TORANOMON TEAM
CEO/Founder
Ryoko Marumo
As a returnee who lived in the U.S. since the age of 11, I know the benefits of experiencing education and culture in different countries. Through 12 years of experience teaching Japanese and English, I discovered a new way to teach language easily and accurately (the Toranomon Method), and Toranomon Language School uses it to accelerate communication skills and speed up the acquisition of Japanese through cultural understanding.
Technical Specialist
Ngoc Nguyen
Bio coming soon
Marketing Specialist
Lynn Owejan
I am an alumni from the University of Washington where I studied Marketing and International Business. I moved back to Tokyo to study at Keio University for my final semester of undergrad, and have since been exploring the city and have continued to undertake new Marketing opportunities!
Learning Management Assistant
Hello everyone!
My name is Shuri Hatake, and I’m a native Japanese who has had the privilege of living abroad for about 7 years. I hold a BA in Psychology from the United States and an MSc in Educational Psychology from the United Kingdom.
As a speaker of five languages, I have a deep passion for both learning and teaching languages, especially English. Through language learning, my goal is to help broaden your perspectives, expand your worldview, and create new opportunities for growth and connection.
Aligned with the mission of this language school, I believe that language is not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar. It’s about understanding others and connecting on a deeper level. Beyond the language itself, I aim to share the nuances of communication, cultural styles, and non-verbal cues to enrich your learning experience.
Looking forward to learning and growing with all of you!
Marketing Assistant
Yu Ochiai
Hello! My name is Yu Ochiai, and I’m a Japanese university student currently on an exchange program in San Diego, USA. I’m majoring in North American cultural studies and hospitality management.Through my academic studies and international experience, I’ve developed a passion for innovative marketing approaches with a unique perspective as a “cultural bridge.” I’m excited to apply my creative ideas and cross-cultural understanding to marketing challenges.
Learning Management Assistant
Hello! My name is Rin! I was born and raised in Japan, and I’m currently a university student here. When I was in high school, I studied abroad for a year in Montana, USA. Right now, I’m majoring in Japanese language education at a university in Tokyo, and I teach Japanese online to a wide range of students—from elementary school kids to adults! I love learning new languages, and I’m currently studying Chinese. I’m really looking forward to having lessons with you!
Learning Management Consultant
Ahn Soyoung
As a fellow learner who continues to study every day, I deeply understand the struggles when things don’t go well, as well as the joy when they do. In my lessons, I place great importance on creating a safe and encouraging environment where students can challenge themselves without fear of making mistakes. I support each individual carefully, respecting their own pace, to help them steadily build their skills. Let’s enjoy the process of learning and turn each small step into confidence. I truly look forward to learning together with all of you.
our teachers
Japanese program
As a returnee who lived in the U.S. since the age of 11, I know the benefits of experiencing education and culture in different countries. Through 12 years of experience teaching Japanese and English, I discovered a new way to teach language easily and accurately (the Toranomon Method), and Toranomon Language School uses it to accelerate communication skills and speed up the acquisition of Japanese through cultural understanding.
After working as a high school teacher and cram school teacher, I have been involved in Japanese language education for a long time. Recently, I have been teaching advanced speakers, which makes me think again about what kind of language can reach the heart. To learn a language and culture is to rediscover your own culture and find yourself anew. Through encounters with people from various countries and backgrounds, we have been able to improve each other. With this pride, we will work to bring out the hidden power of each individual.
I became a Japanese language teacher because I wanted to share not only beautiful Japanese language but also Japanese culture with you.
The most satisfying moment of being a teacher is when my students tell me they enjoyed the lessons. I have experienced teaching from beginners to advanced students, from children to adults, and I tailor my lessons to suit everyone’s goals.
I’m sincerely looking forward to seeing you!
I have been involved in Japanese language education since 1993. I have taught foreign students at Japanese language schools, vocational schools, and universities; businesspeople at foreign-affiliated companies; and individual foreigners, using teaching materials tailored to their needs.
In April 2011, I was appointed as the head of the Business Japanese Course at The Naganuma School – Tokyo School of Japanese Language, a position I held until September 2020.
Based on my experience and knowledge through teaching, I have co-authored seven books, including a collection of questions for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and a textbook on business Japanese.
Although I have retired from active teaching, I would be happy to continue helping the Japanese language education community in any way I can.
