Learn Japanese Online | 12-Week Course by IIT Kanpur Prof. Vatsala Misra
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 3542 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock Japan: A Comprehensive 12-Week Online Course in Language and Culture
In today's interconnected world, proficiency in a foreign language is a powerful asset. With deepening economic and technological ties between India and Japan, the ability to speak Japanese has become a significant professional advantage. To meet this growing demand, the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur offers a meticulously designed online course: Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture. This 12-week program, available for free, provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to embark on their Japanese learning journey.
Why Learn Japanese?
The strategic partnership between India and Japan has led to a surge in Japanese companies establishing operations in India and Indian professionals seeking opportunities in Japan. Learning Japanese goes beyond just language; it's about understanding a culture that values precision, respect, and harmony. This course is specifically crafted to equip learners with the rudimentary conversational skills and cultural insights necessary for professional advancement and meaningful cross-cultural interactions.
Meet Your Expert Instructor: Prof. Vatsala Misra
You will be guided by a true pioneer in Japanese language education in India. Prof. Vatsala Misra has been an integral part of the Foreign Language Programme at IIT Kanpur for nearly three decades. Her extensive experience includes:
- Creating a 40-lecture course under the Government of India's NPTEL scheme.
- Developing Basic and Advanced Basic Japanese courses for the MOOCS platform.
- Pioneering a basic Japanese course in Hindi under the Swayam Prabha scheme.
- Designing tailor-made courses for professionals and employees in Japanese companies.
Learning from Prof. Misra ensures you receive instruction rooted in deep pedagogical experience and an understanding of the specific needs of Indian learners.
Course Overview and Learning Outcomes
This undergraduate-level course is structured to align with the requirements of Level 5 (N5) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), the benchmark for basic Japanese proficiency. Over 12 weeks, you will build a practical foundation.
Key Focus Areas:
- Scripts: Master the two phonetic scripts, Hiragana and Katakana, and get introduced to basic Kanji (Chinese characters).
- Conversational Skills: Engage in simple, situational conversations like introducing yourself, discussing hobbies, and making phone calls.
- Grammar Foundation: Understand sentence construction, particles, verb forms (present, negative, volitional, potential), and adjective types.
- Cultural Context: Learn expressions, proverbs, and glimpses into the Japanese way of life, making your language use authentic and respectful.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Japanese scripts and particles; Introducing oneself |
| Week 2 | Interrogative words; Demonstrative pronouns/adjectives; Time; Hobbies |
| Week 3 | Conversation with time expressions and simple verbs |
| Week 4 | Negative form of verb; Locational nouns |
| Week 5 | Simple conversation on phone; Conjunctions; Volitional form of verb |
| Week 6 | Types of Adjectives – ‘i’ and ‘na’ adjectives |
| Week 7 | Negative form of adjectives; Plain form of verbs |
| Week 8 | Negative forms of verbs; Expressions for giving/receiving |
| Week 9 | Potential form of verbs; Some proverbs and expressions |
| Week 10 | Expressing intent/purpose; Examples from Japanese way of life |
| Week 11 | Permission and seeking approval; Basic Kanji |
| Week 12 | Filling out simple forms; Conditional form of verbs; Kanji(Contd.) |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for any interested learner. Whether you are a student aiming to add a valuable skill to your profile, a professional looking to work with Japanese firms, a traveler passionate about Japan, or simply a curious mind eager to learn a new language, this course is your perfect starting point. No prior knowledge of Japanese is required.
Recommended Learning Resources
To complement the video lectures, the following textbooks are recommended (not mandatory) for deeper practice:
- Yamamoto, N. “Shin Nihongo no Kiso I (Romanized edition)”
- “Minna no Nihongo” (3A Network)
- Mizutani O. & N., “Introduction to Modern Japanese”
- Nishimo A., “250 Essential Kanji for Everyday Use”
- “Japanese for Busy People, 3rd edition”
Begin Your Japanese Journey Today
The Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture course from IIT Kanpur is more than just a language class; it's a bridge to new opportunities and cultural understanding. With expert instruction, a clear JLPT-aligned structure, and a focus on practical communication, this 12-week program provides everything you need to take your first confident steps into the world of Japanese. Enroll now and open the door to a new language, a rich culture, and a world of professional possibilities.
Enroll Now →