This course aims to develop functional Japanese language skills while studying the features of Japanese society and culture. Among the unique features of Japan, we will focus on Entertainment in Japan and the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) in Japan this semester. Students will continue studying basic grammar/structures and new vocabulary in order to expand their communication skills and increase reading/writing capacity. Major class activities include reading passages on authentic materials (e.g., websites, easy news, etc.), video viewing, pair/group dialogues, discussions, message/essay writings, kanji studies, and presentations