Donguri Kai

Donguri Kai

Donguri Kai

About Donguri Kai

JASC’s Donguri Kai is a Japanese language program for children and youth in Kindergarten through 12th grade, with classes designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. Available in both online and in-person formats, the program provides a supportive and interactive environment where students can strengthen their Japanese reading, pronunciation, conversation, and overall communication skills.

With small class sizes and instruction based on the Japan Foundation’s JF Standards for Japanese-Language Education, teachers work closely with students through practical activities, written communication, and real-life conversational situations. Donguri Kai provides opportunities for young people to build their language skills while connecting with Japanese culture and other students who share an interest in learning Japanese.

Learn More about Donguri Kai’s Program Mission & Highlights

Fall 2026 Registration 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 2026-2027 school year below.

Fall Session Classes (All classes are 12 Weeks)

  • September 12 – December 19, 2026 
  • Registration Opens Monday, August 17, 2026 (Priority Registration) and Monday. August 24, 2026 (New Families)
  • Registration Closes September 7 – may be reopened with request

K – 2nd Grade

3rd – 6th Grade

7th – 12th Grade

Donguri Kai Inquiries

If you would like to know more about our classes or find out what classes are the best fit for your child, please reach out to us through the inquiry form below!

If you have any questions, comments, or would like additional information, please use the Inquiry Form to contact Tomoko Sensei. She will get back to
you as soon as possible.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please submit your request through the Inquiry Form as well.

Thank you for your interest!

Tomoko Hannna / Donguri Kai

どんぐり会に質問のある方、特にお話のある方は、

「Inquiry Form（質問票）」にてお問い合わせください。こちらからまた折り返しお返事させていただきます。よろしくお願い申し上げます。

どんぐり会　ハンナ朋子

Meet Our Teachers

AIKO BRODECKI

teacher-tomo

TOMOKO HANNA

CHIZU MATSUMURA

teacher-akemi

AKEMI TAGUCHI

YUKI KOTAKE

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.