Will the Certificate in Japanese Language prepare me for JLPT N5?

Yes — comfortably, with stronger students reaching JLPT N4 level on completion. JLPT is taken separately through the UK testing centres in London; we provide preparation guidance and a guided revision module.

How many kanji will I learn on the Certificate in Japanese Language?

Around 100 essential kanji at JLPT N5 range, with stronger students extending into N4 territory. The Diploma extends this substantially — around 300 kanji at full completion.

Is the Certificate in Japanese Language taught using polite (keigo) Japanese?

Polite (desu/masu) forms are taught from week one as the default register. Casual forms are introduced for recognition but not as the active register. Keigo (advanced honorific Japanese) is reserved for the Diploma and Advanced Diploma.

Can I take the Certificate in Japanese Language fully online?

Yes. The online route runs live small-group classes (typically twice a week) with structured kanji and conversation practice over video. Writing exercises are submitted digitally with tutor feedback.

How is Japanese taught alongside other East Asian languages?

Japanese is taught as a stand-alone language with no shared modules with Chinese or Korean. Students taking multiple East Asian languages typically take separate Certificates and combine them into a Diploma-level concentration.

Certificate in Japanese Language in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in Japanese Language at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a short, structured UK introduction to Japanese. Over three to six months you will master hiragana and katakana, learn around 100 essential kanji, develop basic spoken Japanese using polite (desu/masu) forms, and reach the level expected at JLPT N5 with stronger students moving into N4 territory.

Japanese is a strategic language for working in international business, technology, design and cultural-policy fields. This Certificate is built for adults who want a genuine grounded foundation — not a phrase-book level — and a recognised UK credential that maps cleanly to the international JLPT framework.

Key Features

Hiragana and katakana mastery — both syllabaries fluent by week six.
Around 100 essential kanji covering JLPT N5 range with stronger students extending into N4.
Polite-form Japanese from week one — the register expected in workplace and professional contexts.
Cultural strand — brief introductions to Japanese workplace culture, formality conventions and contemporary society.
Three study modes — on-campus, fully online, or distance learning.
JLPT N5 preparation available as a guided revision module.

What You Will Learn

The Certificate in Japanese Language is built around what a Japanese beginner needs to do in the real world — read both syllabaries, recognise everyday kanji, hold basic polite conversation, write short structured messages.

Hiragana — full coverage by week four with sustained drilling.
Katakana — covered by week six with focus on loanword recognition.
Around 100 essential kanji at JLPT N5 range.
Polite (desu/masu) and basic plain forms.
Particles — wa, ga, o, ni, e, de, to, mo at foundation level.
Greetings, introductions and everyday courtesy in Japanese.
Numbers, dates, time-telling, money and basic transactions.
Reading and writing short structured messages at JLPT N5 level.

Who This Course Is For

Adult beginners with no prior Japanese.
Professionals working with Japanese counterparts or markets.
Students preparing for time in Japan, including JET Programme applicants.
Heritage Japanese speakers wanting a recognised UK qualification.

Career Pathways

The Certificate in Japanese Language is a foundation credential. Typical applications include:

Bilingual Account Management (UK companies trading with Japan)
Cultural and Heritage Roles (museums with Japanese collections)
JET Programme application strengthening
Junior Communications roles (Japan-focused organisations)
Continued Study (Diploma in Japanese Language, BA Japanese Language Studies)
Preparation for JLPT N5 and N4 certification

The Certificate articulates into the Diploma in Japanese Language at LSJHML for students continuing.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 16.
Secondary school qualification (GCSE/O-Level or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
No prior Japanese required.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.