Teaching & Instructing

Akemi is a respected teacher of Japanese language, working with all levels of students from complete beginners, learning the basics, up to native speakers, polishing their keigo (formal spoken Japanese). She believes that it is essential for students of Japanese language to understand the underlying culture, so her lessons often include aspects of the arts and customs of traditional and modern Japan. This instruction is also available in the form of cultural workshops.

For many years, Akemi has taught Japanese courses at Ardingly College, Sussex, as well as other schools and universities in South East England. She also sets, vets and marks examinations in Japanese for diplomats and serves on the Japanese Language Committee of the Association for Language Learning. However, for most people viewing this web site, it is Akemi's private lessons and study retreats that are of most interest.

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Japanese Lessons

Akemi teaches Japanese language in group lessons and one to one tuition. Depending on level of proficiency and desired outcome, she usually plans the lessons as part of a structured course. This may follow a selected text book, a series of past examination papers or something designed specially for that student. In each case, homework is set after each lesson and progress monitored carefully.

There are two primary locations for Akemi's lessons, Woolwich and Picadilly. The Woolwich lessons can take place at mutually convenient times Tuesday to Sunday, but the Picadilly lessons are on Tuesday evenings from 18:30 to 20:30. All lesson costs (including text books and study materials) are discussed with potential students in advance.

Japanese lesson at the Nippon Club
Tuesdays 18:30 - 20:30

Nippon Club, 2nd floor, Samuel House, 6 St. Albans Street, London SW1Y 4SQ

• Tuesday 17th and 24th June 2008 - beginner level
• Tuesday 1st July - advanced level NB if you arrive at Nipon club earlier than 18:30, you can read manga, watch Japanese TV, eat light supper or read Japanese magazines in the waiting room, next to the class room.
  18:30 - 19:30 Language and Cultural lesson ( calligraphy, tea ceremony, kimono wearing, origami, table manner, business manner, furoshiki wrapping, Bushi-do and Shinto)
  19:30 - 20:30 Lesson of Japanese lifestyle through anime, art and manga, including Japanese food and cooking lessons
  Optional extension activities, such as Sake tasting with Japanese snacks, may be arranged. Cost: £25 per person per two-hour lesson (18:30 - 20:30)
  Please book your place in advance and pay by cheque.

  Download application form 35 KB

  Lessons in Woolwich
  These can be scheduled to take place at mutually convenient times Tuesday to Sunday and are from £30 per 90 minutes, depending on level and speciality.
  All lesson costs (including text books and study materials) are discussed with potential students in advance.

  • Akemi is CRB checked and a member in good standing of the ATL
    ( Association of Teachers and Lecturers )
  • Unless other arrangements are made, lessons take place in Woolwich, London SE18, five minutes walk from Woolwich Arsenal railway station
  • Please see the terms and conditions section of the FAQ for methods of payment, lesson cancellation fees and similar matters

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  Gashuku

  Japanese Language Gashuku - Residential Study Retreat

  In Japan many people attend gashuku, residential study retreats. The idea is to get away from one's normal surroundings and distractions and spend a few days immersed in a particular activity. Akemi has been organising language and culture gashuku for her students and colleagues since 1992.

  At Akemi's gashuku in the UK, Japanese and British people get to mix, learn together and from each other, enjoy a programme of educational and cultural activities: they complete challenges, eat delicious food, play games and discuss ideas - all in a friendly, informal and creative atmosphere.

  These residential study retreats are intended for adults; however, accompanied children are also welcome. Language proficiency and interests are discussed before the activity and the programme is designed to make the best use of the facilities and the surrounding area, as well fit the abilities and interests of the participants, including people from attending from Japan and the UK. In 2008, five gashuku are planned. The first took place 29th February to 2nd March in Southampton. The detailed programmes for the other four will be announced soon. Applications are being accepted from potential participants now.

  Download application form 35 KB

  • Gashuku in Southampton: Friday 29th February - Sunday 2nd March
  • Gashuku in Leicester (1): Friday 8th - Sunday 10th August
  • Gashuku in Leicester (2): Friday 5th - Sunday 7th September

  Southampton 29th February to 2nd March 2008

  Akemi invited participants to join her at the IBIS Hotel, Southampton for a residential study retreat from Friday to Sunday. This event took place at the same time and in the same place as Minami Con, a convention for Japanese manga and anime, so there were many opportunities to explore traditional and modern arts and customs, as well as an enjoyable experience of the language.
  NB Although a gashuku is normally residential, Akemi agreed that people who lived in the Southampton area could attend on a daily basis, as long as they took part as fully as the residential participants.