FAQ

Q1.Is Irodori only for learners in Japan?

A1.No. Irodori teaches Japanese for life in Japan, so it can be used by people who are already living in Japan, or people who will come to Japan in the future, according to their needs.

Q2.Is it difficult to use Irodori in classrooms overseas to teach Japanese to people who have no plans to go to Japan?

A2.No. People who have no plans to go to Japan may feel that the “Can-do” objectives in Irodori are not relevant to them. However, they can still choose to study the topics and activities that they want. They can also imagine going to Japan and practice communicating in Japanese as if they are there. This can also help to raise their motivation.

Q3.Can I use Irodori to study independently?

A3.Yes. If you study Irodori in order from the beginning, you will gradually be able to achieve the goals set out in the textbook. It is difficult to practice speaking if you are studying independently, but you can still learn effectively by listening to the audio and repeating what you hear many times. The IRODORI Japanese Online Course is also available for self-study. In this online course, you can use the videos to practice speaking.

Q4.Can children use Irodori?

A4.Irodori was not designed for young learners, so some of the scenarios described in the textbook (such as working in the office or drinking alcohol) may not be suitable for them. However, children can still use some parts of this textbook, such as talking about themselves, their hobbies and favorite things, and their dreams.

Q5.What are the differences between Irodori and Marugoto?

A5.Irodori teaches Japanese for life in Japan, so the goal is to learn how to communicate in everyday life in Japan. On the other hand, Marugoto is designed for a wide range of learners, such as those who wish to learn Japanese because they are interested in Japanese culture or the Japanese language. Its goal is to learn how to communicate in various situations both in Japan and overseas. Also, Irodori covers learning up to the elementary level (A2), while Marugoto covers learning up to the intermediate level (B1).

Q6.Are Irodori materials for B1 level and above available?

A6.The sequel of Irodori, the elementary/intermediate level (A2/B1 level), is currently under development. The draft syllabus is here. “Kanji Words” and “Tips for life in Japan” are not included in this syllabus, because they are still under consideration.

The main book of the elementary/intermediate level (A2/B1) will be released in March 2026. Other resources, such as “Words List” and “Grammar Worksheet,” as well as editions in other languages will be produced after the release of the main book.

There are no plans to produce any Irodori textbooks for B1 level and above. If you wish to continue studying at the B1 level or above, please use the “Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture.” Like Irodori, this textbook is produced by the Japan Foundation and uses “Can-do” based learning.

Q7.Are there plans to publish and sell Irodori in print format?

A7.At present, there are no plans to sell Irodori in print format. If you need it in print, please use general printing/bookbinding services.

Q8.When printing Irodori, must it be printed in color?

A8.No. You can also print it in black and white. Of course, it is best to print it in color. However, the color and formatting have been adjusted to ensure that printing in black and white will not cause any problems.

Q9.Besides a computer, can I access the website from a tablet or smartphone device?

A9.Yes. The website can also be displayed on a tablet or smartphone device.

Q10.If I study using Irodori, will I be able to pass the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)?

A10.JFT-Basic is a test that “seeks to measure the level of Japanese language proficiency needed by foreign nationals about to reside in Japan mainly for work, to communicate in everyday life situations. It is used to assess whether they have the Japanese language proficiency to be able to engage in everyday conversation to a certain extent and handle daily life without difficulties” (Source: JFT-Basic website). Irodori is for learning basic Japanese communication skills that are needed for daily life and working in Japan, so striving to achieve the “Can-do” objectives from “Starter” to “Elementary 2” can help you to prepare for the JFT-Basic.

Q11.Which level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) does Irodori correspond to?

A11.The Irodori levels do not directly match specific JLPT levels. However, if you complete the “Starter” to “Elementary 2” levels of Irodori, you can be considered to have reached the N4 level of JLPT, which is “the ability to understand basic Japanese.” On the other hand, while JLPT measures linguistic competence based on the receptive skills of reading and listening, Irodori also includes objectives for speaking and writing.

Q12.Can people aiming to pass the JLPT also use Irodori?

A12.Irodori covers the receptive skills of reading and listening at the elementary level, as well as most of the elementary kanji, vocabulary, and grammar needed for that. Learning all the contents of Irodori can help you to prepare for the N4 level of the JLPT. However, Irodori is not a textbook designed to help students pass the JLPT, so if you are taking the JLPT, we also recommend studying the official sample questions and practice books to familiarize yourself with the JLPT format.

Q13.How many hours does each lesson take?

A13.Each lesson takes about 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to 180 minutes (3 hours). The time varies because there are different numbers and types of activities in each lesson. However, the above times are the time needed to complete activities such as listening and speaking using Irodori. They do not include time for practicing the language knowledge needed for the activities, such as kanji, vocabulary, and grammar. Each lesson typically takes about 4 to 5 hours in total to complete (3 hours of Irodori activity time and about 1 to 2 hours of language knowledge practice).

