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Master SPEAKING Japanese

Self-Study Course for Beginners

Do you want to start speaking Japanese confidently? 

Begin with the Basic Japanese – Visitor Course: 10 practical lessons for restaurants and shops for £10.
You can upgrade to the full Learner Course later if you want deeper conversations.

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💖You'll be transformed :)
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My Methods are based on 20 years of teaching:

I studied and taught in the UK for over 20 years. My academic background in language education and learning design helps me create methods that make sense to international learners.

  • MA in Applied Japanese Linguistics (SOAS, University of London)

  • MBA in Education Management (King’s College London)

  • Japanese Lecturer at UK universities

  • Japanese Language Instructor at the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (UK Foreign Office)

I also understand what it feels like to struggle with a foreign language — because I was once an international student myself. I know the frustration, the silence, the fear of speaking. And that experience shapes every part of my method.

The core of my method — built over 20 years

 
1. Mind = Expression (High‑quality input)

You first understand the Japanese mindset behind each expression. Most learners struggle because their input quality is low — they memorise words without understanding the intention behind them. When the “mind” becomes clear, your input becomes meaningful, and a within‑a‑minute explanation is enough for everything to click.

In each lesson:

  • Clear illustrations show the situation instantly.

  • Expressions are explained within a minute.

  • Similar expressions finally make sense.

2. Learn How to Learn Japanese (A method you’ve never been taught)

Japanese cannot be learned the same way as European languages. In this course, you learn the learning method I’ve developed over 20 years — something most learners are never taught.

Through out the course:

  • You understand why Japanese should be learned in a different order.

  • You learn how to study efficiently and confidently.

3. Build Up with Useful, Real-Life Expressions (Step by step Solid foundation)

You learn expressions you’ll actually use, step by step from the basics.

In each lesson:

  • Grammar appears in the order you need it.

  • It naturally reappears later, so you don’t forget.

  • Everything connects to real-life situations.

4. Learn by Speaking (Real communication from day one)

You speak from the very beginning, so your understanding becomes real communication — not passive knowledge.

In each lesson:

  • The method is designed for natural, confident speaking.

  • Speaking comes first, not memorisation.

  • Hiragana appears naturally as you learn.

     And because you use your ears, eyes, voice, and body together, this aligns with research from the Dominican University of California showing that multi‑modal learning improves retention and confidence.

Why this method works

Because these four principles work together, you can start speaking naturally from the very first lesson.

 

Real results from real learners

 

This course finally broke my cycle of ineffective self‑study.” — Vlad 

★★★★★

 I struggled with learning Japanese by myself for years. It was a frustrating cycle of learning, forgetting, and constantly trying new apps, textbooks, and methods.

But when I started Master Speaking Japanese, everything changed.

  • I understood grammar points clearly and remembered them

  • I could actually use what I learned in daily conversation

  • I gained confidence faster than I ever had before

  • I started learning more effectively than I had in years

For the first time, I felt genuinely confident speaking Japanese.

I would recommend Master Speaking Japanese to anyone who wants to finally break the cycle of ineffective self‑study and make real, permanent progress.

 

Are you ready to master speaking Japanese?

You'll gain confidence in 4 weeks!

Trial Lessons

ÂŁ10

Perfect for

  • Visiting a local Japanese shop: to interact at a restaurant & a shop

  • Visiting Japan: to interact with the locals

  • Travelling: to interact at a restaurant, shop & with locals

  • Building a SOLID BASE: 10 lessons, grammar introduction, speaking practice, model conversation between native teachers, and interactive conversation challenges!

  • 31 days free access 

TRY NOW!

Learning Cafe

ÂŁ5/month

Do you need a little help with your Japanese? Join our relaxed, supportive online community and access professional learning support!

  • Get personalised feedback and advice for anything you're struggling with in Japanese!

  • Check to see if your current learning methods are effective, and discover new ways to improve!
  • Join with chat, audio or video - whatever you're comfortable with!
  • Ask me anything about Japanese language, culture and study methods! 
  • Communicate with and get advice from other members anytime!
  • Ask me anything about Japanese language, culture and study methods!

