1. Strategic JLPT Preparation Aimed at Guaranteed Success
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognized Japanese language certification exam in the world. For learners of Japanese, passing the JLPT provides an official and public measure of their language ability.
In particular, levels N3 to N1 are officially recognized by many educational institutions and companies both in Japan and abroad. For those considering higher education, studying abroad, employment, or career changes in Japan, these levels serve as a major stepping stone in advancing one’s career.
However, the JLPT has a unique question format, and many learners find it difficult to prepare effectively on their own.
“I don’t know what or how to study for the JLPT.”
“I can’t manage my time properly during the actual exam.”
If you share those concerns, Oku Sensei’s Japanese JLPT Preparation Course offers a clear solution—helping you build real ability efficiently and confidently toward passing.
This course is conducted entirely online.
Through interactive live lessons on Zoom, you’ll be able to engage directly with the instructor and steadily improve your skills from the comfort of your own home.
All lessons are taught by Oku Sensei, who has over 20 years of experience preparing students for the JLPT at universities across the United States. She provides personalized, strategic guidance tailored to each student’s learning needs.
“From taking a chance on the test,
to passing it with confidence.”
Why not build that kind of confidence and ability with us through OSJ’s online JLPT prep course?
2. What Does It Really Take to Pass the JLPT?
To pass the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), simply memorizing vocabulary and grammar isn’t enough.
What the exam truly measures is your practical Japanese ability—how accurately you can understand the language and apply it appropriately depending on the situation.
For example:
・ Reading comprehension: the ability to accurately interpret long passages within a limited time
・ Analytical skills: the ability to identify the correct answer from similar options based on context
・ Listening skills: the ability to follow naturally-paced audio and grasp subtle nuances
The shortest path to passing is to train all of these skills in a balanced way using formats that closely resemble the actual exam.
At Oku Sensei’s Japanese, our JLPT preparation course goes beyond textbook explanations. Through targeted practice problems and mock exams modeled after the real test, we help students transform passive knowledge into the ability to get real points on the exam.
We also teach proven test strategies to get the highest possible score—pro-tips for how to answer questions, time management strategies during the test—and draw upon years of teaching experience that has led countless students to success, ensuring you have steady, reliable support all the way to the finish line.
With over 20 years of experience in Japanese language education, Oku Sensei’s Japanese is committed to helping you reach your goals with confidence.
3. Overview of the OSJ JLPT Preparation Course
The JLPT Preparation Course at Oku Sensei’s Japanese is structured around three levels: N3, N2, and N1.
At each level, the following skills are thoroughly reinforced:
・ Mastery of vocabulary and grammar (using official test materials and original resources)
・ Increased speed and accuracy in reading comprehension
・ Repetitive listening practice to strengthen comprehension
・ Full-length mock exam practice in real test format
・ Time management training for the exam
・ Error analysis and targeted reinforcement of weak areas
＼Recommended for learners like these／
・ You've taken the JLPT through self-study before but didn’t pass
・ You want to go beyond the passing line and build real confidence
・ You want to strengthen your ability to stay calm and focused under pressure
・ You’re not sure how to approach or “solve” JLPT-style questions
Passing the JLPT isn’t the final goal—it’s a doorway to the next stage of your journey.
Through this course, you’ll gain both the skills to pass the test and the practical Japanese ability to use the language in real life.
| Schedule | Once a week ・ or ・ Twice a week |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $40 per class (75 minutes) – Once a week $30 per class (60 minutes) – Twice a week |
All class times are scheduled with U.S.-based students in mind. Full details will be provided during your free consultation.
At Oku Sensei’s Japanese, we offer a free 30-minute consultation before starting any course. This is an important step where we take the time to understand your learning history and goals in detail, so we can recommend the most effective study plan for you.
Even if you’re unsure of your level or feeling uncertain—
“I don’t know which level is right for me…”
“I’m not confident about where I stand…”
—you can use this consultation time to clear up those concerns and begin your learning journey with confidence.
In addition to our online JLPT preparation courses, we also offer standard Japanese courses.
Click here to learn more about the standard courses at Oku Sensei’s Japanese.
4. Meet the Instructor: Who Teaches the JLPT Preparation Course?
This course is led by Oku Sensei, a highly respected Japanese language educator with over 20 years of experience teaching at universities across the United States. She has held full-time faculty positions at major state universities such as the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of North Texas, as well as at renowned liberal arts colleges including Colby, Bucknell, and Middlebury.“Success comes from knowing how to manage your time, interpret questions accurately, and recognize your patterns of error.”
Read what our students are saying: Testimonials from Oku Sensei’s Japanese students
We offer personalized course
recommendations tailored to
each student's learning
progress. Feel free to
contact us for more
information.
