Hashida Sensei
Shinjuku Japanese Teacher
Branch: Shinjuku Language School
Lessons: Group and Private Lessons
"I aim to build confidence in speaking, ensuring that students practice real-life daily conversations. I want every student to leave each lesson with a sense of accomplishment."
Why did you become a Japanese teacher?
My journey to becoming a Japanese teacher began with my first trip abroad. I spent three months on a tourist visa, attending a language school during the day to study English. In that class, none of us spoke the same language, so we relied on gestures and body language to communicate. I was determined to understand my classmates, which made me think deeply about how we connect with others. The sense of connection that flowed when we finally understood each other, the feeling of mutual understanding, was truly moving.
This experience was a turning point in my life. It showed me the power of communication that transcends nationality, age, and profession, profoundly changing my perspective and shaping who I am today. I became captivated by the "chemical reactions" that occur when people from diverse cultures and backgrounds respect each other’s differences and make an effort to understand one another. This fascination led me to choose the path of a Japanese teacher. I want to share the special feelings I experienced back then, and the joy of connecting on a deeper level, with those who have chosen to come to Japan. Now, I feel a deep affection when I see everyone in a group class laughing together about the same topic. Those moments are truly precious to me.
What do you like about teaching Japanese?
I don’t enjoy teaching in a one-sided manner. Instead, I love learning and challenging myself alongside my students. The mutual journey of exploration and growth is what I find most fulfilling in teaching.
How are your lessons?
In my lessons, I focus on several key aspects. First, I aim to build confidence in speaking, ensuring that students practice real-life daily conversations. I want every student to leave each lesson with a sense of accomplishment. To achieve this, I often use a Q&A format where students practice answering questions in full sentences repeatedly until they feel comfortable and capable. My goal is to help learners use the language independently, encouraging self-directed learning and connecting language activities with real-life situations. I believe it's important for students to talk about themselves and their experiences, making them the main focus of the lesson, while I act as a supporting guide.
What are your hobbies?
In my free time, I enjoy having a drink and watching Netflix, although I haven't had much time for it lately due to lesson preparation. I also have a keen interest in exploring the differences in nuances between English and Japanese. To me, language is like fashion; it's a tool and a weapon that can help you present yourself to the world. You can choose the words you use depending on the situation, the context, and the person you’re speaking with. My goal is to help you expand your range of choices in language, so you can express yourself in the best way possible.
Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.
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