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Has the Japanese language caught your attention? If so, starting a Japanese course is one of the smartest things you could do, especially if you live in London, a multicultural city that has over 17,000 native Japanese residents according to the 2011 census, and many Japanese institutions, restaurants and shops where you can get immersed in the language and culture. If you become a fluent Japanese speaker in the city, your social life will become much more active, as you’ll be able to connect with foreign-born residents and many of the Japanese tourists that visit the city, and build wonderful interpersonal relationships that can change your life. On top of that, you’ll find that there are many job opportunities for bilingual speakers in London, so no matter what you do, speaking Japanese will really help you to become more employable and earn more money in the city. Lastly, if you decide to study this fascinating language, you’ll get to know one of the most interesting cultures in the world, which will expand your horizons and challenge the way you see the world, so what are you waiting for? Get started now and enjoy the amazing benefits of being a Japanese speaker in the city.
Learning Japanese has many advantages, but one that attracts many local learners to study the language is that having Japanese on your CV can help you get much better jobs in London and abroad. In fact, if you become a fluent speaker in the city, you’ll be able to apply for well-paid positions that require you to be bilingual like Japanese-speaking Market Investment Analyst for Octavius Finance, Japanese-speaking Trader for JAC UK and Japanese-speaking Business Development Manager. Even if you already have a great job, learning Japanese could get you a promotion, as most companies value professionals who can help them improve their business relationships with other multinationals. What’s more, if you’re thinking of travelling outside London and exploring the Japanese job market, being able to communicate in their language is key to accessing a well-paid position and understanding the local business culture, which is really different from the English, and has a more formal approach.
Are you interested in Japanese cuisine? If so, you should pay a visit to Ichiba, a 200-capacity Japanese food hall located at Westfield White City Shopping Center at Relay Square. Here you’ll find a wide range of Japanese street food, baked goods and drinks, as well as famous dishes like sushi, takoyaki, sashimi and sensational noodles that will make you fall in love with Japanese cooking. The best thing about Ichiba is that no matter if you want to have breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll find delicious meals to enjoy all day long, so if you’re in the area and are feeling hungry, don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to immerse in Japanese culture.
If you’re interested in meeting other Londoners who are learning Japanese like you, you should attend the events organized by The London Japanese Language Meetup Group. This friendly language group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at different pubs and restaurants around London to have conversations in Japanese, socialise and learn more about the Japanese culture. These events are open to speakers of all levels, so no matter how fluent you are, it’s a great place to make new friends that can help you boost your language skills. What’s more, these meetups, which are completely free, have a great turnout every month, and you don’t even need to register to attend, so give these meetings a go and you won’t regret it. On the other hand, if you like reading Japanese authors and want to meet other like-minded people to discuss the works of writers like Haruki Murakami, Yuko Tsushima, Shusaku Endo and others, then the Virtual Book Club: Japanese Literature is the perfect club for you. They meet once a month on Zoom to exchange impressions and perspectives about the novel or short story they’ve chosen to read, and although you can read the book in Japanese if you want to, all the conversations are in English, so you don’t need to be a fluent Japanese speaker to attend.
A great way to learn Japanese in London is to pay a visit to the Central Branch of the London Public Library, located at 251 Dundas Street. Here, you’ll find useful books and other learning resources that can help you expand your knowledge of the language. If you are looking for course books that cover the basics of the language to use on your own, you can check out Japanese: Level One by Henry Raymond or Japanese: the Complete Course by Living Language Staff. Additionally, the library has great books to get more familiar with Japanese culture like Japanese Home Cooking: Simple Meals, Authentic Flavours by Sonoko Sakai, an essential guide to Japanese cuisine that’s perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners, and Japanese Paper Flowers: Elegant Kirigami Blossoms, Bouquets, Wreaths and More by Hiromi Yazaki, which teaches you to create decorative works of floral art from the least expensive and most versatile craft material available.
However, as useful as these resources are, the most efficient way to learn Japanese in the city is by taking a course at Listen & Learn. Whether you’re completely new to the language or you already know some Japanese, we’ll have one of our native teachers create a course that takes your skills to the next level in no time. To start learning with us, simply send us a quick enquiry and one of our team members will contact you as soon as possible to find out what your requirements are. After that, you’ll be paired up with a qualified tutor who will make learning Japanese a wonderful experience you’ll never forget!
Japanese lessons of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival Japanese—needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'—those studying Japanese usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefited from these Japanese classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts for Japanese culture and those hoping to pass a specific exam in Japanese. Enquire now about our Japanese Courses or Take A Free Japanese Level Test
These Japanese lessons are driven towards people who have a requirement to learn Japanese to bolster their work output. For novices, you will find it useful to learn basic greetings and business etiquette. Once you have become more proficient, then reading and writing will come to the fore. Typical students include those concerned with imports and exports, those seeking work in multinational companies, international negotiations and anyone working with international colleagues or administration. Even in our most rudimentary lesson for beginnners, students can expect to finish with decent telephone and e-mail Japanese, as well as a good enough grip on the language for a short trip to the country where the language is spoken. Enquire now about our Japanese Courses or Take A Free Japanese Level Test
Lessons in Japanese are also accessible for 2 or more studying in tandem (Two-to-One Japanese Lessons or Small Group In-Company Japanese Lessons). All those involved must have around the same experience of the language, similar needs for areas of proficiency, and must be able to work at the same time and place. Bookings must be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn does not advise classes of more than 6-8 people, although In-Company Taster Japanese sessions can be run with as many as 12 people. Enquire now about our Japanese Courses or Take A Free Japanese Level Test
You and your group can be trained by our native speaker qualified Japanese teachers and can meet at your place of work or home at a time that works best for you. Tutorials can take place any day of the week, including weekends, and can be scheduled for the morning, afternoon or evening. If your home or office is not fitting for you, you can attend the lesson at the teacher's offices. You will be provided with all relevant lesson materials. Enquire now about our Japanese Courses or Take A Free Japanese Level Test
The Japanese lessons are also available for two or more people studying together (Two-to-One Japanese Lessons or Small Group In-Company Japanese Lessons). All participants must have the same level, the same business or general language needs and be able to study at the same time in the same location. The booking must be made for all participants at the same time. Listen & Learn does not recommend group classes of more than 6-8 people though In-Company Taster Japanese Lessons can be run with up to 12 people. Enquire now about our Japanese Courses or Take A Free Japanese Level Test
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I wanted someone that I could be friends with as I learned the language in my own time, at my own pace. Listen & Learn seemed to offer that kind of person, and I found out very quickly that the tutor provided to me, Chika-san, is exactly who I was looking for
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