We are delighted to announce that Marugoto Starter (A1), a brand new coursebook created by the Japan Foundation using  the JF Standard for Japanese Language Education, are available in the UK from September.

Marugoto Starter (A1) is designed in such a way that Japanese language and culture can be studied together. It aims to increase communicative skill and responds to the needs of learners who desire to become able to speak in Japanese in as short a time as possible. Through useful topics, audio learning materials and full-colour photographs and illustrations that let you get a glimpse of Japanese life and culture, it’s possible to rapidly deepen learners’ interest in Japan and Japanese language. This book allows learners around the world to feel the joy of using Japanese and steadily increasing what they can do in the language.

Some of the features of Marugoto include:

• Levels:  Based on the JF Standard (JFS) which is derived from the CEFR. CEFR is an abbreviation of the 'Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment' which provides a shared framework in the field of language education and learning in Europe.


• Tasks: Learning goals for each chapter are designed with reference to JFS's "Can-do" statements. The emphasis is on communicative tasks.


• Intercultural Understanding: In order to deepen their understanding, learners can find out about Japanese life and culture and consider similarities and differences with their own.


• Portfolio: Learners use a portfolio to keep records of their Japanese language learning and cultural experiences. This makes the learning process and achievements gained more visible.

More information about Marugoto and supplementary materials can be found at the following websites:

• Introduction to Marugoto on the Japan Foundation Headquarters Website (Japanese language only)


• Official Marugoto website of Sanshusha Publishing


• MARUGOTO + (official supplementary website)


• Marugoto no kotoba – Reference and activity site for vocabulary and expressions used in Marugoto


• Marugoto on the JF Standard website

If you are interested in learning Japanese through Marugoto, you may be interested in the Japan Foundation & SOAS Language and Culture Course which uses this textbook – click here for more information.

If you are a teacher of Japanese and are interested in teaching with Marugoto, we are planning to hold seminars on teaching with this resource. Please click here to subscribe to our monthly e-bulletin, JF News, to receive news on upcoming Marugoto events.