Shi Sensei⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We covered lots in the past few sessions. I speak, according to Sensei "street Japanese" so already have a small base to work from, but with so many errors. So we're making fix-ups. re-reviewing genki 1 and 2, with a little more care and focus. over 3 sessions we've covered Transitive and intransitive verbs, conjugation them and (using を and が), そうです and といていました (i heard that). Also covered そうです (it seems like). Present, past, present negative and past negative tense were covered too. Also managed to touch on verbs for playing music and wearing clothes. And this was just a little bit of work we've done based off a test we did after the first class 💥

I've always wanted to learn Japanese but never got around to it until my late 60s. Shie Sensei was quick to assess my level of knowledge and I like that she uses listening tools from the Genki book that I'm familiar with and shares helpful YouTube videos. She is open to focusing on what I am most interested in learning and makes good suggestions for future study. I enjoy her relaxed, flexible teaching style and her lessons are fun.

Another excellent lesson with Shie-sensei. We listened to podcasts together on YouTube, and Sensei thoughtfully selected ones that perfectly matched my current level. She highlighted new vocabulary throughout, all of which was practical and relevant to my studies. We also discussed what summer is like in Japan, which was a great cultural insight and helped broaden my understanding of life in other parts of the world.

I recently finished a full set of 10 lessons (biweekly for an hour each) with Shie Sensei, and have been more than satisfied enough to book an additional set of lessons. Shie Sensei continues to put a lot of customization and personalization into my lessons, and I can tell my progress has dramatically improved compared to my previous effects at Japanese self-study. I also really appreciate, given my goals of focusing on learning to speak conversationally with Japanese relatives, that Shie Sensei has skipped on doing kana early and instead letting us use romaji, and giving a lot of focus to the Genki dialogue practices instead. She's also done a great job of helping me build up my vocabulary quickly through custom app-based lists and quizzes, in a way that's been very practical. Very excited to continue improving my Nihongo with Shie Sensei!

As we enter more complex grammar, Natsuko sensei always has material to introduce new concepts and reinforce previously studied concepts.

She’s a great teacher, catering the lessons to your wants and needs. She listens and adapts. I would recommend her if you’re struggling to improve your Japanese.