We do not stream our classes online so that teachers can focus on the class in the classroom and students who attend physically can feel relaxed and can more actively participate to the class! 😊
Updated On: 18 April 2024
About The School
Tomo Japanese Language School promises to deliver the most interesting and effective Japanese lessons in Singapore. And if you think you it is sufficient to know only the language and pass JLPT, we will have you reconsider that. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, besides the language, you can also learn about the Japanese culture and beyond?
Our lessons are designed in a way that you not only learn to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, better known as JLPT and which many Japanese learners aim to accomplish, but also be an all-rounded master of the language. The passing of JLPT means that you can read and listen well, but not write and speak fluently, two important skills which even many JLPT N1 holders lack.
Tomo Japanese Language School ensures that you can speak, read, write and listen to Japanese fluently. Beyond a Japanese language school, the lessons will introduce you to the culture of Japan including the society, arts and history, introduce practical applications, so that you know enough to even work in Japan.
Mastering a foreign language can be really exciting and rewarding because it allows one to understand and immerse in a different culture. Unknown to many, the way to master a language is to be able to speak it well. The skill of speaking, at least for the Japanese language, is the base of communication; if one can speak Japanese well, the other communication skills, namely listening, reading and writing, come naturally – and almost comparable to that of a native Japanese.
Tomo Japanese Language School's Unique Tomo Teaching Method emphasises on the speaking component more so than the other three. This unique teaching style is not available in many other Japanese language schools in Singapore, which use traditional ways of teaching that limit progress.
On top of that, Tomo Japanese Language School regularly sources high-quality and useful modern language textbooks in Japan, bringing together the best of teaching materials so as to propel students to master the language faster and with a high level of proficiency. In class, be assured that you will not be using familiar textbooks (to Japanese learners) like “Minna no nihongo” 「みんなの日本語」as they will take you a longer time to master Japanese.
Above all, what Tomo Japanese Language School promises is for you to learn Japanese in a fun and friendly environment because learning takes place the fastest when one is happy and enjoys the process. Over time, you will build up the confidence to speak, read, write and listen to Japanese fluently.
Shadowing involves listening to a conversation flow and "shadowing" it by immediately repeating after what is heard. It has proven to be a very useful method for learning languages, including Japanese.
When you sign up for a Japanese language class, you don't want to only know how to read and write in the language - you also want to listen and speak in the language, don't you? Many language learners can read and write well but are weaker in listening and, especially, speaking. Often, they are able to think of what they want to say, but are not able to say the words fluently. Shadowing forces the the mind to react in the manner that you want to - respond accurately in Japanese. Regular Shadowing practice can help you to progress from understanding to applying what you know in practical situations.
In Tomo Japanese Language School's lessons, Shadowing is practised in every lesson so that you can process Japanese faster and more accurately. As you gain confidence in speaking the language, you will also start to enjoy conversations in Japanese. What is more useful about Shadowing is that, besides listening and speaking, your reading skills will also improve.
Shadowing exposes you to various forms of expressions structures that you have learned in class. As you build up your bank of words and sentence patterns, you can express yourself more accurately, instead of relying on simple sentence structures.
Finally, as most Japanese language wishes, Shadowing can train you to sound like a native Japanese too. Speech components like intonation and pronunciation will register in your mind and they will be reflected in your speech.
Thanks to Shadowing, many of our students have improved their speaking skills dramatically over a short period of time, eventually gaining mastery in speaking Japanese.
WHY LEARN JAPANESE?
By learning Japanese at Tomo Japanese Language School:
-
Those who like Japanese pop culture like movies, drama, music, manga (comics) and books can enjoy and understand them in their original language
-
Entrepreneurs will be able to do business in Japan, or with a company in Japan
-
Be equipped with the skills to use the language at your workplace (you might be working in a Japanese company in Singapore or have working relationship with the office in Japan) and you might have a higher chance to work in Japan (several of our students did that)
-
You can go for backpack travels in Japan on your own
Tomoki Moriyama
Our highly-experienced teacher, Tomoki Moriyama, is a graduate of Waseda University, one of the top universities in Japan. His teaching experience spans more than 10 years and to date, he has taught more than 2000 Japanese learners in both public and private educational institutions. Having lived in Singapore for the past decade, he is very familiar with local culture. Hence, his lesson style resonates well with learners, enabling them to master the language quickly and effectively.
During his free time, Tomoki enjoys reading – his favorite author being Haruki Murakami – travelling and searching for good food in Singapore.
Ryo Yoshida
Ryo Yoshida has a strong passion in teaching Japanese overseas since she was 18 and holds a Master degree graduate from Tokyo Universities of Foreign Studies. She also specializes and excels well as a top student in Japanese Language Studies in university.
Ryo's bubbly and cheerful personality, is very well-liked by her students worldwide!
With her bright and passionate attitude towards teaching, you will definitely enjoy your time learning Japanese together with Ryo. Most importantly, her well filled knowledge from her Master studies in Japanese, will definitely aid well in her lessons.
Do anticipate and look forward to a brand new technique in learning Japanese with Ryo!
Tomoka Tatematsu
Our bright and lively Tomoka Sensei aspires to be a Japanese Language teacher in Singapore. With her cheerful personality, Tomoka sensei will liven the class atmosphere with fun and laughter! Her passion and enthusiasm as a Japanese teacher, will aspire students in her class to love Japan and the language itself. Tomoka sensei speaks not only Japanese and English, she does speak Chinese as well! Our first Trilingual sensei in Tomo Japanese Language School!
Anticipate fun-filled and enjoyable lessons in Tomoka sensei's class!
Kazuya Suzuki
Kazuya Sensei has taught Japanese in Japan and is one of the most popular teacher in his language school in Tokyo, Japan.
His teaching style focuses on speaking during his lessons, and his students will make remarkable progress in conversational Japanese.
Be amazed to a brand new technique in learning Japanese with Kazuya!
You will feel very relaxed during his lesson, as Kazuya sensei is very patient and kind!
Tomoaki Miura
Aki sensei is well-liked by his students for his interactive, interesting and stress-free Japanese language teaching style!
A fun-loving and lively sensei from Hokkaido who does not hesitate to help his students enthusiastically when they are having difficulties learning Japanese in class.
Aki sensei holds Master degree of teaching Japanese as a second language and has big passion for teaching Japanese in his life !Students who are having troubles conversing in Japanese initially will be able to approach Aki sensei with ease!
A warm-hearted sensei with deep knowledge that students can securely look up to!
Our students come from varying backgrounds -- from school students and undergraduates to working professionals and hobbyists. With the conducive learning environment at Tomo Japanese Language School, all students are united by one key objective: to enjoy learning Japanese from the teacher and also their classmates amidst a relaxing atmosphere.
Many students in a class gradually become close friends, enjoying activities like eating delicious ramen and attending events related to Japanese culture even after lessons together. Whether you join the class with your friends or alone, eventually, you'll make a lot of friends with the same interest as you. This makes the learning journey a lot more rewarding than you can imagine. Read our students' testimonials.