Japanese Read & Talk Club (Online) — Easy reads. More to say.

Led by Hitomi (MA in Applied Linguistics; Tadoku book author), the club brings together enjoyable reading and guided conversation. I’ll help you find stories you want to read and words you want to use.

Who it’s for

1. Adults who have studied Japanese before and would like more time to read and talk.
2. Learners returning after a break, ready to bring familiar Japanese back into use.
3. Anyone who enjoys stories and would welcome help putting their thoughts into words.
4. People who like a small, friendly group, with time to think and someone to practise with.

What you’ll do (a story, a chat, another try)

1. Share your reading: Tell us about a favourite scene, a surprising detail or something that made you smile. Bring a book or a page you’d like to talk about.
2. Enjoy a short story together: I’ll read a short illustrated story aloud. Follow the pictures and talk about what happens.
3. Tell it in your own words: Work with another learner to tell the story together. I’ll help with words and short sentences along the way.
4. Pick up a useful expression: Listen to my retelling, notice a phrase you could use, and practise it. Then tell the story again and see what feels easier.

There’s time to think, ask questions and try again. Pictures and notes are welcome.

Our approach — easy reading, meaningful conversation

Rooted in Tadoku (extensive reading) and informed by research on language learning, the club gives you time to understand, share ideas and use Japanese again. In practice, that means:

1. Choose a book you want to open: Start with something comfortably easy and follow your interests. You can reread a favourite or switch to another book.
2. Keep the meaning in view: Pictures and familiar language help you follow the story and decide what you want to say.
3. Build on what you know: A short answer is a useful starting point. I’ll help you add a detail or find an expression for your idea.
4. Try it, notice it, use it again: Compare ways of telling the story, practise a useful phrase and give it another go.

Hitomi has extensive experience teaching Japanese to international students through Tadoku in higher education in Japan, and as a Tadoku book author, has led a Tadoku workshop for Japanese teachers at the University of Edinburgh.

A little reading, a real conversation

Bring your reading to people who are curious about it. You’ll have someone to talk with, help when a word goes missing, and feedback you can put into practice during the session. A regular date in the diary gives your Japanese some company, too.

What you’ll come away with

With pictures, prompts and time to practise, you’ll work towards these can-dos in Japanese:

1. I can share one thing I enjoyed or noticed in a Japanese book.
2. I can ask or answer a simple question about someone’s reading.
3. I can tell part of a short story in my own words, using pictures to help me.
4. I can add one reason or detail to a short answer.
5. I can use an expression we’ve practised when I retell the story.

These are examples of can-dos. Each session focuses on a few, with support to suit the group.

Pricing & group size

1. First session: £40 per person for 75 minutes.
2. Continuing: book two scheduled sessions at a time.
3. Group size: small group, 2–4 learners, with time for everyone to take part. If fewer than two can attend, we’ll postpone.
4. Where: Online on Google Meet.
5. Included: Guided reading and speaking practice, feedback during the session, and suggestions for your own reading.

What to bring

Choose a book or a page from your own easy reading that you’d like to share. A familiar or unfinished book is welcome. I’ll share links to free online books to help you choose.

Have your book or reading link and a notebook handy. You’ll need a microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a place where you can speak comfortably. A larger screen makes the pictures easier to follow.

We’ll meet the shared story during the session, so there’s no extra reading or presentation script to prepare.

How to join

1. Get in touch: Use the contact form to tell me you’d like to join and a little about your Japanese.
2. Start with one session: I’ll send you the booking and payment details. Your place is confirmed once payment has been received.
3. See how it feels: After your first session, decide whether you’d like to continue. Continuing participants book two scheduled sessions at a time.

Questions before joining? You’re very welcome to use the contact form — I’ll be happy to help.

FAQs

What level of Japanese do I need?

The starting group is for adults who have learned some Japanese and can take part in simple exchanges. You’re welcome if you’re returning after a break. Tell me a little about your speaking and reading, and we can see whether the group is a good fit.

Can under 18s join?

Japanese Read & Talk Club is for adults aged 18 and over. We’re not currently able to accept participants under 18.

Do I need to finish a book before joining?

No — a familiar or unfinished book is fine. Choose one page or moment you’d like to share. You can enjoy the rest at your own pace.

What if I can’t find the words?

Take your time. We can use the pictures, a few keywords or a short example to get you started. I’ll help you build on what you can already say.

Do I need to buy books?

You can use free online books for your own reading; I’ll share links to help you choose. I’ll provide the shared story during the session.

Can I ask about sentences I’ve written?

Yes — bring a sentence you’re unsure about, and we can look at it during the session, alongside the group activities. Feedback is provided within sessions; written correction between sessions isn’t included.

What happens if I can’t attend?

Please let me know through the contact form as soon as you can.

1. At least 24 hours before the session: You can cancel for a full refund of that session’s fee.
2. Less than 24 hours before the session, or non-attendance: That session’s fee is non-refundable.

If your cancellation means fewer than two learners can attend, we’ll postpone the session. The cancellation policy above still applies to your booking; anyone who was available to attend can carry their payment forward to a future session.

What happens if a session is postponed?

If we postpone because fewer than two learners can attend, your payment can be carried forward to a future session if you were available to attend.

If I need to postpone, for example because of illness, everyone’s payment can be carried forward, even at short notice. If we cannot arrange a suitable alternative, the credit or refund provisions in the Adult Terms & Conditions apply.

Booking & payment

Payment is due at least two days before your session, or before the first session when booking two together. Your place is confirmed once payment has been received.

Please read the Adult Terms & Conditions before booking. To book or cancel, please use the contact form.