Yumi

I was born and raised in Kyoto and now live in London. I’m a friendly, patient and enthusiastic tutor who loves sharing Japanese language and culture. I’m fully bilingual in Japanese and English.
I hold an MSc in International Business Management (Distinction) from a UK university and have worked across Japan, the UK and the US. My interest in languages began early: I majored in English at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, gaining Japan’s Upper & Lower Secondary Teacher’s First-Class Certificate in English, and spent a year in Australia as an exchange student. Later, I worked at Walt Disney World (USA), using English daily with guests from around the world. These experiences shaped my practical, people-centred approach to teaching.

Today I help learners move beyond passive understanding to confident, real-life use of Japanese, with cultural context and etiquette explained clearly. I especially support beginners and conversation-focused learners, travellers/working-holiday makers.

Tutoring Experience

• Tutoring experience with beginners, conversation practice and travel Japanese; lessons delivered online.
• Volunteer experience teaching English to Japanese students, and cultural guiding for overseas visitors (Tokyo Free Guide), developing clear, simple explanations and cross-cultural communication.
• Daily cross-cultural communication in hospitality/retail roles (including Walt Disney World and luxury jewellery), which I draw on for polite language and customer-service Japanese.
• Formal teacher training: Upper & Lower Secondary School Teacher’s First-Class Certificate (Foreign Languages: English, Japan) — training in lesson design and teaching methods that I apply to Japanese tutoring.

Tutoring Approach

Every lesson is tailored to your goals and level. In our first session we will:
1. discuss your aims and current level,
2. try a short mini-lesson, and
3. agree a personal study plan and materials.
My style is clear, encouraging and practical: bite-size grammar, lots of speaking time, immediate real-life practice (directions, shopping, bookings), and optional homework with feedback. For work needs, we focus on polite forms, email style, self-introductions and meeting phrases. I’m happy to incorporate your interests (travel, pop culture, business topics) so learning stays enjoyable and relevant.