We Coaching Team

Meet Our Coaching Team

Our coaches learn to understand your goals and challenges, adapt practice, and provide feedback that helps you take the next step.

Standardized Training

A Standardized Training System

Our Japanese coaches are practitioners who have completed our proprietary PLC training and hold the Super-J® (一般社団法人 スーパー日本語講師会) certificate. Grounded in shared instructional principles and evaluation standards, every coach delivers training at a consistent level of quality. Progress is shared across the team, ensuring continuous and stable learning support for every learner.
Foreign Language Experience

Every Coach Has Learned a Foreign Language

Every We coach has personal experience learning a foreign language. That means they genuinely understand the moments of confusion and uncertainty that learners face — and can provide support with real empathy. Taking linguistic background and cultural difference into account, each coach tailors their explanations and feedback to the individual.
Visible Results

Results Made Visible in Every Session

At We, every session is designed as a process that leads to results. By setting a clear goal each time and confirming its achievement as the session progresses, learning accumulates in a steady, reliable way. This builds learner confidence and consistency — and connects directly to the development of language skills that can be used in real situations.

A team built for your results.

A standardized system and experienced coaches — delivering training you can count on.


Yukari Iioka

Yukari Iioka

Japanese

Intercultural Communication

“If you’re looking for a dynamic and engaging learning environment, I’d be happy to support your Japanese journey.”

About Yukari Iioka
Style of Coaching:
Dynamic, Engaging, Joyful, Highly customized
Coaching Levels:
Beginner to Advanced
Coaching Experience:
Over 15 years teaching in the US; teaching in Japan since 2010
Professional Background:
International Language Instructor, Intercultural Communication Specialist
Likes:
Inspiring the joy of learning, creating lifelong interest in culture
Qualifications:
Super-J® Lead coach, OPI tester qualification in ACTFL
Yumi Tachibana

Yumi Tachibana

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Test Prep, Calligraphy

“I enjoy planning lessons to suit your needs and thinking up exciting ways to make the lessons interesting and fun”

About Yumi Tachibana
Style of Coaching:
Exciting, Fun, Practical, Highly Customized
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Coaching Experience:
Coaching business professionals in Tokyo; previously taught in London
Professional Background:
Language Learner/Expatriate (China, Thailand, Germany, UK), Literature major
Likes:
Reading, traveling, art museums, meeting people of all ages
Qualifications:
Qualified Japanese Language Teacher, Passed Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test
Jotaro Yamaguchi

Jotaro Yamaguchi

Japanese

Business, Test Prep

“Through learning Japanese, the students' daily life has been enriched.”

About Jotaro Yamaguchi
Style of Coaching:
Practical, Encouraging, Career-focused, Adaptable
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Coaching Experience:
Experience teaching daily conversation, business Japanese, and JLPT preparation at We
Professional Background:
General Corporate Employee, Studied in Canada & USA
Likes:
Coffee, communication, business discussions
Qualifications:
Qualified Japanese Language Teacher
Sayuri Itakura

Sayuri Itakura

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Test Prep, Cultural

“What I value most is learning while having fun.”

About Sayuri Itakura
Style of Coaching:
Fun, Supportive, Interactive, Goal-oriented, Tailored
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Coaching Experience:
Coaching Japanese professionally since 2015
Professional Background:
Culture & General Affairs Specialist, Language Learner
Likes:
Classical music, practicing tea ceremony, cross-cultural exchange
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Mizuki Ichihira

Mizuki Ichihira

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Test Prep, Cultural

“Let’s enjoy learning Japanese together.”

About Mizuki Ichihira
Style of Coaching:
Empathetic, Learner-focused, Encouraging, Valuing the learner’s point of view, and Cultural
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Professional Background:
B.A. in International Liberal Arts (British Culture & Literature), Qualified Aromatherapist
Likes:
Books, dogs, nature, aromatherapy, travel, movies, yoga
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Fumiko Akita

Fumiko Akita

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Test Prep, Cultural

“Communication is fundamental for business as well as daily conversation.”

About Fumiko Akita
Style of Coaching:
100% Tailor-made, Flexible, Dynamic, Supportive, Developmental Psychology
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Professional Background:
33 years in Business (Marketing, PR, Communications, Sales)
Likes:
Music, traveling, reading, Japanese history
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Yuxuan Liu

Yuxuan Liu

EnglishChinese

Conversation, Business, Test preparation

“To me, learning a new language is opening a window to see a different world.”

