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Learning Japanese isn’t just about grammar and kanji—it’s about independence, belonging and connection. For international residents, that might mean being able to order at a restaurant without help, pursue a career outside of English teaching or finally feel at ease making Japanese friends. For learners abroad, it’s a way to get closer to the culture you love. With Omusubi Japanese, you’ll build the confidence to speak naturally through private one-on-one lessons that focus on building confidence through conversation.
Inspired by a Journey Abroad
Naomi Ebizuka, the teacher behind Omusubi Japanese, first discovered her passion after meeting self-taught learners while traveling alone in New Zealand. When she returned to Japan, she learned about the Japanese teacher certification program and decided to pursue it.
What keeps her motivated is watching students transform. “When someone who couldn’t speak at all gradually starts to communicate, it makes me happy too,” she says. “I also enjoy thinking about how I can help them improve more, whether through my teaching methods or by creating materials that really work for them.” Her teaching philosophy is simple: create a fun, encouraging space where mistakes are part of the process and progress feels natural.
A Lesson Style Built Around You
Classes are rooted in the trusted textbook Minna no Nihongo, but the approach goes far beyond the page. Classes include real-life conversation practice, custom examples drawn from TV or magazines and plenty of opportunities for students to speak. Feedback is built into every session, and the pace is always adjusted to match the learner’s needs.
After each session, she asks for feedback and encourages students to raise questions based on situations they might encounter in their daily lives.
Progress at Your Own Pace
Because the lessons are private, everything moves at the learner’s pace. “These are one-on-one lessons, so if something isn’t clear, I’ll keep working with the student until they understand. Even if it’s slow, I’ll listen until they finish speaking,” she says. For complete beginners, the focus is on speaking and understanding everyday Japanese. As levels rise, students can also work on reading, writing and even preparation for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Pricing & Options
¥2,500 per lesson (55 minutes)
¥26,000 for an 11-lesson ticket
Lessons are available online with no regional restrictions, or in person within areas the teacher can travel to (mainly around Machida, Hachioji, Tama, Hino, Chofu and Sagamihara).
A Message to Learners Who Feel Nervous
Many people hesitate to start Japanese, worried that it will be too difficult. To them, she offers reassurance drawn from her own experience learning English. “When I spoke English, people told me, ‘Don’t worry about mistakes,’ and they still talked with me even when my English was broken. That experience showed me how important it is to create an atmosphere where learning and speaking are enjoyable,” she says.
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Her advice is simple: “If you’re interested, just start. Language learning is all about continuity. If you keep at it, I’ll continue practicing with you along the way.”
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you’re in Japan or learning from abroad, Omusubi Japanese makes language study approachable, flexible and fun. Perfect for complete beginners or those ready to take their skills further, these lessons are designed to help you connect, communicate and enjoy the process.
Learn more and book your first lesson at: omusubi-japanese.jp
AloJapan.com