Learn Japanese with a calm, structured approach — and a plan that actually fits your life.
Relaxed, friendly lessons with a native Tokyo Japanese tutor (25+ years’ experience).
Online worldwide or in Edinburgh South (EH10).
Whether you’re starting from scratch, returning after a long break, or aiming for JLPT, you’ll get steady progress without classroom pressure — and without feeling like you’re “behind”.
MA Applied Linguistics • author of 17 Japanese textbooks • taught learners from 40+ countries
Up-to-date published + original materials
Beginner to advanced welcome
Edinburgh South (EH10) + Online worldwide
Choose your next step
Different learners need different kinds of support. Pick the option that matches your life right now.
Local to Edinburgh? Join a friendly small-group session — dates are listed on each card.
1-to-1 Private Lessons (Edinburgh EH10 / Online)
Your goals, your pace, your learning style — with clear direction and gentle accountability.
Best for: busy adults, serious returners, and anyone thinking “apps are nice, but I want real progress.”
In-person lessons are available in Edinburgh South (EH10). Online lessons are open worldwide.
Japanese Chat Club (Edinburgh EH10)
Beginner-friendly, can-do speaking practice for real trips to Japan.
Complete beginners welcome. 90 minutes • £28 • max 4 learners.
Small group, cosy atmosphere, and zero pressure to be perfect — you’ll leave with phrases you can actually use (even if you’re rusty).
You’ll do: input-rich warm-ups → guided practice → low-pressure role-plays.
Included: welcome drink & Japanese snacks + original mini-worksheets (no extra charge).
🗓️ Next session: Thu 12 Mar 2026, 6:00–7:30 pm (Edinburgh)
Japanese Book Club (Edinburgh EH10)
Relaxed, structured reading that grows your vocabulary and confidence — the Tadoku way.
Complete beginners welcome. 90 minutes • £28 • max 4 learners.
Small group, cosy atmosphere, and very doable — even if you’re rusty.
Best for: readers who want enjoyable, non-textbook books, then a short, friendly chat + a mini drill on useful phrases.
You’ll do: easy warm-ups → sustained reading time → optional 1–2 minute share → mini language takeaways.
Included: welcome drink & Japanese snacks + original mini-worksheets (no extra charge).
🗓️ Next date: TBA — join the waitlist to get first dibs when dates drop.
Study Support (Online) — when you want a plan and the follow-through
Choose a quick, focused coaching session — or join calm, supported study time in a small group.
Open to learners worldwide — as long as the session times (GMT) suit your time zone.
JLPT Study Plan Power-Up (30 mins, £20, online)
A realistic 4-week plan, micro-goals, and targeted resources — JLPT N5–N1.
Perfect if you’re thinking: “I don’t need a full class… I need a sane roadmap.”
You’ll leave with: a week-by-week plan + a follow-up email summary.
🗓️ Next session: Various dates available — Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri - 7:30–8:00 / 8:00–8:30 pm (GMT / UK time)
Co-Studying Club (90 mins, £28, online) — calm focus, small group, real progress
Bring your own study (textbook, kanji, reading, writing, JLPT prep) and work alongside a small group — with me there to keep you moving and answer questions as you go.
Think of it as a friendly study date… with built-in momentum.
What you get:
90 minutes per session
Max 4 learners (so you’re not shouting into the void)
Ask me anything: quick answers, study strategy tips, and “what should I do next?” guidance.
Not a traditional class — supported study time with a tutor in your corner
🗓️ March dates now live: Sat 7 Mar, Sat 14 Mar, Sat 21 Mar
Time: 5:00–6:30 pm (GMT / UK time)
3 sessions scheduled — join as many as you like.
Not sure which fits?
Power-Up (£20 / 30 mins): you want a clear 4-week plan (fast, focused, one-off).
Co-Studying (£28 / 90 mins): you want consistency (regular sessions + gentle accountability).
For motivated learners (who like making things)
Japanese Zine Lab — write Japanese you actually care about
Move beyond “just studying” and start using Japanese to say something real.
In the full 30-Day Japanese Zine Lab, you’ll take one idea and turn it into a finished 8–12 page Japanese zine, with structure, support, and feedback in a small group.
Best for: roughly JLPT N3–N2 learners who want to use Japanese, not only to collect grammar points.
Start with a free 5-day email prep first — no pressure, no awkward hard sell.
Join the newsletter (almost-monthly, properly useful)
A calm dose of Nihongo goodness — study ideas you can actually use, lesson updates, and the occasional Japan-adjacent rabbit hole (the good kind).
Tiny habits that work: realistic routines you can actually stick to
Study tools & ideas: genuinely helpful resources and how to use them
What’s on at WJJL: upcoming sessions, launches, and openings
Culture snacks: Edinburgh bits + Japan-related inspiration
Curious first? Have a nosey at a sample issue (3-minute skim).
No spam. No hard sell. Just calm, useful Japanese momentum.
You can unsubscribe anytime. (No hard feelings. I’ll simply bow politely and carry on.)
Our Approach
Authentic learning, in a meaningful context
Clubs and lessons are led by Hitomi, an Edinburgh-based native Japanese tutor with 25+ years’ experience and an MA in Applied Linguistics. She’s also the author of 17 Japanese textbooks.
The aim is simple: Japanese you can actually use — with clear structure and a relaxed atmosphere.
DESIGNED FOR KIDS
Unlock a World of Fun & Learning
Give your child a joyful start to Japanese! Our Kids’ Japanese After School Club uses play-based learning, songs, and cultural crafts to make language come alive — no prior knowledge needed.
PVG-checked tutor. Holiday camps available in Edinburgh South (EH10).
What learners say
Real learners. Real progress. No classroom dread.
楽しかったです！:) I enjoyed the books I read. It made me feel capable of reading Japanese. The top three things about the session were the choice of books, being able to talk about it in Japanese, and a chill environment.
Sarah (Book Club)
I was anxious before I came, but felt very relaxed as we began, which is great. It’s great being able to ask questions. It is very friendly! I really enjoyed it as it was!
Nicola (Chat Club)
Very grateful to have found Hitomi, who makes lessons engaging and identifies areas that I need to work on. I feel I have made progress in just a few lessons, and I am motivated to keep on learning!
Mina (Private Lesson)
Free learning bites (if you fancy a taster)
Short, helpful Japanese practice and study nudges across the internet — then the newsletter ties the best ideas together in one calm place.
Ready to start (properly)?
If you want tailored progress, ask about 1-to-1 lessons.
If you want steady motivation and useful study ideas, join the newsletter.
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