"For spring, it is the dawn that is the most beautiful. The skies on top of mountains become lighter and lighter with the rising sun. The long thin clouds that turn light purple are a sight to be enjoyed, too."
春はあけぼの。やうやう白くなりゆく山ぎは、少しあかりて、紫だちたる雲の細くたなびきたる。
— Sei Shonagon / 清少納言
Learning Japanese opens a gateway to understanding a culture that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation. From the elegance of traditional tea ceremonies to the excitement of anime, the language offers a unique lens through which to experience the world.
Foundation. Syllabary. Greeting.
Begin your path with hiragana, katakana, and essential conversation.
Explore This Path →Fluency. Balance. Expression.
Acquire practical skills to express opinions rationally.
Explore This Path →Mastery. Nuance. Culture.
Deepen understanding through news, literature, and complex debate.
Explore This Path →Ancient Beginnings.
The birth of Old Japanese. The first written records, Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, capture the nation's mythical origins.
Heian Period. The Golden Age.
Literature flourishes. The Tale of Genji, the world's first novel, is penned by Murasaki Shikibu.
Meiji Restoration. Modernization.
The language standardizes, adapting to a rapidly changing world while retaining its soul.
Born in Japan. Educated at UVA. 24 years of academic excellence. Bridging cultures through language.