Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japanese: A Website for Language Learning

Self-Study Lessons for Learning Japanese

When looking to learn Japanese, you may find there isn't a school nearby, or attending lessons is difficult due to your work schedule.

If you're interested in self-study language courses, head to Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japanese (Connect and Enhance), a website run by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Picture from Connect and Enhance: 1-2 Shopping for Daily Items (English Version)

Connect and Enhance offers a convenient way to learn fundamental Japanese phrases. It's perfect for foreign nationals and new residents in Japan!

Learn Everyday Phrases at Three Different Levels

MATCHA interviewed Mr. Kitamura (center) who works at the Agency for Cultural Affairs, which is in charge of the language project. He is pictured alongside with Mr. Okuda (right) and Ms. Matsumoto (left) of Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., which handles the production.

According to Mr. Okuda, "At Connect and Enhance, you can learn commonly used phrases that are divided into three levels."

Connect and Enhance website front page

Level 1 features the most commonly used phrases, including self-introductions and shopping for daily items. Level 2 involves complicated conversations, reading, and writing. Level 3 handles important phrases which may not be so common in everyday life.

Picture from Connect and Enhance: 2-2 Sending a Postcard (English Version)

Mr. Okuda explained, "We tried to re-create situations encountered in daily life, so that the viewers could easily relate to the scenarios."

The website aims to portray Japanese life through practical videos.

Mr. Kitamura added, "It's easier to learn Japanese if you know the customs and culture. We hope that Connect and Enhance can help viewers in this regard."

Let's Start by Looking at This Page!

First, let's take a look at the page titled Characteristics of the Japanese Language. See which phrases interest you at each level!

The contents of Connect and Enhance are created by Japanese language teachers. MATCHA also interviewed three of these instructors.

Characteristics of the Japanese Language

Picture from Connect and Enhance: Japanese Sounds (English Version)

Every language has its own unique pronunciation and grammar. This page explains distinct Japanese sounds, characters, and structure.

"There are many unique aspects of the Japanese language, so it was difficult deciding what to select and how to explain them. The most crucial points are introduced on this page," explained Ms. Okuhara.

Level 1 "Self Introduction" and Level 2 "Joining a Neighborhood Association"

Picture from Connect and Enhance: 1-1 Self Introduction (English Version)

"The phrases were selected to be used in daily conversations. Try them when talking with friends or acquiring necessary information for everyday life," remarked Ms. Karakisawa.

Level 3 "Looking for a Place to Move" and "Preparing for Your Move"

Picture from Connect and Enhance: 3-3 Looking for a Place to Move to (English Version)

According to Ms. Arita, "While moving doesn't happen often, there are some important words to know during these situations. Watch the video, and say the phrases out loud. It will boost your confidence to communicate in Japanese!"

Give Connect and Enhance a Try!

Launched in June 2020, Connect and Enhance continues to expand its contents. Ten languages will be available by the end of March 2021, with plans to expand to 14 in the future.

Try this handy site to make life in Japan even easier!

In cooperation with Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., Junko Okuhara, Midori Karakisawa, and Reiko Arita
Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs
Main image by Pixta.