Japanese for learners who want more than just “correct” Japanese.
Teaches
Japanese
Native
Speaks
English
Japanese for learners who want more than just “correct” Japanese.
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
From JapanLiving in Yokohama, Japan (09:13 UTC+09:00)
About Me
italki teacher since May 12, 2020
InterestsFoodMedical & HealthcareTravel
Hello. My name is Kumiko.
I have over 10 years of experience teaching at a Japanese language school.
I am still teaching, which allows me to clearly understand my students’ common weaknesses.
I have lived in Hiroshima, Tokyo, Yokohama, Aomori, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto.
I can share local travel information and cultural tips from these areas.
My creations
Me as a Teacher
My goal is to help learners move from “correct Japanese” to natural, trustworthy Japanese through practical conversation practice.
focus on discourse-level conversation, with an emphasis on expanding expressions and vocabulary.
Rather than focusing only on grammatical accuracy, we practice choosing appropriate expressions based on context, relationship, and situation, using realistic conversations.
With my background working at a bank, I also do business Japanese lessons, including interview preparation, professional communication, honorifics, business etiquette, and entry form review.
My lessons & teaching style
Conversation-Focused, Context-Based Lessons
My lessons focus on practical conversation. We start with a topic-based discussion, and I introduce useful grammar, natural expressions, and synonyms based on what comes up in the conversation.
A key feature is practicing how expressions change depending on the situation, such as speaking to a friend versus a boss or colleague. This helps students communicate naturally and appropriately in real-life situations.
★Cancellation Policy★
If you do not appear within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time, the lesson fee will be charged.
My teaching material
Articles and news
PDF file
Text Documents
5.0
Rating
182
Students
1,297
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
5.0
Rating
182
Students
1297
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
Japanese Lessons
Trial Lesson
90 lessons completed
USD 12.00+
Free talk in Japanese 楽しく話しましょう
B1 - C2Language Essentials889 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 8% off
Japanese for biginner
A1 - A2Language Essentials118 lessons completed
USD 16.00+
Package with 5% off
Speech training like voice actor and speak.
A2 - C2Language Essentials54 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 15% off
Job Hunting, Admissions Interview, Presentation in Japanese
B1 - C2Conversation1 lessons completed
USD 30.00
Package with 7% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
My creations
Quiz (8)
158 Reviews
Eriko
5 Japanese lessons
Teacher’s pick
Kumiko sensei is kind and professional. I took five lessons from her. She was always prompt and took notes during our lessons. She corrected my vocabulary and grammar and explained the difference between my error and the correct word/phrase so it helped me to remember and I could use it properly the next time. I am thinking of taking more lessons with her when I have more time. I would recommend taking her lessons!
Jan 12, 2026
Catherine Lee
47 Japanese lessons
Teacher’s pick
Kumiko-sensei is a real professional, catching little details which many other non-professinal native speakers would overlook. Highly recommended!
Kumiko-sensei is clearly an experienced teacher and picked up on mistakes very quickly. The trial class went very smoothly and we were able to agree on a lesson plan for future lessons based on my needs.
Aug 23, 2025
Reed Johnson
2 Japanese lessons
Kumiko-sensei is a wonderful teacher. I was nervous about our trial lesson but she is very easy to talk to, nice, and very helpful. I would recommend if you're on the fence about italki consider a trial lesson Kumiko-sensei.