What is 17 Minute Languages?

17 Minute Languages is an online provider of language courses for more than 80 languages. Courses come without subscription and with 10-year access, on PC, smartphone and tablet. At their core is the long-term memory method with just 17 minutes of learning per day.

How does learning Japanese work at 17 Minute Languages?

At 17 Minute Languages you learn Japanese with a daily task that combines vocabulary training, dialogue exercises, pronunciation with native speakers and grammar. The long-term memory method ensures vocabulary is retained sustainably.

What advantages does 17 Minute Languages offer over other providers?

17 Minute Languages relies on a one-time payment instead of a subscription, gives 10-year access, free updates, audio from native speakers, integrated grammar and pronunciation trainers as well as personal email support.

Which Japanese courses does 17 Minute Languages offer?

Depending on the language, 17 Minute Languages offers a beginner's course (A1–A2), an advanced course (B1–B2), specialist vocabulary, an express course for travel as well as thematic specialist vocabularies (e.g. business, emigration, au-pair). Which levels are available for Japanese is shown on the Japanese page.

How quickly can I learn Japanese with 17 Minute Languages?

With 17 minutes of practice per day, most learners can handle standard situations (greetings, simple questions, short small talk) within a few weeks. After three to six months of regular training, beginners are comfortably at A2 level; with the advanced course you reach B1–B2 in 9 to 12 months. Exact progress depends on your learning rhythm, prior knowledge and target language.

How does the long-term memory method at 17 Minute Languages work?

The long-term memory method by 17 Minute Languages ensures that vocabulary is reviewed exactly when the brain is about to forget it. An algorithm individually adjusts the review intervals for every word, so you achieve maximum retention with minimum effort. The learned content stays in your memory permanently.

Can I try 17 Minute Languages for free before buying?

Yes. 17 Minute Languages offers a free trial version for Japanese. This lets you test the learning interface, the vocabulary training and the pronunciation with native speakers without any commitment, before deciding on a course.

How long do I have access to my Japanese course?

After purchase you have at least 10 years of access to your Japanese course at 17 Minute Languages, including free updates during this time. You pay once – there is no subscription and no hidden recurring cost.

Does 17 Minute Languages offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes. 17 Minute Languages offers a money-back guarantee: if you are not satisfied with the Japanese course, you can return it within 31 days.

On which devices can I learn Japanese with 17 Minute Languages?

The Japanese course runs in the browser on any modern PC (Windows, macOS, Linux) as well as on smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android). Your learning progress is synchronised across devices, so you can always continue where you left off.

Who is the Japanese course at 17 Minute Languages suitable for?

The Japanese course is suitable for absolute beginners, returners and advanced learners who want to expand their language skills systematically. Typical audiences include travellers, expatriates, professionals, students and language enthusiasts who want to learn at their own pace.

Japanese proficiency course (2026)

This advanced vocabulary trainer for level C1/C2 teaches you words for work, the news, films and literature.

	This course builds on the beginner course “Learn Japanese” and the intermediate course “Japanese for intermediate learners” from 17 Minute Languages. With both courses, you already have a solid base. This course then adds over 2,100 illustrated words to your Japanese vocabulary.
	You learn for 17 minutes a day – short, focused sessions. Working through this course takes about 40 hours. It is designed for level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
	Vocabulary training with pictures: Every word in this course is illustrated. The pictures help you remember the words.
	Several methods help you build your Japanese vocabulary: You practise each word with many interactive exercises and different learning methods.
	One-off payment – no subscription. 10 years of access, including updates.

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Learning methods in this course:

Superlearning music:
In this Japanese programme, you can learn with calm background music that helps you focus. You can switch it off.

Daily practice matches the pace you set.
With 17 minutes a day, you make steady progress.

The long-term memory method:
Each word comes back just before you would forget it. If you still know it, it moves on.

This Japanese online course for level C1/C2 contains:

Online course with over 2,100 words + audio trainer (English – Japanese).
The audio trainer plays the words in both languages, so you can learn without a screen.
Use it in 5-minute units, on the go or while driving.
Prerequisite:
Japanese for beginners and Japanese for intermediate learners
Together, the three courses cover over 5,000 words.
This course is useful for anyone who …
… enjoys reading literature from Japan
… listens to the news in Japanese
… likes to watch films in Japanese
… has friends or family from Japan
… needs specialist vocabulary in Japanese
… wants to move to Japan.
You also get access to the 17 Minute Languages learning community with other learners.

