Masahiro ARAI

新井(あらい) 正博(まさひろ)

Lives in Toronto, Canada
Bachelor's degree in Business Law, Faculty of Law at Toyo University
Master of Fine Arts, Graduate School at the University of New Orleans
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language at Takushoku University
Active as an artist and lithographer, with works included in collections at the New Orleans Museum of Art, Georgetown University libraries, the Sprint Corporation, and others
Designed the cover and illustrations for Michiru Hano's Japanese Colloquialisms in the Kansai Dialect of the Osaka Region
Assistant instructor for a Japanese language course at the University of New Orleans
Several years' experience as English instructor and drawing instructor
Enjoys performing various wind instruments, including the shakuhachi, shinobue, flute, tin whistle, and clarinet

Arai-sensei's Social Media Pages

Masahiro Arai on Facebook
記憶の中の… (Kioku-no naka no...) (Japanese-language blog about manga and TV shows)

Arai-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels
Arai-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
The spoken language is emphasized in Arai-sensei's lessons—he strives for an enjoyable lesson speaking with you in Japanese.
Arai-sensei welcomes email from students. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to write him.
He especially appreciates questions or interest from students regarding:
- Japanese literature from 1900 to 1980 (the late Meiji era to the early 50s of the Shōwa era)
- Japan television programs, manga, and culture from the 1960 to 1980 (30s to 50s of the Shōwa era)
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Arai-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
ARAI Masahiro-sensei is not currently accepting new students.

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Yuko ARAKI

荒木(あらき) 裕子(ゆうこ)

Currently living in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan; originally from Kagoshima Prefecture (born on Yakushima, the island that served as a setting/inspiration for Princess Mononoke); also previously lived in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Graduated from Hiroshima University, Faculty of Education, Department of Japanese Language Education
While at university, completed Japanese-language teaching training at the University of Waikato and at a nearby middle school in Hamilton, New Zealand
Licensed to teach Japanese language (kokugo) at both the middle-school and high-school levels in Japan
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Competency Test
Registered Japanese Language Teacher
Completed a course in Japanese proofreading and editing
Japanese teaching experience spans over 30 years, including:
- Japanese-language instructor at a Japanese-language school in Hiroshima City
- Japanese-language instructor at Japanese-language schools in Fukuyama and Onomichi.
- Japanese instructor at an international school, teaching business professionals and professional athletes. Most of her students were from Western countries such as the United States, Australia, and Germany.
- Instructor for intensive Japanese classes in Hiroshima City for JET Programme English teachers. The participants were native English-speaking teachers.
- Japanese-language instructor in Honolulu, teaching people who use Japanese for work, people of Japanese descent, and others
- Japanese-language instructor at a municipal university in Hiroshima City, teaching regular degree-seeking students. The university has international students from many countries, including Mexico, Uganda, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
- Japanese-language instructor at a prefectural university in Hiroshima City, teaching exchange students from the United States and China
- Instructor for Japanese-language classes organized by the International Exchange Division of Hiroshima City. These classes teach Japanese while also training Japanese-language volunteers.
Enjoys traveling (solo trips both overseas and within Japan, and visiting hot springs), trying different restaurants and foods, karaoke, watching anime and dramas, playing games, and playing with her cats.

Araki-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at all skill levels (introductory, beginner, intermediate, and advanced), including JLPT N1, JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Note: Araki-sensei does not accept students aged 18 or younger (up through high school), as developing syllabi, curricula, etc., for this age group is outside her area of expertise.
Using any textbook available for purchase in Japan, Araki-sensei provides lessons designed to help each learner study as efficiently and enjoyably as possible. If you have a particular textbook you would like to use, please let us know in advance.
Lessons focus primarily on listening and speaking.
Araki-sensei's motto is: “There is no such thing as conversation with perfect grammar and pronunciation. If you’re 60% correct, you can understand each other.” You have likely had similar experiences in your own country.
Happy to tailor lessons to specific goals, including:
- JLPT, BJT, and NAT preparation
- Business interview preparation for working in Japan
- Survival Japanese for travel, focusing on practical situations
- Conversation using anime and manga
- Conversation about cultures and current events that interest you
- Something else? Araki-sensei will create a lesson plan according to your other goals and interests.
Offers lessons conducted in Japanese only, English only, or a combination of Japanese and English. (At the intermediate level onward, let's study exclusively in Japanese.)
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
A Message from Araki-sensei to Those Who Want to Learn Japanese
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Araki-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
12:00 - 12:50 am	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
10:00 - 10:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday Available

