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Award-Winning Japanese Tutors

Ben

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Ben

CTF
Ben's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Algebra
Elementary School Math
High School Biology

I have an undergraduate degree from Brown University where I double majored in International Relations and History of Art and Architecture. I also have a certification in teaching English as a foreign language. My favorite subjects to tutor are Russian, Japanese, and English, but I also am available...

Education

Brown University

CTF

Maika

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Maika

Bachelor
Maika's other Tutor Subjects
Japanese

Studying linguistics at Carleton College gave Maika a deep understanding of how Japanese grammar actually works — why particles like は and が behave differently, how verb conjugation patterns connect, and what makes keigo (polite language) so structurally distinct. She has tutored Japanese at both el...

Education

Carleton College

Bachelor

Xingyuan

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Xingyuan

Master's/Graduate
Xingyuan's other Tutor Subjects
Japanese
Conversational Mandarin

As a dedicated language tutor with several years of experience, I bring both expertise and enthusiasm to every lesson. I specialize in Chinese, Japanese, and basic Arabic, and I have had the privilege of guiding students of diverse ages and backgrounds through their language-learning journeys.

Education

University of Chicago

Master's/Graduate

Lucy Je

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Lucy Je

MS
Lucy's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Algebra

Fifteen years of teaching Japanese means Lucy Je has walked countless students through the progression from hiragana and katakana to kanji recognition, verb conjugation groups, and particle usage. She holds a degree in Japanese and approaches the language structurally — breaking down sentence patter...

Education

University of Padova

MS

Pukyung National University

MS

Noel

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Noel

Bachelor's
Noel's other Tutor Subjects
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
Florida EOC Assessment
ACT Math
ACT Science

From an early age, I have been fascinated by the power of learning and the joy of teaching. Growing up, I spent countless hours helping my classmates with their schoolwork, finding immense satisfaction in witnessing their understanding grow and their confidence soar. This passion for education led m...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Wataru

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Wataru

BS
Wataru's other Tutor Subjects
Japanese

Hi! It's Wataru. I am originally from Japan and have been living in New York since 2000. I had a career as an industrial newspaper pressman/editor in Tokyo so that I know newspaper level strict grammar and manner of business speech. I watch anime and I can talk about Japanese subculture with you if ...

Education

Tokyo University of Science

BS

Caitlin

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Caitlin

Current Undergrad Student, Asian Studies
Caitlin's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra

As an Asian Studies major at Duke, Caitlin engages with Japanese language in an academic context that goes beyond textbook dialogues — she understands how kanji, hiragana, and katakana each function within the writing system and why particles like は and が trip up English speakers. She walks through ...

Education

Duke University

Current Undergrad Student, Asian Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1400
ACT
32
Brian

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Brian

PHD, Technology & Information Mgmt (Indef. deferred)
Brian's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
Finite Mathematics

Brian prepared for and took the SAT Subject Test in Japanese with Listening, which means he's worked through the grammar structures, kanji recognition, and listening comprehension challenges that define intermediate Japanese study. He approaches language learning with the same systematic thinking he...

Education

University of California-Santa Cruz

PHD, Technology & Information Mgmt (Indef. deferred)

California Institute of Technology

Bachelors in Economics and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1580
John

Certified Tutor

John

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drama
John's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

A drama degree might not scream Japanese fluency, but John's literary work — he's a section editor for the Los Angeles Review of Books and literary manager for two theater companies — means he's deeply attuned to how language shapes meaning, tone, and register. That sensitivity to nuance transfers d...

Education

Carnegie Mellon University

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drama

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Katharine

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Katharine

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Katharine's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus

Learning Japanese means juggling three writing systems, unfamiliar grammar structures, and a set of politeness registers that don't exist in English. Katharine brings a methodical, pattern-oriented mindset to breaking down concepts like particle usage, verb conjugation groups, and kanji radicals so ...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1540

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Dylan

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +51 Subjects

I am a freshman Computer Science major enrolled in the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. I have a passion for teaching students, and I am experienced with having to give one-on-one guidance in teaching many concepts. Tutoring is very rewarding for me because I am driven to help others and give whatever knowledge I have gained over the years in every field. I also have experience dealing with situations in which students are not quickly or readily grasping concepts, and I have developed the patience to handle these situations. Teaching is just as rewarding for the student as it is for me, because I am thrilled when I see others achieve, and I would love to be part of the process. In addition to high school AP courses and test prep, I have taken college level multivariable calculus, linear algebra, physics electricity/magnetism and mechanics, computer programming (c++, matlab, LISP/Scheme), Dynamics of Systems, and Mechanics of Systems.

