japanese for absolute communication basics.
Course details
Duration: 36 weeks (3 x 12-week terms)
Day/time: Tuesdays, 12pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons
Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter (starting from Lesson 3, free online)
Not sure if this is right for you?
Book a free 30-minute Zoom consultation or email me for advice.
Fuji
Tuesdays, 1pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 15th Sept 2026 | 36 weeks
Who this course is for
This course is for learners who already have a solid beginner foundation and are ready to start using Japanese more independently in everyday situations.
Most students have studied Japanese for around 2-3 years or completed a beginner course.
You should already be able to:
Read hiragana and katakana comfortably (even if not perfect)
Understand and use basic everyday sentences
Introduce yourself and handle very simple conversations
In this course you will learn to:
Ask for and understand directions and local recommendations
Arrange meeting times and places
Understand key information from signs, leaflets, and simple notices
Talk about your Japanese learning experiences and goals
Expand your kanji knowledge for everyday topics (travel, study, daily life)
Build confidence handling longer, real-life conversations
This course focuses on moving from basic survival Japanese to more confident everyday communication.
Course details
Duration: 36 weeks (3 x 12-week terms)
Day/time: Tuesdays, 1pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons
Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Elementary 1 (starting from Lesson 5, free online)
Not sure if this is your level?
Book a free 30-minute zoom consultation or email me for advice.
Tuesdays, 1pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 15th Sept 2026 | 36 weeks
Who this course is for
This course is for learners who already have a solid beginner foundation and are ready to start using Japanese more independently in everyday situations.
Most students have studied Japanese for around 2-3 years or completed a beginner course.
You should already be able to:
Read hiragana and katakana comfortably (even if not perfect)
Understand and use basic everyday sentences
Introduce yourself and handle very simple conversations
In this course you will learn to:
Ask for and understand directions and local recommendations
Arrange meeting times and places
Understand key information from signs, leaflets, and simple notices
Talk about your Japanese learning experiences and goals
Expand your kanji knowledge for everyday topics (travel, study, daily life)
Build confidence handling longer, real-life conversations
This course focuses on moving from basic survival Japanese to more confident everyday communication.
Course details
Duration: 36 weeks (3 x 12-week terms)
Day/time: Tuesdays, 1pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons
Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Elementary 1 (starting from Lesson 5, free online)
Not sure if this is your level?
Book a free 30-minute zoom consultation or email me for advice.
More Info:
How it works
2026-2027 Course Structure
Each class meets at the same time every week (e.g. Sakura every Tuesday at 12pm UK time).
This is a 36-week course, divided into three 12-week terms running from September 2026 to June 2027.
Term Dates
Autumn Term (12 weeks): 15th Sept – 1st Dec 2026
Spring Term (12 weeks): 5th Jan – 23rd Mar 2027
Summer Term (12 weeks): 13th Apr – 29th Jun 2027
Each lesson is 55 minutes long.
You can join:
The full 36-week course, or
Individual 12-week terms (subject to availability)
Need help choosing your level?
If you’re unsure which course is right for you, you can book a free 30-minute zoom consultation or email me for advice. I’ll help you choose the best fit.
💻 Online Course Format
Classes take place on Zoom, a simple video platform.
To take part, you’ll need:
A device with internet access and video capability
A laptop or tablet is recommended (better for viewing slides)
🗣️ How lessons work
Lessons are designed to help you speak and understand Japanese actively through interactive activities.
We will:
Take part in speaking activities throughout the lesson
Work in pairs or groups using breakout rooms (when appropriate)
Use slides and structured tasks to support learning
🎧 Lesson recording policy
Classes are not recorded. This helps create a safe and relaxed environment where students feel comfortable speaking.
If you miss a lesson, you can:
Use the materials provided
Book a 1-to-1 lesson for extra support (optional)
🎥 Class expectations
To help the class run smoothly:
You may be asked to mute when not speaking (to reduce background noise)
Please keep your camera on where possible, especially during group work
🌍 Time zone note
All class times are listed in UK time. Please note that the dates that the clocks change in the UK may differ from your country.
👥 Class size
Minimum: 4 students
Maximum: 12 students
💷 Course Fees (2026–2027)
Full course (36 weeks): £495
Pay per term (12 weeks): £195 per term
📝 Enrolment
Please enrol by Tuesday 8th September.
Late enrolment may be possible if spaces remain, but early booking helps with planning.
❌ Cancellation & Refund Policy
Full refund: 14+ days before course start
Refund minus £10 admin fee: within 14 days of start date
No refunds after the course has started
👩🏫 Who can join?
These courses are for adults only (18+). I do not teach under-18s.
📚 Textbooks
Conversation courses use free digital textbooks. Check the course description for more info.
📖 Self-study & homework
To get the most from the course, you’re encouraged to practise outside class (e.g. listening, reading, language exchange).
After each lesson, you will receive:
Short weekly homework tasks (1–2 activities)
These may include:
Preparation for the next lesson
Online quizzes or practice activities
Listening or writing tasks
Some tasks are optional for extra practice.
1:1 Lessons
I also offer one-to-one lessons at all levels from beginners to advanced learners.
For help choosing the right level for you, please get in touch to book a free zoom consultation.
Teacher
Classes at Step Up Japanese are taught by me, Fran Wrigley. Konnichiwa!
I started Step Up Japanese in a little yellow classroom in Brighton in 2015, and in 2020 I moved all my teaching online.
I love the Japanese language, and sharing that with students is a privilege I don't take for granted. Learning a foreign language is hugely rewarding - and, if you get it right, it should be really fun.
I hope to see you soon at Step Up Japanese!
Got a question? I'm here to help.
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