Teachers – Akihabara / Ueno Archives - Japan Switch

"I really enjoy talking with my students about our respective cultures and witnessing their gradual progress towards fluency in Japanese with each lesson."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

I worked as a secretary before becoming a Japanese teacher. The experience allowed me to appreciate the significance of language in various contexts, specifically through communication via email and telephone, as well as in reception duties and creating business documents including letters of appreciation and invitations. While I strongly felt that kind and compassionate language or words were nice, I struggled to express my thoughts clearly without misunderstanding. Thanks to the experience, I realized that I wanted to contribute to society using the power of “language” or “words,” encouraging me to enroll in Japanese language teacher training courses. Japanese is a complicated and profound language as seen in a variety of expressions shaped by its unique cultural context. Even for me, I find that the more I learn about it, the more challenging it is to master.

Nonetheless, studying Japanese is FUN and interesting!! I am enthusiastic about teaching such fascinating aspects of Japanese and the interaction with my students that cultivate understanding and appreciation of our diverse cultures, ultimately contributing to a harmonious multicultural society.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

I really enjoy talking with my students about our respective cultures and witnessing their gradual progress towards fluency in Japanese with each lesson. I truly wish that I could be a help for my students by sharing the knowledge I have acquired, enabling them to enhance their communication skills and interact more smoothly with others without the challenges they might face in speaking Japanese.

How are your lessons?

I am always impressed by my students’ proactive motivation. It encourages me to improve my lessons to fulfill their expectations. Understanding the challenges of living abroad, I am committed to empathizing with and supporting their endeavor to learn and advance their Japanese language skills.

What are your hobbies?

One of my hobbies is calligraphy. I participate in a calligraphy class multiple times a month. I enjoy trying to calligraph elegant letters and completing assignments for my class. I typically showcase my works twice a year and also attempt larger projects. The scent of ink and the time to concentrate in a serene environment are soothing for me. Additionally, I love to coordinate the interior design of my home, and I relish the opportunity to change the interior decorations with the changing seasons.

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!

The post Takane Sensei appeared first on Japan Switch.

Ota Sensei

Chris — Mon, 12 May 2025 03:10:14 +0000

Ota Sensei

Ueno/Akihabara Japanese Teacher

Branch: Ueno/Akihabara Language School
Lessons: Group [Offline] and Private Lessons [Offline]

"I value each student's individual pace and characteristics in my lessons, which is possible at Japan Switch."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

I think it is a wonderful job in which I can get to know people from various countries. I was often asked to teach Japanese when I was supporting foreign residents in Japan to find jobs.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

Learning not only Japanese language but also each other's culture and differences. I am always learning from my students about wonderful things about Japan that I am not even aware of.

How are your lessons?

I teach lessons while getting to know my students and enjoying conversation with them.
I value each student's individual pace and characteristics in my lessons, which is possible at Japan Switch.

What are your hobbies?

Snowboarding, walking, traveling. I like staying outside. The best thing about walking is that I can do it whenever I have time. I tried to go around the Yamanote Line once with a friend of mine! We didn't complete the whole line(station) because we took too many detours, lol.

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!

The post Ota Sensei appeared first on Japan Switch.

Murotani Sensei

Chris — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:03:50 +0000

Murotani Sensei

Ueno/Akihabara Japanese Teacher

Branch: Ueno/Akihabara Language School , Ikebukuro Language School
Lessons: Group [Offline] and Private Lessons [Offline]

"Since each student's goals, needs, and learning pace are different, I tailor my lessons accordingly."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

Since my school days, I have had an interest in languages and international exchange. After graduating from university, I went to Australia for language study. By acquiring English conversation skills, I was able to communicate with students from other countries, learn about their thoughts and cultures, and experience the joy of expanding my own world.

Later, when I had the opportunity to live abroad, I was fortunate enough to teach Japanese to local people studying the language at classes organized by the Japanese Embassy. Through language, I discovered the joy of understanding each other's cultures and interacting with people from various countries. After returning to Japan, I wanted to work in a job where I can share the joy of learning other countries' cultures and languages with people who have the same desire as I do, and so I became a Japanese language teacher.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

Every time I hear students talk about what they have done or what they have become able to do using the Japanese they have learned, I feel happy. Witnessing students' efforts when they understand something this week that they didn't understand last week inspires me to work hard as a teacher. It is a very rewarding job.

How are your lessons?

