Shiori
Nakamura
Quick facts
| Best for | Absolute beginners · everyday conversation · JLPT N5 |
| Languages | Lessons in Japanese & English |
| Format | Online via Google Meet (worldwide) |
| Trial lesson | $15 / 50 min |
| Regular lesson | $25 / 50 min · 8-lesson pack $180 |
| Rating | ★5.0 on Preply |
| Booking | Book directly on this site (Calendly) |
About me
Knitting shop
I sell handmade knitted pieces under the name “amimonokotori” on minne. The shop is currently mainly for customers in Japan, and I am preparing options for overseas orders.
View my minne shop →Shop name may change as I prepare for international sales.
What I offer
Hiragana & Katakana
Start from zero and master the basics of the writing system.
Daily Conversation
Real phrases for greetings, shopping, travel, and daily life.
Grammar Basics
Simple, clear explanations — no overwhelming textbooks.
JLPT N5 Prep
Structured prep for your first Japanese language exam.
Is this lesson for you?
This lesson is good for you if...
- You are a complete beginner
- You want kind English support
- You feel nervous speaking Japanese
- You want everyday conversation practice
- You are preparing for JLPT N5
What happens in the trial lesson?
We talk about your goals and experience.
I gently check your current level.
You try a short beginner-friendly lesson.
We discuss regular lessons, schedule, and payment.
Before your lesson
Please prepare a quiet place, Google Meet access, and a notebook or tablet if you like taking notes.
No textbook is needed for the trial lesson. Just bring your questions and curiosity.
How lessons usually flow
Each lesson is adapted to the student, but a typical 50-minute lesson may look like this:
Homework feedback & small talk
We review homework, warm up with simple conversation, and check any questions.
Grammar explanation
I introduce the target grammar or expressions with clear examples and English support when helpful.
Practice activity
We use the new language in speaking activities, role plays, or short exercises.
Lesson plans
Trial Lesson
- 20-min orientation & introduction
- Assess your current level
- Q&A about your goals
Regular Lesson
- Custom study plan
- Speaking & listening practice
- Feedback & homework
Booking and Payment Flow
Book your lesson time
Choose your preferred date and time through the booking link. At this stage, your booking is not yet fully confirmed.
Receive a booking confirmation email
After booking, you will receive an automatic confirmation email with your lesson details.
Receive a payment link
For the trial lesson, I will send you a payment link by email after checking your booking.
Complete your payment
Please complete your trial lesson payment before the lesson. Your trial booking is confirmed after payment is completed.
Receive the Google Meet link
After I confirm your payment, I will send you a payment confirmation email with the Google Meet link.
Join the lesson online
On the lesson day, please join through the Google Meet link at the scheduled time.
A few helpful notes
Nervous about starting?
That is completely okay. Many students start from zero, and I will guide you slowly in English and Japanese.
Time zones
Lesson times are shown in your local timezone through Calendly. I am based in Japan Standard Time (JST).
Cancellation policy
Please check the cancellation policy before booking, so everything is clear before your lesson.
Read cancellation policy →Student reviews
Shiori is so calm, patient, and friendly. Her lessons are structured with steady progress, and by the end of each session you realize you have learned so much. Highly recommended for absolute beginners.
I really enjoy learning Japanese with Shiori. She is always prepared, uses helpful activities like roleplays and visualization, and keeps my personal goals in mind. She creates an encouraging atmosphere where I am not afraid to make mistakes and can steadily improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do lessons cost?
A. A trial lesson is $15 for 50 minutes. Regular lessons are $25 for 50 minutes, and a monthly package of 8 lessons is $180. For the trial lesson, payment is made securely via Wise after booking. For regular lessons after the trial, payment is usually made monthly in one combined payment, and I will explain the details during your trial lesson.
Q. Do you teach complete beginners who don't know any hiragana?
A. Yes! Many of my students start from absolute zero. We begin with hiragana and katakana and build up step by step, with full support in English along the way.
Q. Can I take lessons from outside Japan? What time zones do you cover?
A. Yes — all lessons are online via Google Meet, so you can join from anywhere in the world. My availability is based on Japan Standard Time (JST); please check current openings on Calendly.
Q. What if I am nervous about speaking Japanese?
A. That is completely okay. You can use English when needed, and we will practice slowly step by step.
Q. Do I need a textbook?
A. No textbook is needed for the trial lesson. If we use materials in regular lessons, I will explain them clearly.
Contact & Social
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Book a trial lesson — no experience needed, just curiosity.