Dutch language courses in Japan

Exchange between Japan and the Netherlands began in 1600, first on Hirado Island. Within four decades, during the period of Japan’s national isolation, the Dutch developed a very special relation with Japan as it was the only Western country that was able to continue trade. From 1640 the trade took place on the small island of Dejima in Nagasaki bay. The Dutch introduced to Japan chemistry, medicine, knowledge, products. In exchange, Japanese goods and knowledge were transported to the rest of the world by Dutch ships. Since nearly all of the academic knowledge that reached Japan from the West arrived in written Dutch, the Dutch language became the language of science in Japan during this period.

Today Dutch is not a common language in Japan anymore. However, exchange students, scholars and Japanese partners of Dutch nationals are still interested to learn the language. DUTCH APPROACH is preparing to set foot ashore in Japan in 2023!

Online courses

To provide those interested to learn Dutch a chance to start, we provide already online introduction courses. So, no matter where you live, you can join Dutch class. Our introduction course is the first step to CEFR* A1 level. Teaching is in small groups of 4 to 6 students. Each course is 10 classes (1 class each week, 2 hours).

• Online introduction course ‘Beginner 1’:
  • Wednesday afternoon 11:00-13:00 JPN: MAY 17, 24, 31 / JUN 7, 14, 28 / JUL 5, 12, 19, 26;
  • Wednesday afternoon 17:00-19:00 JPN: MAY 17, 24, 31 / JUN 7, 14, 28 / JUL 5, 12, 19, 26; or
  • Wednesday evening 21:00-23:00 JPN: MAY 17, 24, 31 / JUN 7, 14, 28 / JUL 5, 12, 19, 26.

For more information and enrollment click here.

Classes are confirmed after the minimum number of students have paid the tuition fee**.

Teaching method

The teaching method, Start.nl, is identical to our classroom courses, it has a textbook and interactive website. Start.nl (part 1) is for people who want to learn Dutch quickly in a communicative and interactive way. The website and textbook are equally important, each chapter starts with ‘preparation’ on the website. After the preparation at the interactive website, students can put their new knowledge into practice during the online class. In every chapter there is also attention for Dutch culture. Homework (through the website) for the course will be approximately 2 to 3 hours a week (20 to 30 minutes per day). The language of instruction is English. The teachers are Dutch natives and have online teaching experience.

More advanced courses

If you already have followed a Dutch language course and have obtained some language skills, DUTCH APPROACH can offer language courses from level A1 to C2. If you are interested in joining one of our more advanced courses, please contact info@dutch-approach.nl.

_{*) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages / ヨーロッパ言語共通参照枠}

_{**) Refund of the tuition fee is determined according to DUTCH APPROACH’s refund policy.}