About Hitomi – Japanese Tutor in Edinburgh (EH10)

Learn Japanese with joy and structure. Meet Hitomi Kobayashi‑Prior—a native speaker of Standard Tokyo Japanese, an MA in Applied Linguistics, a prestigious teaching award recipient, and one of Scotland’s most experienced Japanese tutors in Edinburgh (EH10). For over 25 years, she has taught learners aged 6 to over 60—from university students to an ambassador and retired Paralympian—across 45+ countries. Formerly a senior lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies in Japan, she is also the author of 17 textbooks (3 sold 70k+) on Japanese language teaching and teacher training.

🧑🏻‍🏫 Teaching approach

Friendly, evidence‑based, and relentlessly practical. Drawing on Second Language Acquisition, Hitomi designs lessons to match your goals—travel, work, JLPT, or curiosity—so you speak more, retain more, and progress at a sustainable pace. No gimmicks; just clear explanations, guided practice, and plenty of encouragement.

🏫 What I offer

LESSONS AND STUDY SUPPORT

1. Private 1‑to‑1 Japanese Lessons (EH10 & online) — regular, personalised tuition for steady, structured progress.
2. Adult Japanese Clubs — friendly small-group spaces for reading, speaking or independent study: Book Club and Chat Club in Edinburgh South (EH10), and Co-Studying Club online.
3. Kids’ Japanese (EH10) — playful small-group learning for ages 7–12 through stories, games and creative activities.
4. Japanese Speaking Review & Plan (30 mins · online) — guided Japanese conversation, personalised feedback and a practical four-week speaking plan.
5. JLPT Study Plan Power‑Up (30 mins · Online) — personalised planning support for JLPT N5–N1, with clear priorities, targeted resources and a realistic four-week plan.

SELF-STUDY RESOURCES

1. Hiragana Workbook (Printable) — bite-sized practice to print at home, suitable for self-study or lesson support.

🎓 Credentials & affiliations (selected)

1. MA in Applied Linguistics, Graduate School of Language Sciences, Kanda University of International Studies, 2001
2. Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test (JLTCT) — nationally recognised certification for professional instructors (passed, 1998)
3. Postgraduate Research Student (Credit-earning), Division of Instructional System Studies, Graduate School of Social and Cultural Sciences, Kumamoto University, 2016–2018 — focused on advanced methodologies for effective learning and curriculum design.
4. Member, British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (BATJ)
5. Member, NPO Tadoku Supporters
6. Course Designer, Japanese Teacher Training Program (Pedagogy Module), Human Academy, 2012-2013
7. Invited Workshop Leader, University of Edinburgh — Japanese pedagogy and course design on the Tadoku method, 2025
8. Instructional Design Faculty Development, accredited by the Japan Society for Educational Technology, 2017
9. Selected publications: New Nihongo Kaiwa Training (2nd ed.), Nihongo Kaiwa Training (1st ed.), JLPT Speed Master: N2 Reading

👥 Who I’ve taught

Learners from 45+ countries: complete beginners, returners, business professionals, and exam‑focused students—plus one ambassador and retired Paralympian. Whatever your starting point, there’s a friendly path forward.

🚀 Ready to start?

Choose the support that fits what you need now:

1. Want regular individual support? Check current availability or join the waiting list for Private 1‑to‑1 Japanese Lessons.
2. Want focused feedback or a personalised study plan? Choose Japanese Speaking Review & Plan or JLPT Study Plan Power-Up.
3. Prefer learning alongside others? Explore Adult Japanese Clubs.
4. Looking for Japanese for ages 7–12? Explore Kids’ Japanese.

My journey to Japanese language teaching

1. Interview with Hitomi Kobayashi (on the Ippo Ippo Japanese website)

Last updated: July 2026