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Sarah

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am currently a high school teacher with four-years experience teaching Regents bearing Biology (Living Environment), Chemistry, Ecology, and Earth Science. I completed my undergraduate work at Brandeis University and received a B.S. in Biology, and B.A. in International & Global Studies. I conducted my graduate studies at Fordham University and received an M.S. in Secondary Science Education. I am currently certified in New York State for Biology 7 - 12 and am pursuing a secondary certification in SPED 7 - 12. Hobbies: running, reading, cooking, music, writing, singing, art, books

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Sophie

Calculus Tutor • +22 Subjects

I am a Princeton University graduate ('19) where I majored in East Asian Studies. My academic interests center around language learning Chinese, Japanese, and Korean as well as history, anthropology, and media studies. I have worked as a college advisor for high school students in the United States and have also taught English in Japan to students of all ages. Beyond these academic interests, I enjoy playing cello and guitar, cooking, reading, and drinking all kinds of tea. I'm excited to know my students and look forward to working together with them!

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Wahala

AP Statistics Tutor • +39 Subjects

I am currently pursuing a Bachelors degree at Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology and Japanese. I tutor multiple subjects, but I enjoy tutoring Algebra and Japanese the most. I believe that everybody should be able to get the education that they deserve and the attention and help in order for them to achieve that. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing the Guitar, Photography, and playing Badminton.

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Hidefusa

AP Statistics Tutor • +42 Subjects

I am eager to help learners of any age and educational background thrive through providing careful listening, guidance, and feedback. I enjoy teaching a variety of subjects ranging from statistics to psychology to the Japanese language. I was born in New York, NY, and grew up in northern New Jersey attending the local public school system and the Japanese Weekend School of New Jersey. After completing two high school diplomas, I pursued a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology at New York University and worked in New York, NY for six years in private industry. I returned to higher education, moving to Boston where I conducted research, taught, and studied Clinical Psychology. After completing a Master of Liberal Arts in Clinical Psychology at Harvard University, I moved to Salt Lake City, UT to pursue a PhD in Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology). I am proficient in SPSS, Stata, APA formatting, and research methods for the behavioral sciences. I have limited exposure and experience with R and MATLAB. Hobbies: art, books, traveling, music, photography, travel, reading, writing

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Karen

ESL/ELL Tutor • +8 Subjects

Hello! My name is Karen, and I am a Japanese, Spanish, English, and ESL tutor. I have lived and worked locally and abroad, serving both in classroom and translator roles. After receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Washington, I worked for the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program in Fukushima, Japan. Here, I taught English to elementary and junior high students. After this, I spent time working in the Richland and Pasco School Districts as a Japanese coach and substitute teacher. I also spent time with the Columbia Basin College ESL Program, where I was a volunteer ESL tutor. In addition to these classroom roles, I spent time acting as an interpreter for Spanish, Japanese and English lectures on various topics and interpreted for local guides on tours aboard 800-passenger cruise ship run by international non-profit organization on a global peace voyage. I love sharing my passion for teaching, languages, and communication with others, and I look forward to working with you!

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Mary

Elementary School Math Tutor • +15 Subjects

I currently work for an afterschool enrichment program (Best Brains) tutoring elementary English and math, and I have 4+ years of experience as a private ESL tutor for both children and adults. I am working toward my Masters of Science in Secondary English Education and ESL at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative World Literature and Japanese, and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master of Arts in Japanese Language and Literature. I began tutoring while I was in high school, assisting with algebra homework. In college, I volunteered as a kindergarten reading assistant through a program called Start Making a Reader Today. I later volunteered while in graduate school at a local high school tutoring students in beginner Japanese. I have also been employed by the University of Wisconsin as a Teaching Assistant, and taught in Religious Studies and East Asian Studies. In all cases, it has been a pleasure watching students progress in their academics and to see them grow as young scholars. I especially enjoy teaching language arts because of the feeling of connection that language can bring. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the smiling face of someone the moment that they finally "get" something they've been struggling with and watching their confidence boost. In my free time, I host a small book club, pen pal with friends around the world, and try my hand at new recipes.

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Sonya

Japanese Tutor

I am an undergraduate student at University of Alberta. Japanese is my native language and I have been using English for the past 15 years, so I am fluent in both the languages. I have experience in volunteering at a bilingual preschool, as well as working as a professional interpreter.

