My students
I have taught many students
from all around the world.
America, Canada, Australia, England, Ireland,
Scotland, Wales, Germany, Austria, France,
Holland, Spain, Poland, Brazil, Ecuador,
Argentina, Cuba, South Africa, Zambia,
New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, Denmark,
Switzerland, Russia, Estonia, China,
Mongolia, Israel, South Korea, Taiwan,
Singapore, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Nepal, India, Thailand.
The companies where I teach
/ have taught for.
JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, EMC, PwC,
Herbert Smith, Barclays, Societe Generale,
CLSA, Jefferies, Totan ICAP, Deloitte,
Goldman Sachs, Schroders, Rolls Royce,
Thomson Reuters, Workday, BGIS, KPMG,
AFP, Vanguard, Mori Hamada Matsumoto,
Fisher Investment, World Rugby Cup,
Ashurst, Hays, Merck, Baxter, Shiseido,
Sumitomo Chemical, Harley-Davidson Japan,
Moet Hennessy Diageo, Ralph Lauren,
SWIFT Japan , AT Kearney, Apple,
Google Japan, Amazon Japan, Adobe Japan
The Embassies
(American, Finish, British, NZ, French)
John / Ireland (Aug 2010 to now)
For a number of years I had trouble finding a Japanese teacher who I felt suited my style of learning.
I wanted a teacher who would teach me the Japanese I wanted to learn and was focused on both polite and casual Japanese. I needed someone who I felt was patient enough to correct my mistakes and yet would elicit enough Japanese in our lessons.
I would highly recommend Akane sensei to anybody who wants to learn the language.
She's funny, enthusiastic, full of energy and very organized. I feel the Japanese I'm learning is very relevant to my job and lifestyle and I put a lot of the vocabulary, grammar etc into use in everyday life.
I have referred a number of close friends to Akane sensei and I will continue to do so. Highly recommended.
I wanted a teacher who would teach me the Japanese I wanted to learn and was focused on both polite and casual Japanese. I needed someone who I felt was patient enough to correct my mistakes and yet would elicit enough Japanese in our lessons.
I would highly recommend Akane sensei to anybody who wants to learn the language.
She's funny, enthusiastic, full of energy and very organized. I feel the Japanese I'm learning is very relevant to my job and lifestyle and I put a lot of the vocabulary, grammar etc into use in everyday life.
I have referred a number of close friends to Akane sensei and I will continue to do so. Highly recommended.
Louisa / England (Jan 2009 to Jul 2013)
I started learning Japanese with Akane almost a year ago. I have been in Japan 2 years and had had 2 other teachers before this. I had never got further than learning some very simple phrases and honestly getting so confused I had resigned myself to thinking that I would never be able to learn Japanese. Then I met Akane through a friend. Akane's passion and energy for teaching are contagious. I quickly regained my confidence that I could indeed learn this language. Akane doesn't follow a book, she makes her own as we go along. She designs handouts, vocabulary list and grammar, specific to what I want to learn to say, not what a book dictates that I learn. Her lessons are always fun. She has perfected her teaching skills and I feel that every lesson I come away having learnt, and best of all remembered something new. I highly recommend Akane to anyone who is looking to learn to actually speak and interact with people in Japanese.
Christina / England (Dec 2010 to Sep 2014)
I cannot recommend Akane's lessons highly enough.
We studied together for four years and with her guidance I went from no knowledge of the
language to conversational level.
I loved the fact that she would tailor lessons to whatever I needed and enjoyed.
I miss her lessons so much I have decided to continue lessons from overseas via Skype.
We studied together for four years and with her guidance I went from no knowledge of the
language to conversational level.
I loved the fact that she would tailor lessons to whatever I needed and enjoyed.
I miss her lessons so much I have decided to continue lessons from overseas via Skype.
Julia / England (Sep 2012 to Feb 2013)
Akane has been a brilliant teacher for me. Her lessons are always enjoyable and interesting.
Before taking lessons with Akane, I had lost my motivation and I didn't think I would ever be able to speak Japanese! Now I enjoy studying Japanese and I look forward to our lessons. Akane's teaching style is always motivating and the lessons move at a good pace so I am learning lots of new things every week.
