Hello, my name is Rinko Sakuma and I'm 44 years old and currently living in the United Kingdom. I am a native Japanese speaker and teach Japanese. I have been an online Japanese teacher with Verbalplanet since January 2009.
I can speak the following languages fluently: Japanese, English.
I am currently offering a discounted initial trial lesson at 50% off my normal lesson price for new students.
Latest Reviews
21 Apr 2022
thekitschsidekick
Rinko communicated brilliantly before our taster lesson and was wonderfully friendly during the lesson. She taught me some key introductory phrases and I found the repetition and explanations very helpful.
I'm a visual learner so more pictures could have helped, but this was only the first lesson so I can't speak to her other content.
Domo arigato gozaimazu, Rinkosan x
15 Oct 2018
Stephanie A
Another excellent lesson. Rinko-san is helping me to review difficult lessons in Genki 2.
09 Oct 2018
Kevin B
Rinko is a very patient tutor - examples are relevant and the class is very fun!
05 Oct 2018
Stephanie A
I always enjoy our lessons and I learn so much each time!!
02 Oct 2018
Kevin B
Rinko is an excellent teacher, very well prepared, patient and hilarious! I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but now I'm very excited for my next Japanese lesson - arigatou Rinko!
21 Sep 2018
tbellhappy
I had a challenging assignment which I got through with Rinko in a very short period of time. Thank you.
I am a fully qualified Japanese trainer currently teaching corporate and private groups in the UK. I have worked in the USA, Australia and the UK due to my love of travel and international relations.
My teaching experience with Japanese has ranged from young learners through to MDs and company directors. Whoever I teach, the methodology remains the same...dynamic,communicative, student centered and fun!
I will be happy to guide you in your Japanese studies whether you are a complete beginner or seasoned learner.
Aside from languages I enjoy sports and pop music.
Qualifications & Experience
BSC Hons International Studies
Japanese Language Instructors Qualification
Postgraduate Certificate TJFL (Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language)
Postgraduate Diploma (Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language)
Experienced in public school and private sector teaching. Experience with young learners and adults.
Experienced in training teachers in Japan and UK.
I am currently working as a Japanese teacher in the UK.
Teaching Approach
I have experience teaching both Japanese and English at levels from beginner to advanced. I follow a modern student centered communicative approach which has been developed through years of public and private teaching experience. The emphasis in my lessons will always be on guided production allowing you to start speaking Japanese straight away.
