Richard Pavonarius
Founder & Instructor — スターフィッシュ英会話教室 (Starfish English)
Richard Pavonarius is an American English instructor who has lived and taught in Japan for over 35 years. He founded Starfish English in Fujieda, Shizuoka, to give local learners access to high-quality, small-group English instruction — from upper-elementary students through working adults and seniors.
His lessons focus on real communication: building the vocabulary, listening habits, and speaking confidence that carry over outside the classroom. He has helped hundreds of students prepare for homestay programs abroad, pass Eiken exams, and use English at work.
Richard is a native English speaker, fluent in Japanese, and holds a deep understanding of the challenges Japanese learners face — and what actually helps.