She teaches me lots of natural phrases and she has shown me some great ways to remember words/grammar.
I would highly recommend Akane's lessons!
Before taking lessons with Akane, I had lost my motivation and I didn't think I would ever be able to speak Japanese! Now I enjoy studying Japanese and I look forward to our lessons. Akane's teaching style is always motivating and the lessons move at a good pace so I am learning lots of new things every week.
She teaches me lots of natural phrases and she has shown me some great ways to remember words/grammar.
I would highly recommend Akane's lessons!
Jake / America (Mar 2013 to Nov 2013)
When I first came to Tokyo, I had already studied abroad in Japan and was pretty confident in my Japanese skills. Needless to say, I met a rather shocking reality when I started my internship and my Japanese could barely keep up with all the high speed conversations and difficult vocabulary.
Fortunately, a friend introduced me to Akane and she brought me to a level of Japanese I didn't even know existed! After 5 months I passed the JLPT exam(N2) easily and my ability to converse in the workplace sky-rocketed! She is an excellent teacher and great at explaining things.
She is also very good at tailoring each program to the individual.
Throughout my time with her, we also got to be great friends and I have to say that many of my favorite memories in Japan are from hanging out with her and her friends in various parts of Tokyo and Yokohama.
I cannot wait to meet up with her again when I go back to Japan!
Fortunately, a friend introduced me to Akane and she brought me to a level of Japanese I didn't even know existed! After 5 months I passed the JLPT exam(N2) easily and my ability to converse in the workplace sky-rocketed! She is an excellent teacher and great at explaining things.
She is also very good at tailoring each program to the individual.
Throughout my time with her, we also got to be great friends and I have to say that many of my favorite memories in Japan are from hanging out with her and her friends in various parts of Tokyo and Yokohama.
I cannot wait to meet up with her again when I go back to Japan!
Jessica / America(Jan 2013 to now on Skype)
I can’t recommend Akane’s Skype lessons enough! I live on a small island in southern Japan, and there are no Japanese classes offered here. While looking for other options, I stumbled upon Akane’s website and began taking Skype lessons from her. What I like most is how versatile she is; she helped me prep for the JLPT(N4) (which I passed!), but I can also count on her to educate me on grammar points and vocab that may be widely used conversationally but not found in textbooks. She’s very friendly and patient, and I never feel embarrassed about asking questions or whether we can go over a previously covered topic again. Scheduling is never a problem as Akane is flexible, easy to get in touch with, and responds quickly. Additionally, I found out firsthand that I’ll always get my money’s worth, not only because Akane consistently provides quality lessons, but also because if something happens during the lesson (e.g. computer issues), she’ll allow me to make up the time.
I’ve been studying with Akane for a bit over a year now, and I look forward to continuing lessons with her for the rest of my time in Japan!
I’ve been studying with Akane for a bit over a year now, and I look forward to continuing lessons with her for the rest of my time in Japan!
John / New Zealand (Sep 2009 to Dec 2010)
Getting lessons from Akane was one of the best decisions I have made since being in Tokyo.
Learning a new language can be daunting, and being 33 with no language experience I was really finding Japanese difficult.
However, Akane makes learning fun and quickly works out how you like to learn,
and what will you get you results quickly.
I cannot recommend her highly enough!
Learning a new language can be daunting, and being 33 with no language experience I was really finding Japanese difficult.
However, Akane makes learning fun and quickly works out how you like to learn,
and what will you get you results quickly.
I cannot recommend her highly enough!
Luisa / Australia (May 2010 to Sep 2011)
I have studied with a number of different teachers over the past 2 years and Akane is by far the best!
Finally I have found a teacher who understands what I want to study and how I like to study and gives practical and useful lessons that I can take and use straight away. I like her easygoing and friendly personality which makes lessons comfortable and fun.
Once I started studying with Akane, I have found a new inspiration to study Japanese and feel that I am actually progressing in learning the language.
Finally I have found a teacher who understands what I want to study and how I like to study and gives practical and useful lessons that I can take and use straight away. I like her easygoing and friendly personality which makes lessons comfortable and fun.
Once I started studying with Akane, I have found a new inspiration to study Japanese and feel that I am actually progressing in learning the language.
