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なぜTLS?Why Tsubasa?

Understand Japanese, not just its grammar

Language is not just a subject to be studied — it is a way of understanding people. We help you communicate with confidence, accuracy and cultural awareness.

Conversation-focused

30 minutes of pair-work conversation in every 2-hour lesson, plus presentations from time to time.

Built on learning science

Active learning, retrieval and application — not rote memorisation.

Cultural understanding

Humility, harmony, indirectness: the values that shape how Japanese is spoken.

Small groups

Typically no more than eight students, so everyone gets attention.

Songs, dramas & news

Contemporary materials from Japan make lessons feel relevant and alive.

Business Japanese

Business phrases, ethics and manners from Beginner level onward.

Pitch accent

Intonation is corrected deliberately — a commonly neglected skill.

Personal progression

A clear path designed to reach approximately JLPT N2 in about 3.5 years.

語用論Pragmatics in practice

The difference between correct Japanese and Japanese that sounds natural

Pragmatics is the way language changes according to context, relationships and cultural expectations. Try an example:

Grammatical, but unnatural

トイレへ行くことができますか

Toire e iku koto ga dekimasu ka

“Am I able to go to the toilet?” — asks about ability.

Natural

トイレへ行ってもいいですか

Toire e itte mo ii desu ka

“May I go to the toilet?” — asks for permission.

From the TLS Why Tsubasa page

01設計

Lessons designed around how people learn

Every lesson is designed around established principles from Japanese language education and educational psychology.

Our founder, Can-sensei, holds bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Information Technology and is pursuing a Master's degree in Education. He has passed the JLPT N1 three times — in 2010, 2017 and 2022. Rather than relying on rote memorisation, we encourage active learning through clear explanations, meaningful practice, and regular opportunities to retrieve and apply knowledge.

Research in educational psychology consistently suggests students learn more effectively when they actively participate rather than simply memorise. This philosophy underpins every lesson we teach.

02理解

Clear explanations that build lasting understanding

Instead of asking students to remember hundreds of exceptions, we help them discover the underlying patterns that connect grammar points.

Once you understand why a structure works, you're far more likely to remember it and use it confidently in unfamiliar situations. Our materials are continually refined to be logical, accessible and easy to retain.

03少人数

Small classes with personalised guidance

Classes are intentionally kept small, typically with no more than eight students, so every learner can ask questions, receive feedback and participate actively.

When specialised questions about usage or culture arise, we consult experienced native Japanese advisers — keeping explanations accurate, authentic and aligned with contemporary Japanese.

04体験

Learning beyond the classroom

People learn most effectively when they apply knowledge in authentic situations. We regularly bring in news articles, videos, advertisements, television programmes and everyday conversations from Japan.

Our lessons help you connect classroom learning with the Japanese you meet outside class — making it relevant, practical and alive.

約束Our commitment

Approximately JLPT N2 in three and a half years

For students who attend consistently, complete the recommended practice and actively apply what they learn, our curriculum is designed with the goal of reaching approximately JLPT N2 proficiency within three and a half years. More importantly, we want you to communicate effectively in real life.

Year 1

Foundation Studies + Beginner

JLPT N5

Year 2

Intermediate

JLPT N4

Years 3–3.5

Pre-Advanced (Tobira)

JLPT N3 / N2

Indicative timeline based on course durations. Individual progress varies; this is not a guarantee.

Find your starting point

一緒に始めましょう

See if TLS is right for you

Tell us about your goals and experience. We'll reply within 1–2 days and arrange a friendly course-placement chat before you join.

Book a trial lesson (excludes Foundation Studies)