Japanese tutor with 12 years of teaching experience for all levels - both online and in-person lessons in London available

Find out more about Tomoko

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

  Japanese is my native language; I was born and raised in Japan.

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

  Many of you are familiar with the language from Japanese films, anime, drama series, and even novels and mangas. It is astonishing to think that the language and the culture have spread around the world through these media. While it is hard to answer this question, I would say the Studio Ghibli film characters are the emblematic representative of the language's culture.

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

  "Itadakimasu" (to humbly receive) and "Gochiso-sama deshita" (thank you for the feast) are phrases I particularly appreciate. These sayings are often translated as "bon appétit" and "thank you for the meal," but there's more to them. It is quite common to say these words even when eating alone, expressing gratitude for the food, the people involved in its making, and the lives it represents. Japanese food is what I miss the most when living abroad, and whenever I cook Japanese meals, I can't help but say these phrases-it makes the dish taste better, I feel ;)

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking this language matters to me because it's my native language, but aside from that, it matters to me as there are so many beautiful expressions rooted in appreciating the ever-changing seasons of Japan. Many adjectives or expressions reflect seasonal changes. Also, many onomatopoeias are fun to learn.

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

  The main difficulty in learning Japanese is its grammar, which is quite different from Anglo-Saxon and Latin-originated languages. It requires the brain not to think or try to translate into these languages, but to approach it as a whole new concept. Despite this, I try my best to decompose the grammar and explain it in a way that is easier to understand and digest for learners.

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

  Not really an anecdote, but I wanted to share how confusing the Japanified English word can be. I often saw "samuneiru" on the computer when sorting out files-can you guess what this is? It is a katakana version of "thumbnail," like the way you display your files! Somehow, it didn't click until quite recently, and it was a great "aha" moment!

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I have been teaching Japanese for over a decade now to people with varied levels, from complete beginners to N1 holders. I have developed knowledge of the points that learners struggle with and things to be mindful of. As a language learner of other foreign languages myself, I understand what good teaching entails. I try my best to encourage people to speak and use the language during my classes, aiming for them to feel after each lesson that they have improved their skills a little bit each time!