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Yukiko ASAI

浅井(あさい) 幸子(ゆきこ)

Lives in Japan (previously lived in North Carolina, New Jersey, Malaysia, Japan)
Graduated from Yamawaki Gakuen Junior College, Department of English Language and Literature
Certified as an English teacher for junior-high schools in Japan
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language at Human Academy
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Volunteer instructor in group and private Japanese lessons in Tokyo (2004-2005)
- Instructor at a Japanese language school in Tokyo (2005-2007, 2010-2011)
Enjoys zumba, pilates, tennis, snowboarding, making candies and sweets, reading, and travel

Asai-sensei's Social Media Pages

Yukiko Asai on Facebook

Asai-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at intermediate and advanced levels, including JLPT N1 and JLPT N2 preparation
Asai-sensei provides private lessons customized to your needs. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Provides private lessons focused on a variety of goals, including:
- Using Japanese newspaper articles as learning material, learning Japanese and current events in Japan
- Learning Japanese and Japan-related information you will need before traveling to Japan or starting a foreign exchange in Japan
- Learning how to use commonly used Japanese phrases in different situations
- Learning business Japanese conversation
- Learning how to read and understand your favorite Japanese literature
Follow-up emails for your study and review
Homework provided, if you prefer
Periodic progress reports emailed to you
Asai-sensei uses the direct method, with instruction and explanation in Japanese; however, depending on the student's needs, she can offer simple explanations in English.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Asai-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
8:00 - 8:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday Available	Friday	Saturday
10:00 - 10:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday Available	Friday	Saturday

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Hiroshi DOUMA

堂馬(どうま) 浩司(ひろし)

Lives in Japan
Bachelor's degree in legal studies from Faculty of Law, Nanzan University
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language at Human Academy
Japanese language teaching experience includes:
- Instructor at a Japanese language school in Nishinomiya (2015-2021)
Hobbies include machine embroidery, leathercraft, making things, drawing, art appreciation, and music appreciation

Douma-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, including JLPT N1, JPLT N2, JLPT N3, and JLPT N4.
Douma-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
A fan of Japanese anime, manga, and music from the late 1960s to the 1980s, Douma-sensei would be delighted to help you learn about those topics.
Douma-sensei enjoys singing, and welcomes your interest in songs and singing.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Reservation deadline: 48 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Douma-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
2:00 - 2:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
3:00 - 3:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
4:00 - 4:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
7:00 - 7:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
8:00 - 8:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
6:00 - 6:50 pm	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
7:00 - 7:50 pm	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9:00 - 9:50 pm	Sunday Available	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
10:00 - 10:50 pm	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Akiko ISSHIKI

一色(いっしき) 秋子(あきこ)

Lives in Japan
Master's degree in linguistics with an emphasis in Japanese language education from Tohoku University, Faculty of Arts and Letters
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Taught at a Japanese language school in Sendai (2004 to 2005 and 2006 to 2010)
- Japanese teaching assistant at the Japan Foundation in Uzbekistan (2005 to 2006)
- Provided training for Japanese language teachers who taught Japanese to technical trainees in Kanagawa prefecture (2010 to 2015)
- Teaches at a Japanese language school in Yokohama (2017 to present)
- Teaches on a volunteer basis private and group lessons at a Yokohama area school (2013 to present)
Enjoys walking, art, and creative projects with kids

Isshiki-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the beginner and intermediate levels, including JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Isshiki-sensei provides private lessons to fit your learning goals. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
She uses the direct method, with instruction and explanation in Japanese; however, depending on your needs, she can offer simple explanations in English as well.
Isshiki-sensei says, “I think learning Japanese is one tool a student can use to realize his or her own potential. Through learning about Japan and its language, I strive to help you achieve the things you want.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Isshiki-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
ISSHIKI Akiko-sensei is not currently accepting new students.

