Japanese Lessons with a Psychotherapist Companion

🌿 Japanese Lessons with a Psychotherapist Companion
— A Safe Space to Learn and Speak Japanese —

Hiroki Akimoto
Language Instructor × Psychotherapist × Model

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🧠 Why is a psychotherapist teaching Japanese?

In reality, many learners struggle with Japanese not because of a lack of ability, but because of emotional barriers.
For example:
“I'm afraid of making mistakes”
“What if I can't express myself correctly?”
When anxiety or fear kicks in, the words you’ve learned tend to disappear when you need them most.

As a psychotherapist, I’ve worked with many people who couldn’t put their feelings into words.
That's why I believe the most important thing in language learning is feeling safe enough to speak.

In these lessons, I’ll not only teach grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation,
but also help you build a mental foundation where it's okay to try, okay to fail, and okay to be yourself.
This is not just about learning Japanese — it’s about feeling heard and supported in your journey.

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📚 What you’ll gain in this lesson

・More than just “speaking Japanese” — we build emotional readiness to express yourself
・Let go of the fear of mistakes and develop confidence naturally
・Grow into a version of yourself who speaks from the heart, not from pressure

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💡 Recommended for those who...

・Feel nervous or anxious about speaking Japanese
・Worry about being judged for mistakes
・Want to prepare for life, travel, or work in Japan
・Wish to understand not only the language but also Japanese culture and mindset
・Want to expand their self-expression through Japanese
・Prefer a learning space with psychological support

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🗣️ Lesson Examples

・Everyday conversation (greetings, shopping, directions, etc.)
・Basic reading and writing of hiragana, katakana, and kanji
・Natural pronunciation and intonation
・Useful grammar patterns (e.g., “~tai,” “~kamoshirenai”)
・Japanese words with cultural depth (“kotodama,” “goen”)
・Optional mind-work for reducing anxiety and emotional blocks

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💬 Not “perfect Japanese,” but “meaningful Japanese.”

I care more about what you want to express than about perfect grammar.
In this space, you’re not expected to perform.
You’re invited to communicate — freely, honestly, and in your own way.
Let’s build that safe and expressive space together.

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🕒 Lesson Time, Fee & Format

・Duration: 55 minutes per session (trial available)
・Format: Online (Zoom or similar)
・Fees: Flexible, based on individual consultation

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📌 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I'm a total beginner. Will I be okay?
Absolutely. This class is especially for those who feel nervous or unsure.
The focus is not on perfection, but on creating a space where it’s safe to learn and grow.

Q2. What level is this lesson for?
Generally suitable for beginners to intermediate learners (JLPT N5–N3),
but I’m happy to adjust for other levels as needed.

Q3. Will therapy and language lessons be separate?
The primary focus is language learning, but brief psychological support or mind-work can be incorporated
into the lesson naturally upon request (no extra fee).

Q4. How often should I take lessons?
Weekly or bi-weekly lessons work best for most learners,
but I’m flexible — monthly or one-time sessions are welcome, too.

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🗣️ What my students say

“I finally found a place where it’s okay to make mistakes.”
I used to freeze when speaking, but now I can talk more naturally each time.
It’s completely different from regular language classes.
(20s, Female, preparing for study abroad)

“This class teaches the heart of Japanese.”
Beyond grammar and vocabulary, I was deeply moved by learning about words like “goen” and “kotodama.”
(30s, Male, office worker)

“Learning Japanese became expression, not just study.”
I stopped fearing mistakes and started enjoying conversations.
This is a hybrid lesson — for both language and the heart.
(40s, Female, working in tourism)