5. Frequently Asked Questions about the Online JLPT Preparation Course
- Q.What kind of program is this Online JLPT Preparation Course?
- A.This online Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) preparation course is a practical and intensive program designed to help students pass levels N3, N2, and N1.
Through live Zoom lessons, students build balanced proficiency across all four key areas: vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening. The course also familiarizes students with the actual test format while steadily building real test-taking ability.
In addition, the course provides strategic guidance that is often difficult to grasp through self-study—such as test patterns, time management techniques, and how to analyze answer choices.
All classes are personally taught by Oku Sensei, who has over 20 years of experience teaching JLPT prep at universities in the U.S. She supports each learner attentively, helping them overcome their individual challenges and guiding them steadily toward success.
- Q.Can I take this course as a private lesson?
- A.At Oku Sensei’s Japanese, all JLPT preparation courses are currently offered in group format only.
Many people assume that private lessons provide more personalized instruction, but Oku Sensei has consistently achieved strong results by offering individualized guidance even within group classes.
In fact, while private lessons offer flexibility, they can often make it harder to stay motivated over time. On the other hand, group learning fosters growth through the insights and efforts of fellow students, which can be deeply motivating and inspiring.
Many students have made significant progress in their Japanese through group lessons.
Please take a moment to read their testimonials and experience the benefits of group learning for yourself.
- Q.I’m not sure which level (N3–N1) I should take.
- A.No problem. During your free 30-minute consultation, we will carefully review your current study background and any previous JLPT experience to help determine the most appropriate level for you.
- Q.Is English-language support available?
- A.Yes, it is. Oku Sensei has over 20 years of experience teaching Japanese at universities in the United States and is well-regarded for her ability to support English-speaking learners.
She seamlessly switches between Japanese and English as needed, so beginners and English speakers can participate with complete confidence.
- Q.I’m nervous about taking an online class. Will I be okay as a beginner?
- A.Absolutely—please rest assured. Lessons are tailored to your level, from basic hiragana and greetings for beginners to presentations and discussions for advanced learners. We promise careful support so that you’ll never be left behind or confused during class.
- Q.How are the classes conducted?
- A.All classes are held live on Zoom in an interactive format. Recordings are also available for review. As long as you have an internet connection and a webcam, you can participate from anywhere.
- Q.What kinds of people take this course?
- A. A wide range of learners participate in this JLPT prep course, primarily college students from English-speaking countries like the U.S.
For example:
・ University students majoring or minoring in Japanese aiming to pass N3–N1
・ Working professionals or graduate students preparing to study or work in Japan
・ Self-learners seeking a more structured and effective learning method
・ People pursuing JLPT certification as a personal or career goal
Though their ages and objectives vary, most students share a common drive:
“This time, I want to pass.”
“I want to build real test-taking ability.”
This makes for a highly motivating and supportive group learning environment—one of the major benefits of this course.
- Q.What days/times are classes held?
- A.Classes are held once or twice per week. They take place in the morning Japan time, which corresponds to the afternoon or evening in the U.S.
Available time slots will be explained during your free consultation.
- Q.How much does the course cost?
- A.Tuition varies depending on the course level and content. For details, please refer to the Summer Intensive Course page or inquire during your free consultation.
- Q.Do I need to prepare or purchase any materials myself?
- A.No, all materials are provided by OSJ. You won’t need to purchase any textbooks or workbooks.
- Q.Will I receive the slides and materials used in class?
- A.Yes, you’ll receive all materials, slides, and handouts after class. These can be used for review or to catch up if you miss a lesson.
- Q.Will there be homework? I’m quite busy and may not have time to complete assignments.
- A.No worries—Oku Sensei’s Japanese generally does not assign homework.
The curriculum and materials are designed so that simply reviewing the slides and handouts used in class is enough to help you steadily build your Japanese ability.
There’s no need to purchase extra materials or stress over homework.
Oku Sensei’s teaching materials are carefully designed to help you naturally and steadily develop your skills across all four areas—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—through review alone.
The program is structured so that even busy learners can continue learning consistently and without pressure. You can join with peace of mind.
- Q.What happens if I miss a class?
- A.All classes are recorded, and a video link will be provided to anyone who misses a session.
While we can’t offer refunds for missed classes, we’ll fully support you so your learning never falls behind.
- Q.How do I pay for the course? Can I use a credit card?
- A.Yes, payment is primarily made by credit card. A secure payment link will be sent to you via email.
- Q.Can I join the course even after it has already started?
- A.Yes, as long as there are available seats, you may join mid-course. Please contact us early if you’re interested in joining.
We offer personalized course
recommendations tailored to
each student's learning
progress. Feel free to
contact us for more
information.
