Online Japanese Lessons
That Show You Results
Join an online Japanese school trusted by serious Japanese learners worldwide. With a scientific approach and a personalized strategic curriculum, we help you learn faster, speak more confidently, and see measurable progress.
Book interview & 2 Trials
Achievement
View Case Study
We believe that the key to accelerating progress is the regular and objective use of external testing to measure learning outcomes.
Everyday Conversation Skills
1 lesson/week
N5 Level
19 months
Scored 160/180 on a N4 Mock Test
21 months
Level 6 on the JSST
Everyday Conversation Skills
3 lessons/week
Level 4 on the JSST
N4 Level
6 months
Level 5 on the JSST
6 months
Scored 120/180 on a N3 Mock Test
Business Conversation Skills
3 lessons/week
Not Yet Passed N4
Level 3 on the JSST
7 months
Level 4 on the JSST
Everyday Conversation Skills
1 lesson/week
Not Yet Passed N2
6 months
Successfully Passed N2
Everyday Conversation Skills
1 lesson/week
N5 Level
10 months
Scored 120/180 on a N4 Mock Test
Everyday Conversation Skills
2 lessons/week
N5 Level
7 months
Scored 130/180 on a N4 Mock Test
N2 Preparation
1 lesson/week
Not Yet Passed N3
13 months
Successfully Passed N2
N2 Preparation
1 lesson/week
N3 Level
7 months
Successfully Passed N2
N3 Preparation
2 lessons/week
Total Beginner
30 months
Successfully Passed N3
External Tests
JSST
Japanese Standard Speaking Test
The Japanese speaking proficiency test is based on the ACTFL-OPI and developed and provided by ALC Press Inc., Japan's most renowned language publisher. The test is divided into 10 levels, ranging from Level 1 (easiest) to Level 10 (most advanced). At Akira, we recommend taking the test after completing the N4 level.
JLPT
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test
The JLPT is the most widely recognized Japanese language test, administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. It is divided into five levels, from N5 to N1, ranging from easy to difficult. The passing criteria vary depending on the level, but a score of 80 to 100 out of 180 points is required.
JLPT
Online Half-Mock Test
A mock test for the JLPT provided by ASK Publishing, a well-known publisher specializing in Japanese language education. Akira recommends taking the test to assess language knowledge and receptive skills, both of which are essential for developing conversational skills.
What is Akira
Why Choose Our Online Private Lessons
Akira is chosen by those who want to improve their conversational skills faster and more effectively, with a correct understanding of the nuances of the Japanese language.
Our Difference
A Strategic Curriculum Tailored for You with External Testing
Akira creates a strategic, individualized curriculum tailored to your objectives, current level, and available study time per week. 12-month goals are clearly defined, and external tests are used as milestones to help you progress faster and more effectively.
Lesson and Learning Coordination with a Scientific Approach
At Akira, we use foundational frameworks from second language acquisition research in linguistics and cognitive psychology to coordinate lessons and learning. By employing a scientific approach, you can make progress in a highly reproducible and reliable way.
Mechanism of Listening and Speaking
English-Speaking, Certified Japanese Teachers from Prestigious Universities
All Akira instructors are English-speaking graduates of prestigious universities and hold nationally recognized Japanese language teaching qualifications in Japan. Your dedicated instructor will provide ongoing lessons and coordinate your learning on a fixed day and time slot. Even as a beginner, you can steadily improve your Japanese skills while ensuring complete understanding.
Recommended for
- "I want to improve my Japanese conversational skills more quickly and effectively."
- "I want to take lessons in a structured and systematic way."
- "I want to understand the reasons behind my improvement in listening and speaking skills."
- "I can handle the input on my own. I want to take practical, output-oriented lessons."
- "I want a single instructor to coordinate my learning on an ongoing basis."
What Our Students Say
Google Reviews
Our Learning Style
How Does It Work
Your instructor will follow a strategic curriculum and scientific approach to maximize the effectiveness of your learning by coordinating the entire learning process: preparation, lessons, review, and the next lesson. To make learning a habit, we will set a fixed day and time slot that suits your convenience. For example, you could choose a Monday at 7 pm and a Thursday at 7 pm, or similar.