Japanese online vocabulary trainer at level C1/C2:

For Windows, Linux, macOS, iPhone, Android smartphone, iPad and Android tablet. You can switch devices at any time. Your progress is synchronised.
Online course and audio trainer – learn with or without a screen.
Latest version: the Japanese vocabulary trainer was revised in 2026.
31-day money-back guarantee:
You can try this Japanese proficiency course for 31 days.
If you are not happy with it, you get a 100% refund.

Japanese technical vocabulary with over 2,100 words

Words for many topics and subject areas

The Japanese advanced vocabulary course is designed for level C1/C2.
It teaches over 2,100 illustrated words, sorted by topic and subject area.
Here are some of the topics, and situations where the words can help you.

	Do you follow current political events in Japan? Do you read, watch or listen to the news in Japanese? The chapter on news and politics teaches many words that come up often in news reports. This makes the news easier to follow.
	Do you want to move abroad with your partner or family? The course covers the words you need for the move and for dealing with government offices in Japan. Learn this list before you visit a government office – it can make the visit easier.
	Life and society in Japan: To prepare you for your trip, the course also covers political and social life in Japan.
	Do you like reading books in Japanese? One part of the course is for readers: words about books and genres such as mysteries, fantasy, fairy tales and fables.
	Is Japanese grammar hard work for you? One word list helps you read grammar books and texts in the language you are learning.
	Computers are common in offices – and you may need to use them in Japanese. Do you want to work abroad? The course covers words for computers, hardware, software and office equipment. Knowing these words can make your first days at work easier.
	Are you applying for a job abroad? The course gives you the key words for writing your CV and applying for work.
	Do you work in research or technology? The course covers key terms from these fields.
	Are you interested in culture and social life in Japan? The course covers words for these areas. Topics include leisure time, sport and games, fashion, housing, family and religion.
	Have you fallen in love in Japan? One chapter covers flirting and love.
	Do you often talk to people in Japanese? Then you need a broad vocabulary for conversation. This course gives you words you can use in your next conversation.
	Are your children growing up and going to school in Japan? The course covers words for education and school. You and your children will find words that can make starting at a new school easier. If you work in education or are bringing up children, you will also find useful expressions here.
	Do you want to learn Japanese as people really speak it in Japan? One collection covers the everyday, informal language used in Japan.
	Do your colleagues or business partners come from Japan? The course covers topics and conversations for dealing with your professional contacts.

The Japanese advanced vocabulary course covers these topics and many more.
The words are grouped by topic, so you can learn them step by step.
For each topic, you learn the words used in that area.

All words are translated into contemporary, natural Japanese.
You learn words that people really use.
All words are spoken by native speakers, so you hear the correct pronunciation and stress from the start.

Included: audio trainer English–Japanese with all the words from the course

Your Japanese advanced vocabulary course is not just an online course – it also includes an audio trainer.

The audio trainer plays the words in English and Japanese, so you can learn without a screen.
You practise words and pronunciation in units of 5 minutes.

You can use the audio trainer on your smartphone or PC, and switch between them at any time.

You can play Superlearning music: calm background music that helps you focus.
You can switch it off at any time.

The audio trainer lets you learn Japanese in many everyday situations – without a screen.
For example:

	... You're exercising or cycling – and learning on the move.
	... You're in the car – and learning while you drive.
	... You're sitting comfortably at home – and learning.
	... You're on the train or bus – and using the time to learn.
	... You're on a break or waiting – and learning in the meantime.

Audio trainer example 1

Audio trainer example 2

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One online course for all your devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop and PC)

The Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer is an online course – nothing to install.
You can learn whenever and wherever you like – on any of your devices.

It runs on Windows, Linux and macOS.
You can use it on your smartphone (Android, iPhone), your tablet (iPad or Android) and your computer (laptop and PC).

You can switch devices at any time. Your progress is synchronised, so you carry on where you left off.

	Many learners start their day by learning on their iPhone or Android smartphone.
	Some switch to their PC or laptop at lunchtime. The Japanese vocabulary trainer runs on Windows, Linux and macOS.
	Learners tell us they like to learn a little in the evening on an iPad or Android tablet.

