Do you understand a little Japanese, but feel nervous speaking?
Do you want to use Japanese for real communication?
You are not alone.
I’m Makiko, a Japanese tutor for absolute beginners.
I teach absolute beginners and beginner learners
in a calm and supportive environment.
My lessons focus on real communication,
starting with simple and useful phrases.
You are okay just as you are.
What matters is trying and expressing your ideas.
Step by step, you will start to:
speak more naturally
understand more
feel more confident
Mistakes are always welcome.
We learn through trying.
Let’s enjoy learning Japanese together 🌿
My creations
Me as a Teacher
I am a Japanese tutor who guides learners
from “understanding” to “speaking” step by step.
Many beginners feel nervous about making mistakes.
In my lessons, communication comes first.
I create a calm space where you can:
-relax
-speak at your own pace
-build confidence little by little
My lessons & teaching style
🌿 My Lessons
✔ One-on-one, speaking-focused
✔ Calm and supportive atmosphere
✔ Step-by-step practice
✔ Real communication (not just memorization)
✔ Gentle correction and clear guidance
In each lesson, you will practice using Japanese
in a simple and practical way.
You will feel small progress in every lesson —
and those small steps build real confidence.
🌿 Trial Lesson
In the trial lesson, we will:
talk about your goals
check your level
try a simple conversation
No preparation needed.
You can come just as you are 🌿
My teaching material
PDF file
Text Documents
Homework Assignments
Teaching experience
2012 - 2022
Home TeacherECC junior (home teacher) - Japan
Education
2000 - 2002
Other - Travel and ToursimAlgonquin College
5.0
Rating
9
Students
65
Lessons
94%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
5.0
Rating
9
Students
65
Lessons
94%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
Japanese Lessons
Trial Lesson
3 lessons completed
USD 12.00+
Start Speaking Japanese from Day One 🌿 Structured, Calm Lessons for Beginners
A1 - A2Conversation59 lessons completed
USD 10.00+
Package with 14% off
Japanese Conversation Time 🌿 Relaxed, Natural Speaking Practice for Real Communication
A2 - B1Conversation2 lessons completed
USD 10.00+
Package with 11% off
Availability
My creations
Quiz (1)
31 Reviews
Jana K.
25 Japanese lessons
At first we usually chat about how we're doing/what we've been doing etc. I'm glad to say that these simple conversations in Japanese are not a source of dread for me anymore, but I can tell my teacher about my activities quite confidently now, with guidance of course :)
Then we practiced reading (a text about colors) and in the end did a bit of textbook exercise on connecting verbs. :) Again, very useful and nicely structured lesson, thank you very much Maki-san. :))
Apr 6, 2026
Jana K.
25 Japanese lessons
In today's lesson warm up we went through some vocabulary concerning animals in the Zoo. It was fun as I love animals :D Then we started on lesson 6 in Genki 1 and practiced Te-form which is honestly one of the most useful grammar points for building up your Japanese grammar. :)
Thank you Maki-san and see you next week! :))
Mar 15, 2026
Jana K.
25 Japanese lessons
We learned new vocabulary through reading a simple text about Japanese meals made from eggs. :) Then we practiced adjectives and talked about what we like/don't like. At this point I can sustain a simple conversation, ask about person's likes/dislikes, experiences, daily life etc. Through daily self-study and weekly lessons with Maki-san, my listening has improved a lot and most importantly my speaking is also catching up. Thank you!! :)
Feb 22, 2026
Jana K.
25 Japanese lessons
Another fruitful lesson with Maki-san where I could feel my improvement. :) We made a lot of sentences and connected sentences by using te-form. Italki lessons are a good way to practice what I learned by myself, ask questions and get feedback about mistakes etc. I feel encouraged to study more as always - thank you Maki-san and see you next week :))
Mar 29, 2026
Jana K.
25 Japanese lessons
Very fun lesson :)) We played shiritori and read from the book. Will be starting new lesson next time. Also learning some Fukuoka dialect for my upcoming trip. :D Thank you Maki-san, I had fun while learning as always. :)
Mar 4, 2026
Jana K.
25 Japanese lessons
Good and fun practice as always :) We continue learning about Japanese customs and traditions through reading, which has been very interesting, since about some of them I've never heard before. Then we also usually do a couple exercises from the textbook. I like making sentences and chat in simple Japanese. Japanese doesn't feel scary anymore. :D