Akiko

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Akiko teaches practical, conversation-focused Japanese with a learner-centered, goal-oriented approach that emphasizes real-world expressions and confident pronunciation. She studied Hospitality at a specialized hotel management school, completed Spanish courses for foreigners at the University of Buenos Aires, and has worked as an interpreter between Japanese and Spanish, which helps her explain tricky points clearly in multiple languages. She has more than five years of experience teaching students at different levels and has worked as a linguist for companies, bringing real-world language use into lessons. Akiko tailors lessons to each student’s goals and preferences, creates a supportive space for questions, and adapts materials so learners stay motivated. She draws on living and working across cultures and on her experience as a mother and stepmother to guide children and adults with patience and cultural insight. Akiko was recognized as an outstanding student during her internship and has received workplace recognition over the past fifteen years, and she loves sharing both traditional culture and pop culture topics like anime, manga, and J-pop to make lessons engaging.

*Time Zone: Argentina Time (1 hour ahead of Eastern Time (USA))

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Sunday: Not available

My approach to teaching is learner-centered and goal-oriented. I start by understanding each student’s needs and what they want to achieve with Japanese language and culture. Together, we create a plan to reach those goals.

I do not force my own methods; instead, I use my skills, knowledge, and experience to fully support each learner, taking into account their opinions, preferences, and unique characteristics.

I aim to create an environment where learners can actively engage, ask questions, enjoy the process, and build confidence. Learning with me is not just about language—it’s about fostering motivation, positive growth, and a fun, refreshing experience.

I studied Hospitality at a specialized hotel management school, where I also learned the basics of English, French, Italian, and Portuguese (beginner level for the latter three).

Regarding Spanish, I completed all courses for foreigners at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, and I have also worked as an interpreter between Japanese and Spanish, which strengthened my practical language skills.

I have over five years of experience teaching Japanese to students of various backgrounds and proficiency levels. My teaching approach is learner-centered, focusing on understanding each student's goals and creating personalized plans to achieve them. I emphasize real-world conversation skills, helping students master natural expressions and pronunciation.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have worked as a linguist in prominent companies, providing language services that enhanced communication and understanding in multicultural environments. This professional background enriches my teaching, allowing me to offer insights into the practical applications of the Japanese language in diverse settings.

I also leverage my multilingual abilities in English and Spanish to support learners, ensuring a comprehensive and accessible learning experience.

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Akiko
$53.00 USD

Subject Expertise

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Japanese
Japanese

My mission

My mission is to use the wisdom and skills I have gained from my global experiences to support learners in different ways: helping those who want to learn Japanese and Japanese culture, and guiding Japanese people navigating life in the international world. I aim not only to be a guide, but also to empower learners, accompany them on their journey, and be a cheerleader as they move forward and shape their lives positively.

My Story

I was born and raised in a small rural town in Japan, where growing up in a highly disciplined society with strong social pressures shaped my perspective on life and learning. As a highly sensitive person (HSP), I experienced challenges that taught me resilience and empathy—lessons I carry into my teaching today.

As an adult, I moved to Argentina and built my life from scratch, learning Spanish from zero and later expanding into English, French, Portuguese, and Italian, which gave me a deep understanding of the struggles and joys of language learning. I have worked in major international companies as a linguist, specializing in translation, interpretation, and localization, and for the past five years, I have been teaching Japanese to students of various ages and backgrounds.

My life today blends my professional work with a passion for sharing Japanese language and culture, guiding learners without assumptions based on age or background, and creating engaging, practical lessons tailored to each individual. I enjoy connecting with people across cultures, exploring languages, and helping students feel empowered, confident, and inspired as they achieve their goals.

Cognitive Diversity

How I adapt to students with diverse intellectual needs.

To be honest, I do not have direct experience teaching children with learning differences or gifted children. However, my personal and life experiences give me a strong foundation to understand and support diverse learners.

As a highly sensitive person (HSP) growing up in Japan, I faced challenges in a highly disciplined society with very strong social pressures, and I learned to navigate them with persistence. Later, I adapted to life in South America, learning Spanish from scratch in a completely new cultural environment. In addition, as both a mother and stepmother, I have gained rich experience guiding and supporting children in different situations.

Based on these experiences, I approach teaching with the understanding that each learner is unique. I aim to personalize lessons according to individual strengths, preferences, and pace, creating a supportive and engaging environment where students can feel confident, motivated, and enjoy learning.

Although I haven’t taught gifted children directly, I have experience working with learners of varying abilities and believe I can support highly talented students as well. I tailor lessons to each student’s pace, goals, and curiosity, creating engaging and appropriate content. My diverse global experiences have taught me not to make assumptions based on age or background, allowing me to approach each learner individually and respectfully.

I haven’t taught children with ADHD directly.

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