You Finished Genki. Now What?
You can introduce yourself, talk about your weekend, order at a restaurant. Genki gave you a solid foundation.
But somewhere between finishing the textbook and feeling ready for the next level, there’s a gap. You can handle daily conversation, but when the topic shifts to something bigger, like a social issue or a current event, the words don’t come as easily. Not because you lack vocabulary, but because you haven’t had the chance to practice thinking and speaking about those kinds of topics in Japanese.
That’s the space we wanted to fill.
Why We Create Our Own Materials
We’ve mentioned this before in the newsletter, but it’s worth repeating: we write all of our teaching materials from scratch.
We started doing this because we couldn’t find what we were looking for. There are plenty of textbooks for vocabulary and grammar. But finding timely, interesting reading material at just the right level, the kind that naturally leads to conversation, is surprisingly difficult.
We believe that output matters. Speaking about yourself, forming opinions, responding to others’ ideas. These are essential skills for language development, and they need to be practiced in lessons, not just hoped for.
Of course, vocabulary and grammar are important. But equally important are topics that make you want to speak. Topics that make you want to share your thoughts and hear what others think.
As learners progress from intermediate to advanced, topics naturally expand from daily life to broader social issues. The challenge is finding material that meets learners where they are.
That’s why we write our own.
Introducing “3 Topics” (3トピ)
Over time, we wanted to create something specifically for learners who have just finished Genki II or are at a similar level. After discussions, trial runs, and feedback, we completed a new material in 2025 called “3 Topics.”
It’s already being used in several classes, and the response from both students and teachers has been positive.
Here’s what makes it different:
Furigana on all kanji so you can focus on speaking, not decoding.
One theme, three short texts instead of one long passage. Each text is short enough to read without losing momentum.
A natural flow from personal to global. Each lesson moves step by step: talk about yourself, compare with Japan or other countries, then share your opinion.
Questions that lead to conversation, not just comprehension. After each short text, you’re invited to respond and discuss.
Only the words you need. The vocabulary list includes just the key words for talking about the topic, nothing extra.
How It’s Used in Class
At this level, grammar study is still part of the lesson. So “3 Topics” isn’t used every time. Teachers may incorporate it occasionally, or use several lessons in a row after finishing Genki II before moving on to pre-intermediate level.
This flexibility was intentional. The material is designed to fit into the rhythm of a class, not replace it.
See It for Yourself
Today, we’re sharing one sample from “3 Topics”:
📄 3トピ 初級: スマホ飯 (Smartphone Meals)
Want to see how the same topic works at higher levels? Here are versions written for other proficiency stages:
No matter where you are now, there’s a version that meets you at your level. And as you grow, the topics grow with you.
More Than Vocabulary
More than learning words and grammar, we hope you’ll use what you learn to express your own ideas, in your own words.
That’s what our lessons are for.
What’s Coming Up
📅 July JLPT Prep (April to June 2026)
Three focused months before the July JLPT. If you’ve been studying on your own and want to turn that knowledge into a score you’re proud of, this course is designed for you.
📍 Free In-Person Event in Tokyo
This Friday, we’re hosting a free in-person lesson in Tokyo. Revisit beginner grammar from an intermediate perspective, then connect with other learners after class. Seats are limited and advance registration is required.
🚀 Advanced Pilot Class Update Our Advanced Pilot Class is now full. 🎉 Thank you for the interest! Stay tuned for future sessions.
For lesson inquiries, contact us anytime!
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