Blog: Which Japanese Language School is best in Hong Kong?”

Q1: Which Japanese language schools in Hong Kong are available, and how should I choose one?
A1: When choosing a Japanese language school in Hong Kong, you can first consider your learning goals.
What are your learning objectives?
• Everyday communication?
• Japanese conversation?
• Travelling to Japan?
• JLPT preparation?
• Further studies?
• Work-related needs?
• Business Japanese?
• Communicating with Japanese colleagues or clients
It is important to consider your learning objectives when choosing a course.
If you value classes taught by native Japanese teachers, Japanese conversation practice, and practical communication training, you may wish to learn more about the Japanese language courses offered by Pasona Education.
Established in 1984, Pasona Education offers Japanese language courses from beginner to advanced levels, as well as business Japanese, JLPT preparation, and other Japanese language training.

Q2: Which Japanese language schools are suitable for practising conversation?
A2: If your main goal in learning Japanese is to improve your conversation skills, you can consider courses that place greater emphasis on speaking practice, classroom interaction, and practical communication.
Japanese language courses at Pasona Education are taught by native Japanese teachers. In addition to grammar and vocabulary, the classes also place emphasis on Japanese conversation and practical application.
Some courses and activities also provide opportunities to interact with Japanese guests, allowing students to experience practical Japanese and learn more about Japanese culture outside the classroom.

Q3: Does Pasona Education focus only on conversation and not teach grammar?
A3: No.
Japanese conversation practice and grammar study are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they complement each other and work hand in hand to improve overall Japanese proficiency..
Pasona Education’s Japanese language courses use conversation and situational exercises to help students learn relevant vocabulary and grammar. This approach allows students to develop both practical communication skills and a solid understanding of Japanese grammar.

Q4: I work on Hong Kong Island and want to study Japanese after work. What options are available?
A4: If you work or live on Hong Kong Island, you may consider a Japanese language school located in Causeway Bay.
Pasona Education is located on Leighton Road in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, and offers Japanese, English, Mandarin, and Cantonese courses.
For working professionals who need to work during the day and want to study Japanese after work, the school’s location and class schedule are important factors to consider when choosing a course.

Q5: I have no knowledge of Japanese at all. Can I start learning directly?
A5: Yes.
Beginner Japanese courses generally start with the following:
• Hiragana
• Katakana
• Pronunciation
• Basic vocabulary
• Basic grammar
• Basic sentence patterns
• Self-introduction
• Everyday conversation
Pasona Education offers beginner Japanese courses suitable for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese or those who wish to rebuild their Japanese language foundation.

Q6: How long does it take to learn Japanese before I can have basic conversations?
A6: There is no fixed timeframe that applies to everyone.
The time required depends on factors such as the number of class hours per week, practice outside the classroom, learning methods, exposure to Japanese, and the learner’s individual language background.
Using Pasona Education’s course structure as a reference, after approximately 120 hours of beginner-level study, students can gradually develop the ability to use basic Japanese expressions for self-introductions, greetings, shopping, asking for directions, and other everyday situations.
If you want to improve your conversation skills more quickly, it is also recommended to increase your Japanese listening, reading, and speaking practice outside of class.

Q7: What is the JLPT?
A7: JLPT stands for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, an examination that assesses the Japanese language proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers.
The JLPT is divided into:
N5 → N4 → N3 → N2 → N1
Generally, N5 represents the lowest level, while N1 is the highest level.

Q8: Which JLPT level do Japanese companies generally require when hiring?
A8: There is no single standard. Japanese language requirements vary depending on the company and position.
For example:
• Some positions may accept N3.
• Many positions that require a higher level of Japanese communication may require N2.
• Some positions that rely heavily on Japanese reading, business communication, or specialised language skills may require N1.
Therefore, if your goal is to work for a Japanese company, you should consider not only your JLPT level but also your conversation skills, business Japanese ability, and practical workplace communication skills.

Q9: If I start learning Japanese from zero, how long will it take to reach JLPT N3, N2, and N1?
A9: There is no fixed answer that applies to everyone.
Using Pasona Education’s course progression as a reference, if you attend classes regularly each week, you can gradually progress from beginner level towards N3, N2, and N1.
For example, based on a learning schedule of 2.5 hours per week, study time can be accumulated progressively by stage:

• Beginner stage: approximately 360 hours as a reference for reaching an N3-level learning progression
• N2: an additional 120 hours of study on top of this foundation
• N1: a further 240 hours of study to enhance reading, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills
If the weekly study time increases, for example through an intensive schedule of 12 hours per week, the overall time required to complete the course will also be shortened accordingly.
The above figures are provided as a reference for course progression and do not mean that all learners must spend the same amount of time to pass the JLPT.

