How a student from Taiwan went from speaking no English or Japanese to holding real conversations in just two weeks.
When people ask whether they can really learn Japanese in 2 weeks, we understand the doubt. Japanese has three writing systems, a different word order, and politeness levels that confuse even advanced learners. But every so often a student shows us what is possible, and Wen is one of them.
Starting from zero
Wen came to us from Taiwan. She spoke Chinese and nothing else: no English to fall back on, and no Japanese to start from. For many people that would be a reason to put off studying abroad. She booked a 2-week Standard Course at our school in Hakata, Fukuoka anyway.
On the first Monday morning she was a true beginner. Her classmates came from different countries and spoke different languages, so the one thing everyone had in common was a need to use Japanese.
What a 2-week Standard Course looks like
Our Standard Course runs Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 12:30, which comes to 15 lessons a week. Over two weeks, that is 30 lessons of focused, practical Japanese.
The lessons are built around speaking, listening, and using the language right away. We don’t ask students to memorise grammar tables for weeks before they are allowed to talk. From the first day, students use new phrases with their teacher and with each other, then go out into Fukuoka and use them for real.
Why beginners improve so fast here
Wen’s progress came from a few things working together.
1. Lessons that put speaking first. In a small class, you can’t hide at the back. Every student speaks in every lesson, and that practice is what builds confidence.
2. Fukuoka as a classroom. Hakata is full of places to practise: convenience stores, ramen shops, train stations, and markets. Each afternoon, Wen could use what she had learned that morning. Real situations make new words stick much faster than a textbook does.
3. Her own motivation. We can give students the lessons, but Wen brought the effort. She was keen from the first day, studied hard, and was happy to try things and make mistakes. In language learning, that attitude matters more than natural talent.
By the end of week two
Two weeks earlier, Wen could not understand the people around her. By her last day, she could speak Japanese and understand what was said to her. [ such as introducing herself, ordering food, or asking for directions,shopping, doing simple conversations with friends.] It wasn’t fluency, and we would never promise that in two weeks. But she had gone from nothing to being able to communicate, and that changes how it feels to be in Japan.
“I’ll recommend it to everyone I know”
The best part came at the end. Wen loved the school. She told us she would recommend Ichigo to everyone she knows, and she meant it, because she had already introduced one of her friends to the school.
That means more to us than any advertisement. Students who have lived the experience are the ones who can tell a friend whether a school is worth it.
Thinking of studying Japanese in Fukuoka?
Wen’s story shows that you don’t need a Japanese background, or even a shared language with your teachers, to start. You need a little courage and a place that helps you use what you learn.
At Ichigo Language School:
- Courses start every Monday, so there is no waiting for a new term
- There are no application deadlines and no long forms to fill in
- Short stays are welcome, from one week to a maximum of 12 weeks
- Complete beginners are welcome, and most of our new students start from zero
- Accommodation can be arranged if you’d like us to help
Frequently asked questions
Can I really learn Japanese in 2 weeks?
You can learn enough to introduce yourself, handle everyday situations, and understand simple conversations. Fluency takes longer, but two weeks is enough to build a real foundation and the confidence to keep going.
Do I need to speak English or Japanese before I come?
No. Many of our students arrive as complete beginners, and Wen started with only Chinese.
What is the minimum stay?
One week. Many students start with two weeks, as Wen did, and some choose to stay longer.
When can I start?
Courses begin every Monday throughout the year.
Do you help with visas?
We cannot issue visas, but a tourist visa is enough for a short-term course in most cases. Please check the rules for your own nationality.
Start your own story
Ready to see how far two weeks can take you? Contact Ichigo Language School today and we will help you choose a start date and the right course. Your first Monday could be only a few weeks away.
Ichigo Language School, Hakata, Fukuoka | fukuoka@ichigolanguageschool.com | ichigolanguageschool.com
