Vaši lektori

In my class, you will have a lot of opportunities to speak Japanese with me.

As a native speaker, I will show you how to pronounce Japanese, how to write Japanese script (hiragana, katakana, kanji), and how to understand sentences in an easier way. If you are in intermediate or advanced level, we will make a lot of simulated dialogue at a place like a shop, restaurant, hospital, school, work in Japan. Sometimes our culture can be very different from Europe, so I try to introduce cultural background of all words and phrases for your better understanding. In this way, in my lesson students can feel our culture more and enjoy learning Japanese in a proactive way. If you want to bring your own textbook or any material related to your hobby and interests, it is welcomed!

• 1 year language exchange program – Bundaberg State High School, Australia
• B.A. in English Linguistics and Literature – Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, Japan
• School of professional Interpretation and Translation English – Interschool, Japan
• “Teaching Japanese as Foreign Language training course” completed – The World Japanese Language Centre, Australia
• “Teaching English as Foreign Language training course(TEFL Qualified Level5)” completed – TEFL Academy, UK

• traveling
• hiking, nature
• playing with dog
• watching films in English and Japanese
• Buddhism practice

• I would like to speak Slovak fluently
• I would like to travel across America 
• I would like to have my own garden and cottage

1. Hello Takako. How would you introduce yourself?

Hi! My name is Takako. My name “Takako” means in Japanese, precious (“taka”)  and girl (“ko”). I am from Kobe in Japan. Since I was small,  I have been fascinated by different cultures and languages. When I was 16 years old, I joined the cultural exchange program in Australia for 1 year. This was the beginning of my journey abroad. I studied English and German, and now I am learning Slovak. Using my experience of language learning, I am keen to assist students to learn my mother language Japanese.

2. So, you are a native Japanese. Why have you decided to teach this language?

Language learning has always been my passion. When I moved to Europe, I found that being a native Japanese in Europe is something unique, because thanks to our Japanese pop culture, many people in Europe are interested in our culture and want to learn Japanese. Moreover, over the course of my stay abroad, my feeling towards my home Japan has grown bigger and bigger. Finally I wanted to engage myself to connect our culture in Europe and Japan by teaching Japanese.

3. How were the beginnings of your teaching career? What kind of students have you come across?

My first student was a 15 year-old girl, who was half Japanese and brought up in Germany. Although she could speak basic Japanese, she could not read and write Japanese fluently. So I focused on choosing reading articles carefully, not for 100 % foreigners, but more for young students at Japanese school.  We also did lots of “kanji” exercises, because if we want to read a Japanese article, we need to know not only hiragana and katakana, but also kanji.

Another student I came across is a 21 year-old lady who wants to study in Japan. In her case, I need to focus on my lesson extensively from grammar to daily conversation including reading and writing exercises. Thankfully this extensive lesson helps her continue her study, because it is not boring but more exciting.

I have also taught a 12 year-old boy who loves anime, and his mother, who loves to learn new languages. I enjoy teaching both of them, because they are always fascinated by the Japanese language and ask many questions in my lesson.

4. What do you like about teaching?

I like to fulfill my student’s needs and prepare the lesson for their improvement. I believe passion and motivation are the key to success in language learning. So at the beginning of a lesson, I always ask students what is their hobby, interests and goal, then I try to relate my lesson with them.

Another point I feel passionate about is that teaching language gives me the opportunity to connect us globally, and respect our cultures mutually.

5. How did you end up in Slovakia? Do you like it here? Do you speak Slovak language?

My partner is Slovak, so I moved here two years ago. I like Slovakia very much, because people are friendly and kind. I would also say, unlike Japan, there are not so many people in Slovakia, so I don’t need to wait for long queues or traffic jams every time, which makes me comfortable to stay here. The best part of living in Slovakia is, we can enjoy beautiful nature. I am always amazed by untouched nature in Slovakia and this is what I love most!

I am learning Slovak, and next year I will still be learning, because Slovak is the most difficult language ever! It takes time, but my goal is to understand and speak Slovak fluently.

6. Is Japanese a difficult language for Slovak students?

I believe pronunciation is easy for Slovak students, because we have a similar sound system. As for grammar and word order, Japanese has a different structure from Slovak language, but once you master how to use them, it is not difficult, because there are not so many irregular patterns in Japanese. As for writing, we use 3 unique characters (hiragana, katakana, kanji).  It may sound like a lot of work for you, but you just need constant practice and a bit of time to learn it.

7. Many potential students enjoy anime. Do you think this is a good motivation to start learning the Japanese language?

Why not, I think it is a great motivation to start Japanese! As I mentioned, I believe passion and motivation are the key to success in language learning. I am amazed to see more and more young students start learning Japanese by watching anime. You can start with picking up your favorite words in anime, then try to pile up your vocabulary more and more.

8. Why should students choose you for learning Japanese?

During my teaching course, I trained myself with two teaching methods. One is the direct teaching method ( to teach Japanese in Japanese language) and another one is the indirect method (to teach Japanese in English). So if you are a beginner, do not worry. I will guide you in English. If you want to challenge yourself more in only Japanese speaking environment, I am also here for you.  I teach all levels, young students to adults.

I am a native Japanese, who also has experience of learning several languages. Using my own experience, I want to help students to understand the structure of Japanese in order to communicate, read and write.