For the first time: Now available to the public. Maplopo’s Beginner Japanese Language Program. A bespoke program originally built exclusively for incoming JET participants in partnership with USJETAA. Now ready for you.

This program focuses on one thing:

…staying in the conversation when you don’t have every word. Most people tune out when meaning drops. They exit the exchange.

You stay in it with what you can still recognize.

Not freezing. Not disappearing.

That’s the work.

That’s the start.

Your personal introduction is the kickoff for everything else. It’s the first structure you return to again and again—until it holds when you need it.

The Core Foundation

Japanese for motivated beginner learners and those with a bit of prior experience.

• Grammar videos that explain sentence structure clearly.
• Location shoots that give you more firm footing in the restaurant and at the station.
• Reference worksheets for cultural insight and critical review.
• Quizzes that help bring it all together.
• Personal review and feedback on all your assignment submissions by co-founder and creator, Reiko Kane.

Enrollment and Timing

This is a guided self-paced program you can begin any time after your acceptance.

Tuition

Tuition for all accepted 2026 enrollees is $225.

Applications are open now.

Apply

Maplopo’s Beginner Japanese Language Program

Start with a short application. Then a brief conversation with co-founder Doc Kane to understand where you’re starting from and whether this is the right fit.

“You and Reiko have both been so kind and inspiring to learn from; I can really feel the effort and care you put into all of your work materials.

Also, I’m already seeing the course’s effect on my work as well; I’m much more comfortable writing (and getting positive feedback from my manager!)”

Yuma Do
Sega of America, Associate Localization Producer