How many people speak Japanese worldwide?

Japanese is in the top 10 most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 130 million people who use it. 99% of those speakers live in Japan, but there are over a million people in the US, Brazil and Guam who also speak fluent Japanese.

Is there more than one dialect of Japanese?

Yes, but you probably won't encounter anything beyond Standard Japanese unless you travel throughout Japan itself. The Japanese you learn will be understood throughout the country, and differences are mostly related to accents and some vocabulary. It's not unlike what you find between speakers from different regions of the US, or between people from England and Australia.

How hard is it to learn Japanese?

If we're being completely honest, we'd say that Japanese is one of the hardest languages you could attempt to master: even the US State Department ranks it with Arabic, Korean and Chinese as one of the four most difficult! Part of that stems from the fact that Japanese has three separate writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji). However, if you've got the grit to work hard and be patient with your studies, Japanese shouldn't be out of reach for you to learn.

What are some good tips for studying the Japanese language?

You're going to need to wrap your head around the three Japanese alphabets: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. You'll find all of them as you learn the language! As you learn the alphabets, start memorizing basic vocabulary for how you intend to use Japanese, whether that's for business use or just to understand your favorite anime! Speaking of TV, it's a great way to pick up the accent and pronunciation naturally, especially if you don't have the chance to talk with native speakers on a regular basis.

Why should I choose online Japanese lessons?

There's no need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for a one-semester Japanese class at a university when you can get on-demand instruction for much less. You may not even be able to find in-person classes near you, but there are always options online that let you learn Japanese as quickly (or as slowly!) as you desire.

How can I read and write in Japanese on my computer?

You need to take a few extra steps to enable the Japanese language on your computer. The steps differ if you're using a Mac or Windows-based PC, and you'll have to search for the instructions based on your operating system. There are also online Japanese keyboards that let you click on characters without modifying your settings.

Are online Japanese lessons expensive?

They're very affordable. You can get month-to-month subscription plans for less than $25/month, or make a one-time purchase of a Japanese lessons package for under $500. Either way, you'll get much more for your money than if you were paying for a semester or two of college courses.

Can I get a refund if I don't like the Japanese language program?

You'll want to read the terms and conditions of any language platform you're considering. The subscription plans typically allow customers to cancel at any time but don't offer a refund of previous payments. The Japanese lesson packages that are one-off purchases may have a 30- or 60-day money-back guarantee. We suggest that you use all of the free resources that the language program has to offer - such as a sample lesson, or a trial period - so that you will already know how it approaches instruction and if it's a good fit for your preferences.

Best Japanese Lessons for January 2026

Item: The Best Japanese Lessons - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, January 21st We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Japanese Lesson Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Japanese Lessons? Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and Japanese is one of the most intriguing languages you can choose. Suppose you're fascinated by Japanese culture, anime, manga, or traditional arts like tea ceremonies and calligraphy. In that case, delving into the Japanese language can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of what you love.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Rosetta Stone

Priced $47 per quarter, $126 per year, or $199 one-time
Immersion-based approach
3-day free trial

Read Full Review

EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Rosetta Stone website

Rosetta Stone, a renowned language learning program, offers a full range of Japanese lessons covering vocabulary and pronunciation through immersive teaching methods. With flexible payment options including quarterly, annual, or lifetime subscriptions, students can progress at their own pace. Backed by positive customer feedback and accreditation, Rosetta Stone stands out as a top pick for Japanese language learning, earning a 5-star rating overall.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Rocket Languages

Pricing at $149.95 to $282 for lifetime access
Japanese levels 1, 2, and 3
Listening and interactive activities

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Rocket Languages website

Rocket Languages offers Japanese lessons that focus on pronunciation and cultural aspects of the language. You can try out various lesson types without signing up, including audio, culture, writing, and survival kits, with engaging activities like flashcards and quizzes. With an extensive curriculum spanning from beginner to advanced levels, Rocket Languages' Japanese program impresses students with its step-by-step approach and interactivity, earning a stellar rating overall.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Pimsleur

