Hi, I'm Haruka — a Japanese elementary school teacher of about 23 years, now also teaching Japanese online to children around the world.

I have spent about 23 years teaching in Japanese elementary schools, and I still work at a school today as a part-time learning-support teacher. I know what happens inside a Japanese classroom: the morning greetings, kyushoku (school lunch), cleaning time, the renrakucho (contact notebook), and the little moments when a new child is quietly trying to fit in.

I also teach Japanese online from my home in Japan. My students are children around the world who want to learn Japanese, and complete beginners of all ages. Through my online Japanese lessons, I have taught about 40 students around the world so far.

What I do best

  • Lessons shaped around each child. Years in the classroom taught me that no two children learn the same way. I adjust every lesson to your child's level, needs, and goals.
  • Helping children reach their goals. This autumn, a student with international roots, whose first language is not Japanese, passed the entrance exam for a private elementary school in Japan.
  • Patient and friendly, never strict. My students often tell me I'm patient and easy to talk to. Kids enjoy our lessons, and that's when they learn the most.
  • A mother, too. I am raising a young child myself, so I truly understand the worries parents carry.

Lessons I offer

  • Japanese for children: for kids preparing to move to Japan, living in Japan, or learning Japanese from overseas.
  • Japanese for complete beginners: starting from zero, at your own pace.
  • Short-term Japanese for travelers: practical phrases for your trip to Japan.

Moving to Japan with your family?

Starting a new life and a new school can feel overwhelming, for children and for parents. As a teacher who knows Japanese schools from the inside, and as a parent-child relationship coach, I'm here to help your child arrive ready, and to help you feel at home in Japanese school life.

Contact & trial lessons

To book a trial lesson or ask a question, please email me at ponohappylifeformomkid@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!