Our Mission

To encourage the learning of Japanese language and culture through Japanese language instruction for youth, ages 5 – 18 and adults.

General Support Donation

(Do Not Use “Gakuen Donations” for Tuition/Class Payment. See options below to make Tuition Payments)

Proficiency levels

Small class sizes allow tailored instruction for students of all proficiencies.

School Term

September through June (Every Saturday from 9:00 am until noon). Adult classes may be held on different days and times.

Class Levels (with approximate age levels)

Advanced Class (students aged 13 – 18)
Intermediate Class (students aged 8 – 14)
Beginning Class (students aged 8 – 12)
Beginner Class (students aged 5 – 8)
Adult – Intermediate to Advanced
Adult – Beginning to Intermediate

NEW CLASS
2026-27 Beginning “Basic” Adult Japanese Class

Learning “Basic” Japanese for Adults
This new class will only meet for 1-1/2 hrs – Class Tuition $285 per semester.

Please contact us if you are interested in taking this class. We will need a minimum of four (4) students to form this new class.

Gakuen Contact:
BCOGakuen@buddhistchurchofoakland.org
(510) 832-5988

Here is a sample of our curriculum at Nippongo Gakuen.

*SCHOOL TERM: 2026 – 2027 Academic Year

Semester 1:

– Thursday classes: September xx thru December xx*
– Saturday classes: September xx thru December xx*

*Semester 1 School Holidays:
– Thursday November 26 (Thanksgiving)
– Saturday November 28 (Thanksgiving)

Semester 2:

Thursday classes: January xx thru May xx**
Saturday classes: January xx thru May xx**

**Semester 2 School Holidays:
– Saturday February xx; Saturday May xx; one (1) floating Saturday holiday
– Three (3) floating Thursday holidays

*Tuition

Tuition is to be paid on a semester basis. The cost of textbooks is in addition to tuition fees. Prorata semester tuition is on a case-by-case basis and only with mutual agreement by both parties.

*Semester 1 : FALL Class
- Thursday Classes: $385.00
- Saturday Classes: $385.00

*Semester 2 : SPRING Class
- Thursday Classes: $385.00
- Saturday Classes: $385.00

** Note: The BCO Gakuen is offering tuition discounts for three (3) or more family members enrolling in a term (Immediate family members only). Please contact the Gakuen Administration for details. email: BCOGakuen@buddhistchurchofoakland.org

*Tuition for Classes subject to change without notice.
** Offers and Discounts subject to change without notice

Online Tuition Instructions:

1. Select: CLASS BUTTON (Fall or Spring)
2. Enter “STUDENT’S NAME”
3. Enter “CLASS DAY (Either Thursday or Saturday)
4. Choose Payment Options (Credit Card, PayPal, or Apple Pay)

FALL CLASS TERM – SESSION 1
*Tuition $385

SPRING CLASS TERM – SESSION 2
*Tuition $385

Registration Form 2026-27

Student/Child Registration Form (Word Doc LINK)
Student/Child Registration Form (PDF LINK)
Adult Registration Form (Word Doc LINK)
Adult Registration Form (PDF LINK)