Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1 – JF Standard Japanese Coursebook

Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1 is a beginner-level Japanese coursebook series for adult learners, developed in accordance with the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, which is based on the CEFR framework.

The series focuses on practical communication and mutual understanding, helping learners use Japanese in real-life situations rather than studying grammar in isolation. Each topic introduces everyday situations in which people from different cultural backgrounds communicate in Japanese, with plenty of photographs, illustrations and listening activities to support both language learning and intercultural understanding.

At Starter A1 level, learners aim to understand and use basic Japanese phrases and expressions needed in everyday life.

The Starter A1 level consists of two complementary books:

• Katsudoo (かつどう) – Coursebook for Communicative Language Activities
• Rikai (りかい) – Coursebook for Communicative Language Competences

Both books cover the same 9 topics and 18 lessons. They can be used separately depending on your study goals, or together for a more complete beginner Japanese course.

Variant 1: Katsudoo – Communicative Language Activities

Marugoto Starter A1 Katsudoo focuses primarily on listening and speaking practice.

Learners are exposed to a large amount of natural spoken Japanese and gradually develop the ability to communicate through practical activities.

Each lesson uses Can-do goals, focusing on what the learner will be able to accomplish in Japanese.

Key features include:

• Strong focus on speaking and listening
• Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes of audio materials
• Practical everyday communication
• Natural Japanese conversations
• Full-color pages
• Extensive photographs and illustrations
• Portfolio-based learning progress management
• CEFR-compatible learning goals
• 9 topics and 18 lessons
• Recommended course length: approximately 30–40 hours

Variant 2: Rikai – Communicative Language Competences

Marugoto Starter A1 Rikai focuses on systematically learning the Japanese language structures needed for communication.

It supports the practical communication skills introduced in Katsudoo by developing vocabulary, sentence patterns, grammar, reading and writing skills.

Key features include:

• Systematic study of beginner Japanese structures
• Vocabulary and expression development
• Reading and writing practice
• Approximately 2 hours 44 minutes of audio materials
• Full-color pages
• Extensive photographs and illustrations
• Portfolio-based learning management
• CEFR-compatible learning goals
• 9 topics and 18 lessons
• Recommended course length: approximately 40 hours

Topics & Lessons

Topic 1 – Japanese Language

• Lesson 1: Hello
• Lesson 2: One More Time, Please

Topic 2 – Myself

• Lesson 3: Nice to Meet You
• Lesson 4: There Are Three People in My Family

Topic 3 – Food

• Lesson 5: What Do You Like?
• Lesson 6: Where Do You Eat?

Topic 4 – Home

• Lesson 7: There Are Three Rooms
• Lesson 8: It’s a Nice Room

Topic 5 – Daily Life

• Lesson 9: What Time Do You Get Up?
• Lesson 10: When Is Good for You?

Review & Test 1

Topic 6 – Days Off 1

• Lesson 11: What Is Your Hobby?
• Lesson 12: Would You Like to Go Together?

Topic 7 – Town

• Lesson 13: How Do You Get There?
• Lesson 14: It’s a Famous Temple

Topic 8 – Shopping

• Lesson 15: Cute!
• Lesson 16: This One, Please

Topic 9 – Days Off 2

• Lesson 17: It Was Fun
• Lesson 18: Next Time, I Want to Go to Kyoto

Review & Test 2

Why Choose Marugoto?

• Designed specifically for adult Japanese learners
• Beginner-friendly A1 level
• Focuses on real communication rather than grammar alone
• Uses natural listening input from the beginning
• Introduces Japanese culture alongside the language
• Uses practical Can-do learning goals
• Full-color design with abundant visual support
• Suitable for classroom study and self-study
• Based on the JF Standard and CEFR scale
• Can be used as Katsudoo only, Rikai only, or as a complete two-book course

Free Online Learning Resources

A variety of supplementary resources are available online for learners and teachers.

For Learners:

• Audio materials
• Vocabulary indexes
• Expression indexes
• Multilingual vocabulary resources
• Can-do checklists
• Writing worksheets
• Kanji vocabulary resources
• Conversation review materials

For Teachers:

• Teaching guidance
• Lesson demonstration videos
• Vocabulary indexes
• Expression indexes
• Kanji vocabulary lists

Product Information

Product Name: Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Starter A1
Japanese Title: まるごと 日本のことばと文化 入門 A1
Level: Starter / A1
Framework: JF Standard / CEFR-based
Target Learners: Adult beginners of Japanese
Number of Topics: 9
Number of Lessons: 18
Format: Full-color Japanese language coursebook
Available Variants: Katsudoo / Rikai
Katsudoo Focus: Communicative activities, listening and speaking
Rikai Focus: Vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing and language structure
Recommended Study Time – Katsudoo: Approximately 30–40 hours
Recommended Study Time – Rikai: Approximately 40 hours

Important Note

Katsudoo and Rikai are separate books. Please select the desired version before ordering.

Katsudoo focuses mainly on practical listening and speaking, while Rikai provides systematic language study. For a comprehensive Starter A1 course, using both books together is recommended.