Certifications:
Registered Japanese Language Teacher
Completed a 420-hour Japanese Language Teacher Training Course
Majored in Japanese language education at university
TOEIC 940
Lived in Washington State, USA, for three and a half years, where she studied ESL and attended community college
Professional experience in administration and translation across industries including IT, gaming, and finance
When I first moved to the United States, everyday situations could feel overwhelming, from getting a driver's license and navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system to simply trying to understand a cashier speaking quickly.
I started attending ESL classes, where I learned by speaking as much as I could, making mistakes, and picking up new expressions along the way. Gradually, I became more confident and was able to enjoy life in the US.
Drawing on that experience, I want to provide a space where students feel safe to try, make mistakes, and learn. I hope that Japanese can become a new tool for students to enjoy the content and culture they love and to express their own thoughts and feelings.
Hobbies
Tsumami-zaiku (a traditional Japanese craft using small pieces of folded silk to create flowers and other designs), exploring variety shops and antique markets, balcony gardening, playing with my pets, chatting in English, listening to podcasts while walking, and listening to music.
I have a Siberian cat and keep medaka (Japanese rice fish), and I especially enjoy growing morning glories and violas. I've also been part of the same English conversation group for over 10 years. My favorite artists include Spitz and Fujii Kaze.
Best movies/anime/manga/games
Films
Erin Brockovich
We're No Angels
The Sound of Music
To Kill a Mockingbird
TV Series
Breaking Bad
The Handmaid's Tale
Grey's Anatomy
Manga
Otosan wa Shinpai-sho by A-min Okada
8-gatsu no Soda-sui by Shinya Komatsu
Alice, Doko Made mo by Kiko Urino
Books
The Door into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami
Jimaku no naka ni jinsei by Natsuko Toda
Anime
Studio Ghibli films
Galaxy Express 999
Favorite conversation topics
Different Countries and Cultures: I love hearing about different countries, especially what life is like where my students live.
Food: I enjoy talking about local specialties from around the world and different regions of Japan, as well as great restaurants and home cooking.
Traditional Crafts: I love crafts of all kinds, including glassware, ceramics, textiles, and baskets.
I've been to
🇺🇸United States
🇨🇦Canada
🇩🇪Germany
🇵🇱Poland
🇭🇰Hong Kong
🇹🇼Taiwan