Meet Your Teacher
Your English learning success depends on who you learn from. Here at Starfish English, I bring over 35 years of experience living and teaching in Japan to help you navigate the language and culture with confidence.
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe every student can succeed with the right approach. My teaching focuses on:
- Age-appropriate instruction for learners from Grade 5 (ages 10+) to 90+
- Cultural bridge-building between English and Japanese communication styles
- Confidence-building through supportive, error-friendly environments
- Practical application of English in real-world situations
- Individual attention in small-class settings
Your Instructor
Richard
Instructor & Founder
My journey as an educator has come full circle. I originally majored in Education because teaching was my passion, but I switched to Business on advice from mentors. However, the desire to teach never left me, and I was thrilled when I first came to Japan in 1990 as a Junior High School ALT in Ibaraki.
Career Background
35+ Years in Japan
Since coming to Japan in 1990, I've gained broad experience in both education and technology.
1990-1994: ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)
- 4 years teaching at junior high schools in Ibaraki
- First hands-on experience understanding Japanese education system and student needs
1994-2012: Education Technology Field (Tokyo)
- Coordinator for international online education programs (Thinkquest, AT&T Virtual Classroom, Kidlink, GII Junior Summit, and others)
- Technical Coordinator, Cisco Learning Academy Japan (supporting university professors and students nationwide)
- System administration, marketing, and development work at study abroad support company
2012-2019: Return to English Education
- Eikaiwa instruction across diverse age groups and settings
- Nursery schools, elementary students, and adults
- Business English at factories, research labs, and corporations in Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Saitama
2019-2024: Pandemic Period
- Education-related audio production work
- Continued teaching select students
2025: Full Focus on Starfish English
Current Teaching Philosophy:
At Starfish English, I specialize in students from Grade 5 (ages 10+) and above. This allows me to align with when English becomes a formal subject in Japanese elementary schools and provide the best instruction for age groups who can focus well in the localized classroom environment. From diverse experience, I value both practical English ability and instruction that addresses learners' anxieties.
My background means I can break down complex grammar with the logic of an engineer, while drawing on 17 years of teaching experience to warmly guide each student's growth.
The Learning Environment
Located in a quiet residential area of Fujieda, the intimate classroom with traditional shoji screens creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where students can feel comfortable practicing English without pressure. Our intimate classroom is designed for focus, ensuring you get the most out of every minute. I’ve created a space where making mistakes is part of learning, and every student is encouraged to speak with confidence.
My Approach
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Focus on communication over grammar drills
- Real-world applications that students can use immediately
- Flexible scheduling to fit busy lifestyles
- Cultural understanding that bridges Japanese and English communication styles
Ready to Start Learning?
Contact me today to discuss which course is right for you and schedule your free trial lesson!
Phone: 054-660-7740
Email: starfishfujieda@gmail.com
Book Your Free Trial