Reviews from students

172

students

Number of our students

53

Nationalities

Number of nationalities in our school

31,077

Phrases

Number of native Japanese phrases that we provide during the Master course

17

Advisors

Number of JLF Advisor who can coach speaking training method

Rated 5 out of 5
Isaac Riley 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

"JLF is the only method that made me speak!!!"

I joined the military because I wanted to come to Japan. Ever since I was little, my mom told me about Japan, and I always dreamed of living here. I wanted to learn Japanese so I could live comfortably, communicate properly, and not be rude to people around me.

A lot of people in the U.S. military live in Japan for years but never really learn the language. Many stay on base because everything they need is there—supermarkets, restaurants, entertainment—so there’s no pressure to go out or speak Japanese. But I wanted something different. I wanted to actually get out, meet people, and experience real life in Japan.

Once I started going out more, I realized how kind and welcoming people are. Whether I met people at bars, while playing games, or just hanging out, everyone was really accepting—especially when they saw that I was trying to learn Japanese. Even if I made mistakes, people were patient, friendly, and encouraging.

Today there are so many ways to learn Japanese—apps, YouTube, Google Translate, Duolingo—but most of those don’t really help you communicate. You can get around, but you can’t truly connect. I tried studying on my own, but it was hard to stay consistent. Studying alone is difficult, and it’s easy to lose motivation.

I chose Japan Language Factory because it felt different. Watching the videos, I could tell it would help me stay focused and actually speak. Having scheduled classes and knowing someone is waiting for you makes a huge difference. It pushes you to show up and keep going.

What I really like about JLF is that we focus on speaking and interaction instead of just reading and writing hiragana, katakana, or kanji. Because of that, I feel much more confident speaking. I can understand my friends more now, and even though there are still a lot of words I don’t know, everything feels easier than before.

Speaking Japanese in front of the camera today really surprised me. I didn’t think I could do that, and it made me realize how much my confidence has grown.

For anyone living in Japan who feels too busy or nervous to start learning Japanese, my advice is simple: just try. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I’ve messed up so many times, and my friends laugh—but they also correct me right away and help me learn. People appreciate the effort. As long as you’re respectful and friendly, Japanese people are incredibly kind.

Don’t be scared to get out there and speak Japanese. That’s how you really learn.

Rated 5 out of 5
William Muterspaugh 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

"Now I speak Japanese withou fear!!!!"

Yeah, so… my experience with JLF has honestly been really good. I’ve only been studying with you guys for about two months, but I already feel a huge difference. Today I was able to speak Japanese for like 10–15 minutes straight, and that would’ve never happened before.

Before JLF, I tried studying. I went to Kumon, I spent a whole year reading hiragana and katakana, reading kids’ books… but I didn’t understand any of it. I could read the words, but I didn’t know what they meant. I wasn’t speaking, I wasn’t communicating, so eventually I just quit.

With JLF, everything finally makes sense.

You guys explain things in a way I can actually understand — the grammar, the nuance, the pronunciation. And having native Japanese coaches who speak fluent English is a big deal for me. I need someone to explain why something is said that way. Duolingo can’t do that. Google Translate can’t do that.

And I really like that we learn through my real life.

We talk about the things I actually need to say — my kids, school events, daily situations, conversations with my mother-in-law, stuff that actually happens to me. Because it’s my story, it sticks in my head so much easier.

The audio recordings help a lot too. I listen to them over and over so I don’t say things incorrectly. It’s not just reading words, it’s actually copying the right pronunciation.

If someone feels discouraged about learning Japanese, honestly my advice is:

just do it.

Put in a little time every day.

And get a coach. It’s so much easier when someone guides you and customizes everything to your life.

I’ve lived in Japan for years and this is the first time I finally feel like I’m actually learning the language in a real, practical way. JLF is the only method that has worked for me. And I’m excited to keep going.

Rated 5 out of 5
Lyvonne Jones 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in her everyday life.

"JLF gave me confidence to  speak Japanese!!!"

 

I’ve loved Japanese culture since I was a kid — anime, history, the sound of the language — everything. I even lived in Nagoya for three months as an English teacher and visited Japan four more times. But no matter how much I studied, I could never speak the way I wanted. I was nervous, unsure about my pronunciation, and never confident enough to hold a real conversation.

JLF is the first place that actually taught me how to speak.

Not memorize. Not read.

Speak.

