Visited 20 hours ago
ako-san あこさん
Professional TeacherTeaches
Japanese
Native
Speaks
English
Improve your pronunciation using The Actor's Method!
Teaches
Japanese
Native
Speaks
English
Improve your pronunciation using The Actor's Method!
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From JapanLiving in Nagoya, Japan (04:39 UTC+09:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Jul 26, 2024InterestsPets & AnimalsTravelMusicHistoryFilms & TV Series
Hi there! I'm Ako, and I'm excited to have fun conversations with you as your Japanese teacher. I've been involved in theater, both performing and writing scripts. My experience winning the Toyota Short Play Festival means I can show you how to make your Japanese really connect!
Plus, with my corporate background, I'm great at teaching business Japanese and natural, everyday conversation.
I'm passionate about travel and music, and I've explored over 10 countries.
Let's learn Japanese and have a blast discovering cultural differences together!Me as a Teacher
I also have experience learning foreign languages online, and I consider the following when teaching:
1. I'll ask about your goals and needs to provide the best possible lessons.
2. I aim to create a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment.
3. For beginners, I'll focus on building the joy of speaking Japanese together first.
4. For intermediate learners who want to improve their pronunciation and intonation, I'll teach "Actor's Method."
5. Lessons will progress at a pace that suits you.
6. I'll leverage my extensive corporate experience to teach you authentic business Japanese. My lessons & teaching style
1. All lessons are for ages 16 and above.
2. For your first lesson, please book 30 minutes. Tell me about your needs and requests.
3. You can request me the conversation speed. Very slow, Slow or Normal.
4. Lessons are basically in Japanese only. I use basic English if you need help. Don't worry, I'll try my best to understand your language with translators and other handy tools.
5. I'll make sure you feel relaxed and at ease during our lessons.
Thanks for your cooperationMy teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Presentation slides/PPT
- Image files
- Articles and news
- Test templates and examples
- Homework Assignments
Certificates
Certificate - Japan Educational Exchanges and Services - 2022I passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test.
This test is essential for teaching Japanese.
Certificate verified
Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test - Japan Educational Exchanges and Services - 2022このテストに合格すれば、日本語学校で教えることができます。
By passing this test, I can teach at a Japanese language school.
Certificate verified
Teaching experience
2023 - 2025
teacher
2024 - Current
tutor
Education
1983 - 1985
Other - English
2009 - 2011
Other - Actor, Direction,Script
Work Experience
2005 - 2020
secretary
1991 - 2000
Overseas business trip staff
5.0
Rating
13
Students
68
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
Japanese Lessons
Trial Lesson
3 lessons completed
USD 10.00+
🇯🇵Starter/Beginner🇯🇵 Let's try speaking in Japanese
A1 - B1Conversation48 lessons completed
USD 20.00+
Package with 4% off
🇯🇵Beginner / Intermediate🇯🇵 Brush up on your conversation skills!
A2 - B2Conversation17 lessons completed
USD 25.00+
Package with 14% off
🇯🇵Conversation in the Japanese workplace
B1 - C1Conversation0 lessons completed
USD 27.00+
Package with 5% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
35 Reviews
Jimmy
38 Japanese lessons
Teacher’s pick
Today, I started Chapter 3 of Quartet with Sensei and so was looking at more complex grammar. There was some grammar that was similar to others, but Ako-Sensei was able to explain to me the nuances between them so I can use each grammar point more naturally.
Thank You Sensei!
Oct 18, 2025
Billie Xu
8 Japanese lessons
Teacher’s pick
I was very nervous before the lesson, but Ako made it very easy and fun! She celebrated every time when I was able to understand her and answered her question. I think she is a great teacher and I will keep following her!
Aug 9, 2024
Jimmy
38 Japanese lessons
This week, I was able to attend a Japan Festival and because of my lessons with Sensei, I was able to talk and understand the Japanese there. Today, I was able to talk with Sensei about my experience and she taught me about some of the things I saw there.
Thank You Sensei!
Sep 27, 2025
Herb
1 Japanese lesson
Teacher’s pick
This was my first lesson with Ako-san, and it was great! I was hoping to supplement my book work with live conversation with a native speaker and that is exactly what I got! Ako-san gauged my speaking ability and kept the conversation at that level (and a little higher for the the challenge of it.) It felt great, gave me a little more confidence and left me feeling ready to do it again ASAP! Her demeanor is perfect, she makes every effort to make you feel comfortable during the lesson and takes notes on new words (or words used incorrectly) for you to review after the lesson. Excellent job!
Jul 11, 2025
Sadie
1 Japanese lesson
どうもありがとうございます! ^^
Sep 28, 2025
Jimmy
38 Japanese lessons
Today, on top of going through the textbook with me, Sensei also taught me about about Japanese clothing such as different types of Kimono and how/when they are used. Sensei always adds to our lessons in fun ways outside of the textbook we are studying.
Thank You Sensei!
Sep 13, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 10.00
Your final payment will be made in USD