Japanese Lessons for Real Connection
Lessons that blend playful and practical approaches to Japanese learning, so you can speak with confidence and connect more meaningfully in Japan.
Whether you're planning a holiday, dreaming of living in Japan, or simply curious about the language and culture, Akarui Japanese Lessons will help you learn Japanese with heart and purpose.
With experienced teacher and Japan enthusiast Jacqui McGinn, you'll build practical Japanese skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances that make communicating in Japan so much more meaningful.
You don't need to become fluent before you visit Japan.
You just need the confidence to give it a go.
Ways To Learn With Me
1:1 Tailored Japanese Lessons
個人レッスン
Perfect if you have a specific learning goal or want some extra support with your Japanese.
Whether you're preparing for GCSE Japanese, JLPT N5 or N4, or you've been learning by yourself and need more structure, 1:1 lessons are tailored around you, your goals and the way you learn best.
Holiday Japanese for Meaningful Travel
旅行の日本語
Want to get more out of your trip to Japan?
Learn practical Japanese you can actually use — from ordering food and navigating shops to asking for directions and communicating politely.
Our fun and practical 5-week Holiday Japanese course is designed for complete beginners and focuses on the language and cultural knowledge that can make your trip more enjoyable.
Beginner's Japanese Online Course
初心者
Ready to go beyond the holiday essentials?
Our beginner's course is designed to help you build a solid foundation in Japanese while keeping learning enjoyable, practical and achievable.
You'll develop speaking and listening skills, with opportunities to explore reading and writing too.
The Akarui Approach
Why Learn With Akarui?
25+ Years of Teaching Experience
Jacqui has over 25 years of experience in education and language teaching, including more than nine years living and working in Japan.
Real Life Experience in Japan
Jacqui lived in Japan from 2000–2009, working in Japanese schools and private teaching companies and experiencing everyday life within Japanese communities.
Qualified in Teaching & Japanese
Jacqui holds a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) from the University of Greenwich, as well as JLPT Grades 1 and 2.
Always Learning
Since January 2026, Jacqui has been studying for an MSc in Digital Education through the University of Edinburgh.
It's another expression of the Akarui values of kaizen 改善, koukishin 好奇心 and yuuki 勇気 — continuous improvement, curiosity and courage.
What Students Say
"Really good fun. Practical."
"Really enjoyed the course and it has inspired me to want to learn more Japanese."
Feedback from Holiday Japanese course participants at Itchen College, 2026
Meet Jacqui
Your Guide to the Heart of Japan
Jacqui McGinn's connection with Japan began long before she ever lived there.
After discovering Japan through her father's stories, she applied to the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme while studying at the University of Edinburgh.
What was originally intended to be a one- or two-year adventure became more than nine years living and working in Japan.
Today, Jacqui brings that experience into her teaching — combining practical language learning with the cultural insights, stories and experiences that can help learners understand not just what to say, but why it matters.
Find Your Path to Speaking Japanese
Whether you just want the essentials for your next trip or you're ready to dive deeper into the Japanese language, Akarui Japanese Lessons will help you learn in a way that's playful, practical and supportive.
And along the way, you'll discover cultural insights that can help you avoid faux pas, show respect and feel more comfortable communicating with people in Japan.
Most Japanese people will be delighted that you've made the effort to learn their language.