OUR STORY
日本語の庭 (Nihongo no Niwa) is an online Japanese language school founded in February 2020 by Jason Musikanth, from Cape Town, South Africa, who is currently studying for the JLPT N1 exam. Jason, formerly head of the tutor team at ケープタウン日本語会 (Cape Town Nihongo Kai) under the renowned linguist Keigo Aoki-Bazlinton, founded Nihongo no Niwa at the encouragement of both Keigo-sensei and his students after CTNK closed. Following Keigo-sensei’s passing in early 2023, Jason continues to honour his mentor’s legacy by sharing a love of Japanese language and culture with a growing community of learners.
Our school offers structured Japanese classes primarily focused on JLPT N5–N2 levels, designed to make Japanese approachable while maintaining a solid foundation in grammar and communication. Through a balanced curriculum of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students engage with interactive activities, multimedia resources, and cultural insights, learning not only how the language works but how to use it confidently in real conversations. Many students begin with simple goals such as understanding anime without subtitles, travelling in Japan, or exploring a long-held interest in the language. Over time, these first steps often grow into much more -some former students are now living, working, and studying across Japan. With more than 10 years of Japanese language coaching experience, we have developed an effective teaching style and method of instruction that supports every learner’s journey.
More than anything, Nihongo no Niwa aims to create a welcoming space where curiosity about Japan can grow into genuine language ability... much like a garden nurtures what is patiently cultivated.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At 日本語の庭, we believe that language learning is a gateway to understanding and appreciating different cultures. Not only do we want to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively in Japanese, but we want to cultivate a deep appreciation for Japan's rich heritage and a respectful understanding of its culture.
Symbolising our commitment to growth and perseverance, our school mascot is a koi fish, which holds great significance in Japanese culture, representing strength, perseverance, and transformation; qualities that reflect the language-learning journey itself. These values resonate with our approach to education, where we encourage our students to overcome challenges, embrace new perspectives, and achieve their personal language learning goals.
Whether you are learning Japanese for personal enrichment, academic pursuits, career advancement, or simply for the joy of discovering a new language, we are committed to providing a thoughtful and supportive learning experience. Join us on this exciting journey as we dive into the intricacies of the Japanese language and unlock the doors to a world of opportunities and cultural understanding.
