Akira Komatsu - online lessons -

$55/hour

Estimated price

Zip code

Student age

Current speaking level

Current reading level

Responds within a day

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Introduction

(ONLINE or IN PERSON in Studio City Los Angeles / 20min FREE trial lesson) *****Discounts offered under the slow economy of this year of 2025 in LA****** Casual lessons discount is available. Please don't hesitate to ask! Let's talk about whatever you want to as travel (I am Tokyoite), food, culture, movie and music(my another wearing hat)! I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and have been living in Los Angeles since 2017. I graduated from the literature department of Waseda University in Tokyo, majored in history and philosophy. I have taught for over four years, accumulating 4,000 hours of teaching experience in the US. My students range from 6 years old to over 60, and I have worked with learners from the US and Canada at all levels, from beginner to advanced. I strive to make my lessons both fun and informative, and I truly enjoy the time spent with each student, learning from them as much as they learn from me. I have experience working with students who have ADHD and autism, which has been both challenging and rewarding. I am proud to have supported not just the students, but their entire families as well. I love meeting new people and love discussing Japanese culture, especially movies (like Ghibli!), TV shows (such as Shogun!), music (like City Pop!), food (especially ramen!), and tourism (I'm from Tokyo!). I have had students from the entertainment industry, including actors, band members of world-famous artists, and film composers with business ties to Japan. If you're interested in these topics, I'm your go-to tutor! In addition to teaching, I am passionate about music, particularly jazz guitar and film scoring. I graduated from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and enjoy spending time at The Baked Potato jazz club in Studio City, where I have formed great connections with regulars, musicians, and staff. I also offer guitar lessons. I provide a 20-minute sample lesson for free (online). I guarantee that the lessons will be enjoyable! I use the GENKI textbook, and my lessons can be conducted online or in person in Studio City, LA.

Overview

Hired 89 times

Serves Studio City, CA

Background checked

1 employee

6 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

Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

64 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Caleb B.

5 days ago

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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

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.

Mike A.

Oct 2, 2024

A great experience for learning Japanese. Lessons are delivered in a professional, timely and organized manner. Looking forward to continuing my education with Mr. Komatsu.

Eli L.

Jul 25, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

I have been studying Japanese on and off for years - I got my 300 day Duolingo streak, I got the Genki textbook, but could never figure out a good place to really start diving into conversation with either other learners or with a native speaker. In the short time I spent with Akira, I already feel like I've learned so much! I've already been spreading the word of how pleasant he has been to work with and I plan to keep doing so! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ He agreed to work with me with just 24 hours notice and was willing to schedule around my full-time work and school. I am so happy I finally took the plunge and got a tutor, and even happier that it's Akira!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • Beginner • Conversational proficiency • Beginner • No experience • Basic reading/writing skills • Phone or internet (no in-person meeting)

Japanese Lessons

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) *****Discounts offered under the slow economy of this year of 2025 in LA****** $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.
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. I worked as an international telephone operator , interpreter for a telecom company for years.