Konnichi wa

About your tutor!

Qualified and experienced

I have been studying Japanese language and culture for 40 years. I lived in Japan for extended periods twice; from 1986 – 2000 and again from 2024 - 2025.

I have been teaching Japanese since 2004, initially with York City Council adult education and Leeds University, then for 18 years at York St John University until 2024.

My first degree is in English Language and Linguistics, my MA is in Translation Studies (Japanese to English) and I passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate (level 1) in 1996.

My passions are Japanese cuisine (home cooking), sumo wrestling (watching not doing) and taiko drumming (both watching and doing).

My teaching approach is primarily communicative so I try to get people speaking immediately. For me, communication is more important than accuracy so embrace your mistakes – they are part of the process of learning!