Pricing from $14.95 to $20.95 per month or $134.95 to $164.95 per year
Listening approach
7-day free trial

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.4

On the Pimsleur website

The Pimsleur Method, with over 50 years of experience, offers a straightforward approach to language learning, including Japanese, focusing on auditory lessons. With a free trial available, you can experience a sample lesson before committing. Priced monthly or annually, Pimsleur is ideal for auditory learners with its audio-focused program, earning praise for its effectiveness and accessibility, especially for those with busy schedules. With high ratings from both students and experts, Pimsleur's Japanese lessons earn an excellent rating in our review.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Busuu

Plans from free to $14 per month
Listening and visual approach
14-day money-back guarantee

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Busuu website

Busuu offers a user-friendly language learning platform focusing on Japanese taught through the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Free trial lessons provide interactive vocabulary practice, while premium memberships offer advanced features like specialized courses. Busuu receives positive reviews for its effective vocabulary acquisition methods, earning a solid rating as a solid language learning option for Japanese lessons.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Japanese Pod 101

Pricing from free to $23 per month
Podcast-style learning
7-day free trial of paid features

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GOOD

3.5

On the Japanese Pod 101 website

Japanese Pod 101 has podcast-style lessons that are ideal for beginners learning Japanese, with weekly content updates. While lacking previews on the website, its podcast-style format presents structured lessons, though the interface can be clunky. With subscription options ranging from free to $23 per month, Japanese Pod 101 can be a great starting point for beginners, although some students find it better suited for supplemental learning rather than achieving full fluency. Overall, Japanese Pod 101 earns a commendable rating for its free lessons for beginner Japanese students.

3.4

GOOD

Good

italki

Pricing from $10 to $40 per hour
Trial lesson usually available at half-price
Tutoring and video-call lessons

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.4

On the italki website

italki offers a flexible platform connecting students with Japanese tutors for personalized lessons via video conferencing tools. While it lacks structured courses, it's praised for affordability and the quality of instructors, with an average rating of 5 stars on individual tutors on the platform. However, progress depends on external study materials, making it more suitable as a supplement to other learning methods, earning it a good rating overall.

3.3

GOOD

Good

Duolingo

Pricing from free to $9.99 per month
Sentence-reading and listening approach
Hiragana lessons right away

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.3

On the Duolingo website

Duolingo, a popular language-learning platform, offers free Japanese lessons with a gamified approach. While it offers a premium subscription for $6.99/month, some students find achieving fluency challenging without supplementary resources. Despite concerns over automatic billing and limited refunds, its user-friendly interface and positive student reviews make it a solid starting point for language learners.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Memrise

Priced $27.99 per month, $89.99 per year, or as low as $124.99 for lifetime
Free features available
Video and audio lessons with native speakers in authentic contexts

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

3.0

On the Memrise website

Memrise, with its vocab-heavy approach, though effective with its Spaced Repetition System, may not lead to full Japanese fluency. Its courses can be challenging due to abrupt transitions between writing systems (especially for Japanese). Reviews suggest better experiences with the premium version, so that may be something you want to consider if you join Memrise (especially for the option to pay once for a lifetime plan). Memrise earns a "just average" rating for its Japanese lessons.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Mondly

Pricing from $9.99 per month or $48 per year
Sentence-reading and listening approach
Latin alphabet alongside hiragana

Read Full Review

FAIR

2.5

On the Mondly website

Mondly offers a user-friendly language learning experience, recognized by prestigious sources like Forbes and CNN. While it provides a variety of languages, including Japanese, its approach may feel overwhelming for absolute beginners, especially with limited grammar instruction. The platform offers both free and subscription-based plans, but its refund policy is stringent, and there are mixed reviews about its effectiveness especially if you prefer highly-structured grammar and discussions.

2.4

FAIR

Fair

FluentU

Priced from $29.99 per month to up to $359.99 per year
Video-based approach
Context exercises and vocab

Read Full Review

FAIR

2.4

On the FluentU website

FluentU provides an immersive Japanese learning experience through real-life video content, appealing to visual learners with interactive tools like word lookup and contextual examples. However, the lack of trial lessons without providing payment details may deter students. The somewhat scattered structure may not be ideal for beginners either. With subscription options starting at $29.99 per month, FluentU offers access to multiple languages but falls short in transparency and structured lesson plans.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Lingualift

Priced $19.99 per month up to $155.88 per year
Reading and listening lessons
30-day refund window

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the Lingualift website

Lingualift offers Japanese lessons with a focus on clarity and engagement, developed by experts from prestigious universities. However, its limited language options, heavy emphasis on reading large blocks of text in initial lessons, and lack of speaking exercises may deter potential learners. With subscription prices starting at $19.99 per month, Lingualift provides access to instructor assistance but falls short in user experience and progression, reflected in its low rating.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Japanese Lessons?

Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and Japanese is one of the most intriguing languages you can choose. Suppose you're fascinated by Japanese culture, anime, manga, or traditional arts like tea ceremonies and calligraphy. In that case, delving into the Japanese language can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of what you love.

Fortunately, with the increasing popularity of online learning, you can easily find Japanese lessons on the internet. Whether you're a complete beginner or seeking to refine your conversational skills, online Japanese courses offer a variety of teaching styles. From immersive audio lessons and interactive quizzes to multimedia resources and virtual language exchanges, online platforms offer an engaging learning environment.

Whether you dream of exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, immersing yourself in the serene landscapes of Kyoto, or simply connecting with Japanese speakers, learning the language can be a rewarding experience.

Japan has a rich cultural heritage, steeped in centuries-old traditions and modern innovations. From the graceful movements of traditional dance forms like Noh and Kabuki to the intricate artistry of sushi-making and bonsai cultivation, Japanese culture offers art, history, and innovation. By learning Japanese, you gain access to a vibrant cultural world that spans ancient history and contemporary pop culture phenomena like J-pop music. From the elegance of Japanese architecture to the dynamic energy of modern city life, learning Japanese allows you to delve deeper into the heart and soul of Japan.

In today's interconnected world, proficiency in Japanese can open doors to many personal and professional opportunities. Japan is a global economic powerhouse, home to leading technology companies, automotive giants, and influential cultural exports. Whether you aspire to work for a Japanese corporation, pursue academic research in collaboration with Japanese institutions, or engage in cross-cultural exchange programs, fluency in Japanese can significantly broaden your horizons.

As you embark on your journey to learn Japanese, it can be hard to narrow down the options. Here are some key factors to consider to help you find the best resource for your Japanese lessons:

Teaching methodology. Identify your preferred learning style - whether auditory, visual, or kinesthetic - and select a Japanese course that works best with how you learn. Whether you thrive on interactive exercises, audiovisual content, or structured grammar discussions, make sure you prioritize platforms that offer methods that support how you learn best.
Free trial option. Look for Japanese language platforms that offer free trials or sample lessons. This allows you to check out the program before committing to a subscription. Some platforms offer course previews or multi-day trials. These will give you the best chance at trying a language program before you have to pay.
Cost. Evaluate the cost of Japanese language courses with respect to the value they offer in terms of educational content and language proficiency outcomes. Many Japanese language lessons are free, but you may not get full proficiency from those sources. On the other hand, some programs are very expensive, but you still might miss some key features. Balance the cost and value of the language instruction to find your best fit.
Reputation. Research the reputation and credibility of Japanese language platforms through customer reviews, ratings, and testimonials. Explore third-party review sites, language learning forums, and social media channels to see if your favorite Japanese lesson provider offers the results you want. Look for platforms with positive feedback regarding instructional effectiveness, customer support, and learning outcomes for a rewarding and fulfilling learning experience.

To help you get the most out of your language studies, Top Consumer Reviews has tested, evaluated and ranked the best options for online Japanese lessons today. We know this information will give you all the info you need to choose the best program for your learning style and schedule.