Kobayashi Sensei
Shinjuku Japanese Teacher
Branch: Shinjuku Language School
Lessons: Group and Private Lessons
"As a Japanese teacher, I aim to support my students by using language as a gateway to understanding. "
Why did you become a Japanese teacher?
In my twenties, I traveled solo and studied languages abroad. In my thirties and forties, my work took me to various countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The time I spent immersing myself in diverse cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives significantly enriched my life. These experiences led me to wonder how I could give back while staying in Japan. The answer was to become a Japanese language teacher and use my experiences to help others.
Many foreigners visit Japan for various reasons, and I want to ensure they don’t face difficulties or negative experiences due to differences in language, culture, or values. As a Japanese teacher, I aim to support my students by using language as a gateway to understanding. It brings me great joy to assist in making their lives and time in Japan happier and more fulfilling.
What do you like about teaching Japanese?
I love seeing my students laugh when they use new vocabulary or phrases to make jokes. It’s rewarding to witness them truly owning the Japanese language and making it their own. Japanese can be challenging even for native speakers, yet it’s a fascinating and profound language. Through teaching, I’ve learned new perspectives about my own language from my students, which is always eye-opening.
At our school, we have students from many different countries, each viewing and experiencing Japan through their unique lens. Sharing the joys and complexities of the Japanese language with them is not only enjoyable but also deeply fulfilling. Every day, I feel a sense of purpose in this work.
How are your lessons?
Each student has different goals and expectations, so I regularly revisit and adjust these together with them. If needed, we take time to review and consolidate previous lessons. Having struggled myself with learning French, Spanish, and English, I understand how challenging it can be. This empathy drives me to create lessons that are both enjoyable and meaningful for my students. Let’s work together to create fun and engaging lessons that help you achieve your goals!
What are your hobbies?
I used to enjoy yoga, jogging along the river, traveling, and exploring food and drink spots. Since moving from Tokyo to Kanagawa, I’ve developed a passion for forest walks and gardening. While weeding my unnecessarily large garden can be tough, I’ve recently started growing vegetables, which has been a rewarding new challenge.
Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.
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