Master's Degree Holder at an Australian University - Super Friendly Native Tutor in Japan with 12 Years Experience and Qualifications. Offering Engaging Lessons for Teenagers to Adults at Any Level!

Find out more about Makiko

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  Yes, I am a native Japanese speaker, which is why I can speak the language fluently. But it's more than just being able to speak the language - I am proud of its complexity and beauty. I remember a story that particularly made me proud. One of my students is a huge fan of K-pop and loves Korean culture. However, she chose to learn Japanese at university and is even studying here as an exchange student. I once asked her why she chose Japanese instead of Korean, given her love for K-pop. Her response was that Japanese sounds more beautiful to her. Hearing this, I felt a sense of pride in my mother tongue, and it reinforced my commitment to sharing this beautiful language with my students around the world.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I would say that the emblematic representatives of the Japanese language and culture are not specific individuals but rather the Japanese people as a whole. Japanese people are known for their humility, politeness, and respect toward others, which is clearly reflected in our language. Our language system includes an 'honorific way,' a 'polite way,' and a 'casual way,' each used in different social contexts to show varying degrees of respect. This illustrates our cultural emphasis on understanding and acknowledging the social dynamics around us. So, in my view, every Japanese resident who embodies these qualities is a representative of our language's culture.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  A phrase in Japanese that I particularly like is "itadakimasu," which we say before eating, and "gochisousama deshita," which we say after finishing a meal. These phrases are not merely about politeness but reflect a deep appreciation for all that contributed to the meal. By saying "itadakimasu," we express gratitude to the people who prepared the food and to the animals and plants that gave their lives for our sustenance. "Gochisousama deshita" serves as a respectful acknowledgment of having enjoyed the meal. These phrases symbolize the humble attitude and sense of respect ingrained in Japanese culture.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  While it doesn't particularly matter to me whether people speak Japanese or not, I recognize the value it can bring to those who are passionate about our culture. Many learners of Japanese are initially drawn to our culture through mediums like anime, movies, or the beautiful sceneries Japan has to offer. As their interest in these aspects deepens, so does their enthusiasm for learning the language. Speaking Japanese allows them to further immerse themselves in the culture they admire and can even make their dreams of visiting or living in Japan a reality. So, in that sense, speaking this language matters because it can serve as a bridge, connecting people to a culture they deeply appreciate and to experiences they aspire to have.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  The main difficulty in learning Japanese stems from its three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji, which originated from historical interactions between Japan and China. Kanji, in particular, can be challenging even for native speakers due to its complexity. However, many find the visual appeal of Kanji enticing, and this fascination often serves as a motivation to learn Japanese. Like any other language, mastering Kanji comes with persistent practice. Fortunately, today there are numerous learning tools and applications designed to make learning Kanji more approachable and engaging. These resources can greatly accelerate the learning process and keep learners motivated to conquer the complexities of Kanji.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  My personal journey of learning English has greatly influenced my teaching approach. I remember my days studying translation at Monash University in Australia, where I faced numerous cultural and linguistic challenges. Like many international students, I had to navigate a completely different environment and language. These experiences were tough but they also made me more empathetic towards the struggles my own students face, whether they're learning Japanese in their home country or as part of their life in Japan. Inspired by my own journey, I committed myself to not only teaching the language but also providing support for their personal struggles. This approach has helped me build strong, trustful bonds with my students, many of whom have visited me when they traveled to Japan. Looking back, I realize the challenges I experienced in Australia have become an important foundation for my teaching philosophy and personal character.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  I can't single out a specific trip that increased my language skills or knowledge. However, every time I've traveled abroad, I've encountered numerous people who love Japanese culture and are learning the language on their own. Seeing their efforts to communicate with me in Japanese has been deeply inspiring. These experiences have reminded me of the global appreciation for our culture and language, and they've motivated me to continually improve my skills to better serve this enthusiastic community of learners.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof in language teaching is my commitment to creating a dynamic, immersive, and diverse learning environment. The students on Superprof come from various backgrounds and have different skill levels and reasons for learning Japanese. Accommodating all these varying needs can be challenging, but I find it enjoyable and rewarding to meet these challenges head-on. They push me to constantly evolve my teaching style and broaden my skills and experiences. My pursuit of excellence in this respect is what makes me a Superprof.