Japanese
Why Learn Japanese?
Japanese is spoken by more than 130 million people, mainly in Japan, but also by Japanese emigrant communities around the world. It is distinguished by a complex system of honorifics reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary to indicate the relative status of speaker, listener, and the person mentioned in conversation. The earliest record of Japanese is in a Chinese document from 252 A.D. A vast number of words were borrowed from Chinese or created from Chinese models over at least 1,500 years. Since the late 19th century, Japanese has borrowed a considerable number of words from Indo-European languages, primarily English.
Here are three compelling reasons to learn Japanese:
1. Access to a Leading Global Economy and Innovation Hub:
Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and a leader in industries like technology,
automotive, robotics, and entertainment. Proficiency in Japanese can open doors to
career opportunities in multinational companies, international trade, and cutting-edge
research and development, providing a competitive advantage in the global job market.
2. Deep Cultural Enrichment:
Learning Japanese offers a gateway to understanding Japan's rich cultural heritage,
including its literature, art, cinema, and traditional practices like tea ceremonies
and martial arts. It also enhances the experience of Japanese pop culture, such as
anime, manga, and video games, allowing students to engage more deeply with these
global phenomena.
3. Study and Work Opportunities in Japan:
Japan offers a range of scholarships and exchange programs for international students,
making it an attractive destination for study abroad experiences. Proficiency in Japanese
increases the likelihood of securing these opportunities and helps students immerse
themselves more fully in the local culture, building valuable connections and gaining
firsthand experience in a unique and dynamic environment.
Mt. SAC offers beginning and intermediate, university-transferable Japanese language courses that include both verbal and written learning, taught by native speakers in both English and Japanese.
Course Offerings
Japanese (JAPN)
Faculty
| Photos | Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Keiko Tsurumi (Program coordinator) | 909-274-4581 | ktsurumi@mtsac.edu |
 |
Don Lee | 909-274-6344 | dlee264@mtsac.edu |
 |
Natsuyo Higuchi | nhiguchi@mtsac.edu | |
 |
Emi Okubo | eokubo@mtsac.edu | |
 |
Saori Tauchi | stauchi@mtsac.edu | |
 |
Keiko Appel | kappel@mtsac.edu | |
 |
Yuki Minekawa | yminekawa@mtsac.edu | |
 |
Shana Brenish | sbrenish1@mtsac.edu | |
 |
Mayumi Hiraku (Hu) | mhu32@mtsac.edu | |
 |
Michie Higuchi Jones | mjones150@mtsac.edu |
Spring 2025 Japanese Tutoring Schedule
March - June, 2025 All sessions are drop-in tutoring; appointments are not needed.
On Campus Tutoring
| Days | Times | Location | Tutor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday & Wednesday | 4:30-5:30pm | Bldg. 77-1080 | Troy |
| Monday | 12:00-1:00pm | Bldg. 77-1045 | Taiga |
| Wednesday | 12:00-1:00pm | Bldg. 77-1045 | Sabrina |
| Wednesday | 2:15-3:15pm | Bldg. 77-1070 | Sabrina |
| Tuesday & Thursday | 4:30-5:30pm | Bldg. 77-1080 | Sabrina |
Online Tutoring: ASAC Zoom
| Days | Times | Link | Tutor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12-4pm | ASAC Online Tutoring | Madison |
| Tuesday | 1-4pm | ASAC Online Tutoring | Madison |
| Wednesday | 12-3pm | ASAC Online Tutoring | Madison |
