About Hitomi – Japanese Tutor in Edinburgh (EH10)

Learn Japanese with joy and structure. Meet Hitomi Kobayashi‑Prior—a native speaker of Standard Tokyo Japanese, MA in Applied Linguistics, a prestigious teaching award recipient, and one of Scotland’s most experienced Japanese tutors in Edinburgh (EH10). Over 25 years, she has taught learners aged 6 to over 60—from university students to an ambassador and retired Paralympian—across 44+ countries. Formerly a senior lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies in Japan, she is also the author of 17 textbooks (3 sold 70k+) on Japanese language teaching and teacher training.

Teaching approach

Friendly, evidence‑based, and relentlessly practical. Drawing on Second Language Acquisition, Hitomi designs lessons to match your goals—travel, work, JLPT, or curiosity—so you speak more, retain more, and progress at a sustainable pace. No gimmicks; just clear explanations, guided practice, and plenty of encouragement.

👩🏻‍🏫 What I offer

1. Private 1‑to‑1 Lessons (EH10 & online) — personalised tuition for steady, measurable progress.
2. Adult Japanese Clubs — Book / Chat / Co‑Studying Clubs for consistent practice, accountability, and community.
3. Kids’ Japanese (EH10) — joyful small‑group learning: After‑School Club & Holiday Camp, ages 7–12.
4. JLPT Study Plan Power‑Up (30 min Online coaching) — a realistic 4‑week plan with micro‑goals, resources, and weekly checkpoints.
5. Hiragana Workbook (Printable) — bite‑size practice you can print at home; perfect for self‑study or homework.

🎓 Credentials & affiliations (selected)

1. MA in Applied Linguistics, Kanda University of International Studies, 2001
2. Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test (JLTCT) Nationally recognised certification for professional instructors (Passed, 1998).
3. Postgraduate Research Student (Credit-earning), Instructional Design, Graduate School of Instructional Systems, Kumamoto University (2016-2017). Focused on advanced methodologies for effective learning and curriculum design.
4. Member, British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (BATJ)
5. Member, NPO Tadoku Supporters
6. Programme Lead, CMB Japanese Teacher Training Course
7. Invited workshops, University of Edinburgh (Japanese pedagogy & course design on the Tadoku method)
8. Instructional Design Faculty Development, accredited by the Japan Society for Educational Technology
9. Publications include: New Nihongo Kaiwa Training (2nd ed.), Nihongo Kaiwa Training (1st ed.), JLPT Speed Master: N2 Reading

👥 Who I’ve taught

Learners from 44+ countries: complete beginners, returners, business professionals, and exam‑focused students—plus one ambassador and retired Paralympian. Whatever your starting point, there’s a friendly path forward.

🚀 Ready to start?

1. In Edinburgh (EH10): Enquire for tailored Private 1‑to‑1 Lessons.
2. Worldwide (online): Book JLPT Study Plan Power‑Up (30 min Online coaching, £20) and get a focused 4‑week roadmap.
3. Prefer a friendly group? Join Adult Japanese Clubs to keep speaking and stay motivated.

My journey to Japanese language teaching

1. Interview with Hitomi Kobayashi (on Ippo Ippo Japanese website)

Last updated: Jan 2026