Japanese

About this class

Ko tōu reo, ko tōku reo, te tuakiri tangata. Tīhei uriuri, tīhei nakonako.

Your language and my language are expressions of identity. May our descendants live on and our hopes be fulfilled.

When you think of Japan, what words immediately come to mind? Cherry Blossoms, Sushi, Video Games, Anime, Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Samurai, JDM, World War 2, the list goes on! 

Japanese has something for everybody; whether you are a history buff, spend your weekends watching anime, or wish to travel the world and make new friends. 

Year 9 Japanese is a two-term course. You will learn a mixture of Japanese language and culture, allowing you to explore your interests, and introduce yourself to new friends.

Why should I study Japanese?

• Learning languages are good for your brain! People who learn languages often have better test scores across all subjects, especially maths as you learn about patterns.

• Learning a language helps you build confidence and social skills.

• When you watch your favourite anime or Japanese movies, you will hear words that we teach in class.

• Japan is important to New Zealand’s economy. In 2023, it was our 4th largest trading partner.

• It allows you to look at your own life with a new perspective, and helps you shape your identity.

Topics Covered:

Topics covered in Year 9 Japanese include (but are not limited to):

• Whakawhanaungatanga

• Self Introductions / Pepeha

• Greetings

• Likes and Dislikes

• Hauora

• Food and drink

• Daily routines

• Manaakitanga

• Learning Tīkanga

• School Life and Events

During Year 9 Japanese, you will be introduced to the first writing system - Hiragana.

What it leads into in Year 10

Year 9 Japanese is not required for Year 10 Japanese, but students interested in taking Japanese in senior school are encouraged to take Japanese in Year 9. 

About this class

Ko tōu reo, ko tōku reo, te tuakiri tangata. Tīhei uriuri, tīhei nakonako.

Your language and my language are expressions of identity. May our descendants live on and our hopes be fulfilled.

When you think of Japan, what words immediately come to mind? Cherry Blossoms, Sushi, Video Games, Anime, Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Samurai, JDM, World War 2, the list goes on! 

Japanese has something for everybody; whether you are a history buff, spend your weekends watching anime, or wish to travel the world and make new friends. 

Year 10 Japanese is a full year course.

Why should I study Japanese?

• Learning languages are good for your brain! People who learn languages often have better test scores across all subjects, especially maths as you learn about patterns.

• Learning a language helps you build confidence and social skills.

• When you watch your favourite anime or Japanese movies, you will hear words that we teach in class.

• Japan is important to New Zealand’s economy. In 2023, it was our 4th largest trading partner.

• It allows you to look at your own life with a new perspective, and helps you shape your identity.

Topics Covered:

Topics covered in Year 10 Japanese include (but are not limited to):

• Whakawhanaungatanga

• A deeper dive into self-introductions/pepeha with a cultural lens

• Comparing cultural differences between Aotearoa, Japan, and other countries

• Hauora

• Daily routines

• School routines

• Health and wellbeing

• Manaakitanga

• Cultural events and festivals

• Oral and written history

• Home life and family dynamics

During Year 10 Japanese, you will be introduced to all three writing systems - Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

What it leads into in Year the Senior School

Year 10 Japanese is open entry - you do not need to have taken Year 9 Japanese. 

Year 10 Japanese (or JLPT N5 or equivalent) is a prerequisite for senior Japanese courses as the vocabulary, grammar, and writing systems covered in L1JPN are built off the Year 10 foundations.

For students excelling in Year 10 Japanese, the option to do internal and external assessments at NCEA Level 1 may be discussed with the Teacher in Charge.