Finding the right Japanese teacher can make or break your learning journey. Here are five criteria to check before you commit.
1. Check Their Teaching Qualifications
Japanese teacher certification requires one of the following:
- Completing a 420-hour Japanese teacher training course approved by the Agency for Cultural Affairs
- Passing the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test
- Majoring or minoring in Japanese language education at university
Since these qualifications require exams or education in Japan, some teachers only have private certifications — but these are completely different things.
To get official certification, you need to learn not only Japanese but also education theory, psychology, and Japanese history. You also need to complete teaching practice.
Learning from a teacher without proper certification is like getting surgery from a doctor without a medical license.
2. Check if They Have Extensive Experience
Even if someone has been a Japanese teacher for a long time, it makes a huge difference whether they teach one hour per week or eight hours every day.
Basic knowledge matters as a foundation, but Japanese instruction requires real experience.
Experienced teachers know how to:
- Choose materials that match your level
- Predict points where students often struggle
- Use effective practice methods
- Adapt to different learning styles
Teachers who have been teaching continuously for years can also keep up with changes in Japanese language education.
3. Check if They Have Teaching Experience in Your Country
Teaching methods differ between Japan and other countries.
In Japan, teachers typically teach only in Japanese because students come from various language backgrounds. In other countries, teachers can use the local language. There are also cultural differences in how students learn.
With experience, teachers start to understand common mistakes by country and language. French speakers and English speakers have different error patterns. A teacher with extensive experience in your country will know effective methods that match your native language.
4. Check if They Have Lived in Japan for a Long Time
Language and culture are deeply connected. It’s difficult to teach Japanese correctly without understanding the culture.
Teachers who have lived in Japan for a long time understand subtle nuances and know which expressions to use in which situations — from their own experience.
For example, the word “sumimasen” can mean apology, gratitude, or a way to get someone’s attention, depending on the context. These details cannot be taught without real living experience in Japan.
5. Check if They Have Experience Outside of Japanese Teaching
When teaching Japanese for various situations, teachers with limited work experience tend to have biased methods. Business Japanese, customer service Japanese, and casual conversation with friends all require different language.
A teacher with company work experience can teach keigo (honorific language) based on real situations. If they have customer service experience, they can accurately convey the nuances of polite language.
Finding the Right Match
These five points are essential when choosing a Japanese teacher. Finding someone who meets all these criteria might seem difficult, but it’s worth taking the time to find the right match for your learning goals.
If you’re looking for Japanese classes in London or learning online, check out our guide: How to Choose Japanese Classes in London: 2026 Guide
About Nihon GO! World
At Nihon GO! World, we only hire teachers who meet all five of these criteria.
If you want high-quality instruction from qualified teachers — whether in London, Manchester, Cologne, Munich, Berlin, Milano, or Paris — visit nihongo-world.com.
Updated: February 2026
Written by Ayaka Uchida — CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.