About

Welcome To iJapanese

We Offer Japanese Classes For Melbourne Residents

iJapanese is Melbourne’s number 1 Japanese Language & Culture School.

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure students gain professional Japanese lessons with maximum enjoyment in a comfortable learning environment. We strive to assist students to develop, shape and refine their skill in the Japanese language, helping them achieve their individual goals.
We believe that it is important to build and maintain a friendly, high-quality relationship with students.

We’re all about creating a welcoming environment for learners to thrive and cultivate their love for languages. Learning is an exciting journey, and we’re here to make it enjoyable, engaging, and full of growth!

‘i’ in Japanese is the same pronunciation as ‘Love’ and we love Japan, its language, and its culture.
Our goal is that our students not only learn the Japanese language but also Japanese culture. That was why we named our school ‘iJapanese Language & Culture School’.

A wide range and practical Japanese courses delivered by fully qualified professional teachers

Meet the Co-Founders of iJapanese

Phillip & Noriko

We founded iJapanese in 2010 with no prior experience in running a business. All we had was our great passion to start a professional language school, and a mission to introduce the Japanese language and its culture to local Melbournians.

With Noriko having taught at several Japanese schools both here in Australia and in Japan and an extensive experience in designing exciting class programs and course curriculums, here at iJapanese, we plan to provide a profound knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture.

At iJapanese, we ensure that our students learn in a comfortable relaxed environment where courses are delivered in the most professional manner by our professionally trained and skilled teachers.

We believe that learning the Japanese language should be fun, if you enjoy it, then you’ll stick with it.

Our Professional
and Caring Teachers

Noriko 紀子

I became a Japanese teacher 10 years after working at an office in Japan. Now, I love teaching and it’s my life’s work!

I always learn something new from my students while teaching. Students study Japanese with specific goals in mind, whether it’s for travelling to Japan, working with Japanese colleagues, or simply because they love the culture and want to immerse themselves more deeply in it.

We would like to help you achieve your goals and dreams using the Japanese language in a happy environment. Learning Japanese is not only fun but also can be rewarding towards your achievements.

Teaching Experience: Since 2005
Hometown: Fukuoka
Motto: Laugh and get fat! 笑う門には福来たる

Aya 綾

Konnichiwa! I’m Aya and I have been teaching Japanese to foreign learners of all ages since 2014.
I live in France now, but before I worked in Japan, the UK, and Australia.
Teaching is my passion, and I am here to help you enhance your self-confidence in speaking Japanese!

Teaching Experience: Since 2014
Hometown: Tokyo
Motto: Practice makes perfect (継続は力なり)

Kanako 加菜子

Konnichiwa!

I’m Kanako, and I have been teaching at iJapanese since 2018. I love Japanese food, sake, cosmetics, fashion, music, anime, games (especially Legend of Zelda) and cats, so please feel free to talk to me when you see me at school, or anywhere 🙂

Our school is always friendly, fun, and interesting. We enjoy teaching the Japanese language to people who love Japan. First, we’ll talk about any topics you like about Japan because conversing is the most important thing.

When you start to study at iJapanese, I’m sure you will love Japan more and more! Let’s enjoy the Japanese language together.

Teaching Experience: Since 2018
Hometown: Chiba
Motto: All is Well (全てうまくいく)

Mikako 美佳子

Hi, I am Mikako. I became a teacher after I studied communication and languages at university. I have always been passionate about learning and teaching languages.

I think giving quality lessons in a fun environment is really important. I like to be creative and versatile, constantly catering students’ needs, supporting them through their weak points and enhancing their strengths. Together, let’s have fun learning Japanese at iJapanese!

Teaching Experience: Since 2019
Hometown: Kagawa
Motto: Be flexible to survive tough situations (柳に雪折れなし)

Aoi 葵

I am Aoi from Niigata Prefecture and have been teaching Japanese since 2021.

I believe that studying has to be fun, so I try my best to make the lessons enjoyable for everyone, but also help them learn properly and develop their Japanese language skills.

Teaching Experience: Since 2021
Hometown: Niigata
Motto: Slow but steady wins the race (little constant dripping wears away a stone) 雨垂れ石を穿つ

Hisami 壽

こんにちは
My name is Hisami. I live in Slovenia with my husband, a baby boy, a dog, a cat and a turtle, surrounded by nature. (you just checked where Slovenia is on Google Maps, right?)
I love reading (including Manga), movies, music, travelling, food and animals! (My childhood dream was to adopt all stray dogs and cats). I became a Japanese teacher because I wanted to know my mother tongue and, to be honest, I am still learning. So I would say Japanese is not an easy language but surely one of the most interesting and challenging languages for you to learn 😉

I think languages are just one of the means of communication.

So let’s communicate! Don’t hesitate! It’s okay if you make mistakes, it’s okay if you don’t understand!

We are here to help you.

Teaching Experience: Since 2013
Hometown: Fukuoka
Motto: Walk the walk talk the talk 有言実行!

Haruna 華奈

Konnichiwa!

My name is Haruna, and I have been teaching Japanese at iJapanese since 2021. I live in Yamaguchi, where nature is beautiful. In this beautiful city, you can eat delicious blowfish sashimi. I love reading, dancing, playing the piano and cats! I always discover something new about Japanese from my students’ questions while teaching and it inspires me to pursue further studies in Japanese for my students.

I’m happy if you keep learning until you achieve your goals.

Let’s have fun learning Japanese with us slowly but surely!

Teaching Experience: Since 2019
Hometown: Yamaguchi
Motto: Deeds, not words. (言葉ではなく、行動を。)

Miyuki 美幸

Konnichiwa! My name is Miyuki. I was born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan. I love the outdoors. I have climbed many mountains in Hokkaido. I enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter.

I do my best to provide lessons that are not only informative but also fun! Come study Japanese with us 🙂

Teaching Experience: Since 2023
Hometown: Hokkaido
Motto: 一期一会 once-in-a-lifetime encounter (hence make every counter and matter count !)

Yukina 友妃奈

Konnichiwa! Hi, I am Yukina from Kanagawa. I have been working at iJapanese since 2024.

I worked as a Japanese teacher in Japan for three years in Yokohama. In my classes, I do not only focus on teaching Japanese but also try to talk about Japanese culture and recent topics in Japan.

I try to make my classes fun and easy to understand.

Teaching Experience: Since 2018
Hometown: Kanagawa
Motto: Seeing is believing. (百聞は一見に如かず)

Mami

Konnichiwa! I have been teaching Japanese to both adults and children.
I love Japan and Japanese culture, and I am passionate about sharing that with my students.
Through my lessons, I hope to help you enjoy learning Japanese and gain confidence in using it in your daily life.

Teaching Experience: Since 2024
Hometown: Shizuoka
Motto: Seeing is believing (百聞は一見に如かず)

Wakana

I am originally from Tokyo and started teaching Japanese in 2025 because I love teaching and working with students.

At iJapanese, we believe that learning Japanese should be enjoyable and meaningful. Students study Japanese for many reasons, such as travelling to Japan, using Japanese at work, or simply enjoying the culture. I am happy to support your learning in a positive and comfortable environment.

Let’s enjoy learning Japanese together!

Teaching Experience: Since 2025
Hometown: Tokyo
Motto: Failure is the foundation of success (失敗は成功のもと)