こんにちは！
Online and Afterschool Classes
Now Forming!
日本語 OK!
Pasadena Japanese Language School Japanese language classes for children and adults Online classes Mirai Nihongo Gakuin Pasadena Japanese Language Academy Hikari no Sato Sierra Madre
Hikari Japanese Academy
Japanese Language and Cultural Education
(626) 396-9927 • Learn@HikariJapaneseAcademy.com
Japanese for Youth
For students ages 6 to 17 who are motivated to learn the Japanese language and culture. Classes are held afterschool throughout the week and on Saturdays!
Check our Schedule of Classes for details.
Private and Semi-Private Lessons!
Private and Semi-Private lessons are now available for youth, adults and families! Please call us to discuss your specific needs and to schedule your sessions.
Japanese Cultural Values and Leadership!
This five-session experiential program immerses teens in traditional Japanese arts—including Nihon Buyō (classical dance), Taiko and martial arts — while visiting local dojos and cultural centers. Each session focuses on a core leadership value such as respect (礼), harmony (和), humility (謙虚), diligence (勤勉), and confidence (自信), brought to life through direct engagement with master instructors. Students reflect on their growth using a personalized Leadership Passport. Blending cultural appreciation with character development, this journey empowers young leaders to move, speak, and lead with grace, discipline, and purpose. Co-horts now being formed for this exclusive program.
Introduction to Japanese Culture Series
What is Japanese culture? Japan offers so many traditional cultural arts and values. And yet, it leads the world in technology, design, anime and manga. In this innovative series, we will introduce you to many different cultural experiences. From traditional Japanese dance to contemporary film and music. In addition to presentations and workshops at Hikari no Sato, there will be many off-site field trips to such places as Japan House in Hollywood, the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden and Makoto Taiko Dojo to name a few.
Explore Japan!
Conde Nast’s Readers’ Choice Awards has named Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto the #1, #2 and #3 Big Cities in the world. It’s no wonder. Japan offers the excitement of a contemporary society, the serene beauty of nature and valued traditions of past generations like no other country in the world. Stay in touch so that you can join us on our next educational adventure to Japan!
Friendship 2026
We are very excited to announce the Pasadena-Mishima Friendship 2026 Youth Exchange Program! This year, we look forward to a much more rigorous and exclusive experience which will require commitment and effort to achieve the goals of the program. Participation will be limited so contact us for more information.
Everyday Japanese!
Good Morning - OHAYO GOZAI MASU
Good Afternoon - KON NICHI WA
Good Evening - KON BAN WA
Good Night - OYASUMI NASAI
Thank you - ARIGATO
I'm home - TADAIMA
Welcome home - OKAERI
Let's Eat - TABEMASHO
I will enjoy the food - ITADAKI MASU (before your meal)
Thank you for the meal - GOCHISO SAMA DESHITA (after your meal)
(If you know Spanish, the vowel sounds are similar in Japanese!)
Contact Us!
Hikari Japanese Academy
38 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite I
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Email: Learn@HikariJapaneseAcademy.com
Phone: (626) 396-9927
Partners and Friends
Aikido Center of Los Angeles
California-Japan Sister Cities Network
Consulate General of Japan Los Angeles
Consulate General of Japan San Francisco
Japan Foundation Los Angeles
Japan House Los Angeles
Japanese American National Museum
Kansha Pasadena
Little Tokyo Historical Society
Makoto Taiko
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tokyo, Japan
City of Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
Nikkei Federation
Nikkei Senior Gardens
The Pasadena International Association
The Rafu Shimpo
Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce
Sierra Madre Rose Float Association
Sister Cities International
Southern California Prefectural Association
Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens
Wa No Kai – Bando Hidesomi
College of the Canyons
Juntendo University, Mishima, Japan
Kanda University of International Studies
Kansai University of International Studies
Nihon University High School, Mishima, Japan
Nirayama High School, Nirayama, Japan
Pasadena City College