About Yuxuan Liu
Coaching style:
Customized, dynamic
Experience:
Eight years in policy research, consulting, and communications in the US, China, and Canada. Focuses on natural intonation and practical, everyday language.
Background & qualifications:
Master’s degree in political science.
Interests:
Culture, nature, Taoism, Zen, classical music
Tashmika Sewsunker

Tashmika Sewsunker

English

Conversation, Business, Eiken, Interviews

“I teach in a manner that encourages them to speak without the fear of making mistakes.”

About Tashmika Sewsunker
Coaching style:
Supportive, encouraging
Experience:
Experience teaching senior high school English in Tokyo and teaching Taiwanese and Japanese learners online. Supports presentations, interviews, and exam preparation.
Background & qualifications:
BA and master’s degree in Psychology; 120-hour TEFL certification.
Interests:
Hiking, baking, reading, trying new food
Eri Takeuchi

Eri Takeuchi

JapaneseEnglish

Daily life, Business

“Let's enjoy learning Japanese. Let's do it effectively!”

About Eri Takeuchi
Style of Coaching:
Bespoke, Fun, Open, Result-oriented
Coaching Levels:
Beginner to Advanced
Coaching Experience:
6 years of volunteer teaching and extensive corporate training; professional teaching debut in August 2023
Professional Background:
M&A coordinator, Market research consultant, Department/account lead, System engineer
Likes:
Meeting new people, dogs of all ages
Favorite Phrase:
Less is more!
Education:
BA in Information Systems, Master's: MBA
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Noriko Koyama

Noriko Koyama

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Test Prep

“So let me know your needs and wants!”

About Noriko Koyama
Style of Coaching:
Tailor-made, Dynamic, Needs-based, Expressing opinions and thoughts
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Coaching Experience:
Empathetic coach with 20+ years living abroad (Germany)
Professional Background:
Biochemistry, Scientist (Food Risk Assessment for 8 years)
Likes:
Art, Photography
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Mikino Shibata

Mikino Shibata

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Test Prep

“Let's have fun studying and gain the ability to communicate in Japanese.”

About Mikino Shibata
Style of Coaching:
Attentive to details, relaxing atmosphere
Coaching Levels:
Beginner to Advanced
Coaching Experience:
Over 10 years teaching Japanese
Professional Background:
Linguistics Specialist
Likes:
Going for a drive, meeting people from various countries
Education:
B.A. in Linguistics, Master's in Japanese Education
Shoko Amimoto

Shoko Amimoto

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Test Prep

“So, let me know your wants and let’s have fun learning Japanese!”

About Shoko Amimoto
Style of Coaching:
100% tailor-made, Dynamic, Practical
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Professional Background:
Sales Leader (Insurance, 5 years), General Affairs (4 years)
Likes:
Historical places, new restaurants, karaoke, anime, writing novels
Favorite Phrase:
情けは人の為ならず (One good turn deserves another)
Education:
Faculty Foreign Studies
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Hiroaki Tanaka

Hiroaki Tanaka

Japanese

Business, Cultural

“I wish I could have a chance to talk about differences between the culture of the students’ countries and Japanese one.”

About Hiroaki Tanaka
Style of Coaching:
Highly personalized, Conversational, Friendly, Cultural
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Professional Background:
International Business (overseas assignments in the US and Philippines)
Likes:
Kabuki, Bunraku, Matsuri, learning about foreign cultures
Education:
Degree in International Law
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Yoko Nagase

Yoko Nagase

Japanese

Daily Life, Test Prep

“I will design the lessons for you and let me hear your needs and wants!”

About Yoko Nagase
Style of Coaching:
Practical, Tailor-made, Problem-solving, Supportive
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Professional Background:
Foreign banks (25+ years), Hospital secretary (7 years)
Likes:
Traveling (Mt. Fuji), reading, learning languages (Hindi), The Beatles
Education:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Qualifications:
Super-J®, Completed 420-hour Training Course
Junichi Kawakami

Junichi Kawakami

Japanese

Business, Cultural

“I understand the joys and difficulties of learning a new language and would be glad to support you in the ways that would be comfortable for you.”

About Junichi Kawakami
Style of Coaching:
Comfortable, Supportive, Adaptable
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Coaching Experience:
Many years teaching learners with varied needs and backgrounds
Professional Background:
International Transactions, Cultural Article Translator
Likes:
Exploring cultures, translating articles, learning languages
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Ayako Akeshiba

Ayako Akeshiba

Japanese

Daily life, Test Prep

“I'd love to support you on your journey to learn Japanese!”

