Speak Japanese with Confidence | Patient Tutor for Adults, Conversation & JLPT N5–N3

Find out more about Ken

• 1) Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  Yes, I grew up speaking Japanese in Japan. My inspiration to teach the language came from meeting people overseas who were eager to learn not only the language but also the culture behind it. Their enthusiasm made me realize how meaningful it can be to share my language with others.

• 2) Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  For me, the writer Natsume Sōseki represents the spirit of Japanese language and culture. His works capture the subtlety of Japanese emotions, relationships, and identity. His famous phrase “I love you” translated as “The moon is beautiful tonight” reflects how Japanese language expresses feelings indirectly and gracefully.

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  One of my favorite words is “お疲れさま (Otsukaresama)”. It’s often used at the end of the day to express respect and appreciation for someone’s effort. It reflects the Japanese spirit of harmony and empathy toward others.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Japanese is not only my mother tongue but also a way to connect deeply with people from different countries. Teaching Japanese allows me to build bridges between cultures and share values of respect, patience, and subtle communication.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  Many students find kanji and the three writing systems challenging. But with a step-by-step approach, real conversation practice, and cultural context, learners can progress naturally. Consistency and enjoying the process are key to success.

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I taught Japanese to a group of medical professionals, I noticed how quickly their motivation grew once they could use polite phrases with confidence. They told me that being able to greet patients in Japanese changed their daily work environment and built trust. This reminded me how language can truly connect people.

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  When I moved to Australia, I started to see Japanese from a learner’s point of view. By interacting with people from various backgrounds, I discovered new ways to explain grammar, pronunciation, and cultural nuances clearly. Living abroad has strengthened my ability to teach effectively.