Questions about the Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer

What does the Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer include?
You get the online course and an audio trainer. The audio trainer plays the words in English and Japanese, so you can learn without a screen.
With the online course and the audio trainer, you learn over 2,100 Japanese words, organised by topic and specialist field.

The course uses the long-term memory method. Each word comes back just before you would forget it. If you still know it, it moves on.
So you spend less time on words you already know – and the words stick.
Superlearning music is calm background music that helps you focus. You can switch it off.

The course also gives you access to the 17 Minute Languages learning community.
In the community, you can meet other learners, ask questions and learn from each other.
How much time should I plan for the Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer?
The course is designed for level C1/C2. You should already have solid grammar and a large everyday vocabulary.
How quickly you progress depends on how regularly you practise.
This course builds on the basic and intermediate courses, so you need them first. As a rough guide, the basic course (everyday conversations, A2) takes about 50 hours. The intermediate course takes about 30 hours. The Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer takes about 40 hours to work through.
What does it take to work towards level C2 in Japanese?
Level C2 needs a large vocabulary. Together, the Japanese basic course, the intermediate course and this trainer cover over 5,000 words.
This trainer adds over 2,100 of these words. Working through it takes about 40 hours of learning time, on top of the basic and intermediate courses.

How you learn matters too. Use the long-term memory method. Add Superlearning music if it helps you focus. Practise sentence structure with targeted exercises as you learn new words.
What do levels C1 and C2 mean in Japanese?
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) makes language skills comparable across countries.
It divides language skills into these levels:
Level A1/A2: basic use
Level B1/B2: independent use
Level C1/C2: proficient use

At C1/C2, you add specialist vocabulary to solid grammar. This lets you talk about specific topics and join more detailed conversations.
The Japanese complete package combines the courses up to level C2. You can revise earlier levels and carry on from the level that suits you.
How can I improve my Japanese skills?
With the Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer, you learn over 2,100 new words. Every word is illustrated.
How much does the Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer cost?
You can order the Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer (online course + audio trainer) on its own. Or you can view the offer for several course levels together.

See the Japanese advanced course offer »
How long do I have access – is it a subscription?
One-off payment – no subscription.
You get 10 years of access to your Japanese course, including updates during that time.
How does the 31-day money-back guarantee work?
Try the course for 31 days.
If you are not satisfied, we will refund 100% of the purchase price.
You don't have to give a reason.

P.S.
Here is what the Japanese advanced vocabulary trainer (level C1/C2) includes:

Online course at level C1/C2 + English–Japanese audio trainer in 5-minute units, for learning on the go or while driving.
Over 2,100 Japanese words, organised by topic and specialist field.
Every word is illustrated, so pictures help you remember it.
Long-term memory method + optional Superlearning music
Access to the 17 Minute Languages learning community:
There you can meet other learners and ask questions.

Secure Order:

Yes, I have read the conditions of sales and use, the privacy policy and the return policy and I agree to them.

Full right of return:
You have 31 days – if you're not happy, we'll refund the full purchase price.

You will receive the software as an online course:

Begin learning right away!
You don't have to install anything – you learn online.
The online course works with Windows, macOS and Linux, on iPhone and Android smartphones, on iPad and Android tablets.
Access to the online course is valid for 10 years.
You can cancel your purchase at any time during the first 31 days and get your money back.
More than 540,000 people have successfully learnt a new language thanks to 17 Minute Languages.
All prices include VAT.

What sets this language course apart from the competition?

Swift progress:

This software program will make learning Japanese fun and easy – you can hold your first simple conversation after about 3 hours.

Sophisticated software:

We first released this software in 2002.
Our developers revise it every year and with the greatest attention to detail.

A variety of tasks each day:

Varied daily tasks and a huge selection of learning methods will motivate you to continue learning every day.

Unique learning methods:

With the long-term memory learning method and daily tasks tailored to you, you can hold everyday conversations in Japanese after about 50 hours.

No subscription model:

Your access is valid for 10 years – you only pay once.

Exclusive learning community:

Make connections with like-minded people in our learning community.

“Learn over 2,100 illustrated words in Japanese – a C1/C2 vocabulary trainer”