My name is Izak Kertznus and I have been tutoring students in the Japanese language for three years. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies (Japanese Studies) from Florida International University and I am currently working on two certificate programs in Japanese Translation (University of Toronto and Temple University: Japan Campus). I have studied abroad at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan and was a student at the school of Japanese at Middlebury College. Additionally, I will be attending the Inter-University Center for Japanese Studies in Yokohama, Japan starting in September, 2022. I know how difficult it is to learn Japanese from the perspective of a non-kanji-based language native speaker. I have experienced the difficulties that you are facing, and I am confident that I can help you (1) express yourself respectfully and confidently; (2) stray away from unwanted study habits; (3) dissolve and conquer any and all challenges you may experience in the learning process; (4) succeed in your language goals; (5) learn in a productive and safe learning environment! Everyone learns in a different way, and I believe that it is the purpose of a tutor to help students in the way that works best for them. Discussions and making plenty of examples is pivotal in learning Japanese. I am also a big fan of making flashcards. Repetition, discussion, curiosity, and persistence are the major keys to learning Japanese! Most of my academic research in the Japanese language has been on Japanese pitch-accent and pronunciation. My goal is to get a PhD in the field of Japanese studies (focusing mainly on linguistics; translation and localization). I look forward to helping you achieve your best Japanese language skills soon! - Thank you very much. - Izak Kertznus