About Me
I’m a native Japanese tutor with over 12 years of teaching experience and a Master’s degree from Monash University.
Over the years, I’ve learned that every student learns differently. Some need structure and repetition. Others need challenge and momentum.
I take time to understand each student’s background, personality, and goals. By building on their strengths and carefully supporting the areas they find challenging, I help them grow with confidence — step by step.
I create a safe and supportive space where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again. In this atmosphere of trust, they gradually strengthen both their confidence and their exam skills.
For me, success is not only about exam results — it’s about creating a safe and supportive space where students feel confident, capable, and proud of how far they’ve come.
01
One-on-One Lessons
02
Intensive Writing Course
03
Oral Exam Practice
04
Coming Soon – Practice at your own pace with downloadable prompts and model answers.
Our Process
How Our Tutoring Works
Step
01:
Exam Readiness Check: Is your Japanese level ready for VCE or ATAR success? Let’s find out.
To meet the demands of the VCE or ATAR Japanese exams, students are expected to have reached a high-intermediate level of Japanese by the beginning of Year 11. That’s why this readiness screening is such an important first step.
In this session, I’ll assess your current grammar knowledge, vocabulary range, and reading comprehension using sample questions. Based on your performance, I’ll give honest feedback and suggest the best study path — whether you’re ready to focus on exam writing strategies or need a short-term boost in core skills.
💡 If you’re in Year 10 or below, this is the perfect time to strengthen your foundation. We can focus on improving school performance, catching up on class content, or moving ahead to give you a strong head start before entering Year 11 and 12.
Step
02
Personalised Study Plan
Once your current level and goals are clear, I’ll create a personalised study plan just for you. Every student is different — some need to strengthen grammar, others focus on listening or writing.
We’ll:
1. Set clear short-term and long-term goals
2. Focus on your weakest areas first
Choose the right materials based on your school and exam system (VCE, ATAR, or QCE)
3. Adjust your pace based on your availability and timeline
Whether your goal is to achieve a top exam score or just to follow your school’s Japanese classes confidently, I’ll create a plan that fits your pace and keeps you progressing steadily.
Step
03
Lesson, Homework & Feedback Loop
Each lesson focuses on what you need most — grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, or speaking — using real past exam questions, mock exercises, and targeted feedback.
You’ll receive personalised homework between lessons to reinforce learning and build confidence. For students aiming high, writing practice and detailed corrections are especially key.
What makes this tutoring unique is the flexible collaboration between tutor, student, and family.
In many cases, students or their parents share updates from school meetings — whether it’s feedback from a teacher, a change in focus, or advice received during student-teacher interviews. Based on these requests, I adjust the lesson content accordingly. Some parents are very involved and regularly inform me of what the school expects or what their child needs help with.
Rather than following a fixed plan, I tailor each session based on real-time input from students and families. This way, the lessons always stay relevant and targeted — meeting each student’s current needs.lcome feedback and lesson requests from both students and parents — so we stay flexible, focused, and always improving.
Testimonials
What Our Students Say
My 12 yo daugther just had her first lesson with Makiko. She really enjoyed learning with her and said that Makiko is very patient and kind. My daughter is looking forward to future lessons.
Makiko is very responsible and well organised. My son is happy with her lesson.
Makiko Has been great helping my son in year 8 with his Japanese. He has enjoyed the sessions very much.
Makiko is a very friendly and knowledgeable teacher. I enjoy doing small pieces of homework with her to improve my Japanese.
Makiko has absolutely professional academic approach to teaching and a very nice personality. My 12 year-old daughter enjoyed her lesson with Makiko a lot.