Hello everyone!
My name is Shuri Hatake, and I’m a native Japanese who has had the privilege of living abroad for about 7 years. I hold a BA in Psychology from the United States and an MSc in Educational Psychology from the United Kingdom.
As a speaker of five languages, I have a deep passion for both learning and teaching languages, especially English. Through language learning, my goal is to help broaden your perspectives, expand your worldview, and create new opportunities for growth and connection.
Aligned with the mission of this language school, I believe that language is not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar. It’s about understanding others and connecting on a deeper level. Beyond the language itself, I aim to share the nuances of communication, cultural styles, and non-verbal cues to enrich your learning experience.
Looking forward to learning and growing with all of you!
I have been a Japanese language instructor for more than 6 years. I have taught business Japanese, essay writing, test preparation (including JLPT, EJU) at vocational colleges, private lessons for business persons, and private Japanese tutoring for junior high school students.
After working at both Japanese and British major financial institutions in Foreign Exchange Division for 8 years, I had opportunities to stay in the US and Singapore for over 5 years. Through these experiences, I came to think I would like to support diverse Japanese-language learners with different backgrounds. I’m aiming to provide lessons tailored to the individual goals.
I am looking forward to seeing you.
I hope I would like to be “an entertainer” who tells you how interesting Japanese is.In my class, I will teach you not only Japanese language, but also the culture, history, and customs.I would also like to create the environment where the more we learn together, the more you feel like to know.I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Bio coming soon.
I believe that language is a tool.
What do you hope to achieve using Japanese as your tool?
Let’s work together to refine your tool. I will patiently and flexibly support you every step of the way.
I have experience teaching students from beginner to advanced levels, as well as children. Additionally, I draw on my background as a secretary to provide instruction in business etiquette and Japanese for professional settings.
Experience the satisfaction of saying, “I did it!” or “Now I understand!”
I look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey.
Nice to meet you! I take great care in offering fun and engaging lessons tailored to each individual’s level and goals, from young children to adults. Rather than making students feel that learning Japanese is “difficult,” I aim to create lessons that make them think, “This is fun! I want to learn more!”
In addition to the language itself, I also incorporate Japanese culture and customs into the lessons, helping students acquire practical, real-life Japanese. I’m really looking forward to exploring the world of Japanese with you and helping you grow along the way!
Hello. As a Japanese language teacher, I provide instruction that is tailored to learners from diverse backgrounds. I studied English at university, worked as an executive secretary and in human resources recruitment and development in a company, and raised bilingual children. Drawing from these experiences, my goal is to offer lessons that turn every “?” into an “!” for my students. For those wonderful moments when words connect and hearts communicate, let’s get started together!
Nice to meet you. I have been teaching Japanese to foreign students and business professionals for 10 years. I worked for a German company in Tokyo and lived in Singapore for 5 years and in Thailand for 4 years, where I had the opportunity to interact with people from various countries. Regarding Japanese language education, I specialize in teaching for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). I am looking forward to meeting you all.
Hello! My name is Rin! I was born and raised in Japan, and I’m currently a university student here. When I was in high school, I studied abroad for a year in Montana, USA. Right now, I’m majoring in Japanese language education at a university in Tokyo, and I teach Japanese online to a wide range of students—from elementary school kids to adults! I love learning new languages, and I’m currently studying Chinese. I’m really looking forward to having lessons with you!
Hello! I have experience working for an airline for 20 years as well as with international colleagues at a foreign hotel. When my husband was transferred to China, I had the valuable experience of sending my daughters to an international school. Living abroad is difficult, but it has taught me how to overcome language barriers in a multicultural environment. I hope to bring my experiences to work together with students and their language goals!
As a fellow learner who continues to study every day, I deeply understand the struggles when things don’t go well, as well as the joy when they do. In my lessons, I place great importance on creating a safe and encouraging environment where students can challenge themselves without fear of making mistakes. I support each individual carefully, respecting their own pace, to help them steadily build their skills. Let’s enjoy the process of learning and turn each small step into confidence. I truly look forward to learning together with all of you.
English program
I am originally from London in the United Kingdom and I am a graduate of the prestigious University of London. I have been teaching in Japan for 12 years and have ample experience teaching both corporate and general English. I have developed training programs for Japanese government officies and major companies with a focus on British style business English.
