[Online / In-person in Canary Wharf & Liverpool St]Experienced Japanese teacher for all levels with deep insights of the language and culture. Experienced in JLPT N2-N5 preps. Let's change the perspec

Find out more about Issy

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

  Not only because I was born and raised in Japan and spent two-thirds of my life there, but also because I naturally developed a more elaborate linguistic foundation. I attended a private school between the ages of 12 and 18 after passing an entry exam that involved essay writing.
  Another factor is that I consciously learned English from scratch, which made me reflect on the differences between the two languages and, in turn, think more deeply about my own native language.

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

  “月が綺麗ですね。” – “The Moon is Beautiful.”
  A famous line attributed to Soseki Natsume (author), which indirectly means “I love you.”
  
  “鳴かぬなら、鳴くまで待とう ほととぎす。” – “If a cuckoo doesn’t cry, I will wait until it does.”
  A quote linked to Ieyasu Tokugawa, representing his patience, endurance, and ability to wait for the right moment to shine.
  
  “花は優しい。見る人を慰めて何も見返りを求めない。” – “Flowers are kind. They comfort those who look at them without expecting anything in return.”
  A poetic reflection by Akihiro Miwa (actor/singer).

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

  Although it’s not always a “good” thing for learners, I like that the Japanese language often places the most important part of the sentence at the very end. This structure makes expressions naturally less direct, which also influences people’s behaviour and mannerisms.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  First of all, it is my native language. I could only speak Japanese until I was 22. While learning English (and now Russian), I realised how unique my language is. Learning a language is, in a way, also learning the culture behind it.
  Japan has so much to offer in terms of ways of thinking, mannerisms, and cultural philosophy. Just as English has influenced me immensely, I believe Japanese can also open your mind in a way you may never have experienced before.

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

  In my experience, many native English speakers struggle with the grammatical differences and with certain “concepts” that simply don’t exist in English. Kanji is also a challenge, especially for learners who have difficulty memorising visually — we use around 2,000 characters just for basic literacy!
  I always try to keep up with my students, ask what they find difficult, and offer consistent exercises so they get more exposure to grammar and vocabulary.

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

  As I mentioned, I couldn’t speak any language other than Japanese until I was 22. When I was 20, I decided to study abroad, so I began learning English by myself during university. Although English is taught in school from age 12, the teaching was very exam-focused, and it didn’t help me become a fluent speaker — in fact, I received the lowest marks many times.
  Between 20 and 22, I studied as hard as I could, spending 4–6 hours a day at least 4–5 days a week. Even though I struggled to get good scores on the IELTS, I finally achieved the grade I needed to enter university in the UK.
  After moving there, my English improved at the speed of light. Within a year, I felt very comfortable speaking the language and eventually began working after university. Without the effort I put in while I was in Japan, I don’t think I would have reached fluency that quickly. I felt uncertain and unsatisfied with my English at the time, but everything I had worked on eventually bloomed. No effort is ever wasted.

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

  Immersing yourself in a country where a language is spoken is, for obvious reasons, the most effective way to learn. Just as my English improved drastically within a year of living in the UK, having the necessity to speak the language forces you to learn expressions and terms naturally.
  I’m currently studying Russian, and recently I managed to speak with a taxi driver in Poland who spoke only Polish and Russian. He opened up immediately and talked the entire way to the airport. Even though I didn’t understand everything, I felt incredibly motivated afterward and wanted to express myself more in the language.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  It may summarise what I’ve already said, but I can put it into three main points:
  
  Because I successfully learned languages as an adult, I understand the emotional and mental challenges of starting from zero — and I can help students overcome those barriers. (I’m living proof!)
  
  I’m a language nerd. My curiosity goes beyond practicality — I love exploring the relationship between language, history, and culture, and even connections between languages. This passion drives me every day as a teacher, and I aim to expand your perspective through learning Japanese.