Trip to Japan? Let's learn the Japanese you'll actually use in Japan! Travel conversation, Everyday conversation,Working holiday, Hiragana, Katakana, Making friends in Japan!

Learn more about Yumi

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  Yes. I was born and raised in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, and Japanese is my native language. I have spoken and learned Japanese since childhood, and both of my parents and relatives are Japanese.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  If I had to choose someone who represents Japanese culture, I would choose Sen no Rikyū. He was the tea master who perfected the Japanese tea ceremony during the Azuchi–Momoyama period. Through the tea ceremony, he promoted the philosophy of simplicity, tranquility, and mindfulness. He deeply valued Japanese culture and preferred using locally made tea utensils instead of the imported Chinese ones that were popular at the time. His philosophy—that beauty can be found in imperfection—continues to influence Japanese aesthetics and culture today.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  One of my favorite Japanese expressions is "Ichigo Ichie" (一期一会). This phrase originated from the Japanese tea ceremony and means "treasure every encounter, because it may happen only once in a lifetime." It reminds us to appreciate each moment because it will never come again in exactly the same way. Even when meeting someone we know well, we should treat every meeting with sincerity, as if it might be our last opportunity to see that person. I believe it is a beautiful philosophy that encourages gratitude and mindfulness in everyday life.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Japanese is my native language and an essential part of who I am. I am proud to have been born in Japan and of the country's rich culture and traditions. For me, the Japanese language is one of the most important ways to preserve and pass on that culture to future generations. That is why speaking and teaching Japanese is so meaningful to me.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  There are several challenges when learning Japanese. One of the biggest is the writing system. Learners first need to master Hiragana and Katakana, and then move on to Kanji. However, with regular reading and writing practice, these gradually become easier to remember.Another challenge is the difference between written Japanese and spoken Japanese. Everyday conversations often use expressions that are quite different from those found in textbooks. This is where online lessons can make a big difference. By practicing conversational Japanese and learning expressions that native speakers actually use, students can become much more confident communicating in real-life situations.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  I have been studying English since I was a student, and during university I spent one year studying abroad in Australia. That experience taught me that learning a language is about much more than studying grammar and vocabulary. A language truly comes to life when you use it to communicate with other people. When I first started speaking English, I was embarrassed because I wasn't fluent. However, I soon realized that the only way to improve was to keep speaking. I also discovered that people often understood me even when I made mistakes. That is why I always encourage my students to speak without fear of making mistakes. Making mistakes is a natural and important part of learning a language.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Although it wasn't exactly travel, I had the opportunity to join a short homestay program in the United States and later spent one year studying abroad in Australia. These experiences taught me that while studying is important, real communication is what truly develops language skills. By interacting with local people, I learned many natural expressions and everyday phrases that you rarely find in textbooks. I also realized that these simple, conversational expressions are often what help you connect with native speakers and become part of daily life. I believe that traveling or living abroad is one of the best ways to deepen both your language ability and your understanding of another culture.