Common Questions

Not at all. Most students start as complete beginners. I'll begin from where you are — even if that's hiragana from scratch — and build at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

A relaxed 30-minute conversation. I'll ask why you want to learn Japanese, what your trip or goals look like, and guide you through a small piece of real Japanese. No tests, no pressure — just a chance to see if learning with me feels right for you.

That's very normal. Lessons are designed so you build confidence slowly — I'll start small, use phrases you'll actually want to say, and there's no pressure to be perfect. Many students who started shy now speak comfortably.

Trial lessons are 30 minutes, so you can meet me without pressure. Regular private lessons are 50 minutes, which gives time for a warm-up conversation, focused learning, speaking practice, and a short review without rushing.

Beginner-friendly through lower intermediate. Lessons are most useful for travelers, hobby learners, and anyone who wants practical Japanese for real conversations rather than test prep.

Absolutely. Lessons are personalized — I can spend time on travel phrases, Kyoto-area culture, anime and manga vocabulary, restaurant Japanese, or anything else you're drawn to.

Yes. After each lesson, you'll receive lesson notes, a vocabulary list, and optional homework on your personal dashboard, so you can review anytime between lessons.

Trial lessons are booked through Cal.com — you'll pick a time that works for both of us. After the trial, continuing students book directly with me by message so I can build a rhythm that suits your week.

Life happens. You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your lesson at no charge — just send me a message and I'll find a new time that works for you.

Lessons are based in Japan time, and I'm flexible with students in Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. I'll find a time that fits your schedule during the trial.

Trial lessons are $20 for 30 minutes. Single private lessons are $40 for 50 minutes. The Beyond Starter Plan is $140 for 4 personalized lessons — a gentle beginner-friendly journey designed for steady progress.

Trial lessons are paid through the Cal.com booking page. For continuing lessons and the Starter Plan, I accept Wise and PayPal for easy international payments.

There's no harsh expiry. Lessons in the Starter Plan can be used at your own pace across several weeks or months. If life gets busy, I'll keep things flexible — just pause and resume when you're ready.

Even a few lessons before your trip make a real difference. If you're flexible, starting 4–8 weeks before travel gives time to build the core phrases that come up at konbini, restaurants, stations, and shops.

Both — naturally. I'll focus on the polite forms you'll need with shopkeepers, station staff, and new people, and add casual expressions for when you're chatting with friends or watching shows.

Yes. If you tell me your itinerary or the situations you're most nervous about — ordering at an izakaya, asking for directions, checking in at a ryokan — I'll help you practice them before you go.

Lessons take place over Zoom. You'll get a calendar invite with the link once you book. No special software is needed — just a quiet space and a stable internet connection.

No textbook required. All materials, notes, and vocabulary lists are provided through your personal student dashboard, which you can access anytime between lessons.

It happens. If the call drops, just rejoin — I'll be waiting. If it won't reconnect, I'll reschedule the remaining time at no charge.