Donguri Kai

Donguri Kai

Donguri Kai

About Donguri Kai

The Donguri Kai program is for children who want to learn Japanese at any ability level. Donguri Kai is an online and in-person Japanese language program for children in K – 12th grade. It offers classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Its small class size creates an engaging, interactive learning environment for all students. Teachers closely work with each student to fortify reading, pronunciation, conversation, and communication skills. Students interact and stimulate each other through interactive exercises.

Learn More about Donguri Kai’s Program Mission & Highlights

2024-2025 Class Information

Donguri Kai classes are organized considering students’ age in addition to their Japanese language proficiency levels. Online & in-person classes are open to elementary, middle, and high school students. See offerings for the 2024-2025 school year below.

Important Dates

  • Registration Opens: Monday, August 26th, 2024
  • Fall Session Dates: September 9, 2024 – December 14, 2024
  • Winter Session Dates: January 13, 2025 – March 21, 2025
  • Spring Session Dates: April 7, 2025 – May 23, 2025
Little Kids
(Kinder – 2nd Grade)
Big Kids Classes
(3rd – 5th Grade) 
Youth Classes
(6th – High School)
Beginner Little Kids Beginner I

Online

Little Kids Beginner I

In-Person

 Big Kids Beginner I

Online

Big Kids Beginner II

Online

 Youth Beginner

Online
Intermediate Little Kids Intermediate

In-Person

 Big Kids Intermediate

Online

 Youth Intermediate

Online
Advanced N/A Big Kids Advanced

Online

 Youth Advanced

Online

Registration

Class size is limited to 6 – 8 students. Register early to ensure a spot for your child.

Please email (dongurikai@jasc-chicago.org) to consult with Donguri Kai teachers if you are unsure which class to sign up for.

Meet Our Teachers

AIKO BRODECKI

KAORU FAIRBANKS

teacher-tomo

TOMOKO HANNA

CHIZU MATSUMURA

AIRI OKURA

teacher-kaori

KAORI TABION

teacher-akemi

AKEMI TAGUCHI

Frequently Asked Questions

Donguri Kai offers both ONLINE and IN-PERSON classes. Online classes are offered Monday – Thursday; In-Person are on Saturdays. Times are listed in the class schedule.

The Donguri Kai program is divided into three levels of Japanese communication skills based on the JF standard: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each level has classes categorized further into lower grades, upper grades, and middle/high school students. Please check the webpages of each individual class to for more specific class information.

Donguri Kai teachers can assist you to determine which class is suitable for your child before registration. Contact us at dongurikai@jasc-chicago.org with any further questions.

The Donguri Kai’s curriculum is set annually. Typically, students take classes for a full year (fall semester, winter semester, spring semester) and advancement to higher levels is assessed based on their performance.

The Donguri Kai teacher of your child constantly evaluates your child‘s Japanese communication skills during the class and makes a recommendation for their advancement to the next level at the end of the school year.

We encourage families to continue Donguri Kai for a full year (fall, winter, and spring) if they are able to; however many students repeat levels until they are ready to advance to the next level. In some cases, students may advance to another level mid year if proficiency is demonstrated.

Students can sign up for Donguri Kai after fall session, but should note that as the year progresses, the learning objectives become more advanced. Therefore, if a student joins the class partway through, the student will miss out on the basic learning of the first half of the year and will start studying Japanese from that point onward without the knowledge and skills from the previous session. 

Registration after a session begins is allowed if spots are available.

We do not allow for refunds after payment is made. Please contact us at dongurikai@jasc-chicago.org for more information.

More JASC Programs for Children

Tampopo Kai

Tampopo Kai is an Japanese cultural program for preschoolers. Through various engaging activities, children and their parents are exposed to the richness of the Japanese language and culture.

Kids Day Camp

Kids Day camps are held on school vacation days and during long breaks.

JASC Youth Volunteer Program

JASC offers various volunteer opportunities for middle school and high school students at JASC programs and events. Students receive their service hours and documentation for their work.