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Chiaki KASPER

カスパー(　) 千明(ちあき)

Lives in U.K. (previously lived in U.S., Germany, Australia, Japan)
Bachelor's degree in German language, School of Humanities, Fukuoka University
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language
Certified as high-school teacher
Japanese language teaching experience includes:
- Taught Japanese at a Japanese language school in Fukuoka (2009-2010, 2012-2016)
- Taught Japanese at a Japanese language school in Australia (2010-2011)
- Taught private Japanese lessons (2016-2017)
Enjoys travel and ballet

Kasper-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels, including JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Flexible teaching style to fit your individual learning goals. Please let her know if you have a specific textbook in mind.
Kasper-sensei teaches in the direct method, using as much Japanese as possible, but can also supplement with basic English as needed.
She adds, "I strive for lessons with staying power—making sure you retain what you learn. We'll take up points you want to focus on repeatedly, making sure each grammar point or sentence form sticks with you."
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English or German as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 48 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Kasper-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
12:00 - 12:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
1:00 - 1:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
2:00 - 2:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
8:00 - 8:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday Available	Friday	Saturday
9:00 - 9:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday Available	Friday	Saturday
11:00 - 11:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Takako KATANO

片野(かたの) 崇子(たかこ)

Lives in France
Completed the Japanese language teacher training course of study at the Tokyo Foreign Language College
Passed the Zenyoukyou certification examination for Japanese teachers
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Volunteered as a Japanese teacher in Chiba prefecture (2009)
- Taught private Japanese lessons in Tokyo (2010)
- Taught at a Japanese language school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2011 to 2013)
Enjoys sewing, puzzles such as suduoku and picture logic, singing, and stamp collecting

Katano-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels, including JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Katano-sensei provides flexible private lessons to fit your learning goals. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
She uses the direct method, with instruction and explanation in Japanese as much as possible.
If you like, Katano-sensei will assign homework and provide a periodic progress report.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English or French as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Katano-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
KATANO Takako-sensei is not currently accepting new students.

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Ayako KAWAKITA

川北(かわきた) 文子(あやこ)

Lives in Japan
Bachelor's degree in Modern Social Studies from Otemae University
Completed Japanese language education course (new standard)
Certified business presenter
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Proficiency Test
Japanese language teaching experience includes:
- Training instructor at a company located in Kagawa prefecture (2011 to present)
- Japanese language instructor at a long-term care facility (2018 to present)
- Volunteer Japanese language teacher at an international exchange association (2010 to present)
Enjoys tennis, walking, travel, Esperanto, and the shamisen (Japanese lute)

Kawakita-sensei's Social Media Pages

Ayako Kawakita on Facebook

Kawakita-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at beginner and intermediate levels, including JPLT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5.
Primarily uses only Japanese, but can use instructional language (English or Esperanto) if requested.
Builds a customized lesson plan after carefully listening to each student's individual needs.
Homework and summary/review emails are available on request.
Kawakita-sensei would be delighted to introduce Kagawa prefecture's sightseeing spots.
She welcomes email from students and looks forward to helping you learn Japanese!
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs; also speaks a little Esperanto
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Kawakita-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
8:00 - 8:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
10:00 - 10:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Mamiko KAWAMURA

河村(かわむら) 麻実子(まみこ)

Lives in Japan
Graduated from Japan Women's University, Faculty of Home Economics, Department of Food and Nutrition
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language
Certified as a Japanese instructor, having passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test
Wide-ranging Japanese teaching experience, including:
- Worked as a volunteer Japanese teacher in New Zealand
- Worked as a Japanese teacher at a Japanese language school in Fukuoka prefecture
- Taught Japanese to international students at a Fukuoka-based organization
- Taught online Japanese classes at an online Japanese school
Enjoys travel, language study, reading, and walking

Kawamura-sensei's Social Media Pages

Mamiko Kawamura on Facebook

Kawamura-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels, including JLPT N5, JLPT N4, and JLPT N3
Kawamura-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Kawamura-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
8:00 - 8:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday Available	Friday	Saturday

