My Background

I am from Japan with Chinese roots, currently based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I teach Japanese as a foreign language, and have academic backgrounds in English Literature and Museum Studies.

Questions of identity have shaped much of my life. Growing up in Japan, I often felt that I did not fully belong in Japanese society. It was only after moving abroad and experiencing life as an immigrant that my perspective began to shift. Through this, I came to recognise how deeply Japanese culture and values were rooted within me.

Living between cultures has given me a nuanced understanding of what it means to navigate language, belonging, and self-expression. This experience continues to inform both my life and my work as an educator.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that language learning is not simply the acquisition of grammar and vocabulary, but a process of developing connection, confidence, and self-expression.

In my lessons, I aim to create a calm, structured, and intellectually engaging environment where students feel both supported and challenged. I see each learner as an individual, with their own motivations, pace, and relationship to the language. Whether preparing for the JLPT, using Japanese for professional purposes, or exploring a personal connection to the culture, I adapt my teaching to support their goals.

Having lived between cultures, I am especially attentive to the role language plays in shaping identity. I encourage students not only to develop their linguistic skills, but also to reflect on how language shapes the way we see ourselves and the world. In this way, learning Japanese can become a meaningful space for growth — academically, culturally, and personally.

Voices from my Students

  • "I attended Eiko-san’s lessons as an introduction to Japanese. Every lesson was always helpful and enjoyable. Thanks to Eiko-san, I took the JLPT N4 exam and I was truly satisfied."

    — Alessandro Barro (Italy)

  • "I truly enjoyed my one-on-one Japanese lessons with Eiko. With her clear direction and well-structured teaching style, I was able to build a strong foundation and reach N3 level within 1.5 years. Her lessons are efficient, encouraging, and tailored to your needs. I highly recommend her to anyone serious about learning Japanese, and she is always open to feedback and helping you overcome learning challenges."

    — Y. Z. (The Netherlands) 

  • "Eiko, an empathetic and positive teacher, is always eager to improve her teaching methods. She actively seeks feedback to enhance her teaching skills. I find her teaching style thoughtful and easy to comprehend. She effectively manages large and diverse groups, while also tailoring her lessons to each student’s unique learning style during individual sessions."

    — Judith (the Netherlands)

  • "Eiko is the kind of teacher who does not simply follow a textbook. She discovers what you're interested in and adapts her lessons, which helps in understanding real life situations. Very kind, flexible and open person to converse with. いつもありがとうございました。"

    — Olga Penkovska (Bulgaria)

  • I loved Eiko’s lessons. She knows perfectly how to adjust to your level. She is flexible, can work with multiple methods and even interchange them if necessary. And also, she’s a nice person 😊 When I pick up my Japanese lessons again, I certainly will check if she has room in her schedule for me again.

    — Wicher Ponne (the Netherlands)

  • I’ve been studying Japanese with Eiko for several years and have made tremendous progress, now working at an intermediate level. She is patient, encouraging, and highly knowledgeable, with lessons that are both well-structured and engaging. Her clear explanations and supportive teaching style have helped me build a strong foundation in grammar and conversation. I highly recommend her to anyone serious about learning Japanese and achieving real progress.

    — Sarah Drost (Germany)