Japanese for Beginners: Essential Communication Skills

Dr. Naoko Kinoshita serves as Associate Professor at the Center for Japanese Language, Waseda University, where she has established herself as a prominent researcher in Japanese language education and pronunciation studies. After completing her PhD at Waseda University in 2010, she has built an extensive career teaching Japanese as a foreign language, including positions at Busan University of Foreign Studies in Korea and Meikai University in Japan. Her research focuses on second language acquisition of Japanese pronunciation, particularly rhythm acquisition and autonomous learning systems. She has received multiple accolades for her innovative teaching approaches, including the Waseda e-teaching award in 2015 for developing materials for beginning Japanese learners and the Grand Waseda e-teaching award in 2019 for her work on Japanese pronunciation materials. Her contributions to the field include developing web-based learning tools like "Steps in Japanese for Beginners" and "Tsutaeru Hatsuon," focusing on autonomous learning of Japanese pronunciation. She currently leads several research projects, including the development of an on-demand learning system for autonomous Japanese pronunciation study, investigation of syllabic structure's role in rhythm acquisition, and research on critical thinking skills development in Japanese universities. Beyond her research, she serves in leadership roles including chairing the editorial committee of the Association for Japanese Language Education and actively participating in various academic societies related to Japanese language education.