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Yumiko KUROKAWA

黒川(くろかわ) 祐三子(ゆみこ)

Lives in Japan
Bachelor's degree in Culture, Linguistics, and Japanese Language Education from Kagawa University, Faculty of Education, School of Integrated Arts and Science
Doctoral studies in Japanese language education at Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Education
Doctoral studies in Japanese language and culture education (formerly Japanese language education) at Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Education (not complete)
Certifications include:
- Japanese language teacher at junior high school level in Japan
- ACTFL OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) tester (certification not active)
- Full professor in saga-goryū style of kadō (Japanese flower arranging)
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Taught Japanese at a Taiwan-based technical school (1997-1999)
- Taught Japanese at Japanese language schools in Kagawa and Hiroshima prefectures (1999-2017)
- Provides instruction in Japanese language and Japan current events to college-level exchange students in Kagawa prefecture (2016 to present)
- Trains prospective Japanese language teachers at a teacher training facility (2009-2013, 2020 to present)
Enjoys kadō (flower arranging), shodō (calligraphy), swimming, pilates, walking, and reading
Shodō (calligraphy) awards include:
- Highest honors in modern poetry calligraphy at 42nd annual tournament hosted by Mainichi Shodō Society (2015)
- Honorable mention in modern poetry calligraphy at 43rd annual tournament hosted by Mainichi Shodō Society (2016)
- Highest honors in modern poetry calligraphy at 44th annual tournament hosted by Mainichi Shodō Society (2017)
- Excellence award in modern poetry calligraphy at 46th annual tournament hosted by Mainichi Shodō Society (2019)

Kurokawa-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, including JLPT N1, JPLT N2, JLPT N3, and JLPT N4.
Kurokawa-sensei offers lessons customized to each student's goals. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Kurokawa-sensei can help you learn Japanese for a variety of goals, including:
- Preparation for the JLPT (N4, N3, N2, and N1) or BJT (Business Japanese Test)
- Reading comprehension
- Writing essays and short compositions
- Everyday Japanese conversation
- Giving speeches
- Japanese in business situations or when looking for work
- Japan culture and current events
- Kanji
- Japanese pronunciation and intonation
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs; also speaks a little Chinese
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Kurokawa-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
KUROKAWA Yumiko-sensei is not currently accepting new students.

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Akiko MIURA

三浦(みうら) 明子(あきこ)

Lives in Oregon, U.S.
Bachelor's degree in food science, Faculty of Home Economics, Nara Women's University
Master of Science from Oregon State University
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language at Arc Academy
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Proficiency Test
Japanese language teaching experience includes:
- Taught Japanese at a Yokohama language school (2001-2002, 2003-2004)
- Taught Japanese at a YMCA in Taiwan (2002-2003)
- Taught Japanese at a Japanese Language Training Center sponsored by AOTS, an international program sponsored by the Japanese government (2003-2004)
- Taught Japanese classes at Rogue Community College (2007-2009)
- Taught private Japanese lessons (2010 to present)
Enjoys aikido, gardening, reading (as well as audio books), and studying Spanish

Miura-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels, including JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5
Miura-sensei offers lessons customized to each student's goals. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Do you have a specific goal in mind? Miura-sensei offers a wide variety of lessons, including:
- Japanese for travel, plus useful information for your Japan trip
- Japanese for everyday living
- Japanese for business situations
Miura-sensei can teach using Japanese only, or, if you prefer, using a mixture of Japanese and English.
After each lesson, you'll receive a follow-up email that summarizes what you studied. You can contact Miura-sensei by email with any questions.
Homework is offered, if desired.
Progress reports are available, if desired.
Miura-sensei strives for enjoyable lessons where you can speak a lot in Japanese, regardless of your level.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 48 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Miura-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9:00 - 9:50 am	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday Available
10:00 - 10:50 am	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday Available
11:00 - 11:50 am	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday Available

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Hitoshi MUKAI

向(むかい) 比登志(ひとし)

