Akita City Japanese Language Learning

From Akita Wiki

Akita Japanese Language Learning

Akita City runs a free Japanese language class for foreign residents who live in Akita City. Start with the Official Akita City Japanese Language Class Page[1], and check it for the most up-to-date class calendar, application links, textbooks, and syllabus.[1]

Classes are taught primarily in Japanese, but the teachers are good English speakers and can explain things in English when needed. Tuition is free, but students buy their own textbooks after their level is confirmed.[1]

How to Join

Apply through the application link on the Official Akita City Japanese Language Class Page. The application form cannot be hotlinked directly from the wiki for technical reasons. After applying, Akita City staff will contact you and arrange an Online Level Check Test. The level check is used to estimate your Japanese level, explain the class, and suggest the appropriate class level and textbook.[1]

Do not buy textbooks before the level check. Different levels use different books.[2]

Time and Location

Regular classes usually run on Tuesday nights from 18:30 to 20:00.[1]

Location: Nigiwai Koryukan AU, on the 4th floor. The specific room number may change depending on the day, class level, or activity, but the classes are normally on the same floor. The AU Floor Map lists training rooms 1–6 on the 4th floor.[3]

Address: 1-4-1 Nakadori, Akita City, Akita 010-0001
Map: Google Maps[4]

Some special classes may be held at different times or locations, so always check the Official Class Calendar before attending.[5]

AU Building Facilities

The AU building and the surrounding Nakaichi public facility complex, including the museum-side facilities, should be treated as non-smoking. The AU Building FAQ says the entire building is non-smoking, and there are no smoking areas inside the AU facility.[6]

The AU building has useful facilities for students. The 1st floor has public open/交流 space that can be used as a place to sit, wait, read, or study before class.[3] There are vending machines on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors.[6] Accessible/multipurpose washrooms are available on every floor, and the 1st and 3rd floors have extra facilities such as ostomate and baby-changing equipment.[7]

Textbooks

Akita City uses the Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture textbook series. The city says not to use the digital editions for class and not to buy books until after the level check.[2]

The Marugoto Publisher Site provides free downloadable supplementary materials, including vocabulary lists, indexes, worksheets, and other support files. The textbook audio is also available online. Audio downloads require a free Marugoto Account/Login, and the site provides downloadable audio files, including complete MP3-style offline download packs by book/level.[8][9]

In bookstores, look in 語学ごがく / Language Learning, especially 日本語にほんご / Japanese Language, 日本語教育にほんごきょういく, or foreign-language textbook sections. If you cannot find them, ask the staff for 「まるごと 日本にほんのことばと文化ぶんか」 and show the ISBN.

The table below follows Akita City's Official Textbook Page and Marugoto's Official Series Page.[2][10]

Level Japanese title English title ISBN Price
Starter A1 まるごと 日本のことばと文化 入門 A1 かつどう Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1 Coursebook for Communicative Language Activities “Katsudoo” 978-4-384-05752-2 ¥1,900 before tax
approx. ¥2,090 with tax
Starter A1 まるごと 日本のことばと文化 入門 A1 りかい Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1 Coursebook for Communicative Language Competences “Rikai” 978-4-384-05753-9 ¥2,200 before tax
approx. ¥2,420 with tax
Elementary 1 A2 まるごと 日本のことばと文化 初級1 A2 かつどう Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Elementary1 A2 Coursebook for Communicative Language Activities “Katsudoo” 978-4-384-05754-6 ¥2,300 before tax
approx. ¥2,530 with tax
Elementary 1 A2 まるごと 日本のことばと文化 初級1 A2 りかい Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Elementary1 A2 Coursebook for Communicative Language Competences “Rikai” 978-4-384-05755-3 ¥2,400 before tax
approx. ¥2,640 with tax
Elementary 2 A2 まるごと 日本のことばと文化 初級2 A2 かつどう Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Elementary2 A2 Coursebook for Communicative Language Activities “Katsudoo” 978-4-384-05756-0 ¥2,300 before tax
approx. ¥2,530 with tax
Elementary 2 A2 まるごと 日本のことばと文化 初級2 A2 りかい Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Elementary2 A2 Coursebook for Communicative Language Competences “Rikai” 978-4-384-05757-7 ¥2,400 before tax
approx. ¥2,640 with tax

Where to Buy

Bookstores may not always have these textbooks in stock, so it is best to bring the title and ISBN and ask staff to order the book if needed. You may also be able to order the textbooks online through Amazon.co.jp, using the title or ISBN to make sure you get the correct book.[11]

Akita City

Junkudo Bookstore, Akita OPA 6F[12]
Address: 4-2 Senshu Kubota-machi, Akita City, Akita 010-0874
Map: Google Maps[13]

Miyawaki Shoten, Fonte AKITA 5F[14]
Address: 2-8-1 Nakadori, Akita City, Akita 010-0001
Map: Google Maps[15]

Other Cities in Akita Prefecture

These are useful options in other parts of Akita Prefecture. Stock may vary, so call ahead or ask about ordering by ISBN.

Books More Odate[16]
Address: 5-2-41 Shimizu, Odate City, Akita 017-0046
Map: Google Maps[17]

Books More Takanosu[18]
Address: 58 Nakanotsuna, Sakae, Kitaakita City, Akita 018-3302
Map: Google Maps[19]

Books More Katagami[20]
Address: 90-2 Kobiraki, Iitagawa Iizuka, Katagami City, Akita 018-1504
Map: Google Maps[21]

Books More Omagari[22]
Address: 219 Sekihigashi, Iida, Daisen City, Akita 014-0067
Map: Google Maps[23]

Books More Honjo[24]
Address: 206-47 Tagashira, Ishiwaki, Yurihonjo City, Akita 015-0011
Map: Google Maps[25]

Books More Yuzawa[26]
Address: 2-4-12 Omote-machi, Yuzawa City, Akita 012-0827
Map: Google Maps[27]

Self-Study Resources

Useful beginner-friendly resources:

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Akita City Japanese Language Class, Akita City. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Textbooks, Akita City. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Floor Map, Nigiwai Koryukan AU. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  4. ↑ Nigiwai Koryukan AU on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  5. ↑ Akita City Japanese Language Class Calendar, Akita City. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 FAQ, Nigiwai Koryukan AU. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  7. ↑ Barrier-free Information, Nigiwai Koryukan AU. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  8. ↑ Download Materials, Marugoto / The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  9. ↑ Register, Marugoto / The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  10. ↑ Marugoto Series, Marugoto / The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  11. ↑ Amazon.co.jp search for Marugoto textbooks. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  12. ↑ Junkudo Bookstore Akita Store, Honto. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  13. ↑ Junkudo Bookstore Akita OPA on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  14. ↑ Miyawaki Shoten Akita Main Store, Miyawaki Shoten. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  15. ↑ Miyawaki Shoten Fonte AKITA on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  16. ↑ Books More Odate Store, Honto. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  17. ↑ Books More Odate on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  18. ↑ Books More Takanosu Store, Honto. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  19. ↑ Books More Takanosu on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  20. ↑ Books More Katagami Store, Honto. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  21. ↑ Books More Katagami on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  22. ↑ Books More Omagari Store, Honto. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  23. ↑ Books More Omagari on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  24. ↑ Books More Honjo Store, Honto. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  25. ↑ Books More Honjo on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  26. ↑ Books More Yuzawa Store, Honto. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  27. ↑ Books More Yuzawa on Google Maps. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  28. ↑ Real Kana. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  29. ↑ Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  30. ↑ Marugoto Plus. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  31. ↑ NHK World Japan: Learn Japanese. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
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