Tutor Profile

Akiko

Private Japanese Tutor in Liverpool

I am a Japanese national who has completed two Japanese language beginners courses (60 weeks and 20 weeks respectively) as a large international company's language instructor at colleges based in central Liverpool and Manchester. In keeping with my professional status, I am adept at recognising how best to target my teaching approach, particularly with respect to students who have little or no knowledge of the Japanese language. In a formal course review exercise, I have received an excellent rating from my college studentsand business individuals (such as an NGO director and a company director) with respect to the various teaching components of the course. I also offer my students the advice and guidance for travel matters in Japan and exam/qualification preparations (the Japanese language Proficiency Test, for example).

I am fluent in verbal and written English and Japanese. My teaching experience also includes 18 months as an English language instructor to college students in Japan, in one-to-one, and group teaching as an employee at a language school. In addition, I was employed within the Japanese university sector as a translator of English to Japanese and vice versa. I therefore have language teaching experience acquired over several years based in the UK and Japan.

Teaching Experience

Teaching for beginners and casual learners for more than 12 years. Recent Teaching Experience: GCSE Japanese examiner in May 2023 60 weeks (120 hours) in beginners Japanese at language colleges in Liverpool and 20 weeks in Manchester 12 months providing English language instruction to college students in Japan 18 months English-Japanese language translator at a Japanese University 60 weeks at a business establishment (Sony Entertainment) in the North West 34 weeks with the private tuition with various company managers(Sony)/directors

Tutoring Approach

I am able to provide personal tutoring (a local child or adult)and group tutoring (such as local business) as required. In terms of on-site teaching, the arrangement and terms need to be discussed first. I charge a face to face lesson with small extra on my teaching rate. I currently do not provide evening visits and evening courses (online ones are negotiable). With regards to outside teaching, again, I am willing to travel business settings upon the tutee's requirement, however, the arrangement and the cost need to be agreed upon first. I offer 1st lesson free for the tutee who purchased 5 lessons and more. My teaching is conducted with Zoom teaching and am equipped with 1080p HD Web cam and external microphone. An approachable and friendly style to engage students in fully comprehending an unfamiliar language. Tuition is provided in verbal and written Japanese using language props as an aid to understanding, with textbooks and various teaching materials. I have excellent writing skills and I am comfortable at teaching in both formal and less formal surroundings. Tuition can be arranged on a regular or irregular timetable according to the needs of the particular student(s).

Qualifications

PhD in Sociology

Doctorate · University of Surrey · 2010

Sociology and Ageing

Masters · Surrey University · 2001

Social Policy

Bachelors · London University · 2000

Reviews

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Akiko has been absolutely fantastic with helping me to improve my pronunciation and speaking skills in our lessons so far. My wife and I are going to Japan on holiday next month and I really wanted to be able to help more with speaking while we are there (she is much more proficient than me, having lived in Tokyo for a year previously). Akiko is extremely friendly and very encouraging and has also given me lots of cultural tips and advice for while we are there too. She has been great with understanding what level I am at from my own individual study and helping to correct any mistakes or misunderstandings I have developed as a result. I'm looking forward to the remaining lessons we have before I head off to Japan at the end of October!

Tutor response

Arigatou gozaimasu Matt SanMatt has been very interested in Japanese culture and I am impressed with his enthusiasm and understanding of Japanese language. I wish him and his wife another wonderful holiday in Japan. Sayonara Akiko

I'm enjoying my lessons with Akiko so far and I am finding the lessons clear and easy to follow. As well as learning language we have talked about travelling tips and things to know before we visit, which has been very helpful.

Tutor response

Konnichiwa Helen sanArigatou gozaimasu. Helen is a very friendly and enthusiastic tutee who is practicing Japanese everyday. We only started a few lessons but I am certain that she will enjoy Japan and its rich culture fully when she visit Japan.I am pleased to hear that my tuitions offer some help to her long awaited travel to Japan. ( itterasshai! )SayonaraAkiko

Akiko is a very friendly and encouraging tutor, I have very much enjoyed my first few lessons! Akiko has also been helpful and shared some recommendations for my upcoming trip to Japan. I have also found that Akiko's communication is clear and responses are fast. I would highly recommend anyone to begin lessons with Akiko!

Tutor response

Sophie SanDoumo Arigatou gozaimasu!Sophie is an intelligent and energetic Japanese learner. She has an open mind and very curious about various aspects of Japanese culture and geography. I wish your forthcoming travel to Japan be filled with delight and enjoyment.Sayonara Akiko

Completely transformed my confidence in Japanese speaking, brilliant tutor

Tutor response

Konnichiwa Safwaan san,Arigatou gozaimasu. Safwaan is a clever and talented tutee who is planning to read maths at the university. He understands my language instructions and corrections well and is quick to incorporate these into his work. I have every confidence in him to perform well in his GCSEs. Ganbatte ne!SayonaraAkiko

Akiko is a great teacher! She's excellent at tailoring the lessons to the type of work you want to focus on (in my case, writing and reading) and is able to explain why aspects of Japanese are the way they are. I can tell she has a lot of experience in teaching. I'm looking forward to having more lessons with her. ありがとうございます!

Tutor response

Arigatou gozaimasu Tasha sanTasha is highly motivated and intelligent. It has been a joy to teach her the Japanese and I really hope that she will visit Japan in the near future to see the various Japanese unique artefacts and architecture. Dou itashimashiteAkiko

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  • This tutor is a Professional (self-declared)
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