Beginner-Friendly, From Zero
Starting from hiragana is more than welcome. Lessons follow the GENKI textbook with full English support, so you can ask anything, as many times as you need — no stress, no judgment.
ONLINE JAPANESE LESSONS · ENGLISH SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Japanese that feels like
chatting with a friend.
Perfect for beginners — and for travelers who want real conversation. Learn the Japanese native speakers actually use, at your own pace, with a patient teacher who has been exactly where you are.
- ★ 5.0student rating
- 13 yrsteaching experience
- 22+lessons per student, on average
Hi, I'm Yumi! 🌸
Certified Japanese tutor · Chiba, Japan
WHY CHOOSE ME
3 Reasons Students Choose Me
Conversation First
My lessons are conversation-focused: natural expressions friends use with each other — the real-life Japanese you won't find in textbooks — practiced out loud from day one.
100% Tailored to Your Goal
Travel, daily life, JLPT N5–N4, or business and job interviews in Japan — every lesson plan is built around your goal, your pace, and your schedule.
01 — ABOUT ME
About Me
Hi there! I'm Yumi, a certified Japanese teacher living in Chiba Prefecture, originally from Aomori in Japan's Tohoku region. People say I'm bright and friendly — and I love traveling abroad.
I know how hard learning a language can be, because I struggled with English myself at first. That experience became my strength: 13 years of teaching English to beginners taught me how to support learners who are starting a foreign language for the very first time.
I've lived in a homestay in the U.S. and studied abroad in Australia for a year, and backpacked around Southeast Asia as a student. In Cambodia, when everything I had was stolen, travelers and locals helped me — and I've wanted to give back to people traveling to Japan ever since.
My lessons are fun and relaxed, like hanging out with a friend. Tell me your goals and interests, and we'll find your path together.
- Based in
- Chiba, Japan (from Aomori)
- Education
- Kanda University of International Studies — International Communication
- Experience
- 13 years teaching English · 10+ years at international trade shows · Japanese logistics company
- Languages
- Japanese (native) · English · Spanish · Khmer · French
- Ask me about
- Tohoku festivals, Japanese culture & ways of thinking, making friends in Tokyo
02 — LESSONS
Lesson Menu
🗣️ Conversational Japanese
Natural, real-life Japanese in a fun, relaxed way. Learn the everyday expressions Japanese people actually use — including casual phrases you won't usually find in textbooks — and build the confidence to speak.
For: learners who want to chat with Japanese friends or enjoy natural conversation on a trip.
🌸 Japanese for Complete Beginners
Start from hiragana and katakana and build a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary with the GENKI textbook. English support is always available, so starting from zero is completely fine.
For: first-time learners who want a friendly, supportive start.
📚 JLPT N5–N4 Preparation
Focused lessons for the JLPT: grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening, with careful review of your weak points so you can walk into the exam with confidence.
For: N5–N4 learners preparing for the test.
✈️ Japanese for Travel
Practical phrases and conversations for your trip — restaurants, shopping, hotels, transportation, and more — customized to your own travel plans.
For: anyone planning a trip to Japan, beginners included.
💼 Business Japanese
Practical Japanese for professional environments, including workplace communication and interview preparation — informed by 10+ years at international trade shows and experience in a Japanese logistics company.
For: people working in Japan or interviewing with Japanese companies.
03 — PRICE
Price
Fully tailor-made lessons where you can freely adjust your learning schedule around your life. Book and pay right here on this site.
| Duration | USD ($) | Packages |
|---|---|---|
| 25 min (trial) | $10 |
5 × 60 min — 10 × 60 min — |
| 60 min | $30 |
Students using lesson packages can freely book and adjust each lesson's time from this page. New bookings are taken at least 72 hours in advance.
04 — BOOK A LESSON
Book a Lesson
- Course
- Date & Time
- Your Details
- Payment
- Done
1. Choose your course
Lesson type
05 — MY BOOKINGS
My Bookings
Enter the email and booking reference from your confirmation to view, reschedule or cancel your lesson.
06 — STUDENT VOICES
What My Students Say
“Yumi is very patient and keeps an eye on your progress. I'm so grateful for how she encourages and challenges you throughout the learning process, introducing new topics at just the right pace. Highly recommended.”
“Yumi is a great tutor. She is patient and friendly, and gives clear answers to any question I ask. She teaches not only the language but also the culture. Overall a very pleasant learning experience.”
“I've lived in Japan for two and a half years and I'm now changing jobs here. Yumi is helping me prepare for interviews and presentations at a larger, more international company — lessons 100% tailored to my goals. I study with her four times a week. Highly recommended.”
“An excellent tutor. I started with almost no knowledge and she knew exactly where to begin. Very patient, answers all my questions, and goes at a pace that fits me. I recommend her to anyone starting Japanese from zero.”
07 — FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay if I am a complete beginner?
Absolutely! Everyone is more than welcome. Let's start with a relaxed feeling, just like catching up with a friend — we'll begin with hiragana and katakana and build up with the GENKI textbook.
Can I learn specific phrases or Japanese from my favorite anime?
Yes! I will fully customize the material so you can learn the exact, real-life Japanese you want to use right now.
How do we schedule our lesson times?
Book any open slot on this page at least 72 hours in advance. Students using lesson packages can freely book and adjust their lesson duration from 30 minutes up to 2 hours to fit their weekly schedule — just mention it in the booking notes.
Am I allowed to ask questions in English?
Yes, definitely! I will use English to support you and make sure you gain a crystal-clear, deep understanding of the language.
When can I cancel or reschedule a lesson?
You can cancel a confirmed lesson from My Bookings at any time, and reschedule it up to 24 hours before it starts, with up to two reschedules per booking. You get a refund when you have not rescheduled the lesson and you cancel at least 24 hours before it starts — the amount paid goes back to your original payment method. If you cancel within 24 hours, or cancel a lesson you have already rescheduled, the lesson is still cancelled but it counts as used and nothing is returned. New bookings and new rescheduled times must be selected at least 72 hours in advance.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments are processed securely through Stripe. You can use major credit or debit cards available at checkout, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
What tool do you use for lessons? Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Lessons are held on Google Meet. You do not need to install a special app — simply click the link in your booking confirmation to join from your browser.
Do I need to bring or prepare anything before my lesson?
No special textbook or materials are required. If you have topics you would like to discuss or Japanese phrases you have wondered about in daily life or while traveling, making a quick note beforehand will help us get started smoothly.
Ready to say “I can speak Japanese!”?
Book your first lesson and let's talk about your goals.
Book a lesson →