Chiba Center is an online community of Black creatives who are dedicated to studying the Japanese language and culture for professional opportunities and personal growth.

Our group includes Black visual artists, Black musicians, Black multidisciplinary artists, Black tattoo artists, Black photographers, Black DJs, Black singers, Black fashion designers, et al who are perfecting their craft and want access to the Japanese market, the world's third-largest economy. 

In addition to classes here on CH, we also host video-based lessons via Google Video Chat which include reading the written language (hiragana, katakana, and kanji). We do not teach handwriting because smartphones are ubiquitous in Japan, and calligraphy is a niche skill only relevant to hobbyists. Our goal is functional, practical ability and we do not pay attention to tests like JLPT or "academic Japanese".

We keep in touch via Discord. Please see our website for more information: 

www.chiba.center  

Here is a list of resources that students have found helpful:

duolingo
wanikani
busuu
Pimsleur
marugoto
kaizen
IRODORI.jpf.go.jp
tae kim's guide to Japanese
Terrace House on Netflix 
hiragana quest
japanesepod101
drops
hello talk
anki
jisho 
memrise
ammo with misa
satori reader
lingodeer 
tofugu
kanjidamage
italki
human japanese
imiwa
japanese io (chrome extension) 
yomichan  (chrome extension)) 
rambalac on YouTube
Midnight Diner on Netflix 
tiktokers: 
learn.study.japanese
japanesewitherika
andydesu
We study Japanese for practical use.: This is not "just for fun" or for academic purposes.
This club is for Black creatives.: This club began in Chicago as a very small group of Black interdisciplinary artists who wanted to be successful in Japan in their various artistic disciplines. This is a resource for the community.
Total beginners are welcome!: If you are already fluent in Japanese, you are encouraged to be a 先輩 to beginner students. Volunteer teachers are very welcome! 