Lives in Vietnam
Attended Kansai University, Faculty of Sociology
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (NAFL Institute)
Certified as a Japanese instructor, having passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Private lessons (2011 to 2012)
- Japanese teacher at a university and high school in Hungary (2012 to 2014)
- Japanese teacher at a Japanese language school in Vietnam (2014 to present)
Enjoys travel, historic sites, sake enthusiast, sports watching, movies, and reading

Mukai-sensei's Social Media Pages

Mukai-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels, including JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Mukai-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Follow-up emails for your study and review
Mukai-sensei welcomes emails from his students
Excellent at Osaka-ben (Osaka dialect of Japanese)
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Mukai-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1:00 - 1:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday Available	Wednesday Available	Thursday Available	Friday Available	Saturday
6:00 - 6:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday Available	Wednesday Available	Thursday Available	Friday Available	Saturday
7:00 - 7:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday Available	Wednesday Available	Thursday Available	Friday Available	Saturday

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Fusayo NAGATOMI

永富(ながとみ) 房代(ふさよ)

Lives in Japan
Graduated from Kyorin University, School of Foreign Language, Department of Japanese Language
Graduated from Aoyamagakuin Junior College, Department of English Language
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language at Human Academy
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Proficiency Test
Over 20 years' experience teaching Japanese, including:
- Taught Japanese at Nanjing Language School in China (1997-1998)
- Taught Japanese at in Maryland, U.S. (1999-2000)
- Taught Japanese at a Tokyo-area Japanese language school (2000-2004)
- Taught Japanese at a Japanese language school in Chiba prefecture (2008-2020)
- Teaches Japanese at a business school (2020 to present)
Enjoys a variety of leisure activities, including:
- Anime (my daughter, who loves anime, got me hooked)
- Movies, especially suspense and thrillers
- Music and concerts (J-POP, R&B, K-POP)
- Learning languages (I've studied six languages so far, but am currently focused on Chinese)
- Yoga
- Cooking (Chinese is my specialty)
- Learning about all the various sakes (Japanese rice wines)

Nagatomi-sensei's Social Media Pages

Nagatomi-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at all skill levels (introductory, beginner, intermediate, and advanced), including JLPT N1, JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Nagatomi-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Follow-up email after each lesson for your study and review
Nagatomi-sensei welcomes email from her students
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English or Chinese as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Nagatomi-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
NAGATOMI Fusayo-sensei is not currently accepting new students.

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Machiko NAKAMURA

中村(なかむら) 真智子(まちこ)

Lives in Japan
Six years' experience teaching Japanese at a Tokyo area Japanese language school
Certified as junior-high and high-school teacher of Japanese (as a native language) and librarian teacher
Holds certification as a museum curator, psychologist, and supporter of special needs education
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language at Human Academy
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Proficiency Test
Enjoys reading (history, psychology, essays, etc.), movies (horror, mystery, and action), tennis, swimming, archery, ceramics, karaoke, and travel

Nakamura-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, including JLPT N1, JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Nakamura-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Nakamura-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
12:00 - 12:50 am	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
7:00 - 7:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday Available
8:00 - 8:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday Available
9:00 - 9:50 am	Sunday Available	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday Available
10:00 - 10:50 am	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday Available
10:00 - 10:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday Available
11:00 - 11:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday Available

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Michiko NAKANO

中野(なかの) 美千子(みちこ)

Lives in Matsue City, Shimane-ken, Japan (previously lived in Minnesota, Mississippi, California)
Graduated from Kokugakuin University, Department of Literature, Japanese Literature Course (graduation thesis was on the well-known Japanese poet Nakahara Chuuya
Completed the course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, NAFL Institute correspondence course
Certified as junior-high and high-school teacher of Japanese (as a native language) and as a librarian teacher
Diverse educational experience, including:
- Taught online Japanese lessons at a Japan-based online Japanese school (2009-2010)
- Taught at the North Mississippi Japanese Language Supplementary School (2008-2009)
- Served as librarian teacher at the Schurr High School, California (2003-2007)
Starting with her work as a DJ during college, Nakano-sensei has held positions related to words and language, including a broadcast writer, copywriter, editor, and Japanese translator. The more she has worked in the field, the more she has been drawn to the Japanese language in particular. Through her online Japanese lessons, Nakano-sensei strives to share that fascination with her students.

