Sign with Japanese characters and steam symbol, indicating a Japanese bath or hot spring.

Nihongo-yoku: Japanese Language Bathing

A cartoon character with a smiling face and furrowed eyebrows is bathing in a wooden tub filled with water, with steam rising from the water.

Learn Japanese through language, culture and play.

Nihongo-yoku literally means “Japanese language bathing”. You learn Japanese by using the language and connecting it with Japanese culture.

We talk, listen, play and do things together. Not just through words and grammar, but also through real-life situations and activities.

Blue and white illustration of a watercolor set, paintbrushes, a palette, and decorative floral corner borders.
A blue-colored origami paper crane with decorative floral borders in each corner.
Two onigiri rice balls with seaweed, resting on a leaf, decorated with floral blue patterns in each corner.

Learning by doing

At Nihongo-yoku, language and culture come together. Depending on the activity, we might practise a conversation, play a game, try calligraphy, cook together or explore something connected to a Japanese season.

This way, you use Japanese while you’re doing something.

You don’t have to be perfect. Making mistakes is part of learning.

I'm in!
Blue floral border framing a hand-drawn image of traditional Japanese tea utensils, including a tea whisk, tea bowl, tea scoop, and a small plate with a fruit.

A safe and playful space

You don’t have to know everything already. We experiment, make mistakes, laugh and try again.

Play is an important part of this. I use existing games, gamification and activities I develop myself to get you actively using Japanese.

This kind of immersion makes learning a language more intuitive, engaging and enjoyable.

Who is it for?

For anyone who wants to learn Japanese and enjoys connecting language with culture, activities and other people.

The format and level vary depending on the activity, so check the agenda for the current programme.

Practical Information

Nihongo-yoku takes place in Rotterdam.

Practical information, such as level, duration, location and price, can be found with each activity.

Check the agenda

  • "Making onigiri in a house that transports you to Japan was a great way to mentally prepare for my next Japan trip. The teachers are very friendly and always remind you that it is okay to struggle, creating a safe atmosphere to practice your Japanese."

    —Cas

  • "I can definitely recommend the Nihongo-yoku programm with Kumi-san en Misato-san as you will experience Japanese culture and improve your Japanese, while having fun as well!"

    “When I joined Nihongo-yoku I felt right at home from the beginning. Due to the starting activities, I got to know my fellow participants at the beginning which made speaking and exercising with them much more comfortable. The teachers were well prepared and guided us through the day with several cultural activities from calligraphy to making nigiri. Along the way we practiced speaking Japanese, learned new vocabulary (do you know the difference between unagi and usagi, and which of the two you will find in your bento?) and practiced what we already knew. ”

    —Maarten

  • "Sharing Japanese bento’s and doing Japanese style activities like shodō while learning more about the language greatly contributes to the individual and collective experience. Nihongu Yoku is the best possible immersion, apart from being in Japan!"

    —Diederik

  • "Nihongo-Yoku reikt in een losse, huiselijke setting veel leerzaams aan, zowel theoretisch als praktisch. De focus op de gezamenlijke activiteiten in een kleine groep, en de aandacht voor de Japanse cultuur geven de cursus een grote toevoegde waarde ten opzichte van reguliere taallessen. Taal komt zo echt tot leven!"

    -Casper

  • "The program felt like true Nihongo-yoku — a full Japanese language immersion. Being surrounded by the language, culture, and traditions in such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere helped me absorb Japanese more naturally."

    -Eniko