taisei kitahara

I started a new textbook and arrived with a ton of questions this time. We went over a lot of examples and applications of the grammar I had problems with when I was reading the text by myself. I walked away with more confidence in my ability to use this new book effectively.

This was my first experience with Italki, so I was going into it with normal reservations and also a it of insecurity. All of that wasn't necessary. Taisei-Sensei is an excellent conversation partner, and also a patient and understanding listener; which I find to be very reassuring. He just "knew" when to let me find my answer, and interjected carefully and seamlessly when I needed clarification. Even with just a trial I knew that I had just found an exceptional and mature Sensei who knows how to keep the lessons moving along without letting pressure or insecurities find their way in. I've booked my lessons. I am confident that I will have the extra help that I need to get over the speedbump I've been dealing with in my studies lately.

Taisei teaches very clearly. Starting Japanese can be intimidating, but he makes it easier and motivates us to keep going.

If you read my trial review, you'd see that I was impressed with Taisei at first. This rings true for this lesson as well. We covered materials in my old textbook that I was not confident, with real world examples. Taisei gave me examples of other ways to express the same intentions, and we practiced those as well. Overall Taisei has a good eye and ear for when allow me to work through my own limitations while also providing clarification or proper adjustments when necessary. His demeanor is very professional but more like a helpful neighborhood friend than a professor with expectations. An hour flew by, an I never felt pressure or insecurities about my less than advanced level of Japanese. None of those "oh man I'm going to be embarrassed about that later" moments that some language learners (like myself) are always concerning themselves with. I absolutely made a lot of mistakes expressing myself, but I learned from each of them without stress.

👏🏾

Taisen has a remarkable way of guiding beginners in Japanese. His guidance is clear and patient, and he makes students feel confident from the very first lesson.