【Self-Introduction】

こんにちは、はじめまして！わたしの名前は、あきです。

Hi! My name is Aki. I’ve always been fascinated by languages and passionate about connecting people across cultures. Supporting others’ dreams and building bridges between individuals around the world has been the greatest joy of my life—and my life’s work. As a certified local tour guide, I also introduce international visitors to the beauty of my hometown.

Over the years, I’ve kept in touch with many friends from around the world whom I met through international exchange and work. I love reading and writing, and I now offer lessons where we choose meaningful books together and enjoy learning Japanese through conversation and journaling.

Whether it’s a life-changing novel or a favorite picture book, I’m happy to help you express your thoughts in Japanese. If you’re looking to use Japanese more naturally or make it part of your everyday life, I’d love to support you. I look forward to meeting you!

【Teaching Experience】

Although I majored in horticulture (a field of agricultural studies) at university, I was deeply involved in international exchange activities. After working for four years at a machinery company, I had a moment of reflection and realized I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting children and youth full of dreams and potential. I decided to pursue my childhood dream and obtained a junior and senior high school teaching license in Japan.

 I have 11 years of experience teaching English and math at cram schools and public junior high schools. I also taught Japanese for two years at a public elementary school, creating and delivering lessons for children with foreign backgrounds. 

From 2019 to 2024, I lived in the U.S. From 2022-2024, I offered online Japanese classes, focusing on conversation and Japanese culture. It has been five years enjoying reading English books at an international online book club, where members from different countries gather monthly to read and discuss English books, sharing diverse perspectives and learning from each other.

 I still keep in touch with many of my former students and friends around the world, enjoying lifelong learning together across borders. I am also happy to provide support and explanations in English when needed.

【Lesson Style】

In my lessons, we use books, poems, and quotes you love as tools to explore Japanese—and beyond that, the content that enriches your life. You’ll express your thoughts in Japanese and write them down in a journal, helping you internalize the language as your own.

 Do you ever feel stressed, thinking you must memorize grammar, must remember vocabulary, must pass tests? If so, maybe it’s time to enjoy language learning again! Step outside the world of tests and join me in a unique learning space full of joy and discovery.

 ◆Target learners: Intermediate Japanese level and above / Ages 18+ / Those who enjoy reading or poetry.

◆First lesson: After getting to know each other, we’ll talk about your favorite genres and choose materials together.

◆From the second lesson onward: We’ll read and interpret books, poems, or quotes together. Journaling is part of every class, so please prepare a notebook you love. Over time, it will become a meaningful keepsake filled with your thoughts.

 
【For First-Time Students】

-You can book lessons up to 4 weeks in advance. There are no lessons on weekends.

-I’ll send a Skype message about 10–5 minutes before the lesson starts. If you don’t receive one, please check if your Skype username matches the one registered on Cafetalk.

-You can use a PC, smartphone, or tablet for Skype, but since we often use the chat function, I recommend using a PC or tablet.

-For your first lesson, please choose “Discover Yourself Through Books 1: Self-Introduction.”

- The lessons will involve reading and discussing Japanese books, picture books, and other materials. I speak very slowly and clearly, but if communication remains difficult, I may have to decline future lessons. Thank you for your understanding.

Looking forward to seeing you in class!