Step 1
Preparation
Preparatory assignments include vocabulary building, the acquisition of grammatical understanding, and grammar drills. By reviewing and reinforcing your language knowledge in advance, you can focus on practical training during the lessons. For higher-level students, assignments may include tasks such as creating dialogues.
Step 2
Private Lesson via Zoom
You will take a mini-test on the preliminary assignments to ensure 100% understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Following that, you will receive intensive training in sentence formation through speaking, task practice, and listening comprehension. Additionally, you will be given an explanation of why such training is effective, based on the mechanics of listening and speaking.
Step 3
Review and Oral Practice
You will review the instructor's written notes and the relevant sections of the textbook that you did not fully understand. You will also work on completing the practical training from the lesson. Based on the principles of memory mechanisms, it is important to repeat oral practice as soon as possible after the lesson until it becomes automatic.
Step 4
Upcoming Lesson via Zoom
You will be tested through a role play using the dialogues covered in the previous lesson. You will pass the test if you can perform the task smoothly, with fluency and accuracy. This way, you will improve your practical communication skills by expanding the variety of tasks you can handle.
Step 5
Measuring Progress through External Testing
In line with the strategic curriculum, you are regularly tested for effectiveness using external tests. This provides an objective view of your current level, strengths, areas of progress, and problem areas. The instructor will also offer analysis and suggestions for problem-solving. Following the PDCA cycle is essential for continuous improvement.
View Actual Lessons
Let's take a look at some actual lessons. Cory-san, at the N5 level, practices making requests in everyday situations. Anna-san, at the N2 level, is practicing conducting client interviews in a business setting. Have you been able to visualize the lesson?
Cory-san
Everyday Conversation Lesson at N5 Level
Anna-san
Business Conversation Lesson at N2 Level
Certified Native Instructors
Meet Our Team
All Akira instructors are English-speaking graduates of prestigious universities and hold nationally recognized Japanese language teaching qualifications in Japan. After passing our highly selective recruitment process with an acceptance rate of less than 5%, they undergo a month-long intensive training to master the Akira teaching method. Even after joining, they regularly take written tests to ensure their knowledge and skills, and receive feedback on recorded lessons. This means you can gain a deeper understanding and improve your Japanese skills efficiently and reliably. And above all, they are charming, warm, and full of hospitality—you’ll look forward to seeing them in your lessons.
Tomone ENOKIDO
Manager / Certified Japanese Teacher
My happiest moments are seeing students grow in confidence and use Japanese to achieve what matters to them. To make that happen, as Manager, I design effective curricula, hire top instructors, and provide training so you can succeed. With the support of our dedicated teachers, you’ll receive tailored lesson plans, expert guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. Let’s make your goals a reality.
Yoko HATTORI
Certified Japanese Teacher
I graduated with a B.A. in Hindi and Area studies from university, and since then, I have worked in the field of English education. So, I am well aware of the obstacles one may encounter when learning a second language. I hope to help you overcome them and achieve your goal of enjoying Japan to the fullest!
Daigo FUJINAMI
Certified Japanese Teacher
Hi, I'm Daigo Fujinami. I've been teaching Japanese to foreigners from various backgrounds and levels since 2008 in UK, west Africa and Japan. I can introduce you the best way to acquire Japanese language along with your purpose. I will be happy if I can support your Japanese learning and achieving your goal.
Monthly Fee Plan
Which Plan Would You Like?
Akira uses a monthly fee structure. The price is determined by the number of lessons per week and the student's level. The strategic curriculum is designed for one year, but you can pause or stop at any time. A planning fee is charged only for the first month. Additionally, students are required to take at least one lesson per week.