Dennis / America (Apr 2008 to Sep 2009)
Akane has a teaching style that motivates her students to learn.
She is energetic, always positive, and customizes lessons to match her students ability and learning interests. Learning Japanese has helped me build stronger relationships with my employees.
I highly recommend Akane if you want to learn Japanese and have fun doing so.
Nihongo ressun wa Akane-sensei to omoshirokute tanoshii desu!
She is energetic, always positive, and customizes lessons to match her students ability and learning interests. Learning Japanese has helped me build stronger relationships with my employees.
I highly recommend Akane if you want to learn Japanese and have fun doing so.
Nihongo ressun wa Akane-sensei to omoshirokute tanoshii desu!
Jean-Francois / France (Apr 2006 to May 2008)
Learning Japanese while working is a tough exercise, but it becomes very simple and fun with Akane.
She kept on pushing you in a positive way, even when one has not time to do any homework.
I found her style very refreshing and motivating.
A real difference for anyone who can not stand anymore the old-fashioned teaching styles!
She also gave me a very good insight into the Japanese culture.
She kept on pushing you in a positive way, even when one has not time to do any homework.
I found her style very refreshing and motivating.
A real difference for anyone who can not stand anymore the old-fashioned teaching styles!
She also gave me a very good insight into the Japanese culture.
Chuck / America (Apr 2010 to Apr 2011)
I am very lucky to have found Akane and take her lessons. She helps me with exactly what I asked for, which is improving vocabulary and listening skills. Our lessons are fun, informal, and very useful. We have generally have free conversation and she frequently uses words I don't know, at which point she explains, writes down, and gives to me at the end of every lesson. Our conversation is in plain/casual form, which is important because as students often learn, formal textbook Japanese is very different from the way people really speak. I feel like I am learning something I can use with friends.
In addition to teaching useful vocabulary, she contributes and explains a lot in conversation, which is great for listening skills. Akane is very "genki", and always brings energy and fun to the lesson. She brings study materials and exercises to use in the lesson as well. Akane is also flexible with the meeting time and place.
I would recommend Japanese students of any level to study with Akane.
In addition to teaching useful vocabulary, she contributes and explains a lot in conversation, which is great for listening skills. Akane is very "genki", and always brings energy and fun to the lesson. She brings study materials and exercises to use in the lesson as well. Akane is also flexible with the meeting time and place.
I would recommend Japanese students of any level to study with Akane.
Jamie / America (Sep 2008 to Mar 2011)
I would highly recommend Akane if you want to quickly improve your Japanese. When I started as a beginner, Akane quickly metered my level and designed our lessons appropriately to that level. She came prepared with appropriate material such as vocabulary and grammer worksheets to help me strengthen my understanding of past tense verbs and adjectives. Now that my Japanese is advancing she teaches me Japanese idioms and gives other important cultural advice. I strongly believe that Akane's flexibility makes her an incredible teacher and friend. Her understanding of my learning needs makes every lesson one where my speaking ability is challenged and refined. I can gain useful vocabulary and the appropriate grammar for everyday use through Akane's great conversation based lessons. What I love most about Akane's teaching method is that Akane will quickly show me the correct Japanese expression or correct my grammar if I make a mistake. This increases my confidence during everyday interactions to know that I'm communicating without making mistakes. Overall I can not recommend Akane enough. Her positive attitude and encouragement makes what was once a daunting task become fun and feasible! Thanks Akane!
Chrys / Australia (Jan 2009 to Dec 2009)
I heard about Akane through a work colleague recommendation.
I had the fortune to study with Akane for just under 12months.
Every lesson was a delight. Every thing was explained to me and it was done at a pace that suited me.
Akane has the patience of a saint and makes the lessons extremely enjoyable.
The hour would always fly by. I actually felt I was learning something.
I would happily recommend Akane to anyone for all your Japanese language needs.
I had the fortune to study with Akane for just under 12months.
Every lesson was a delight. Every thing was explained to me and it was done at a pace that suited me.
Akane has the patience of a saint and makes the lessons extremely enjoyable.
The hour would always fly by. I actually felt I was learning something.
I would happily recommend Akane to anyone for all your Japanese language needs.
