I can't login to certain Google files (Slides, Doc, Videos, etc.) that's on this website.
Certain Google files are shared only to the Wilson students and not to the public. Please login to your Wilson email and refresh the website again.
What is the baseline overall proficiency level?
Novice. This is a basic introductory class for all grade levels. (See Hawai'i World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (HI WRSLL) and ACTFL Novice Can Do Statement) Japanese class is held once every 6 days. Students will have a total of 26 or 27 classes in a year (Approximately 5-8 classes per quarter). All students will focus on understanding, recognizing, and speaking the Japanese language.
Will my child learn how to write Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji (Japanese writing system)?
No. In certain assignments, students may be asked to copy a simple Japanese word (not graded).
Will after school Japanese classes be offered?
It will depend on the availability of the teacher. Please check the Parent Bulletin for more information.
My child has no background in Japanese.
All learners are welcomed! Please use this website as an additional resource to review at home. I hope your child enjoys learning Japanese!
I would like to learn what my child is learning in Japanese class. How can I check the progression of my child's learning?
Please connect to Seesaw. A QR code was sent home with your child. If you need the QR code, please email me.
Why are some words that end with う (u) written as 'o' on your videos and worksheets?
Certain Japanese words are pronounced differently from the written language. For example, おはよう (Good morning) is written as 'O-ha-yo-u' based on each syllable. However, when pronouncing the word, you say 'O-ha-yo-o'. ありがとう (Thank you) is written as 'A-ri-ga-to-u' but pronounced 'A-ri-ga-to-o'. The videos and worksheets are written in Rōmaji to help students pronounce the Japanese words accurately.
How do I address you properly?
Please call me 'Matsutaka Sensei' or 'Sensei (teacher)'.
Please do not call me:
By my first name (In the Japanese culture, it's considered rude to call your child's teacher by their first name (unless permission is given))
Sensei Matsutaka (In English, the title (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) comes in the front of the name (Ex: Mr. John H. Wilson). In Japanese, the title comes after the name (Ex: Matsutaka Sensei, John san, Wilson san. 'San' means 'Mr./Mrs./Ms.' in Japanese)
'Ms./Mrs. Matsutaka' or 'Ms./Mrs. Matsutaka Sensei'
Other questions?
Email or call the school office at 808-305-0900.