Let’s study Japanese together
and have fun!
No rigid textbook. No huge classes. Just you, a native teacher who gets your goal, and lessons that bend to how you actually want to use Japanese — ordering ramen, holding your own at work, or finally chatting with your friends in Tokyo.
Tell us where you want to get to. Meet your teacher in a 30-minute trial lesson for $20 before you commit to anything more.
Most courses hand you a textbook.
We hand you a teacher.
You know how most Japanese courses go: a fixed syllabus, a page you have to finish, grammar drills whether or not you’ll ever use them. You “study Japanese” — but on someone else’s schedule, toward someone else’s goal.
We do the opposite. You get one native teacher, all to yourself, who builds each lesson around your level, your pace, and the Japanese you actually want — and happily drops the plan to spend the whole lesson on the conversation you froze up in last week.
Stuck on a sound? We slow down. Got a trip to Osaka next month? We switch to travel Japanese. Bored of a topic? We change it. This is your Japanese — we just know the language well enough to make the path effortless.
Three easy steps to speaking Japanese
Choose your teacher
Browse our teachers’ profiles and pick the one who fits your goal — conversation, business Japanese, travel, anime, or something all your own.
Book & pay for your trial
Pick an open slot on your teacher’s calendar and pay securely by card — your 30-minute trial lesson ($20) is booked in a couple of clicks. Go to booking →
Learn — your way
Lessons run online over video, at times that fit your week. The plan is a starting line, not a cage: say the word and today’s lesson becomes whatever you need it to be.
Lessons shaped around your goal
These are starting points, not fixed courses. Mix them, switch between them, or bring your own goal — your teacher builds the lesson around it.
Everyday Conversation
Real, natural Japanese for real life — greetings, small talk, ordering, making friends. Lots of speaking, gentle correction, zero fear of mistakes.
Start with this →Email, meetings, self-introductions and the polite language (keigo) that makes the difference at a Japanese company. Practical role-play for your real situations.
Request this →Heading to Japan soon? Get the phrases you’ll actually use — stations, restaurants, hotels, shopping — so you travel with confidence instead of a translation app.
Request this →Study through the anime, dramas and songs you already enjoy. Understand the lines without subtitles, and learn how casual Japanese really sounds.
Request this →Build hiragana, katakana and kanji the way that sticks — patterns and stories, not rote lists — until menus, signs and messages start to make sense.
Request this →Learn through the Japan you already love.
You didn’t fall for Japan through a grammar table. You fell for the anime, the dramas, the songs, the trip you can’t stop thinking about. So we teach through those. Tell us what you love, and we’ll introduce a teacher who loves it too — someone who turns your favourite show or your next trip into the material for the lesson.
It’s not a syllabus you endure. It’s the Japanese hiding inside the things you already enjoy.
Fully flexible: one focus or a mix, a single trial or an ongoing weekly lesson.
Book a Trial Lesson
Native teachers who love to teach
Browse their profiles and choose who you’d like to learn with — every one of them is a friendly native speaker.
Akiko O
“Hi, I’m Akiko! I’m a native speaker — born in Kobe and raised in Tokyo — so I teach both standard Japanese and Kansai dialect. With around ten years’ experience across all ages and levels, plus a Master’s from a UK university, I tailor each lesson to your goals in a relaxed, enjoyable way. Having learned a second language myself, I understand the challenges and know the strategies that help you improve efficiently. Beginners are very welcome — I explain things slowly and clearly — and if you’d rather chat, we’ll focus on natural Japanese you can actually use. My aim is simple: lessons where you think ‘learning Japanese is fun!’ I look forward to supporting you on your journey!”
Chihiro M
“Hi, I’m Chihiro! I’m a qualified teacher with seven years’ experience, and I love creating a relaxed space where you feel comfortable speaking up. I build each lesson around your goals — and since I’ve adored Japanese, language and kanji since childhood, I especially enjoy unpacking the subtle nuances of everyday phrases and kanji readings. I’m from Kansai too, so I’d be happy to teach you Kansai dialect if you’re curious! We’ll start with useful phrases and natural conversation, then ease into grammar as you grow more comfortable — Japanese you can actually hear, understand and use, not just textbook Japanese. I’m looking forward to meeting you!”
Hisami K
“Hi, I’m Hisami! I’m from Japan and now live in London, where I work as a florist — I love flowers, plants and anime, and I’ve studied Japanese calligraphy for many years. Having learned English while living abroad myself, I know how nerve-racking a new language can feel, so my lessons are relaxed and mistake-friendly. Whether you want everyday conversation, Japanese for a trip, or to enjoy your favourite anime, we’ll shape each lesson around you. Complete beginners are very welcome — let’s talk lots and have fun together!”
Kyoko T
“Hi, I’m Kyoko! I used to work for a medical device company, but a short study-abroad experience in the UK inspired me to become a Japanese teacher. I spent four years in Guangzhou, China teaching Japanese to high-school students, and I’m now back home in Kyoto — I love travelling, learning languages and music. Let’s practise while having fun: in my lessons you’ll do lots of the talking. If you’re a beginner who gets nervous, we’ll start gently with grammar, and before long you’ll find yourself wanting to use it in real conversation. I can’t wait to meet you!”
Good to know
I’m a complete beginner. Is that okay?
Absolutely — many of our students start from zero, not even knowing hiragana. Your teacher meets you exactly where you are and builds from there.
Are lessons online or in person?
Lessons are online over video, so you can learn from anywhere. All you need is a device, a quiet spot, and an internet connection.
How do I pay, and when?
Your first session is a 30-minute trial lesson for $20, paid securely by card when you book. After that, simply choose Regular Lessons.
What if I need to reschedule?
Life happens. Reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before your lesson at no charge, right from your booking. Within 24 hours of your lesson, bookings cannot be changed or cancelled, and payments are non-refundable for any reason — including illness, arriving late, or internet / connection problems.
Which teacher will I get?
You choose. Browse our teachers’ profiles, pick whoever feels right, and book a slot on their calendar. Not the right fit after your trial? Just try another — no awkwardness.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
No textbook needed. Just write down the topics you’d like to talk about when you book your lesson, and your teacher will prepare materials around them.
Can I take more than one trial lesson?
The trial lesson is available once per student. If you’d like to try a different teacher, you can book a regular lesson with them after choosing a plan. Additional trial bookings will be cancelled and refunded.
Pick a time that suits you
Start with a 30-minute trial lesson ($20), or book a 50-minute regular lesson ($50) in a few clicks. Tell us a little about your goal when you book, and your teacher will shape the lesson around it.
30-minute Trial Lesson · $20
New to Nihongoat? Try a short lesson to meet your teacher and talk about your goals.
For first-time students only.
50-minute Regular Lesson · $50
A full one-on-one lesson tailored to your level and goals.
Book a Regular LessonYou can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before your lesson.
⚠️ No refunds within 24 hours of your lesson
Within 24 hours of your lesson, bookings cannot be changed or cancelled, and payments are non-refundable for any reason — including illness, arriving late, or internet / connection problems.
Please check the time zone shown in the booking window before you confirm your booking.