Akira Komatsu

$55/hour

Estimated price

Zip code

Student age

Current speaking level

Current reading level

Responds in about 2 hours

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About

Looking for a friendly, experienced Japanese teacher who can help you speak with confidence in real situations? I was born and raised in Tokyo and have been living in Los Angeles since 2017. I’ve been teaching Japanese since 2020 and have over 4,000 hours of teaching experience with students in the U.S. and Canada. My lessons are practical, relaxed, and personalized. I can help you with: Travel Japanese: ordering food, asking questions, and enjoying Japan without stress Conversation practice: speaking more naturally and confidently Grammar trouble spots: especially particles like は (wa) and が (ga) Japanese through culture: anime, movies, music, food, and everyday life We can use topics you enjoy, such as Studio Ghibli, Demon Slayer, Japanese films, City Pop, ramen, or travel in Tokyo. I’ve taught students from 6 to over 60 years old, from complete beginners to advanced learners. I listen carefully to your goals and learning style and adjust each lesson so it’s clear, useful, and enjoyable. I also have experience teaching students with autism or ADHD and do my best to support individual needs with patience and flexibility. I studied Literature at Waseda University in Tokyo and music at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. I also teach guitar and compose music for films, which helps me explain Japanese rhythm, tone, and natural expression. I offer a FREE 30-minute trial lesson via Zoom, so you can see if my teaching style is right for you. Feel free to message me anytime—I’m happy to answer questions.

Overview

Hired 96 times

Serves Studio City, CA

Background checked

1 employee

7 years in business

Business hours

Sun8:00 am - 11:59 pmMon8:00 am - 11:59 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Venmo and Zelle.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2022

2021

Services offered

Work location

I work remotely (phone or internet)

Projects and media

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

69 reviews

5

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Read reviews that mention:

Jacqueline R.

Sep 18, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

My son had a great first lesson with Akira! He learned how to say and write his name in Japanese!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • No experience • Conversational proficiency • No experience • No experience • Basic reading/writing skills • I travel to the japanese tutor • The japanese tutor travels to me • Phone or internet (no in-person meeting)

Japanese Lessons

Caleb B.

May 4, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Akira is an extremely patient and professional teacher. He doesn't waste time on aspects of language learned that aren't important to your goals, and makes sure you understand the material that really matters. He has never been late to a lesson and always brings his best.

Details: 18 - 25 years old • No experience • Full fluency • Beginner • No experience • Full literacy • Phone or internet (no in-person meeting)

Japanese Lessons

Je L.

Oct 22, 2025

Sara O.

Oct 31, 2024

Alexandra E.

Oct 21, 2024

Tutoring with Akira is my opportunity to practice English while learning Japanese. As difficult as a language is to master Japanese slows the learning to less than a crawl. Akira cuts through at a breakneck pace; that is how I know who I am during the lessons. It is a pleasure to be Akira's tutee. Thank you Akira for accepting me in your time.

Credentials

Background Check

Akira Komatsu

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
🌟Lesson Fee (online via Zoom) $45/45min and application monthly 4 lessons in advance for $165($15 discounted) $55/60min and application monthly 4 lessons in advance for $200($20 discounted) > 5 lessons in 2025 ($15 discount per lesson) $65/75min and application monthly 4 lessons in advance for $235($25 discounted) > 5 lessons in 2025 ($18 discount per lesson) 🌟Please keep in mind 24h Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation or rescheduling, please let me know no later than 24h before lessons. Otherwise the lesson fee is fully charged.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Basically, I use GENKI for text book. This is the most popular one in the US. And I have other original material or worksheets. I consult students, free for in the beginning and discuss in what way the best for each student is. I also specialized in movie and music. I can share you everything I know translated in Japanese. I am offering GUITAR lessons too.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from the literature department of Waseda University in Tokyo Japan and Musicians Institute Hollywood GIT. I worked as an international telephone operator , interpreter for a telecom company for years and taught at music school for years in Tokyo Japan.