You're not alone anymore! Next learning cafe is on 31st May 2025.

JOIN NOW!

Learner Course

ÂŁ35/month

Perfect for

  • Travelling: to interact at a shop, hotel & with locals

  • Socialising: to build relationships & deepening your cultural connections.

  • Communicating Daily: to talk about your experiences, plans & goals confidently.

  • Studying thoroughly:  to improve practical language skills with 70 interactive lessons and quizzes based on real-life situations.

  • Getting a certificate of completion for CV

  • Receiving learning support (live) from a professional teacher!  

Sign Up

1-to-1 Lesson

ÂŁ70/hour

Tailored lesson with Arai-sensei for your absolute success!

  • Tailored for your specific or urgent needs
  • Personalised advice for your best learning outcome
  • Accelerate learning timelines and maximise results.
  • Understand Japanese etiquette and cultural mindset
  • Build strong bonds, trust and connections with Japanese people
  • Understand the Japanese mind and how to touch the Japanese heart
  • Build long lasting relationship with Japanese people
Sign Up

You can also give a unique gift 💝

Get Started!

First step for most beginners: Basic Japanese – Visitor Course (£10)

Why Arai Method Works

Get Started!

First step for most beginners: Basic Japanese – Visitor Course (£10)

Herman

★★★★★

Her approach to teaching Japanese is highly sophisticated and professional.

She strongly believes that the key to unlocking language skills is to gain a deep understanding of both culture and language.

I could not recommend Mineko's lessons more highly if you want to become a confident Japanese speaker.

 Lauren

★★★★★

Your typical language courses often feel impersonal, applying the same principles across all languages.

In contrast, Arai-sensei's lessons stand out by using practical examples and carefully crafted content designed to help you navigate common situations while visiting Japan.

You'll find a real human who genuinely cares about your success and takes pride in it.

Matt

★★★★★

Before, I couldn’t find a textbook or a course that suited my learning style. It was annoying that I had to waste lots of money on books and classes that didn’t help my studies.

Now, I feel much more confident when communicating in Japanese.

Arai Academy's learning support is fantastic. I learned how to study Japanese in a way which worked for me because the approach you need is so completely different from when you learn other languages, such as French and Spanish.

 

Highly effective Japanese course focused on speaking

Are you struggling with speaking because you don't have the opportunity?

Maybe you try to cram Japanese scripts and grammar points for years but struggle to have basic conversations?

This course builds confidence fast through constant speaking practice in real situations. 

Get Started Now!

What can the Master Speaking Japanese Course do for you?

3.7x faster learning progress | 400% increase in confidence

according to the result from the survey with the students

How it works

Each lesson teaches grammar and common expressions in practical situations.

Each lesson has 4 parts, 3 lesson videos (approx 5 -10 mins each) and 1 quiz.

♄ Access the course 24/7 from any device.

♄ Join our online Learning Cafe to get support and stay motivated.

♄ Take an optional mini speaking lesson – ask questions and get feedback from a professional native teacher.

1. Introduction video

(5-10 mins)

You’ll be able to understand 100% of the grammar and expressions in real life situations!

You'll also understand the link between expressions, mindset and culture from the Japanese perspective. 

This will help you to become a confident Japanese speaker as quickly as possible!

★Downloadable PDF Summary

2. Practice video

(5-10 mins)

Speaking practice will help you to remember new expressions!

You'll be able to use them smoothly and naturally in no time.

★Personalised Vocab List

3. Conversation video

(approx 5 mins)

Use the expressions you've just learned in a real conversational setting! I'll ask you questions and you can answer, just like in a video call.

Step 1: Watch the model conversation
Step 2: Try it for yourself and record yourself speaking
Step 3: Check your progress by reviewing the model answers.

4. Quiz

Track your progress with a quiz before moving on to the next lesson!

Get Started Today!

First step for most beginners: Basic Japanese – Visitor Course (£10)