Episode 15: The Birth of JPLT

At the heart of every great journey lies a single decision—to take the first step. For thousands of students across the Philippines, JPLT has become that step, transforming what once felt impossible into a thriving reality. In this episode, we dive into the story of JPLT, our Online Japanese School, and how it’s redefining what it means to learn, connect, and grow.

A Dream That Became a Movement

The story of JPLT doesn’t begin in a classroom. It begins with a challenge that brought us together as a team. Each of us prepared a business proposal for an online school, and with only five minutes per person to pitch, the energy in the room was electric. Ideas flew, laughter filled the air, and creativity shone through in every presentation. It was in that moment, amidst the excitement and camaraderie, that the spark was lit. The decision was unanimous: we would launch JPLT as early as possible in 2024.

From that spark, JPLT was born. It's a school where learning isn’t confined to textbooks. It’s a place where students don’t just memorize phrases; they build confidence. They don’t just practice vocabulary; they discover their potential.

The beginning was anything but easy. On Opening Ceremony Day, we stood before a room full of curious and excited faces—prospective students eager to explore the world of Japanese language and culture. Yet, as the day ended, none of them enrolled. It was a sobering moment, a test of our resolve. The first few months felt like an uphill climb, filled with doubts and questions about whether our vision could truly take root. But we kept going, determined to create something meaningful. Slowly, our persistence bore fruit. A few brave students decided to trust us, to take that leap of faith, and enroll in our program.

Those first enrollees became the cornerstone of JPLT’s story. By the end of that same year, the dream had begun to take shape. JPLT had not only gained students but had become a place where dreams were nurtured and futures were built. These early learners didn’t just attend classes; they became part of a growing community, each of them proving that the vision we had was worth pursuing.

In the virtual classrooms of JPLT, something extraordinary happens. Borders fade away. Students from every corner of the Philippines—and even beyond—log in to connect with teachers who genuinely care about their progress. Every lesson becomes a personal journey, filled with understanding, patience, and small but meaningful victories.

Before we look to the future, let’s take a moment to reflect on the milestones JPLT has achieved:

• August: Offered Free Native Japanese Classes all month and began the A2-1 Conversation Course

• September: Established coaching for Zero beginner students

• October: Introduced coaching for upper beginner students

• November: Celebrated our wins with a team dinner at Yakimix, hosted a surprise event for Tanaka-san, and launched the Nihongo Quest for Upper Beginners

• In December, We began preparing for the Kana Course and the JPLT Podcast

Even as we celebrate how far we’ve come, we can’t help but look ahead to the future. JPLT is growing, evolving, and innovating in ways that excite us. From integrating cutting-edge learning tools to planning immersive cultural events, the possibilities are endless. More importantly, at the core of it all is our unwavering commitment to our students. We’re here to ensure that no matter where someone begins, they have the support and resources they need to succeed.

So, what’s next for us? Whether we’re just starting our Japanese learning journey or looking to refine our skills, JPLT is ready to walk with us, every step of the way. This isn’t just about language—it’s about stories. Stories of courage, growth, and transformation. JPLT isn’t just a school—it’s a story. And we can’t wait to help us write the next chapter. Together, let’s shape tomorrow, one lesson at a time.