A study investigated influences on attrition in Japanese second language instruction in one U.S. university. Subjects were students enrolled in the fall semester of beginning (n=134 students) and intermediate (n=79) levels of Japanese courses. In the fifth week of classes, students were administered a series of questionnaires to gather data on five foreign language affective variables (Japanese-speaking anxiety, language class risk-taking, language class sociability, strength of motivation, attitude toward the Japanese class), types of motivation (concern for grade, reasons for studying Japanese), and student personal background. Final grades were also considered. Data were analyzed to determine which variable were predictors of probability for distinguishing continuing from non-continuing student. Results indicate that learners' final grades and strength of motivation were significant contributors to predictions of attrition in both beginning and intermediate classes. Pedagogical implications are discussed. Questionnaires are appended. Contains 28 references. (MSE)