Hi everyone, I am pretty new to Japan, only got here a month ago.  Even before we got here my husband and I were trying to learn some basics by listening to tapes, but this self-study is not for me.  One of my goals for our time here is to develop some language skills, so I'm looking into classes.  There are classes at Navy College and at Kumon that I have found, any others I'm not aware of?  Anyone taking these classes that can tell me what they're like?  
Also, which class is more like being in school?  I'm hoping to get some social interaction and maybe meet some new friends through this class too.
Thanks!

There are Japanese classes through the colleges, like you said. I took one through UMUC and it is very fast paced. I couldn't keep up. So I've resorted to using my textbook and online resources to help me learn.

to add: The Japanese class I took thru UMUC was online. I did take Italian through UMUC in Italy and it was just as fast paced. If I wasn't taking other classes on top of it, I would've been fine. Learning a language, for me, takes dedication that I don't have when taking other courses. 

I found a good website, Japanese101.com, free tutorials and easy to use.

Elementary Japanese classroom at Yokosuka http://webapps.umuc.edu/soc/asia.cf...fAcad=UGRD

Starts 4 June

We teach Japanese too:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ichib...0550011881

I loved the Japanese classes through UMUC, which I took face to face. I liked that it was structured and you could use what you learned right away. Before that I took an informal class at the base community center and didn't like not having a textbook to refer to.

There are some free Japanese classes offered through FFSC- Yokosuka/Ikego. You may enjoy these as supplements to your college classes. Some are offered in the afternoons, during the day and, on the weekends. Check their website (CFAY, then, Family Readiness, Support Services) for an updated/monthly schedule.

I really liked the UMUC class too, I learned a lot! I am a horrible self studier as well, so being in the classroom was good. I've only done level 1, I was in Sasebo when I took it (much smaller base) and there were never enough people for level 2

An interesting English test answer:


Translation:

1. Transform the sentence below to a past sentence.

I live in Tokyo.

A genius student's answer:

I live in Edo.

A large check mark on right of the answer means "Not correct answer" in Japanese culture (A circle will be given for correct answer) so the teacher thinks this answer is wrong.

There is a nice Japanese class that meets in the Yokosuka community center near the Carney gate. It has a small cost, (1,000 yen) for an 8 week course. The children's class is free. It is on summer break right now though.

@ Okumura: Very funny! That is a creative thinker!

My wife and I have been going to 'Monday Night Japanese' at the Community Center on Navy Base Yokosuka. It is free and we have learned a lot!

The class is taught by Japanese man and a young American guy that speaks fluent Japanese. They even have an app!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/niho...52306?mt=8