Tutors for Japanese

Parent Q&A

Select any title to view the full question and replies. [View all]

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Japanese tutor or lessons for high schoolers?

Feb 2013

My son, a sophomore at BHS, has expressed an interest in learning Japanese. I don't know how serious he is, but I'd like to present him with some options and encouragement. Any recommendations for courses or (more likely) tutors? We'd be interested in something more fun than academic (that can come later if he really gets interested), and someone who has some language teaching experience would be favored over a fluent speaker who hasn't tried teaching. Any experience with the church in El Cerrito that offers Japanese classes? (I'm pretty wary of the evangelizing aspect, but can imagine it being tolerable?) Thanks. Mom of would-be Japanese speaker


For a summertime option, UCB's ATDP (Academic Talent Development Program) offers Japanese classes (six weeks, three times a week for 3.5 hours a class). http://atdp.berkeley.edu/about/sd/catalog/language/#course-id-7887 Brenda


I can highly recommend Emiko Iwasara Larson, who gives private lessons from her apartment in El Cerrito (near the Plaza). She tutored my daughter, when she expressed interest in learning Japanese independently, and then again a few years later. She is highly organized, a thoughtful teacher, and very nice. eiwasawa7@hotmail.com (510) 528-5145 =Natasha


I can highly recommend my daughter's Japanese tutor, Junko Kenmotsu. She teaches at the San Francisco Japanese School and lives in Berkeley. Junko has been working with my daughter for about two months now. She is extremely professional and talented tutor. My daughter is so motivated to learn because of her teaching style and teaching aids. Junko was born in Japan, so she is a native speaker. She raised her two daughters here in California, so she also understands my daughter's learning style and expectations. Here is her email: junekudo (at) gmail.com Ruth


My son took Japanese at Laney College when he was in high school and had a very good teacher. Check it out.


2004 - 2007 Recommendations


Japanese tutor for 4.5 and 6.5 year olds

March 2007

I am looking for a Japanese tutor for my children, ages 4.5 and 6.5, for a one hour lesson once a week in the late afternoon, preferably on Monday or Tuesday. They have been studying Japanese for 2 years, and use it on occasion at home. I am hoping to find a native Japanese speaker with experience teaching small children. Please email me directly. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Erika


I can't address tutors specifically, but the East Bay Christian Japanese Language School (EBCJLS) offers Japanese language instruction and Japanese cultural activities for children on Saturdays from 9:30am until noon. Tuition is very reasonable and non-Christian families are welcome. For further information, you can contact EBCJLS coordinator Nobuko Satake (senseiwebsite[at]yahoo.com ) or access the EBCJLS website: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/eastbayjschool/
Anne


April 2006

Someone asked about a Japanese teacher for their teen earlier. I would like to recommend our Japanese tutor. Her name is Miyako Tsujimoto. She comes to our home and tutors our two teens in Japanese. She is really wonderful. She has a lot of patience and makes learning for the kids fun mixing in games with her teaching. They are learning conversation as well as how to read and write Japanese. She is very flexible and can work well with different levels, as both of my children have varying levels of competency with the language. I highly recommend her. Her phone number is 510-595-3293. Sharon


March 2004

My 8 year old is interested in learning Japanese (!) I'd like to find a tutor who has fun around children and has some idea of how to approach language learning. I can set up a group of 2 or 3 girls who will be together for the class. I'm open to any alternative, but would need someone who could come to the Albany/El Cerrito area. Please call or email. 510-527-2268 Gladys


The Albany Kumon offers Japanese. http://www.berkeleykumon.com/


2003 & Earlier


June 2003

Hello, I was looking for a Japanese tutor for two children in Oakland. I checked on the website and there wasn't anything. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for a good Japanese tutor? Sharon

Recommendations received: