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.
Marketing Manager
Dara Robinson
Having lived in New Zealand, the USA, Australia, Belgium and Japan, I understand how cultural differences play a part in communicating in an international workplace. It’s just as important to learn about other cultures as it is to study the language, and TLS will teach you all of these aspects. Good luck with your studies!
Learning Development Consultant
Jessaree Ramos
Learning is never-ending, as it is my passion to share that empowerment. I always encourage students’ creativity and higher-order thinking to develop professional skills by providing work-based learning and offering quality education. I’ve been in the field of teaching and training for more than five years. Part of my experience is working with large companies in the market across the globe, including the big 4 accounting firms, railways, real estate, engineering, trading companies, and so on. I have been training Japanese employees in all kinds of soft skills, such as project management, negotiation, being diplomatic at work, building teams, etc. You can always count on me as I have also worked in the Japanese market and can give you a lot of teaching and training that fits your needs and industry.
Always believe in yourself. See you in my class!
Technical Specialist
Ngoc Nguyen
Bio coming soon
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
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!
Marketing Assistant
Hi! I’m Tomone Hirata, a college undergraduate studying Economics. Having lived in six countries and speaking four languages, I love connecting with people of all backgrounds and learning new cultures. I’m passionate about discovering innovative business ideas, exploring marketing strategies, and finding creative ways to solve problems.
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!
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.
After graduating from Sophia University, I worked for a major non-life insurance company Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. I have over 10 years of experience as a Japanese language instructor at a Japanese language school. I give lessons so that my students can improve their Japanese language skills through natural conversation. Let’s learn Japanese while having fun.
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.
“Excuse me, can I go to the toilet for a minute?” or “Oh, did you drop this handkerchief?” Can you say these words in a flash?
It’s frustrating when you know the words and can read them, but they don’t come out.
I have been teaching Japanese at all levels from beginner (N5) to advanced (N1) at a Japanese language school for 12 years.
Regardless of your level, the first step is to imitate. Imitate a lot, practise a lot and use a lot.
We will do our best to support you so that you can steadily accumulate as many happy moments as possible, such as “I can hear, understand and speak Japanese”. Let’s work hard together!
Bio coming soon.
Hello! My name is Miyu, and I’m a Japanese language instructor. I have extensive experience teaching Japanese to a wide range of learners, from business professionals to children at all levels. I specialize in tailoring my teaching style to meet the individual needs of each student. What kind of future do you envision for yourself using Japanese? Let’s work together to make your goals a reality! I look forward to meeting you in class.
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!
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!
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.
Contact us
Marketing Assistant
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!
Marketing Assistant
Hi! I’m Tomone Hirata, a college undergraduate studying Economics. Having lived in six countries and speaking four languages, I love connecting with people of all backgrounds and learning new cultures. I’m passionate about discovering innovative business ideas, exploring marketing strategies, and finding creative ways to solve problems.