About Hitomi – Japanese Tutor in Edinburgh (EH10)

Learn Japanese with joy and structure. Meet Hitomi Kobayashi‑Prior—a native speaker of Standard Tokyo Japanese, MA in Applied Linguistics, a prestigious teaching award recipient, and one of Scotland’s most experienced Japanese tutors in Edinburgh (EH10). 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

1. Private 1‑to‑1 Lessons (EH10 & online) — personalised tuition for steady, measurable progress.
2. Adult Japanese Clubs — Book / Chat / Co‑Studying Clubs for consistent practice, accountability, and community.
3. Kids’ Japanese (EH10) — joyful small‑group learning: After‑School Club & Holiday Camp, ages 7–12.
4. Japanese Speaking Review & Plan (30 min online) — a shorter first step with guided speaking, clear feedback, and practical next-step advice.
5. JLPT Study Plan Power‑Up (30 min Online coaching) — a realistic 4-week plan with micro-goals and targeted resources for JLPT learners.
6. Hiragana Workbook (Printable) — bite‑size practice you can print at home; perfect for self‑study or homework.

🎓 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, 2016–2017 — 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 44+ 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?

1. In Edinburgh (EH10): Enquire for tailored Private 1‑to‑1 Lessons.
2. Worldwide (Online): Start with a Japanese Speaking Review & Plan session for guided speaking, clear feedback, and a simple next step.
3. Preparing for JLPT? Book JLPT Study Plan Power-Up for a focused 4-week roadmap.
4. Prefer a friendly group? Join Adult Japanese Clubs to keep speaking and stay motivated.

My journey to Japanese language teaching

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

Last updated: April 2026