Nihongo Class in the Philippines: Beginner Guide to Choosing the Right Level

JLRC - Content Team 2026/06/13

Choosing the right Nihongo class is one of the most important first steps in learning Japanese.

Many learners in the Philippines want to study Japanese for JLPT, work, study in Japan, travel, anime, culture, or personal growth. But before enrolling, many students ask:

“Which Japanese class level is right for me?”

Should you start from N5? Can you join N4 if you studied Japanese before? Do you need a JLPT certificate? What if you studied before but forgot many lessons?

This guide will help you choose the right Nihongo class level, understand your options, and avoid spending time and money on a class that is too easy or too difficult.

If you are looking for structured Japanese learning, JLRC offers Japanese language courses from beginner to higher JLPT levels.

School Selection Guide

Quick Guide: Which Nihongo Class Level Should You Choose?
Why Choosing the Right Level Matters
Complete Beginners Usually Start with JLPT N5
If You Already Studied Japanese Before
Common Cases: What Should You Do?
After N5: When Should You Move to N4?
Group Class, 1-on-1, or Online: Which Is Better?
What If You Miss a Class?
What to Check Before Enrolling
How JLRC Helps You Choose the Right Nihongo Class
Start with the Right Level and Build from There
FAQ

Quick Guide: Which Nihongo Class Level Should You Choose?

Use this simple guide as a starting point.

Your situation	Recommended starting point
You have never studied Japanese before	Start with JLPT N5
You only know a few words from anime, apps, or self-study	Usually start with N5
You can read some hiragana/katakana but do not know grammar well	Usually start with N5
You studied N5 before but forgot many lessons	Take an evaluation or consider review support
You completed N5 or have an N5 certificate	You may move to N4
You studied Japanese before but have no certificate	Take JLRC’s free online evaluation exam
Your work schedule often changes	Consider 1-on-1 tutorial or flexible support options
You live outside Metro Manila or outside the Philippines	Online Nihongo class may be suitable

This table is only a guide. The best level depends on your actual Japanese ability, not only on how long you studied before.

The goal is to join the level where you can learn effectively, not simply the fastest or highest level available.

Why Choosing the Right Level Matters

Choosing the wrong level can make Japanese learning more difficult.

If the class is too easy, you may feel bored, lose motivation, and spend time and money without meaningful progress.

If the class is too difficult, you may feel confused, discouraged, and fall behind.

The right level helps you:

understand lessons more clearly
review the right foundation
build confidence step by step
prepare for the next JLPT level
make better use of your study time

At JLRC, the goal is not simply to place students in any available class. The goal is to help learners join the level that matches their current Japanese ability so they can study more effectively.

Choosing the right level helps students avoid wasted time and build steady progress.

Complete Beginners Usually Start with JLPT N5

If you have no background in Japanese, the best starting point is usually JLPT N5.

N5 is the beginner foundation level. Students usually learn:

hiragana and katakana
basic kanji
simple grammar
essential vocabulary
basic sentence patterns
short reading passages
basic listening practice
simple self-introduction

Even if your final goal is N3, N2, work in Japan, or study in Japan, you still need a strong foundation first.

Skipping N5 may feel faster, but it often creates problems later. N4, N3, and higher levels all depend on the basics learned at N5.

For beginners, starting correctly is better than starting too high.

If You Already Studied Japanese Before

Some learners are not complete beginners.

You may have studied Japanese before through self-study, anime, apps, another Japanese school, private lessons, a previous JLPT class, or work exposure to Japanese.

In this case, you may not be sure whether to start from N5, N4, or another level.

If you already have a JLPT certificate, you may enroll in the next level of the course. For example, a learner who has completed or passed N5 may continue to N4, depending on the course requirements.

If you are unsure about your current level, JLRC offers a free online evaluation exam to assess your Japanese ability. Based on the results, JLRC will recommend the most appropriate course for effective learning.

To request the evaluation exam, please email:
info@atjlrc.com

This helps students avoid guessing their level and choose a class that fits their actual ability.

Common Cases: What Should You Do?

“I am a complete beginner.”

Start with N5. This is the safest and most effective starting point because N5 builds the foundation for all higher levels.

“I know hiragana and katakana, but I do not know grammar.”

You may still need to start with N5. Knowing kana is helpful, but Japanese grammar, particles, sentence patterns, and listening practice are also necessary.

“I studied N5 before, but I forgot many things.”

Take an evaluation or consider review support. It is better to check your level first than to enter a class that may be too difficult.

“I completed N5 but did not take the JLPT exam.”

You may still be able to move to N4 if you completed the course requirements or if your level is confirmed.

“My work schedule changes often.”

A 1-on-1 tutorial or flexible learning option may be better. This allows more control over pacing and scheduling.

After N5: When Should You Move to N4?

After completing N5, many learners naturally want to continue to N4.

You may be ready for N4 if you can:

read hiragana and katakana comfortably
understand basic N5 grammar
recognize common N5 vocabulary
understand basic particles
read short simple sentences
answer simple Japanese questions
follow basic listening exercises

N4 is still a beginner level, but it is more demanding than N5. Sentences become longer, vocabulary increases, and listening feels more natural.

If you are preparing to move from N5 to N4, you may also read JLRC’s JLPT N4 Study Guide.

Group Class, 1-on-1, or Online: Which Is Better?

Choosing the right level is important, but choosing the right class format also matters.

A group class may be suitable if you want:

a regular schedule
structured lessons
classmates for motivation
a clear class pace
a more affordable option

A 1-on-1 tutorial may be better if you need:

flexible scheduling
personalized pacing
focused review
more speaking practice
help with weak areas

An online Nihongo class can also work well for beginners if it is live, structured, and interactive. It is especially helpful for students who live outside Metro Manila, have busy schedules, or prefer studying from home.

For learners who want to understand online class preparation, JLRC also has a guide on how to learn Japanese online via Zoom.

What If You Miss a Class?

Many students worry about missing a class because of work, school, health, or personal responsibilities.

At JLRC, students are supported through review and student portal access.

There will always be a short review at the start of the next meeting. This helps students reconnect with the previous lesson before moving forward.

Students can also access a video lesson of the chapter they missed through the JLRC student portal.

This support is important because beginners can easily feel lost if they miss one lesson. Review access helps students continue learning with more confidence.

For longer absences or schedule concerns, JLRC also provides support systems such as Leave of Absence and Flexible Class Transfer to help students continue their studies more smoothly.

What to Check Before Enrolling

Before enrolling in a Nihongo class, check the following points:

What level should I start with?
Is there an evaluation if I am unsure about my level?
Does the course follow JLPT levels?
Are learning materials included?
Is there a group class or 1-on-1 option?
What happens if I miss a class?
Can I continue to the next level after completion?

These questions help you choose a class that fits your goal and situation.

If you are still comparing school options, you may also read our guide to Top Japanese language schools in the Philippines before choosing a class.

How JLRC Helps You Choose the Right Nihongo Class

As one of the best Japanese language schools in the Philippines, JLRC helps beginners and continuing learners choose the right Nihongo class based on their background, level, and learning goal.

JLRC supports learners through:

beginner-friendly N5 classes
higher JLPT level courses
free online evaluation exam when needed
group class and 1-on-1 tutorial options
original Japanese learning materials
student portal access
video lesson access for missed chapters
Leave of Absence and Flexible Class Transfer support

Students who want to continue beyond the beginner level can also explore structured JLRC’s JLPT courses from N5 to N1.

JLRC’s goal is to help learners study Japanese with a clear path, not through random or confusing learning.

Start with the Right Level and Build from There

Choosing the right Nihongo class can make your Japanese learning journey smoother and more effective.

Complete beginners usually start with N5. Learners with previous Japanese background may need evaluation. Students who completed one level can continue to the next level depending on their ability and course requirements.

To choose the right Nihongo class, remember:

start from the level that matches your ability
do not skip the foundation
request evaluation if you are unsure
choose a class format that fits your schedule
use available support when you miss a lesson
continue step by step toward your goal

With the right level and learning support, Japanese becomes easier to manage and more motivating.

For students outside the Philippines, JLRC also offers options to learn Japanese online from anywhere.

Class details, schedules, and payment information will be sent via email after the simple form submission.

FAQ

What level should beginners start with in a Nihongo class?

Complete beginners usually start with JLPT N5 because it covers the foundation of Japanese, including hiragana, katakana, basic grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening.

Can I enroll in the next level if I have a JLPT certificate?

Yes. If you have a JLPT certificate, you may enroll in the next level of the course, depending on the course requirements.

What if I am not sure about my Japanese level?

If you are unsure about your current level, JLRC offers a free online evaluation exam. Based on the results, JLRC will recommend the most appropriate course. To request the evaluation exam, please email info@atjlrc.com.