Nakano-sensei's Social Media Pages

Casa de NOVA in Minnesota (blog about daily life)
Estante de NOVA (books Nakano-sensei has read)
Soul Art (Facebook) (Japanese culture and character through art)
Soul Art (Instagram) (Japanese culture and character through art)

Nakano-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at all skill levels (introductory, beginner, intermediate, and advanced), including JLPT N1, JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Specializes in a variety of private lessons, including:
- Japanese literature
- Assisting students in preparing academic papers
- Assisting students in Japanese translation and interpretation
- Business Japanese
- Writing Japanese essays and other compositions
- Japanese cooking, culture, and more
Nakano-sensei welcomes students of any age, from the youngest to the oldest.
Nakano-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Follow-up email after each lesson for your study and review
Monthly progress report emailed to you
Nakano-sensei loves to exchange emails with her students
She'll be delighted to show you around the next time you visit Matsue!
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Nakano-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9:00 - 9:50 pm	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Aki OGIHARA

荻原(おぎはら) あき(　)

Lives in Japan
Bachelor's degree in Japanese language education from the University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Taught Japanese at a university and Japanese society located in Chile (2009 to 2014)
- Taught private Japanese lessons (2000 to present)
Enjoys travel, playing the piano, and working out. Recent interests include playing beach volleyball and watching foreign dramas. (Ogihara-sensei adds, “I hope the latter helps me with language learning...”)

Ogihara-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels, including JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Ogihara-sensei provides private lessons to fit your goals. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
In addition to comprehensive Japanese lessons, Ogihara-sensei can provide lessons focused on business Japanese, keigo (Japanese honorific language), travel Japanese, and other topics. She can also include information you want to learn before traveling to or relocating to Japan.
Lessons can be conducted in Japanese only, or in English or Spanish only, according to your preference.
Following each lesson, Ogihara-sensei emails a summary of the lesson for your study and review.
Homework is available if desired.
Periodic progress reports are available if desired.
Ogihara-sensei says of herself: “I am always looking to challenge myself to learn something new. The latest is jazz piano, which I started learning a year ago. I've been close to giving up several times already, but each time I set an easy, near-term goal and keep working at it. I hope that approach helps me—even if just a little—relate to my students and their points of view.”
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English or Spanish as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Ogihara-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
OGIHARA Aki-sensei is not currently accepting new students.

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Namiko OHNO

大野(おおの) 渚美子(なみこ)

Lives in Brazil
Bachelor's degree in transnational sociology, School of Education, Yokohama National University
Completed a university foreign exchange at the University of Bern, Switzerland
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Proficiency Test
Japanese language teaching experience includes:
- Taught Japanese in Indonesia under the Nihongo Partners program of the Japan Foundation
- Taught Japanese in Brazil as a volunteer under JICA's program to support Japanese expats
Enjoys pilates, cooking (working on Brazilian home cooking right now), and travel (loves onsen hot springs in Japan)

Ohno-sensei's Social Media Pages

Namiko Smanda on Facebook

Ohno-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at all skill levels (introductory, beginner, intermediate, and advanced), including JLPT N1, JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Ohno-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Ohno-sensei's lessons are tailored to each student's level and interests. "Learning Japanese should be fun!" she adds.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English or Portuguese as an instructional language based on the student’s needs; also speaks a little German and Indonesian
Reservation deadline: 48 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Ohno-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
2:00 - 2:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday Available	Friday	Saturday
3:00 - 3:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
4:00 - 4:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Kazumi OKUBO

大久保(おおくぼ) 和美(かずみ)

Lives in Germany
Graduated from Sophia University, Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Russian Studies
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language
Passed the Zenyoukyou certification examination for Japanese teachers
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Taught Japanese at a Japanese language school in Japan (2007-2008)
- Taught Japanese at a Russian university (2008-2010)
- Teaches private Japanese lessons (2007 to present)
Enjoys reading, travel, and cooking

Okubo-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the introductory, beginner, and intermediate levels, including JLPT N5, JLPT N4, JLPT N3, and JLPT N2
Okubo-sensei provides customized private lessons from a variety of textbooks. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use Russian or German as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 48 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Okubo-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
OKUBO Kazumi-sensei is not currently accepting new students.