About Ayako Akeshiba
Style of Coaching:
Fun, Friendly, Dynamic, Customized, Practical
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Coaching Experience:
Empathetic coach with language learning background
Professional Background:
Surgical Nurse (9 years), Study-abroad agency (4 years)
Likes:
Japanese tea ceremony, exercising, learning languages, exploring nature
Languages Learned:
English, Spanish, and Catalan
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Nahoko Tashiro

Nahoko Tashiro

Japanese

Daily life, Business, Cultural

“Let's enjoy studying together!”

About Nahoko Tashiro
Style of Coaching:
Fun, Friendly, Customized, Tailored
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Professional Background:
Corporate Finance (Bank, 10+ years), Foreign Company Employee (Lived in U.S.)
Likes:
Road bikes, yoga, making candles, traveling, Japanese history
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Hiroko Yamada

Hiroko Yamada

JapaneseEnglish

Daily life, Test Prep

“Let's make the most of our time and enjoy the process of learning and sharing.”

About Hiroko Yamada
Style of Coaching:
Fun, Dynamic, Customer-first
Coaching Levels:
All levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Coaching Experience:
Passionate online coach with international experience (UK)
Professional Background:
Program Development Director, Editor, Planner, Coordinator
Likes:
Yoga, Taichi-mix yoga, culture, art museums, movies, dramas
Education:
Linguistics, English Literature
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Veena Onishi

Veena Onishi

English

Business English, Conversation

“Please feel free to be yourself in our lessons, and rest assured that I’m here as a partner-coach in your journey.”

About Veena Onishi
Coaching style:
Interactive, immersive, reinforced learning
Experience:
Experience in HR management, learning and development, sales, and marketing across a wide range of industries. Former full-time instructor and corporate sales leader at We.
Background & qualifications:
Professional background in human resources and training.
Interests:
Cats, kickboxing, baking, cooking, travel, anime, nature
Orie Hagihara

Orie Hagihara

Japanese

Daily conversation, Culture

“I aim to assist you in learning Japanese in a customized, dynamic, and relaxed atmosphere.”

About Orie Hagihara
Coaching style:
Customized, dynamic, relaxed
Experience:
Six years at English conversation schools, four years tutoring children, and experience supporting children with additional needs.
Background & qualifications:
Psychology, with a focus on developmental and clinical psychology.
Interests:
Tap dancing, animals, anime, manga, musicals, plants
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Hiroko Taira

Hiroko Taira

Japanese

Daily conversation, Medical Japanese

“I hope to not only support your Japanese language learning, but also share the beauty and depth of Japanese culture with you.”

About Hiroko Taira
Coaching style:
Customized, friendly, interactive
Experience:
Extensive experience in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and dispensing pharmacies. Offers Japanese for medical and pharmacy settings.
Background & qualifications:
Pharmacy.
Interests:
Tea ceremony, history, travel, Ghibli, music, manga
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Takeshi Murata

Takeshi Murata

Japanese

Business, Daily conversation

“Together, we’ll work to overcome language barriers and enhance your confidence in communicating in Japanese.”

About Takeshi Murata
Coaching style:
Fun, dynamic, customized
Experience:
40 years at a Japanese trading company, including 10 years on assignments in New York and four years at a financial institution.
Background & qualifications:
Law.
Interests:
Economy, politics, Edo culture, music, movies
Qualifications:
Super-J®
Rimi Taniguchi

Rimi Taniguchi

JapaneseEnglish

Conversation, Japanese culture

“I’m passionate about helping people connect through language and culture, and I look forward to supporting your learning journey.”

About Rimi Taniguchi
Coaching style:
Fun, dynamic, customized
Experience:
Over 20 years in education and communication, including managing MEBAE Learning Center and teaching English and Japanese.
Background & qualifications:
BA in English and American Literature; licensed Sogetsu Ikebana instructor; RYT 200 yoga certification.
Interests:
Music, movies, kabuki, ikebana, rakugo
Qualifications:
Super-J®

Find the right coaching team for your language journey.

Tell us what you’d like to achieve and how you like to learn. In a counseling session, we’ll help you find coaches who match your goals and learning style—and take the next step with confidence.

Book a Counseling Session

© 2026 We Languages. All rights reserved.