Q14.Approximately how many hours does it take to complete Irodori?

A14.Each part, “Starter,” “Elementary 1,” and “Elementary 2,” typically takes about 80 to 100 hours to complete, so the entire course is estimated to take about 240 to 300 hours to complete. The 80 to 100 hours covers 4 to 5 hours x 18 lessons = 72 to 90 hours of study, as well as the time needed for orientation and evaluation.

Q15.Approximately how many kanji characters are learned in Irodori?

A15.In total, you will learn 429 kanji characters (see the “Kanji list”). Kanji are not taught on their own. Instead, you will study them as words used in the activities in each lesson, and gradually learn and remember their meaning and pronunciation.

Q16.Are word lists and answers provided?

A16.Yes. They come in separate booklets, so please see the “Word lists” and “Answer” sections on the page for “Other Resources.”

Q17.Are practice questions on grammar, vocabulary, expression, etc. provided?

A17.Yes. “IRODORI Practice” of the IRODORI Japanese Online Course covers practice questions in four categories: words, kanji, grammar, and expressions. The contents of this online course are also available as apps for Android / iOS devices, so you can also do the practice questions offline. For grammar exercises in printable PDF format, "Grammar Worksheets" are currently available.

Q18.Are there any charts comparing the sentence patterns covered in Irodori with other textbooks, such as Minna No Nihongo?

A18.The “Sentence patterns list” (“Other Resources” page) compares the sentence patterns covered in Irodori and Marugoto. On the official website, there are no other charts comparing Irodori with other textbooks. However, the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam has produced a comparison chart with Minna No Nihongo.

Q19.Are Irodori videos available for use in class?

A19.Yes. Each lesson in the IRODORI Japanese Online Course is accompanied by a video for the story covering the contents of that lesson. The topics and learning items of Irodori and Marugoto are connected, so you can also use the videos on MARUGOTO+ (MARUGOTO Plus).

Q20.Are teaching guides available?

A20.The section “How to use this textbook” explains how to use Irodori to teach. If students are taught in the order of the textbook, they will be able to achieve the “Can-do” objectives, so, anyone can teach using this textbook. In the future, there are plans to produce other resources such as “Teaching Q&A” and videos of model classes using Irodori, and to publish these resources on the website. Some of the overseas offices of the Japan Foundation have published their own resources, such as lesson videos by the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, and the “Teaching Plan” by the Japan Foundation, Yangon.

Q21.Are there any rules on the reproduction, copying, or alteration of Irodori?

A21.Please see the section on “Copyright and usage guidelines” on the “About this site” page.

Q22.Can Irodori be printed and bound as a book, and lent out or distributed to learners?

A22.Yes. This is acceptable if it is used in classes. In such cases, each organization may collect payment to cover the cost of printing and binding based on its own rules, but is not allowed to profit from the sale of the textbook.

Q23.Can I use Irodori as a textbook for online classes?

A23.Yes. You can use it as you like for school classes or private lessons.

Q24.Can I use Irodori as a textbook for classes that students have to pay a fee for?

A24.Yes. Irodori may be used for classes in an educational institution, as well as for private lessons.

Q25.Can I convert the Irodori PDF into PowerPoint slides, add audio, and use it for classes?

A25.Yes. You can format Irodori as you like for use in classes.

Q26.Can I add practice questions to the activities in Irodori and create my own worksheets?

A26.Yes. You do not have to use the contents as provided. You can also edit and format the parts that you need.

Q27.Can I edit the illustrations to suit my use?

A27.No. You may use the illustrations in Irodori as you like if you are using them as they are, pasting them into PowerPoint slides, or using them to produce practice questions. However, for copyright reasons, you may not edit or alter the illustrations, but trimmed images may be used. Also, the illustrations may only be used in the teaching of Irodori. They may not be used for classes or teaching materials that are completely unrelated to Irodori.

Q28.Can I publish the slides, teaching materials, videos, and other Irodori resources that I have produced, online?

A28.Yes. There are no restrictions on the publication and sharing of the teaching materials and resources that users produce. In fact, teachers around the world have shared many of the teaching materials and resources that they have produced, online. However, these may not be sold for a fee. For details, please see the section on “Copyright and usage guidelines” on the “About this site” page.

Q29.I cannot open the audio file that I downloaded.

A29.Audio files for downloading are compressed as ZIP files. If you download a ZIP file, you need software that can support ZIP files. If you have any problems downloading files, please check the type of device and the version of the operating system and browser you are using, then contact us using the inquiry form. If you are connected to the Internet, you can also stream the audio files. If the files will not play, please check that the browser you are using is up to date.

Q30.I cannot download the materials.

A30.Please check the type of device and the version of the operating system and browser you are using, then contact us using the inquiry form.

Q31.I cannot play the audios in PDFs with audio files.

A31.You should download PDFs with audio files on your own PC and open them with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
You cannot play the audios on web browsers nor on portable devices such as tablets, smartphones. For more details, please click here.