I look forward to meeting you all and helping you gain more confidence while working in a foreign language!
I have been involved in education for over 5 years, primarily teaching various subjects to Japanese children. Being bilingual myself, I have long been interested in language education, and I find great joy in being a part of students’ language learning process. I look forward to meeting you all.
Hello, I am Carol Tezuka, a globally experienced educator from Brazil with a diverse cultural background from living in multiple countries. With a degree in Mass Communication, I have successfully taught English and conducted TOEIC seminars in both Brazil and Tokyo. My teaching career spans across prominent Japanese corporations and ministries, and I am also a seasoned coach for Toastmasters’ contestants. I value each student’s uniqueness and aim to foster confident and persuasive communication skills while forming a strong partnership with them. Beyond teaching, I am a certified wine specialist, and I take pride in organizing wine tasting events and corporate gatherings. With my extensive experience, cultural awareness, and passion, I am dedicated to helping students improve their English skills and broaden their horizons.
Hi! I’m Jia, and I am passionate about providing a fun and collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable exploring the language.
I moved to Japan to further my studies back in 2019 and am currently studying for a MA in Economics at Keio University.
My passion for communication stems from growing up in a multilingual environment in Malaysia, and my own experiences learning Japanese and Spanish as an adult.
Having been a figure skating coach and language tutor, I’ve honed my skills in communication and fostering a positive learning experience for students of all ages and backgrounds.
My studies in economics and professional accountancy also provide me with a strong understanding of business English structures and jargon.
Looking forward to seeing you in class soon!
bio coming soon…
Hello everyone!
My name is Shuri Hatake, and I’m a native Japanese who has had the privilege of living abroad for about 7 years. I hold a BA in Psychology from the United States and an MSc in Educational Psychology from the United Kingdom.
As a speaker of five languages, I have a deep passion for both learning and teaching languages, especially English. Through language learning, my goal is to help broaden your perspectives, expand your worldview, and create new opportunities for growth and connection.
Aligned with the mission of this language school, I believe that language is not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar. It’s about understanding others and connecting on a deeper level. Beyond the language itself, I aim to share the nuances of communication, cultural styles, and non-verbal cues to enrich your learning experience.
Looking forward to learning and growing with all of you!
Hi! I’m Yasmin, a professional and friendly English teacher with lots of experience. My lessons are fun, practical, and focused on real communication. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, I’ll help you speak with confidence and enjoy learning. Let’s learn together!
Jason brings a dynamic and practical approach to language education, specializing in English writing composition for both corporate and academic settings. With extensive experience guiding learners to improve clarity, structure, and tone, he helps students craft effective communication tailored to real-world demands. In the classroom, Jason also focuses on spoken English, teaching conversation skills from beginner to advanced levels. Lessons are rooted in authentic, everyday language—not just textbook formulas—enabling students to speak with confidence in both professional and social situations. Beyond teaching, Jason is a passionate science fiction writer and stays active through weight training and boxing. This blend of creativity and discipline shapes a teaching style that is engaging, goal-oriented, and deeply supportive of each student’s learning journey.
As a fellow learner who continues to study every day, I deeply understand the struggles when things don’t go well, as well as the joy when they do. In my lessons, I place great importance on creating a safe and encouraging environment where students can challenge themselves without fear of making mistakes. I support each individual carefully, respecting their own pace, to help them steadily build their skills. Let’s enjoy the process of learning and turn each small step into confidence. I truly look forward to learning together with all of you.
Our mission
Our mission here at Toranomon Language School is to provide more than just language. Language opens up many channels in life – new friends, new hobbies, new job opportunities. We know that motivation breeds success, so we help our students achieve their goals and explore new life paths through the language skills they acquire here.
We want our students to walk out the door after every lesson and be able to use what they learned in a practical context. We aim for our students to converse in their second language as they would in their mother tongue: using natural and colloquial speech. Our goal is for every student to not just achieve their goals, but surpass them. We also strive for all of our clients to be capable of utilizing their language skills to communicate with a global workforce with ease. We accomplish this by instilling practical skills, such as understanding idioms, making compelling presentations, and structuring proper emails.
How do we teach all this? We know that language learning is not just about memorizing vocabulary but also about becoming familiar with the cultural background behind the language. At TLS, we ensure that your learning experience goes beyond the textbook in a fun, engaging, and real-world applicable way.
