Conversation Courses
Join a friendly, supportive online group class and start speaking Japanese with confidence.
My Conversation Courses are structured courses designed to help you improve your spoken Japanese step by step, while also strengthening your reading and writing skills.
Starting in January 2027, 24 weeks remain in the current course, covering two 12-week terms through to June.
Classes are interactive and communication-focused, with plenty of speaking practice through pair work, group activities, and guided conversation tasks. Youβll 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: Sakuraβ βFujiβ How it works
Tuesdays, 12:00pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 5th Jan 2027 | Two 12-week terms (24 weeks)
Is this course right for you?
Sakura is a practical, supportive course for beginners who have already started learning Japanese and want to build a solid foundation.
It's ideal if you want to develop your confidence, learn useful everyday Japanese and start communicating in simple situations.
You should already be able to:
Recognise some hiragana characters, or be actively learning them.
Build on what you've already learned, step by step.
By the end of these two terms, you'll be able to:
Say what you like and dislike.
Order food and drinks in a restaurant.
Ask and answer simple questions about accommodation.
Describe where people and things are located.
Read hiragana with increasing confidence and begin learning katakana.
Start recognising common kanji.
The focus is on practical Japanese you can use in everyday situations, with a step-by-step approach to building your skills and confidence.
Course details
Duration: 24 weeks (two 12-week terms)
Day/time: Tuesdays, 12pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons
Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter, starting from Lesson 5 (free online)
New to Japanese?
If you are starting from zero, I recommend taking some 1:1 lessons before joining this class. Get in touch to arrange one-to-one lessons.
If you're new to hiragana, download my free Hiragana Starter Pack, which includes a link to my free on-demand Udemy course. I'll teach you the first 46 basic hiragana characters.
Not sure if Sakura 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 5th Jan 2027 | Two 12-week terms (24 weeks)
Is this course right for you?
Sakura is a practical, supportive course for beginners who have already started learning Japanese and want to build a solid foundation.
It's ideal if you want to develop your confidence, learn useful everyday Japanese and start communicating in simple situations.
You should already be able to:
Recognise some hiragana characters, or be actively learning them.
Build on what you've already learned, step by step.
By the end of these two terms, you'll be able to:
Say what you like and dislike.
Order food and drinks in a restaurant.
Ask and answer simple questions about accommodation.
Describe where people and things are located.
Read hiragana with increasing confidence and begin learning katakana.
Start recognising common kanji.
The focus is on practical Japanese you can use in everyday situations, with a step-by-step approach to building your skills and confidence.
Course details
Duration: 24 weeks (two 12-week terms)
Day/time: Tuesdays, 12pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons
Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter, starting from Lesson 5 (free online)
New to Japanese?
If you are starting from zero, I recommend taking some 1:1 lessons before joining this class. Get in touch to arrange one-to-one lessons.
If you're new to hiragana, download my free Hiragana Starter Pack, which includes a link to my free on-demand Udemy course. I'll teach you the first 46 basic hiragana characters.
Not sure if Sakura 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 5th Jan 2027 | Two 12-week terms (24 weeks)
Who this course is for
Fuji is for learners who already have a solid beginner foundation and are ready to use Japanese more independently in everyday situations.
It's ideal if you've completed a beginner course or have studied Japanese for around 2-3 years and want to build your confidence communicating in Japanese.
You should already be able to:
Read hiragana and katakana comfortably, even if you still make occasional mistakes.
Understand and use basic everyday sentences.
Introduce yourself and manage simple conversations.
By the end of these two terms, you'll be able to:
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
The focus is on moving beyond basic Japanese towards more confident, independent communication in everyday situations.
Course details
Duration: 24 weeks (2 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 7 (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 5th Jan 2027 | Two 12-week terms (24 weeks)
Who this course is for
Fuji is for learners who already have a solid beginner foundation and are ready to use Japanese more independently in everyday situations.
It's ideal if you've completed a beginner course or have studied Japanese for around 2-3 years and want to build your confidence communicating in Japanese.
You should already be able to:
Read hiragana and katakana comfortably, even if you still make occasional mistakes.
Understand and use basic everyday sentences.
Introduce yourself and manage simple conversations.
By the end of these two terms, you'll be able to:
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
The focus is on moving beyond basic Japanese towards more confident, independent communication in everyday situations.
Course details
Duration: 24 weeks (2 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 7 (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
2027 Course Dates and 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. There are now 24 weeks remaining, covering the Spring and Summer terms.
Remaining Term Dates
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 remaining 24 weeks (Spring & Summer terms), or
Individual 12-week terms (subject to availability)
Need help choosing your level?
If youβre unsure which course is right for you, you can book a free 30-minute zoom consultation or email me for advice. Iβll help you choose the best fit.
π» Online Course Format
Classes take place on Zoom, a simple video platform.
To take part, youβll need:
A device with internet access and video capability
A laptop or tablet is recommended (better for viewing slides)
π£οΈ 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
π§ 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)
π₯ 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
π 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.
π₯ Class size
Minimum: 4 students
Maximum: 12 students
π· Course Fees (2027)
Both remaining terms (24 weeks): Β£350
Pay per term (12 weeks): Β£195 per term
π Enrolment
Please enrol by Sunday 3rd January.
Late enrolment may be possible if spaces remain, but early booking helps me to plan!
β Cancellation & Refund Policy
Full refund: 14+ days before course start
Refund minus Β£10 admin fee: within 14 days of start date
No refunds after the course has started
π©βπ« Who can join?
These courses are for adults only (18+). I do not teach under-18s.
π Textbooks
Conversation courses use free digital textbooks. Check the course description for more info.
π Self-study & homework
To get the most from the course, youβre encouraged to practise outside class (e.g. listening, reading, language exchange).
After each lesson, you will receive:
Short weekly homework tasks (1β2 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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