Tracey and Alice / England (Apr 2010 to Dec 2011)
Akane has been a great teacher to myself and my daughter, I thought I had reached a level of Japanese that I would be staying at forever, but Akane has given me new and interesting ways to read and study Japanese always bringing a text of something I would be interested in, movies or cooking recipes, I am once again ready to improve my Japanese and also to study Kanji. My daughter enjoys Akane's lesson so much, she likes the easy way Akane plays and interacts with her and the time just flies by.
I would recommend Akane sensei to anyone who is needed inspiration to learn Japanese.
She is very easy to get along with, always on time and ready to help. Thank you Akane san
Tracey and Alice.
I would recommend Akane sensei to anyone who is needed inspiration to learn Japanese.
She is very easy to get along with, always on time and ready to help. Thank you Akane san
Tracey and Alice.
Rose / Canada (Apr 2010 to Dec 2010)
Akane is a great teacher.
As a beginner with no background in Japanese, I'm learning everything from the basics. Akane answers all of my questions about basic survival Japanese so I can function here today, and she is also helping me develop my foundation of Japanese grammar. She is very aware what I need to know now, and what can wait. We do a lot of review, and in our warm-up, Akane always uses the language and structures she's previously taught me, which is so helpful. I really appreciate that she remembers all of our past lessons! She also uses really funny tricks to help me remember difficult vocabulary.
She is truly a warm person and I honestly feel like she cares about helping me improve.
I highly recommend Akane - she rocks!
As a beginner with no background in Japanese, I'm learning everything from the basics. Akane answers all of my questions about basic survival Japanese so I can function here today, and she is also helping me develop my foundation of Japanese grammar. She is very aware what I need to know now, and what can wait. We do a lot of review, and in our warm-up, Akane always uses the language and structures she's previously taught me, which is so helpful. I really appreciate that she remembers all of our past lessons! She also uses really funny tricks to help me remember difficult vocabulary.
She is truly a warm person and I honestly feel like she cares about helping me improve.
I highly recommend Akane - she rocks!
Diane / France (May 2009 to May 2010)
I have been studying with Akane for the past 6 months and it is exactly what I was looking for.
Beyond her really good teaching skills,
she is offering tailored-to-your-needs lessons and providing with the essential vocabulary
and help for every situation you encounter in the Japanese daily life.
Learning useful practical language at your rhythm and having fun at the same time,
is the best you can expect from a lesson.
And Akane is the best teacher I know!
Beyond her really good teaching skills,
she is offering tailored-to-your-needs lessons and providing with the essential vocabulary
and help for every situation you encounter in the Japanese daily life.
Learning useful practical language at your rhythm and having fun at the same time,
is the best you can expect from a lesson.
And Akane is the best teacher I know!
Isabel.M / England (Oct 2007 to Jun 2011)
I have now been taught by Akane for nearly 3 years and not once have I ever been bored.
I had a horrible teacher before her who had me on writing before I know how to say "dog".
But Akane pushes me gently and let me learn at my own pace.
With her gentle guidance I knew all the Hiragana writing 6 months.
I can not express how much I recommend this wonderful teacher to everyone who wishes to learn Japanese in a quick and easy way.
It often feels more like a conversation than a lesson.
I had a horrible teacher before her who had me on writing before I know how to say "dog".
But Akane pushes me gently and let me learn at my own pace.
With her gentle guidance I knew all the Hiragana writing 6 months.
I can not express how much I recommend this wonderful teacher to everyone who wishes to learn Japanese in a quick and easy way.
It often feels more like a conversation than a lesson.
Isabel.W / England (Jan 2008 to Jun 2011)
I have a lesson with my friend Isabel. In 15 lessons, we had learnt Hiragana and Katakana.
Akane is always fun to work with as she is in a good mood everyday.
I know lots of Japanese I never imagined learning. Akane always asks you what you want to do
and if her ideas are good. I never thought I would be as good as I am at Japanese.
Thanks to Akane I am now one of the best non-Japanese person in our year.
I have only learnt with Akane for 2 years but I never want to stop.
I look forward to Japanese every Monday and never not want to come.
She teaches in a very easy way.
I deeply recommend her to you. She is wonderful.
Akane is always fun to work with as she is in a good mood everyday.