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James

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +55 Subjects

I am a graduate of SUNY University at Albany. I received my Bachelor of Science in Economics and Japanese with a minor in History in 2010. Since then (and even before as a sub) I have predominantly been teaching in the New York City public education system. I had worked as a substitute teaching assistant since 2008, moving between dozens of NYC public schools before finally settling in late 2011 at M.S. 216 George J. Ryan--an incredibly diverse middle school in Queens. During my tenure in the school system I have spent time teaching students from Pre-K to 12th grade, from all cultural background and socioeconomic statuses. Regardless of whom I have taught, I have always enjoyed it, partly because I often learn as much from my students as they learn from me. Regardless of the subject, I love teaching, and I find it to be one of the most rewarding and meaningful activities, which cliched as it may sound, really can make a difference in people's lives. Besides teaching, I am also keenly interested in the human body, specifically biomechanics, kinesiology, and rehabilitation through movement. I am currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Washington University in St. Louis, which I should finish in 2018. Hobbies: art, books, sports, reading, music, writing

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Jacob

Calculus Tutor • +26 Subjects

I'm New York City born and raised. I graduated from the University of Chicago last year with a degree in East Asian Languages and Civilizations. I am developing my own teaching methods to evolve traditional East Asian and French language acquisition, and to do this I need even more experience. My course of study has been directed at learning as much as I can about the culture, economy, and history of East Asia, China and Japan in particular. I view myself as someone who is entrepreneurial, collegial, individually motivated to produce high quality work, as well as foster a love of the subject which I teach. I am compassionate and enjoy working with both children and adults. I believe I have something to learn from everyone I meet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learning kanji is one of the biggest challenges for Japanese students—there are thousands of characters to master, each with multiple readings and meanings. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like learning kanji by radical (the building blocks of characters), grouping characters by similar meanings, and using spaced repetition to lock them into memory. Rather than memorizing in isolation, tutors help you see patterns and connect kanji to vocabulary and real texts, making the learning stick faster than studying alone.

Japanese verbs conjugate based on tense, formality level, and whether they're positive or negative—and there are irregular verbs that break the rules entirely. This creates a system that feels overwhelming at first. A tutor breaks conjugation into logical patterns, shows you why certain forms exist (like the difference between casual and polite forms), and gives you targeted practice with verbs you actually use in conversation. With 1-on-1 instruction, you can ask questions immediately when something doesn't make sense, rather than getting stuck on confusing textbook explanations.

In a typical classroom, students get limited speaking time—maybe a few minutes per class. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, you're speaking for most of the session, which means you build confidence and fluency much faster. A tutor can also tailor conversations to your interests and level, correct your pronunciation and grammar in real-time, and adjust the pace so you're challenged but not overwhelmed. This consistent speaking practice is essential for developing natural rhythm and accent in Japanese, which rarely happens in group settings.

Japanese native speakers speak quickly, drop particles, use casual contractions, and have regional accents—all of which make it much harder than textbook audio. Additionally, understanding context and politeness levels affects comprehension in ways that don't exist in English. A tutor exposes you to natural speech patterns, explains cultural context that affects meaning, and can slow down or repeat phrases as needed. They can also train your ear to recognize common listening patterns and help you develop strategies for understanding even when you don't catch every word.

Textbooks often teach grammar rules in isolation, but native speakers don't always follow textbook patterns—they use shortcuts, drop particles, and adapt based on context. A tutor teaches you the rules as a foundation, then shows you how real Japanese actually works through examples, conversation, and exposure to native content. This helps you understand when it's appropriate to use casual versus formal language, when particles can be omitted, and how to sound natural rather than robotic. You learn not just what's grammatically correct, but what native speakers actually say.

Japanese language is deeply tied to culture—politeness levels, honorifics, seasonal references, and indirect communication styles all carry cultural meaning that affects how you understand and speak the language. A tutor helps you grasp why certain phrases are used in specific situations, how to show respect appropriately, and what cultural references are embedded in everyday conversation. This context makes learning feel more connected and helps you communicate authentically rather than just translating words. Understanding culture also helps you remember vocabulary and grammar because it's tied to real, meaningful situations.

Japanese reading progresses through distinct stages: hiragana and katakana basics, simple kanji and grammar, newspaper and novel-level texts, and specialized materials. A tutor assesses your current level and creates a progression path tailored to your goals—whether you're aiming to read manga, news, literature, or business documents. They can introduce new kanji and grammar in context through actual texts you want to read, rather than isolated exercises, which makes learning more motivating and practical. This targeted approach helps you reach reading fluency much faster than working through generic textbooks.

Look for tutors who are either native Japanese speakers or have near-native fluency, ideally with formal teaching experience or certification. They should understand the specific challenges English speakers face (since your native language shapes how you learn), be able to explain grammar clearly, and have exposure to modern conversational Japanese—not just textbook language. A good tutor also understands different proficiency levels (from complete beginner through advanced), can teach all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), and ideally has experience with Japanese cultural context. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who meet these standards and can work at your level and pace.

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