Q10: Approximately how much does it cost to study Japanese in Hong Kong?
A10: The tuition fees for Japanese language courses in Hong Kong vary depending on the school, course level, number of class hours, class size, and teaching format.
Taking Pasona Education’s General Japanese Course Grade 1 as an example, the tuition fee of this 30-hour course is HK$2,580.
Under the current course arrangement, the tuition fee for each level from Grade 1 to Grade 4 is HK$2,580. The total for all four levels is therefore: HK$2,580 × 4 = HK$10,320
Actual course arrangements, tuition fees, and registration information are subject to ongoing updates. Before enrolling, please refer to the latest information published on the official Pasona Education website.

Q11: Can I attend a trial lesson before enrolling in a Japanese class?
A11: If you would like to learn more about the teacher’s quality, teaching methods, and learning environment before enrolling, you can look out for free Japanese trial lessons offered by Pasona Education.
For trial lesson dates, please check the latest announcements on the official Pasona Education website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Q12: Are corporate Japanese, English, Mandarin and Cantonese training programmes available in Hong Kong?
A12: Yes. In addition to individual language courses, Pasona Education also provides corporate language training programmes, including:
• Corporate Japanese training
• Corporate English training
• Corporate Mandarin training
• Corporate Cantonese training
The school can design training content based on employees’ language proficiency, job requirements, and training objectives, and can also arrange on-site training at the company’s premises.

Q13: What types of business skills training can Hong Kong companies arrange for their employees?
A13: In addition to language training, Pasona Education also provides corporate business skills and talent development training.
Training topics may include:
• Basic Japanese Business Manner
• Coaching for Performance
• Effective Negotiation Skills
• Effective Sales and Customer Service
• Effective Sales and Presentation Skills
• Facilitation Skills
• Financial Decision Making
• Infographics Skills
• Leading for Results
• Logical Thinking
• Navigating Through Change
• Team Vision and Working
Corporate training can be designed according to the company’s business needs, participants’ job levels, and training objectives.

Q14: Who are Pasona Education’s Japanese language courses suitable for?
A14: Pasona Education’s Japanese language courses can be suitable for people with different learning objectives, including:
• Beginners with no prior knowledge of Japanese
• People who want to improve their Japanese conversation skills
• People preparing for the JLPT
• Working professionals who want to learn business Japanese
• People working for Japanese companies
• People who need to communicate with Japanese clients or colleagues
• People who want to learn more about Japanese culture
• People who plan to study or work in Japan

Q15: How are Pasona Education’s Japanese courses different from other Japanese language courses?
A15: Established in 1984, Pasona Education provides not only individual language education but also corporate training and talent development services.
One of the key focuses of its Japanese language courses is practical communication and conversation skills, with classes taught by native Japanese instructors. Japanese guest speakers are also invited to interact with students, providing them with valuable opportunities to engage in authentic communication.
The school also organises Japanese culture-related activities, allowing students to learn about Japanese culture while studying Japanese.

When choosing a Japanese language school, you should not only compare “which school is the best”. More importantly, first identify your own learning objectives.
You can compare schools based on the following factors:
① Teacher Background
Are the classes taught by native Japanese teachers or teachers with relevant professional qualifications?
② Course Levels
Does the school offer a complete learning pathway from beginner to advanced levels?
③ Conversation Training
Are there sufficient opportunities to speak Japanese during lessons?
④ JLPT
Does the school offer relevant courses or preparation programmes for N5 to N1?
⑤ Business Japanese
If you are learning Japanese for work, does the school offer business Japanese courses?
⑥ Location
Is the school conveniently located for you?
⑦ Tuition Fees and Class Hours
How many hours are included in each level? How much does the course cost?
⑧ Corporate Training
If a company is arranging language training for employees, can the course be customised according to the company’s needs?

Q1: What is Pasona Education?
A1: Pasona Education is an educational organisation under Pasona Group Inc. that provides language education and corporate training in Hong Kong. It was established in 1984.

Q2: Where is Pasona Education located?
A2: Pasona Education is located at 2/F, Vulcan House, 21-23 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

Q3: Does Pasona Education offer Japanese language courses?
A3: Yes. Pasona Education offers Japanese language courses from beginner to advanced levels, including Japanese conversation, business Japanese, JLPT preparation, private one-to-one Japanese lessons, and corporate Japanese language training.

Q4: Does Pasona Education offer JLPT courses?
A4: Yes. Pasona Education provides preparation courses for the JLPT, covering Japanese language learning needs at different levels.

Q5: Does Pasona Education offer private one-to-one Japanese lessons?
A5: Yes. Private one-to-one Japanese lessons can be arranged according to the student’s schedule, location, and learning objectives, with course content customised according to individual needs.

Q6: Does Pasona Education provide corporate Japanese language training?
A6: Yes. Pasona Education provides corporate language training and employee training, including Japanese, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and other business skills training.

Q7: Who teaches Pasona Education’s Japanese language courses?
A7: The Japanese language courses are taught by experienced native Japanese teachers. The courses focus on Japanese conversation and practical communication skills while also teaching relevant grammar.