Lessons/week
1
(4/month)
Monthly Price
37,100 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 40,810 JPY)
Price/Lesson
9,275 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 10,203 JPY)
Lessons/week
2
(8/month)
Monthly Price
73,200 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 80,520 JPY)
Price/Lesson
9,150 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 10,065 JPY)
Lessons/week
3
(12/month)
Monthly Price
108,300 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 119,130 JPY)
Price/Lesson
9,025 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 9,928 JPY)
Lessons/week
1
(4/month)
Monthly Price
43,100 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 47,410 JPY)
Price/Lesson
10,775 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 11,853 JPY)
Lessons/week
2
(8/month)
Monthly Price
85,200 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 93,720 JPY)
Price/Lesson
10,650 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 11,715 JPY)
Lessons/week
3
(12/month)
Monthly Price
126,300 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 138,930 JPY)
Price/Lesson
10,525 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 11,578 JPY)
Lessons/week
1
(4/month)
Monthly Price
49,100 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 54,010 JPY)
Price/Lesson
12,275 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 13,503 JPY)
Lessons/week
2
(8/month)
Monthly Price
97,200 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 106,920 JPY)
Price/Lesson
12,150 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 13,365 JPY)
Lessons/week
3
(12/month)
Monthly Price
144,300 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 158,730 JPY)
Price/Lesson
12,025 JPY
(Incl. Tax: 13,228 JPY)
Note
A one-time planning fee of 30,000 JPY (33,000 JPY including tax) is charged for the first month only.
Currency Converter
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FAQ
Your Top 5 Questions, Answered
I am scheduled to be stationed in Tokyo in three months. Before my relocation, I would like to intensively improve my Japanese skills. Would it be possible to take five lessons per week? Also, how would the monthly fee plan be calculated?
Yes, it is possible to take five lessons per week. For those who wish to take more than four lessons per week, the monthly fee will be calculated based on the per-lesson rate of the Platinum Plan. For example, for the N4/N5 level taking five lessons per week, the monthly fee would be calculated as 9,025 JPY × 5 lessons × 4 weeks = 180,500 JPY plus tax.
For my residency application, I need to provide proof of N5-level Japanese proficiency. Is it possible to receive a certificate for completing a 150-hour course?
Yes, we can issue a completion certificate for a 150-hour course. At Akira, our program not only equips you with the knowledge and skills required to pass the JLPT N5, but also helps you reliably improve the conversation skills necessary for daily life in Japan. Try our Free Trial first to get started.
Do you offer Japanese lessons for children?
We are sorry, but Akira provides lessons exclusively for adult learners aged 18 and above. Thank you for your understanding.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you contact us by 6 PM Japan Time (GMT+9) the day before the lesson, there will be no charge. Cancellations made after 6 PM the day before the lesson will incur a charge.
Free Trial
Special Free Offer
You can take a total of 3 free sessions
Benefits
- Understand the current Japanese language level, problems and how to solve them
- Experience Akira's learning style and its benefits
- Get your personalized strategic curriculum
Why don't you experience the benefits of Akira's lessons?
About Us
Top Message
The word Akira means “sunlight” in Japanese. We chose this name because we aspire to brighten our learners’ lives in Tokyo by helping them develop social skills in Japanese. Through a learning experience focused on results and efficiency, we aim to share the joy of improvement—and beyond that, the deeper joy of truly connecting with Japanese people.
Akira FUJISAKI
CEO / Certified Teacher
Born in Fukuoka City in 1982. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Tokyo, he built his career primarily as a digital marketer. In 2011, he discovered Japanese language education and decided to start his own business in the education sector. Since 2019, he has been running an online Japanese language school. Passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test in 2013 and 2023. His favorite Japanese word is goen (meaning “meaningful connection” or “fateful encounter”).
Our Value
The value we provide is to support our clients in achieving their goals in the shortest and fastest time possible. The symbol mark in our logo expresses our commitment to designing the shortest possible route to the realization of your goals and to improving your Japanese language skills. As Japanese language education professionals, we maximize our clients' return on investment.
Outline/Location
Akira is an online Japanese language school designed for serious learners of Japanese. Since its launch in 2019, we have been offering online private lessons to students worldwide. Our office is located in the heart of Tokyo, in the Azabu-Roppongi area of Minato City. Our goal is to be the most professional Japanese language school in the world.
| Operating Company | Fujisaki LLC |
|---|---|
| Venue | 1-2-7 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045, Japan |
| info@akiraojs.tokyo | |
| Phone |
(Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm in Japan time (GMT+9)) |