Mika Tanaka

Mika Tanaka / Japanese courses

日本語レッスン

Learn Japanese in Zwolle, with someone who lives the language.

Lessons in English, one-to-one or in a small group, in Zwolle or online. Not grammar drills alone, but the language as Japanese people actually use it — and the thinking behind it.

A one-to-one Japanese lesson in Zwolle

Who the lessons are for

  • Complete beginners who want a calm, clear start — hiragana, katakana, first conversations
  • Travellers who want to order, ask, thank and apologise naturally on a trip to Japan
  • Partners and families of Japanese people, who want to talk with in-laws and relatives
  • Learners who studied on an app and now want a person to practise with
  • Professionals who work with Japanese colleagues or clients

How it works

Every learner starts with a free first consultation of about 30 minutes, in person in Zwolle or online. We talk about what you want to do with Japanese, and I suggest a plan: one-to-one lessons built around your goal, or a place in a small group course when one is starting.

Lessons are 60 minutes. Materials are prepared for you: a workbook that grows with the course, so you always have something to look back on.

Two formats

One-to-one. Built entirely around you — pace, topics, schedule. In Zwolle or online. Places are limited; the consultation is where we check availability.

Small group. A few learners at a similar level, meeting weekly. Group courses start a few times a year; the consultation puts you on the list for the next one.

About the teacher

I am Mika Tanaka — Japanese, living in Zwolle, running a Japanese company from the Netherlands. I have taught in Japan and in the Netherlands, and I am a certified Cultural Intelligence (CQ) facilitator. I teach Japanese the way I think about it: as a way of meeting people with respect, where words carry weight.

Letters from the Netherlands

Notes on everyday life here, on Japan, and on ways of working. Sent by email, now and then.

Receive the letters