I've now had 10+ lessons with Sam-san and just bought my next package, too. He's always been very kind about correcting my Japanese pronunciation even when I mess up the same word/concept across multiple days. I know I'm not the best student, but that's why Sam-san works for me. It's nice to be able to make mistakes without pressure/guilt over it. He'll make a quick reference if an error was made prior so I know where my weak spots are without making me feel like he's chastising me, but I also learn, too. He has a notebook that he uses to write notes in whenever I speak so when we're done we can review. We've also started incorporating shadow reading Japanese books so I'll say the lines after him so I hear how he says it, then can immediately repeat it matching his intonation and pitch accent. I'll be a student of his for the foreseeable future and recommend him to you as well. If you're like I was and hesitant to start classes, you won't regret taking his trial lesson. He's the one.

I've really enjoyed learning Japanese with Sam. He is patient, encouraging, and easy to learn with, which is helping me become more confident. His lessons are engaging, he explains things clearly, and he always answers my questions while helping me understand the nuances of the language. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a supportive and motivating Japanese teacher!

いつもありがとうございました！

I just finished my first lesson with Sam-san. He was very easy to talk to throughout. I've requested help with my intonation, pitch accent, and pronunciation in general and Sam-san was able to help me with that. As I would speak, he would take notes, then would let me know after when he notices errors (and he's very perceptive too!) so I feel like he's going to be an amazing tutor going forward. I had an idea what I was needing to improve and to hear him voice them all in a single session is highly reassuring for future lessons. I was immediately comfortable with him as well. Never once did I feel pressured, judged, or like he was irritated at my lack of experience speaking Japanese. He's one of the most beginner friendly teachers I've ever had. He was always a professional and a gentleman. I never felt bad asking questions. Thanks Sam-san!

いつもありがとうございました。勉強になりました。

Just finished another extraordinarily beneficial lesson with Sam-san. While he absolutely deserves a fantastic review for all he's done to help me with my pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, there's a small, selfish part of me that doesn't want to leave this review since he WILL get popular, but since he's truly earned it, here goes. I often make the exact same mistakes, but I've never gotten more than a gentle correction from him. He can explain anything in fluent English so he's possibly the most beginner friendly teacher here. I know that often people will leave reviews exaggerating a bit, because the teacher is kind, but this isn't one of those reviews. I've tried out a handful of other teachers on here in this price range and let me save you some trouble. If you're here looking to book a trial lesson, then go ahead and book a trial lesson with Sam-san. He's the best kept secret on iTalki and you can't beat his price. ありがとうございます Sam-san!