Ayako Murakami

I took an intensive summer course with Ayako-sensei, and as a complete beginner, I started with no knowledge of Japanese. After completing our lessons, I successfully passed my beginner Japanese placement course for my graduate school program. Ayako-sensei was patient, ensuring that every concept was thoroughly understood before moving forward. She went beyond textbook learning and spoke to me in daily conversations to make the language more approachable. Sensei also provided personalized support. She took the time to consolidate notes on topics I found challenging, providing tailored resources to aid my understanding. Perhaps most valuably, sensei provided insights into authentic language use. She clarified which phrases or vocabulary in the textbook were unnatural, offering alternatives that are commonly used in everyday conversation in Japan. If you're a beginner and looking for a Japanese teacher who will go above and beyond for your success, Ayako-sensei is the perfect choice.

I'm so happy to have found Ayako先生!! ^_^ She is exactly what I needed to continue learning Japanese. Her classes are interactive, dynamic, and very enriching. Her lessons are tailored to my needs, and I always receive great explanations and valuable materials. I really like that we make the most of one hour! The fact that Ayako先生 takes notes and sends them to me afterward allows me to focus 100% on the class. I also like that she checks the homework before our lesson so that we can clarify any doubts in class. She is an excellent professional, and I really enjoy her class. I'm grateful to study with her and look forward to our lesson every week. 100000% recommended!

So I have found the best tutor ever. Started working with her to study for the JLPT but after the test keep coming back for more lessons. Ayako is amazing at crafting the lessons to my level and the areas that I need the most work. She always goes the extra mile. She sends notes, audio files etc... after every lesson. She really does care about her students. I have recommended her to friends and they have come back with the same conclusions that she is a gem on this site. Hope you check her out. You won't regret it. Brad

She is very good at explaining in a way I understand! I always enjoy my lessons with her.

I’m so happy with the progress we have been making in our lessons!

Ayako sensei is great at making learning fun! The content may be difficult, but she finds ways to make it approachable and understandable. I appreciate her real-world examples as well as how she introduces new words or phrases commonly used that aren't in the textbook. She also provides useful insight on how often certain grammar points or phrases are used.