The name “Starfish English” holds a special meaning—one that shapes how I teach and why I believe in small-class, personalized instruction.

In my Fujieda home classroom, I focus on individual students—not crowds. That’s what creates genuine progress. Here’s the story that explains why.

The Starfish Story

A young boy was walking along a beach covered with thousands of starfish that had been washed ashore by the tide. He was picking them up one by one and throwing them back into the ocean.

An older man approached and asked, “What are you doing?”

The boy replied, “I’m throwing these starfish back into the sea. If they stay on the beach, they’ll dry out and die.”

The man looked at the vast stretch of beach covered with starfish and said, “But there are thousands of them! You can’t possibly save them all. What difference can you possibly make?”

The boy picked up another starfish, gently threw it back into the ocean, and smiled. “But I made a difference to that one.”

This story captures how I approach English teaching at Starfish English. I can’t teach hundreds of students at once like the big chain schools. But I can focus on the person right in front of me and create real progress. That’s a more effective path to fluency.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Here’s what happens when students get individual attention instead of being one face in a crowd:

A junior high student came in barely willing to speak—afraid of making mistakes. With consistent encouragement in my small class setting, she gradually found her voice. Her test scores improved, but more importantly, she told me: “I actually like English now.”

A working professional joined us dreading English presentations at work. We practiced role-playing actual meeting scenarios. He developed the skills he needed and now handles international communication without the anxiety.

A senior student wanted to enjoy travel more. She started with just basic words and phrases, building steadily at her own pace. Last trip, she had real conversations with locals—something she’d never imagined doing.

Why Small Classes Matter

Immediate correction
In a small setting, I catch pronunciation and grammar mistakes right away—before they become habits. This is nearly impossible in large classes.

Custom approach
Want to focus on grammar? Travel conversation? Business presentations? I adjust to what you actually need, not what a textbook dictates.

Consistent support
Learning a language takes time and consistency. Small wins matter. Rough weeks happen. I’m here through both.

Our Classroom

360° View: See the actual space

How It Works

Students from age 9 to their 90s learn here. The approach is straightforward:

  • I set clear goals with you based on what you want to accomplish
  • Regular check-ins help you see progress (which isn’t always obvious day-to-day)
  • Focus stays on practical skills you’ll actually use
  • Questions are always welcome—about English or about your learning plan

Why This Matters

“I made a difference to that one.”

That’s what the starfish story is about—and it’s how I think about teaching. I can’t help everyone at once, but I can help you. The individual attention makes the difference.

Being able to communicate in English opens things up—job opportunities, travel experiences, connections with people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. It’s worth the effort.

If you’re interested, come try a class and see if it’s a good fit.

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