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Motoko TANAHASHI

棚橋(たなはし) 素子(もとこ)

Lives in Japan (previously lived in Singapore, Thailand, The Netherlands)
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (NAFL)
Passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test
Japanese language teaching experience includes:
- Taught private lessons and group classes in Singapore
- Currently working as a part-time instructor at a government-accredited school in Japan
- Volunteer private and group lessons
Hobbies include watching sports (especially baseball and tennis).

Tanahashi-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, including JPLT N2, JLPT N3, and JLPT N4.
Offers flexible and dynamic lessons tailored to your needs.
Uses an instructional language other than Japanese as necessary.
Sample lessons:
- Conversation practice with role-playing scenarios, such as at a restaurant, hospital, interview, children's school, etc.
- Business Japanese
- Japanese expressions that make you want to try using them
Also welcomes students who want to study Kansai-ben, the popular dialect of Japanese used in Osaka and surrounding areas.
Tanahashi-sensei appreciates your input: Feel free to share anything regarding your lessons!
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Tanahashi-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
12:00 - 12:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday Available starts Sep 10	Friday	Saturday
1:00 - 1:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday Available starts Sep 10	Friday	Saturday
2:00 - 2:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday Available starts Sep 10	Friday	Saturday
3:00 - 3:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday Available	Friday	Saturday
4:00 - 4:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday Available	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
8:00 - 8:50 pm	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday Available starts Sep 9	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9:00 - 9:50 pm	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday Available starts Sep 9	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
10:00 - 10:50 pm	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday Available starts Sep 9	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
11:00 - 11:50 pm	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday Available starts Sep 9	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Chie TSUYUGUCHI

露口(つゆぐち) 千恵(ちえ)

Lives in Japan (Kōbe City)
Bachelor's degree in Japanese language and culture education, School of Education, Hiroshima University
Master's degree in Japanese language and culture education, Graduate School of Education, Hiroshima University
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Proficiency Test
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Taught Japanese at a Japanese language school in Hiroshima (2011 to 2013)
- Taught Japanese at a Japanese language school in Osaka (2013 to 2015)
Enjoys a variety of hobbies, including:
- Trying out local bakeries and coffee shops
- Handicrafts such as knitting and sewing
- Manga, anime, and video games
- Karaoke
- Has ranking in shodō (Japanese calligraphy) and kobudō (a traditional martial art)

Tsuyuguchi-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, including JLPT N1, JLPT N2, JLPT N3, and JLPT N4 preparation
Tsuyuguchi-sensei provides private lessons using a variety of textbooks to fit your needs. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Do you have one of these goals? Tsuyuguchi-sensei can help you learn Japanese in a variety of situations, including:
- “I want to be able to talk with a Japanese friend.”
- “I want to read Japanese manga and watch Japanese anime.”
- “I want to learn Japanese for everyday situations or for travel in Japan.”
- “I want to improve my skills in Japanese grammar.”
After each lesson, Tsuyuguchi-sensei sends you a follow-up email summarizing what was covered in the lesson.
Homework is assigned, if you like.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use as an instructional language based on the student’s needs; also speaks a little English and Chinese
Reservation deadline: 48 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Tsuyuguchi-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
10:00 - 10:50 am	Sunday	Monday Available	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday

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Miki YAMAMOTO

山本(やまもと) 美紀(みき)

Lives in Japan (previously lived in California)
Bachelor's degree from Department of English-Speaking Cultures Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Keisen University
Completed TEFL program at University of California, Irvine
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language at Arc Academy
Japanese teaching experience includes:
- Teaches Japanese at a Tokyo Japanese language school (2013 to present)
- Taught Japanese lessons for English language teachers from abroad (2015)
Enjoys travel, reading, binge-watching Friends on TV