Since each student's goals, needs, and learning pace are different, I tailor my lessons accordingly. I want my students to not only learn Japanese but also to travel around Japan, experience Japanese culture, and have various experiences while staying in Japan. By using the Japanese they have learned, I want to support them in making their stay in Japan more enriching.

What are your hobbies?

My favorite hobbies are traveling and going on food tours. I love going to new restaurants with my friends, enjoying delicious food, and having various conversations. I also enjoy going to art museums. My favorite artist is Mucha. After viewing paintings at the museum, I love buying stylish goods at the museum shop. On weekends and weekday nights, I watch Japanese dramas and go to the gym for weight training to stay healthy.

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!

The post Murotani Sensei appeared first on Japan Switch.

Kano Sensei

Chris — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 03:56:20 +0000

Kano Sensei

Ueno/Akihabara Japanese Teacher

Branch: Ueno/Akihabara Language School
Lessons: Group [Offline] and Private Lessons [Offline]

"In my classes, I try to go beyond mere language study to give students a deeper understanding of the Japanese people's way of thinking and even cultural influences."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

I became a Japanese teacher because I love to communicate with people from all over the world, especially those interested in Japanese culture.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

If one is willing to learn, one can always grow! This is what I have learned from my students and it is always inspiring. Above all, meeting people from all over the world is very exciting and a lot of fun for me. I am always very happy to help you all learn more about Japanese language and culture.

How are your lessons?

Japan is a country with a unique culture. Many things may be a little difficult for people from overseas to understand. In my classes, I try to go beyond mere language study to give students a deeper understanding of the Japanese people's way of thinking and even cultural influences.

What are your hobbies?

I have many hobbies! Hiking, camping, hot springs, bird watching, aromatherapy, etc. When I was younger, I went backpacking around the world. I may have been to some of your countries!

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!

The post Kano Sensei appeared first on Japan Switch.

Kida Sensei

Chris — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:29:04 +0000

Kida Sensei

Ueno/Akihabara Japanese Teacher

Branch: Ueno/Akihabara Language School
Lessons: Group [Offline] and Private Lessons [Offline]

"One of the best aspects of teaching Japanese is being able to see my students develop confidence in their Japanese skills in real conversations."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

When I worked in Australia, I had the opportunity to teach Japanese to my coworkers. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do it well since I had never learned the effective teaching methodologies, making me less confident with my abilities. Because of the experience, I strongly felt that I needed to learn and enhance my understanding of how to teach Japanese again. My dream to teach and support people studying Japanese got stronger, as I wished to create an environment where they could feel at ease and enjoy the learning process.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

One of the best aspects of teaching Japanese is being able to see my students develop confidence in their Japanese skills in real conversations. I feel so fulfilled particularly when my students express their joy or sense of achievement to me. In addition, it’s a pleasure for me to enhance their understanding by sharing not only Japanese vocabulary but also insights into cultural differences and communication styles. I find it so appealing to broaden my perspective through interactions with students from such diverse backgrounds.

How are your lessons?

In my classroom, I am always sure to offer an enjoyable learning experience for my students. I also try to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages open communication, allowing them to express themselves without being afraid of making mistakes, and understanding their individual proficiency levels and objectives as well. Furthermore, I teach not only grammar and vocabulary but also insights into Japanese unique culture and customs, enabling my students to speak practically in their everyday lives. I will keep trying to do my best to offer lessons so that they can gain new knowledge and also feel fulfilled.

What are your hobbies?

One of my favorite activities is walking. I love to walk and take in the sights of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree, Mt. Fuji, and Tokyo Bay. Walking is refreshing to me. Also, I LOVE animals and have a rabbit. Spending time with my rabbit brings me so much comfort and joy, giving me such a wonderful boost of energy.

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!

The post Kida Sensei appeared first on Japan Switch.

Kaneda Sensei

Chris — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 02:11:25 +0000

Kaneda Sensei

Ueno/Akihabara and Online Japanese Teacher

Branch: Akihabara/Ueno | Online Japanese Lessons
Lessons: Group [Offline] and Private Lessons [Offline] | Group [Online] and Private Lessons [Online]

"I believe that by sharing my experiences, I can help my students gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture of Japan."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

Due to the pandemic, I felt like my world had become smaller, and I wanted to find ways to expand it. Teaching Japanese to a variety of students felt like the perfect opportunity to use my life experiences, including my work, parenting, and living in various places in Japan and overseas. I believe that by sharing my experiences, I can help my students gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture of Japan, while also learning about different perspectives and lifestyles. Ultimately, I see teaching Japanese as a fulfilling and rewarding career that allows me to continue learning and growing alongside my students.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

Seeing my students' happy expressions when they finally understand something they previously struggled with brings me immense joy and satisfaction as a Japanese language teacher. Witnessing their progress and success in their language studies is a wonderful feeling, and it motivates me to continue providing the best possible support and guidance for their learning journey.

