[Online] Japanese Language Workshop: Kana Fundamentals

Kana Fundamentals:

Improving Pronunciation and Reading Skills

Schedule: Tuesdays, July 8 – August 5, 7:00 PM – 8:10 PM (CST) (4 sessions)
Note: No class on July 15
Instructor: Izumi Sakurada

This workshop will help you not only master Hiragana, but also read and pronounce Japanese with confidence. We’ll start with the basics of the Kana system—its history, how Hiragana and Katakana work, why they’re essential for both writing and speaking, and how to build strong pronunciation habits from the start.

Using Tadoku (the extensive reading method) as a key output practice, the instructor will guide you in developing reading fluency and self-study strategies you can keep using beyond the workshop. By the end of the course, you will be able to read beginner-level Japanese readers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your pronunciation, this class will help you build a strong, lasting foundation for your Japanese journey.

*Japanese Kana system: a writing system that uses two syllabaries, hiragana, and katakana, to represent the sounds of the Japanese language. 

By the end of the workshop, students will be able to:

• Summarize the history of the Japanese writing system
• Recognize the difference between Kanij, Hiragana, and Katakana
• Demonstrate understanding of the basic functions of Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana
• Explore the full Kana system, including Hiragana, Katakana, and their variations.
• Read and write the 46 basic Hiragana 
• Pronounce Hiragana characters accurately, with attention to pitch accent and vowel sounds
• Build familiarity with the Kana system through targeted reading practice.
• Read beginner-level Japanese readers with growing confidence

Cost

Member: $100

Non-Member: $120

Register Here for Kana Fundamentals

Instructor

Izumi Sakurada

Originally from Nara, Japan, Izumi has lived in the United States for over 40 years. Also an educator at Gateway to Japan, she is an experienced instructor, providing language and cultural education in Japan via online workshops since 2006. She is passionate about bridging the gap between Japanese and other cultures, and her mission is to create an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience to promote a deeper understanding of Japan and Japanese culture for students of all ages and backgrounds.  

This workshop will be conducted via Zoom. Attendees must have a device with audio and video capabilities, as well as an internet connection. The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth reserves the right to cancel the workshop if it does not meet the minimum attendance number. Please contact us at ikuko@jasdfw.org if you have questions about this workshop and language classes.