What's my journey as a teacher of Japanese language?

For the past 20+ years, I've been teaching Japanese at every student level: UK schools, UK universities, and private course tuition - both local and international.

My teaching methodologies have been tested and refined through feedback of students who cover every strata of linguistic talents, but have also been recognised in the form of the Qualified Teaching Status I received from University of Gloucestershire.

I strongly believe that learning a language like Japanese has to be made approachable and spark a fascination with this unique culture and people. Having worked in Japanese corporates and defended my PhD thesis in the field ofJapanese linguistic anthropology, I imbue a realistic and nuanced appreciation of Japanese history as well as its day-to-day customs.

I'm really keen on taking what's best from Japanese culture and complementing it with Western heritage - and vice versa! For instance, my PhD compared the preservation efforts of endangered languages like the one of Ainu - still present in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido! - with that of West Frisian in the Netherlands.

What's the key to learning Japanese well?

You'd have to ask my students. I hope you would hear that my teaching is always personalised and positive. Regular and small tutorial groups allow for relaxed atmosphere of support but also deepen the inquiry into this wonderful language. Nothing will improve on a mode of consistent face-to-face learning, which exactly what JapcoEducation delivers.

What should you expect from my teaching?

I'm approachable, supportive and considerate of each student - I think this fosters the best learning environment, so I hope to meet you soon at one of the Welcome Tutorials!