Online Japanese Lessons Where You See Progress
Join an online Japanese school trusted by serious learners worldwide. With a scientific approach and a personalized strategic curriculum, you’ll learn with clarity, gain confidence in speaking, and steadily see your own progress.
Book 2 Free Trial Lessons
Achievement
View Case Study
We believe that steady progress comes from combining daily learning you can feel with the regular use of external testing, giving you both confidence and objective proof of your growth.
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
JSST is a speaking proficiency test provided by ALC, a major language publisher. It is based on the ACTFL-OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview), a widely used standard developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The test has ten levels from 1 (Basic) to 10 (Advanced), and Akira recommends taking it 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 learners who want to improve their conversational skills with clarity and confidence, while steadily understanding 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. While 12-month goals are clearly defined to give you long-term direction, our monthly plan allows you to stay flexible — you can continue as long as it fits your needs. External tests are used as milestones to help you progress faster and more effectively.
Lesson and Learning Coordination with a Scientific Approach
At Akira, lessons are coordinated using foundational frameworks from second language acquisition (SLA)—a subfield of linguistics—and from cognitive psychology. By applying this scientific approach, you can make steady progress in a way that is both reliable and easy to notice for yourself.
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 provides lessons on a consistent weekly schedule reserved just for you, making it easier to build habits and keep learning steadily. Even as a beginner, you can clearly see your progress and gain confidence while ensuring full understanding.
Recommended for
- “I want to improve my Japanese conversational skills faster and more effectively.”
- “I want lessons that are structured and systematic.”
- “I want to understand why my listening and speaking skills improve.”
- “I can manage the input myself. I want practical, output-focused lessons.”
- “I want one dedicated instructor to coordinate my learning consistently.”
What Our Students Say
Google Reviews
Our Learning Style
How Does It Work
Your instructor will follow a strategic curriculum and a scientific approach to maximize the effectiveness of your learning. The entire process is coordinated step by step: preparation, lessons, review, and the next lesson. To help you build a learning habit, we set a regular weekly schedule that suits your convenience. For example, you might choose Monday at 7 pm and Thursday at 7 pm.
Step 1
Preparation
In preparation, you will work on assignments such as learning new vocabulary, studying grammar points, and practicing grammar drills. By inputting this language knowledge in advance, you can use lesson time mainly for output — practical training in speaking and applying what you’ve learned. For higher-level students, assignments may also include creating dialogues and similar tasks.
Step 2
Private Lesson via Zoom
At the start of each lesson, you will take a short check on the preparatory assignments to confirm your understanding of vocabulary and grammar. After that, the focus shifts to output: intensive practice in forming sentences, task-based conversation practice, and listening comprehension. Your instructor will also explain why these training methods are effective, drawing on the mechanics of listening and speaking.
Step 3
Review and Oral Practice
You will review the instructor’s notes and the textbook sections you did not fully understand. You will also complete the practical training introduced in the lesson. Based on the principles of memory mechanisms, it is important to repeat oral practice soon after the lesson and continue until the new skills become automatic.
Step 4
Upcoming Lesson via Zoom
At the beginning of the next lesson, you will be tested through a role play using the dialogues from the previous session. You pass the test when you can perform the task smoothly, with both fluency and accuracy. By repeating this cycle, you steadily strengthen your practical communication skills and expand the range of tasks you can confidently handle.
Step 5
Measuring Progress through External Testing
As part of your strategic curriculum, your progress is regularly measured through external tests. These tests give you an objective view of your current level, strengths, areas of improvement, and challenges. Your instructor will provide analysis and concrete suggestions to address these points. By following the PDCA cycle, you can ensure steady and continuous improvement.
View Actual Lessons
Take a look at how our lessons work in practice. Cory-san, at the N5 level, is practicing how to make requests in everyday situations. Anna-san, at the N2 level, is practicing client interviews in a business context. Can you picture yourself in a similar 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. With a pass rate of less than 5%, only the most qualified succeed in our selective recruitment and then complete a month of intensive training in the Akira Method. Even after joining, they take regular written tests and receive feedback on recorded lessons to keep their skills sharp. This ensures you gain a deeper understanding and improve your Japanese efficiently and with confidence. Beyond their expertise, our instructors are warm, welcoming, and full of hospitality—you’ll look forward to every lesson.
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 offers a simple monthly fee structure, with prices based on your level and the number of lessons per week. While the strategic curriculum is designed for one year, you are free to pause or stop at any time. A one-time planning fee applies only in the first month, and students take a minimum of one lesson per week to ensure steady progress.
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
- See where you stand and discover your path to fluency
- Experience Akira’s proven method with professional instructors
- Get a personalized learning plan that ensures measurable progress
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)) |