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
- Private 1‑to‑1 Japanese Lessons (EH10 & online) — regular, personalised tuition for steady, structured progress.
- Adult Japanese Clubs (EH10 & online) — friendly small-group spaces for reading, speaking or independent study: Chat Club in Edinburgh South (EH10), with Read & Talk Club and Co-Studying Club online.
- Kids’ Japanese (EH10) — playful small-group learning for ages 7–12 through stories, games and creative activities.
- Japanese Speaking Review & Plan (Online) — guided Japanese conversation, personalised feedback and a practical four-week speaking plan.
- JLPT Study Plan Power‑Up (Online) — personalised planning support for JLPT N5–N1, with clear priorities, targeted resources and a realistic four-week plan.
SELF-STUDY RESOURCES
- Free Tadoku Reading & Worksheets — short, level-labelled Japanese stories from Gentle N5 to N2, with weekly worksheets, audio and gentle Tadoku support.
- Hiragana Workbook (Printable) — a romaji-free printable workbook with a colour-coded chart, guided practice and QR-linked pronunciation and stroke-order videos.
- Useful Links — a curated collection of Japanese reading, study and culture resources for independent learners.
🎓 Credentials & affiliations (selected)
- MA in Applied Linguistics, Graduate School of Language Sciences, Kanda University of International Studies, 2001
- Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test (JLTCT) — passed in 1998 (recognised by the Minister of Education at the time).
- 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.
- Poster Presenter, British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (BATJ), 2026 — From Reel to Reading: Connecting Short-Form Japanese Story Videos and Japanese Extensive Reading to Support Autonomous Out-of-Class Reading. View the research findings
- Member, British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (BATJ)
- Member, NPO Tadoku Supporters
- Course Designer, Japanese Teacher Training Program (Pedagogy Module), Human Academy, 2012-2013
- Invited Workshop Leader, University of Edinburgh — Japanese pedagogy and course design on the Tadoku method, 2025
- Instructional Design Faculty Development, accredited by the Japan Society for Educational Technology, 2017
- 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:
- Want regular individual support? Check current availability or join the waiting list for Private 1‑to‑1 Japanese Lessons.
- Want focused feedback or a personalised study plan? Choose Japanese Speaking Review & Plan or JLPT Study Plan Power-Up.
- Prefer learning alongside others? Explore Adult Japanese Clubs.
- Looking for Japanese for ages 7–12? Explore Kids’ Japanese.
