Experienced Japanese Tutor for Children and Beginners

Maiko L.

Hello! My name is Maiko, and I’m a native Japanese speaker originally from Nagoya, Japan. I came to the United States for college and had the incredible opportunity to work at Walt Disney World's EPCOT Center as a cultural ambassador at the Japan Pavilion. After completing my internship and graduating from college, I returned to Japan, where I spent over six years teaching English to children ages 2–14 at Seiha English Academy. My teaching took place in a classroom setting, where I led lessons for small groups and created fun, engaging activities to support language development. I’ve worked with both beginners and more advanced learners, and I’ve always enjoyed helping students build confidence through interactive and personalized instruction.

Having studied in the U.S. and taught English in Japan, I understand the challenges and excitement of learning a new language from both a student’s and teacher’s perspective. This helps me connect well with both children and adult learners who may be nervous or shy about speaking. I bring a lively, engaging approach to teaching, combining language instruction with fun activities, cultural insights, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're learning Japanese for the first time, brushing up on speaking skills, or seeking support for your child, I tailor lessons to meet each student's needs and pace. Lessons can be online or in-person during the daytime (Monday–Thursday). I love creating a positive, relaxed environment that helps students feel comfortable and motivated to learn. I now live in Washington state and I’m excited to share the beauty and joy of the Japanese language and culture with learners of all ages. I look forward to helping you on your language journey!