How did you happen to become a Japanese language teacher?
When I was in my first year of college, I learned that there was a job called "Japanese language teacher. I had always loved the Japanese language and culture, so I thought it would be great if I could convey the fun and wonder of Japan to as many people around the world as possible through my job as a "Japanese language teacher.
What do you enjoy about teaching Japanese and what do you think is fun? Do you have any anecdotes?
The most enjoyable thing about being a "Japanese language teacher" is that I learn more from the students than I do from "teaching" them Japanese. Also, since I give different lessons to different students every day, no two days are the same, which is fun and rewarding. It is also a great pleasure to see the growth of students who have studied together with me from hiragana and katakana, and who are becoming more and more proficient in Japanese, up close and personal. There are so many students who are working hard, so I am always encouraged to do my best! I am always encouraged.
What is important to you when dealing with students?
Always be "cheerful, smiling, and energetic". I know that life as an exchange student in Japan can be difficult, and there are times when you may feel tired or sad. Even during such times, I would be happy if you feel a little better after coming to school and taking classes, or if you feel a little more cheerful after talking with teachers.
How do you usually teach your classes?
You can have moments like: "Oh! I see!" "Oh! That's how it is!" "I see! I didn't know that!" in a classroom setting. I believe that there are things that you can gain in a class with a teacher in front of you that you cannot gain by studying at home by yourself or by listening to Japanese on Youtube. I would like to make it a time for students to notice various things and make many discoveries by attending classes.
What is the charm of ISI Ikebukuro that other Japanese language schools do not have?
I think the biggest attraction is that students from various countries and regions of the world are gathered here. Just by being in the classroom, you can not only learn Japanese, but also get to know various ways of thinking, values, cultures, and customs.
What kind of students would you like to see enrolled in the future?
I like Japan, I like the Japanese language, I like Japanese culture, and I want to do my best in Japanese! We would like to encourage students who are motivated to do their best in Japanese language and culture to enroll in our program.
What do you think is most important for international students when learning Japanese?
I think it is important to be interested in a variety of things. Of course it is important to learn from textbooks, but there is also a great deal to learn through conversations with classmates, with teachers, and in real Japanese society outside the classroom. I would like you to be interested in various things and take on challenges with the mindset of "I'll go there because my friend said so" "I'll try something because the teacher said so" "I'll ask something because it sounds interesting" or "I'll watch something because it looks like fun.". Since you have come all the way to Japan to study, I would like you to keep your mind open to all sorts of things.
Finally, do you have a message for international students who are considering enrolling?
Japanese language, Japanese culture, Japanese animation, Japanese songs, Japanese food, Japanese scenery, what do you like about Japan? Let's increase what you like about Japan while studying at ISI together!