How are your lessons?

Through the eyes of my students, I often rediscover the charm and appeal of Japan that I may have overlooked or taken for granted. It's a delightful and inspiring experience to see them appreciate the language, culture, and traditions of Japan with fresh eyes, and it brings me great joy to share my knowledge and passion for the country with them. Teaching Japanese also allows me to continually learn and grow alongside my students, and I find it to be a highly rewarding and enriching experience.

What are your hobbies?

Exploring museums, reading maps, and doing handicrafts are some of my favorite hobbies. I find museums to be fascinating places that offer a glimpse into the history, culture, and art of different regions and civilizations. These hobbies provide me with a sense of fulfillment and joy, and I often find myself learning new things along the way.

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!

The post Kaneda Sensei appeared first on Japan Switch.

Nakajima Sensei

The Japan Switch Team — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 02:32:23 +0000

Nakajima Sensei

Ueno/Akihabara Japanese Teacher

Branch: Ueno/Akihabara Language School
Lessons: Group [Offline] and Private Lessons [Offline]

"Drawing from my own experiences living abroad, I empathize with the thrills and concerns of adapting to a new culture."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

Connecting with people from all over the globe has always been a source of joy for me. The rich blend of cultures, stories, and experiences that my students bring into the classroom is always so insightful. By teaching Japanese, not only do I share a piece of my culture, but it also puts me on a journey of continuous learning. Each lesson becomes a two-way street, where both my students and I benefit. Teaching Japanese is more than just a job to me. It's a fulfilling adventure of mutual growth and discovery.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

Seeing the spark in my students' eyes when they understand Japanese phrases makes me really happy. Even as a native speaker, teaching requires me to continually refine my understanding of the language. Every time I discover a nuance and pass it on, witnessing my students’ excitement as they begin to articulate their thoughts in Japanese is incredibly rewarding. This shared journey of learning is what I cherish most.

How are your lessons?

My primary goal is to ensure you gain the knowledge and skills to comfortably navigate life in Japan. While we'll use a textbook as a foundation, I encourage you to bring up any daily challenges or questions you encounter. Drawing from my own experiences living abroad, I empathize with the thrills and concerns of adapting to a new culture. Together, we'll not only learn the language but also celebrate and share our unique cultures, making each lesson both educational and enjoyable.

What are your hobbies?

I like to spend time in cozy cafes and relax. Exploring unfamiliar locales is another passion of mine. While I once sought adventures abroad, I've recently been wandering Tokyo's streets, uncovering its hidden gems, delightful eateries, and the parts people don’t talk much about. If you've come across any intriguing spots, I'd love to hear about them!

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!

The post Nakajima Sensei appeared first on Japan Switch.

Otsu Sensei

The Japan Switch Team — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 03:07:21 +0000

Otsu Sensei

Ueno/Akihabara Japanese Teacher

Branch: Ueno/Akihabara Language School
Lessons: Group [Offline] and Private Lessons [Offline]

"It's particularly rewarding when my students can find the words to say what they want to say and are able to convey their thoughts and feelings clearly."

Why did you become a Japanese teacher?

I have been interested in foreign languages and cultures since I was in elementary school. I have traveled to many countries, learned foreign languages, and actually lived abroad. From my own experience, I understand the joy and fun of learning a foreign language as well as the difficulty of learning a foreign language. I would like to help those who have chosen Japan from among many countries to learn Japanese. I would be very happy if I could help them see the beauty of Japan the way I do.

What do you like about teaching Japanese?

I truly enjoy every aspect of teaching Japanese. It's particularly rewarding when my students can find the words to say what they want to say and are able to convey their thoughts and feelings clearly. Having studied some foreign languages myself, I am happy when others are willing to learn my native tongue - Japanese - and I want to share with them the moments of communication as their understanding increases day by day.

How are your lessons?

My goal is to create a class environment where learning what you need (even if it’s a little tough) enjoyable. Our languages are tools for communication, so it matters that both sides aim to understand each other and be respectful. I believe that approaching every situation with a positive mindset is the most effective way to facilitate communication, regardless of what’s going on around you.

What are your hobbies?

My hobby is traveling. I especially enjoy visiting beach resorts. The warm sun and expansive sea give me a sense of energy.

Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.

Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!