Yamamoto-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at the introductory, beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, including JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5 preparation
Yamamoto-sensei provides private lessons to fit your learning goals. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.
Above all, Yamamoto-sensei aims for enjoyable Japanese lessons where you can take pride: "Wow, I was able to say a lot in Japanese!"
After each lesson, Yamamoto-sensei sends you a follow-up email summarizing what was covered in the lesson.
Homework is assigned, if desired.
Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Yamamoto-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
12:00 - 12:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
1:00 - 1:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
2:00 - 2:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
10:00 - 10:50 pm	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday Available	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Kyoji YAZAWA

谷澤(やざわ) 享司(きょうじ)

Lives in Japan
Bachelor's degree in law from Chuo University
Passed the Japanese Language Teacher Proficiency Test
Completed the 420-hour course for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language
Passed the National Japanese Language Teacher Examination
Japanese language teaching experience includes:
- Volunteer Japanese language instructor (2005 to present)
- Japanese language instructor at an international business school (2016)
- Japanese language instructor at ATYS International Academy (2016-2018)
- Teacher assistant in Japanese classes for elementary and middle school students (2017 to present)
- Japanese language teacher at Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) (2019 to present)
Business experience:
- 40 years' experience in Japan's financial industry, including sales, administration, human resources, and inspections. Key executive responsibility in operations for 16 years (1998-2014).
Enjoys playing the erhu fiddle (a Chinese instrument called niko in Japanese), playing tennis, cooking, and making soba noodles

Yazawa-sensei's Social Media Pages

Kyoji Yazawa on Facebook

Yazawa-sensei's Private Lesson Features

50-minute private Japanese lessons at all levels (introductory, beginner, intermediate, and advanced), including JLPT N1, JLPT N2, JLPT N3, JLPT N4, and JLPT N5, as well as BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) preparation
Yazawa-sensei offers lessons customized to each student's goals. If you have a specific textbook in mind, please let us know.

Lesson features

JLPT/BJT Lessons

Yazawa-sensei will help you pass the JLPT N1, N2, N3, N4, or N5, or the BJT examination.
Customized Lessons

Yazawa-sensei offers lessons tailored specifically to your level and needs. Perhaps you have one of the following goals in mind:

Reading Japanese manga

Conversing in Japanese when traveling to Japan

Speaking correct business Japanese

Singing JPOP

... and many more!
All Ages Are Welcome

From young children to those not so young, students of all ages will find Yazawa-sensei's Japanese lessons fun and effective. He has ongoing experience as a Japanese teaching assistant to elementary and middle-school students.
Approachable Japanese

Using clear, approachable Japanese, Yazawa-sensei's lessons are enjoyable and easy to understand for even the newest Japanese learner.
Business Japanese

With 40 years' experience in Japan's financial industry, Yazawa-sensei can provide unique insights on Japan's economy and society, as well as the state of Japan business and commerce.

Japanese Culture

Sightseeing	Learn about Japan's amazing places throughout the seasons.
Cooking	Learn about each season's tastes, how to make soba noodles and other Japanese homecooking from chef Yazawa!
Fashion	Yazawa-sensei is no slouch in the hipster department, either. He'll introduce you to the latest fashion trends in Japan.
Culture	Learn more about Japan's many culture trends, including JPOP.
Anime	Yazawa-sensei will show you new angles on popular Japanese anime.

Trial lesson at no charge offered to new students
Able to use English as an instructional language based on the student’s needs
Reservation deadline: 24 hours before class
Cancellation deadline: 24 hours before class

Yazawa-sensei's Available Times for Private Lessons

Choose your time zone:

Lesson Time	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
12:00 - 12:50 am	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday Available	Saturday
8:00 - 8:50 pm	Sunday Available	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

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Experienced Japanese Teachers

Success in learning Japanese starts with a great teacher.

Masahiro ARAI

Yuko ARAKI

Yukiko ASAI

Hiroshi DOUMA

Akiko ISSHIKI

Chiaki KASPER

Takako KATANO

Ayako KAWAKITA

Mamiko KAWAMURA

Yumiko KUROKAWA

Akiko MIURA

Hitoshi MUKAI

Fusayo NAGATOMI

Machiko NAKAMURA

Michiko NAKANO

Aki OGIHARA

Namiko OHNO

Kazumi OKUBO

Motoko TANAHASHI

Chie TSUYUGUCHI

Miki YAMAMOTO

Kyoji YAZAWA