Fully Qualified Native Japanese Tutor Language, Culture & Business Japanese | 20+ Years Experience 

Find out more about Eriko

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I speak Japanese fluently because it’s my native language — I was born and raised in Japan. However, becoming truly conscious of the beauty and depth of Japanese came later in life, especially through my work as a language teacher. In a way, my students continue to inspire me to explore and reflect on my own language more deeply.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  For me, Ryuichi Sakamoto represents the soul of Japanese culture — not in a traditional or obvious way, but through the way he listens to the world.
  I had the incredible opportunity to work with him on producing a music event, and what struck me most was how pure, curious, and genuinely kind he was. Despite being a global icon, he treated everyone with warmth and humility. He had a quiet but powerful presence, and a deep sense of discovery — always searching for unheard, unfound musicians and giving space to their voices.
  His music — from the haunting beauty of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence to the delicate piano of Energy Flow and the experimental sounds in BTTB — blends silence and sound, technology and
  nature, Japan and the world. His work always carries a sense of impermanence — like Wabi-Sabi in sound. He didn’t just compose. He listened, deeply. Even in his final years, he kept creating — honestly, simply, and with grace. To me, that spirit is Japan.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behavior in the language that you particularly like?

  I love the phrase 「おかげさまで」 (okagesama de). It means something like “Thanks to you” or “Thanks to others, I’m doing well.” This phrase reflects a deep cultural value in Japan: the
  recognition that our well-being is never solely due to ourselves but is supported by the kindness and efforts of others.
  This idea is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, which is based on Shinto beliefs. Shinto teaches gratitude toward the gods present in all things and encourages people to constantly feel appreciation for the blessings of the natural world and the kindness of others. The spirit of this belief is packed into the phrase 「おかげさまで」 — it’s humble, warm, and uniquely Japanese.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Japanese isn’t just a way for me to communicate — it’s deeply tied to my identity, values, and how I see the world. It’s the language I grew up with, the one I think and feel in. But through teaching, Japanese has taken on an even deeper meaning. Sharing it with others allows me to connect across cultures, to see my own language through fresh eyes, and to help people access ideas, stories, and ways of thinking that are unique to Japan.
  When I see a student become excited about expressing something in Japanese — even just a small phrase — it reminds me how powerful language can be. Teaching Japanese helps me grow, reflect, and rediscover my own culture every day

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  Most people learning Japanese get confused at first because the grammar is kind of the opposite of English. But honestly, the hardest part is always figuring out the context. Japanese is a language where you have to “read between the lines.” Sometimes the subject isn’t even said, so you have to guess who or what it is from what’s around it.
  Also, because of Japanese culture, people often don’t say things super directly or avoid negative words, which can be tricky.
  But don’t worry! If you keep learning grammar step by step and get to know the culture, you’ll definitely get better.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  This happened when I was in junior high school.
  We had an English test, and the question was:
  Translate this sentence:『床の上にボールが一つあります。』Yuka no ue ni bōru ga hitotsu arimasu
  .English: There is one ball on the floor.
  
  But I made a funny mistake.
  The kanji 「床」 can be read as “yuka” (floor), but also as “toko”, which can mean “bed” in some cases.
  I read it as “toko” and wrote:
  “There is a ball on the bed.”
  
  The teacher marked it wrong at first, but when I explained how I misunderstood the kanji, she laughed and
  gave me a point!
  
  That day, I learned that in Japanese, context is very important — and sometimes, even one
  kanji can change the whole meaning！

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Living in Portugal and Malaysia gave me a new perspective on my own language.
  In Portugal, I taught Japanese to both native and non-native speakers, which made me think more deeply about how Japanese is learned and understood.
  In Malaysia, I worked as a Japanese-English interpreter. I thought my English was strong, but in real situations, I often struggled to express subtle meanings. That experience motivated me to study English more seriously — and in doing so, I also became more aware of the depth and structure of Japanese.
  Living abroad didn’t just help me teach Japanese — it helped me rediscover it.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I believe what sets me apart is my deep commitment to personalised, creative teaching. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped students of all ages and backgrounds stay motivated and curious. I tailor each lesson to fit the learner’s style, and many of my students have stayed with me for years — some even came to Japan and met me in person!
  When students visit, I often arrange cultural experiences like Zen meditation or local festivals, so they can connect with Japanese culture in a real and personal way. I call my long-term students "Eriko’s family", and to me, they are one of the most precious parts of my life.