I know lots of Japanese I never imagined learning. Akane always asks you what you want to do
and if her ideas are good. I never thought I would be as good as I am at Japanese.
Thanks to Akane I am now one of the best non-Japanese person in our year.
I have only learnt with Akane for 2 years but I never want to stop.
I look forward to Japanese every Monday and never not want to come.
She teaches in a very easy way.
I deeply recommend her to you. She is wonderful.
Becky / England (Nov 2008 to June 2009)
Akane has taught both my children and me and I highly recommend her for kids and adults alike.
She quickly realised what was required for very different interests, abilities and attention spans including
conversation, worksheets and games where appropriate.
Akane is enthusiastic, flexible (she accompanied me to the supermarket for one lesson!)
and the cultural exchange during lessons always added an extra dimension to our sessions.
If you can find a space in her schedule take it!
She quickly realised what was required for very different interests, abilities and attention spans including
conversation, worksheets and games where appropriate.
Akane is enthusiastic, flexible (she accompanied me to the supermarket for one lesson!)
and the cultural exchange during lessons always added an extra dimension to our sessions.
If you can find a space in her schedule take it!
Krishna / England (Feb 2008 to Aug 2009)
Akane brings a unique style to teaching what is usually considered a difficult language to learn.
Her structured and friendly approach to teaching Nihongo by blending in practical, real-life situations helped me build confidence rapidly and
I started having conversation with my Japanese colleagues and friends.
Her structured and friendly approach to teaching Nihongo by blending in practical, real-life situations helped me build confidence rapidly and
I started having conversation with my Japanese colleagues and friends.
Guido / Germany (June 2007 to June 2009)
Akane is a great teacher!
She is always well prepared for each individual student
which allows to adjust the level and speed of learning to the student needs and interests.
She drilled and motivated me for the JLPT exam(N3) in just a few months so I passed it with a good result.
Having lessons with her is both very instructive and lots of fun.
I can fully recommend Akane as a Japanese teacher,
both for learning every-day Japanese and business related conversation.
She is always well prepared for each individual student
which allows to adjust the level and speed of learning to the student needs and interests.
She drilled and motivated me for the JLPT exam(N3) in just a few months so I passed it with a good result.
Having lessons with her is both very instructive and lots of fun.
I can fully recommend Akane as a Japanese teacher,
both for learning every-day Japanese and business related conversation.
Jessie / HongKong (Feb 2007 to Aug 2008)
Akane makes her lesson very fun and interesting and I like her teaching style a lot.
She made her own notes and she spent a lot of effort preparing for our lessons each time.
She invented innovative ways for me to remember difficult grammars.
And I also thank her a lot for the times that she is willing to spend her own personal time to give me extra lessons so I could pass my JLPT exam(N3).
I enjoyed every lesson with Akane and we have become good friends in the 2 years that I lived in Japan!
She made her own notes and she spent a lot of effort preparing for our lessons each time.
She invented innovative ways for me to remember difficult grammars.
And I also thank her a lot for the times that she is willing to spend her own personal time to give me extra lessons so I could pass my JLPT exam(N3).
I enjoyed every lesson with Akane and we have become good friends in the 2 years that I lived in Japan!
Christine / France (Apr 2006 to June 2008)
Akane taught me Japanese at home, sometimes with the kids around.
But she is so easy-going and always in excellent mood, that nothing a problem with her.
After a few months, some people may lose motivation, but with Akane, I never even considered giving up.
Every week I was looking forward to my lesson.
Akane made it easy to learn Japanese and she prepared me so well for JLPT(N4) that I scored over 80%!
But she is so easy-going and always in excellent mood, that nothing a problem with her.
After a few months, some people may lose motivation, but with Akane, I never even considered giving up.
Every week I was looking forward to my lesson.
Akane made it easy to learn Japanese and she prepared me so well for JLPT(N4) that I scored over 80%!
Gaya / England (Feb 2008 to Jun 2009, Sep 2009 to now on Skype)
I enjoy my lessons on Skype and look forward to every lessons with Akane-san.
The lesson is customized and is broken down into simple parts
which is then easier to understand.
A tough language makes easily!
The lesson is customized and is broken down into simple parts
which is then easier to understand.
A tough language makes easily!
