Question 1

How long does it take to pass JLPT N5 from zero?

Accepted Answer

Japan Foundation's standard: 250-500 guided study hours. With twice-weekly lessons (8 hours/month), realistic timeline is 3-6 months for JLPT N5. Intensive 4x/week can shorten it to 2-3 months. Key factor: consistent Hiragana/Katakana practice outside class.

Question 2

At what age can children start learning Japanese?

Accepted Answer

Ideally starting at age 8-10, when children can read Latin script fluently and focus for 45-60 minutes. For younger children, you can begin with exposure to songs and anime phrases without Hiragana memorization. Children 11+ can typically begin systematic Hiragana right away.

Question 3

Hiragana, Katakana, or Kanji first?

Accepted Answer

Ideal order: Hiragana (first 2 weeks) → Katakana (next 1-2 weeks) → Kanji gradually through whole words from month 2. Hiragana is mandatory first because 80% of grammar and particles use Hiragana. Teaching Kanji too early without a Hiragana foundation creates frustration.

Question 4

What's the difference between Minna no Nihongo and Genki?

Accepted Answer

Minna no Nihongo (dominant in Indonesia, used at LBI UI, EVAJEMA, Japan Foundation Jakarta) — full Japanese from the start, immersive, ideal for guided classes. Genki — bilingual Japanese-English, self-study friendly. We typically use Minna for structure with supplementary materials from Try! or Sou Matome for JLPT prep.

Question 5

Is JLPT N4 enough to work in Japan via SSW/Tokutei Ginou?

Accepted Answer

Yes — JLPT N4 is the minimum language requirement for the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) / Tokutei Ginou visa. Beyond JLPT N4, you also need to pass the field-specific skills exam (caregiver, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, etc.). Our tutor Mr. Rifqi is an SSW returnee who specializes in this track.

Question 6

Where in Indonesia can I take the JLPT?

Accepted Answer

JLPT is held twice a year (first Sunday of July and December) in 16 Indonesian cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Malang, Solo, Denpasar, Medan, Padang, Palembang, Makassar, Manado, Cirebon, Bogor, Tangerang. Registration via jlptonline.or.id. Fee is approximately Rp 220,000 per level.

Question 7

Are there native Japanese tutors?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have native tutors from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Native speakers are strongly recommended for N3+ learners seeking natural pronunciation and exposure to standard Tokyo dialect. Native tutors are +50% from regular. For beginners we recommend bilingual tutors (MEXT alumni or Japanese Studies graduates) who can explain grammar in Indonesian.

Question 8

How many Kanji are needed for daily life in Japan?

Accepted Answer

About 1,000 Kanji is enough for daily life (reading menus, light news, street signs). The official Joyo Kanji list has 2,136 characters — that's the JLPT N1 / graduate-study target. Beginners shouldn't worry about memorizing all Kanji at once; we teach Kanji gradually through vocabulary, not isolated memorization.

Question 9

Is online tutoring effective for learning Kanji writing?

Accepted Answer

Very effective! We use a digital whiteboard to show correct stroke order. Students can write on a tablet, photograph paper notes, or use the digital whiteboard directly. Tutors correct in real time and give feedback. Session recordings let you review stroke order anytime.

Question 10

Is there a JLPT pass guarantee?

Accepted Answer

For the JLPT/MEXT Package (24 sessions), we offer a Score Guarantee*. If you don't reach your target level after completing the program with 90%+ attendance and finishing all mock tests, you get 4 additional sessions free for re-preparation. Note: JLPT outcomes also depend on independent study effort outside class.

Question 11

What's the total cost to prepare for JLPT N4 in 1 year?

Accepted Answer

Estimated Rp 5-12 million total for 1 year: Regular Package 8 sessions/month × 6 months (~Rp 4.8M) + Intensive JLPT Package 16 sessions (~Rp 1.4M) + Minna no Nihongo + Sou Matome N4 textbooks (~Rp 1M) + JLPT exam fee (~Rp 220K). More affordable than formal institutional courses (Rp 8-15M) and far more personalized.

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