Because of JLF, I can now have full conversations, order food naturally, and communicate with confidence. During my Level 2 test, I even spoke Japanese for 15 minutes straight with a stranger — something I never imagined I could do.

I started JLF in 2024, and the progress I’ve made is unbelievable. It inspired me so much that I officially decided:

I’m moving to Kyoto in March 2026 to study Japanese full-time.

I’m already preparing my visa, reviewing every lesson, practicing reading faster, and getting ready for the transition. I want to travel around Japan, find the prefecture I love most, and eventually buy a home there. This has been my dream for almost 10 years, and I’m finally making it real.

JLF didn’t just teach me Japanese — it opened the door to my future.

And I have to say this from my heart:

Coach Shona is the best teacher I’ve ever had.

She gave me confidence, corrected me with kindness, pushed me when I needed it, and made every lesson feel like talking to a supportive friend. Her patience and encouragement made all the difference.

“I’m so grateful I found Japan Language Factory.

It finally gave me the Japanese I always wanted — and the courage to start a new life in Japan.”

Rated 5 out of 5
Malcolm Chandler 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

"Because I love Japan, I want to speak naturally!!!"

Yeah, so… my experience with JLF has honestly been way more than I expected. I came into this thinking, ‘Okay, let me try another Japanese program,’ because I’ve tried Duolingo, YouTube channels, all kinds of apps. But the truth is, nothing ever really stuck. I could memorize a few words, but I couldn’t talk.

What hit me with JLF was the moment I realized, oh… I’m actually speaking. Not reading, not memorizing, but speaking out loud, in real situations. Even in Level 1, eight hours straight — I felt like I was actually using the language, not just studying it.

A little about me — I’m retired military, I live in Colorado now, but I was stationed in Okinawa years ago. That’s when I first fell in love with Japan. And recently I went back to Tokyo and Kyoto, and it just confirmed it. The country fits me. The culture, the manners, the food, the quietness, the respect — it matches who I am.

And because of that, one thing I knew for sure was:

I don’t want to be the guy walking around Japan staring at Google Translate.

I don’t want to be the ignorant American. I want to learn the language correctly and show respect.

When I saw JLF’s advertisement, I thought, ‘Okay… if I’m going to invest my money, then I better invest my effort too.’ And that’s what I’ve done. I don’t even see this as “school.” I actually enjoy it. I end up studying more than I should, like two hours a day sometimes, just because I like reviewing everything and practicing the phrases.

And I’ll be honest — I’m fifty. It’s not like I’m twenty anymore. But being fifty actually made me think differently: this is my time. My son’s in college. I’m not traveling around for basketball games or chasing schedules. This is something for me. And I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’m not comparing myself to other students anymore. Everyone’s journey is different, and I’m learning at my own pace.

The cool thing is, I’ve already noticed the difference when I talk to Japanese people. Even saying a few sentences — people open up. In Denver, I spoke to a Japanese lady from JR Railways, and her eyes got huge. She was so surprised I was actually trying to communicate in Japanese. That moment made me think, yeah, this is why I’m doing this.

I want to come back to Japan more often. Maybe even move there long-term. I’ve already been researching what I need to do, maybe even finding a government job if that works out. I feel like Japan is a place where I can actually see myself long-term — the manners, the respect, the culture… it matches my values.

If someone’s thinking about starting Japanese, honestly I’d say:

do your homework. Put in the effort. Learn a few phrases. Learn the culture. Respect goes a long way in Japan.

You don’t need to be fluent, but you do need to show that you care.

JLF helped me do exactly that. Not textbook Japanese. Not robotic Japanese. Real Japanese I can actually use. And that’s what I wanted.

Rated 5 out of 5
Kandace Dyer 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in her everyday life.

"JLF made Japanese click through real speaking and listening!!!!"

I’ve been studying Japanese since high school, and honestly, it was always really difficult for me—especially speaking. I could study from books, but I didn’t really have chances to practice with another person. When I joined Japan Language Factory, it became so much easier because I was finally speaking and listening instead of just reading. That made learning much more natural.

I also have a few Japanese friends, and being able to communicate with them now feels amazing. One of my favorite moments was when I went to a local restaurant in Japan and could actually talk to the staff and order food on my own. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked, and it felt so good not having to rely on translation apps.

Now, I’m preparing for a big goal — I want to do a guest spot at a tattoo event in Japan. It’s a huge step for me, but I’m excited. It’s going to be a challenge, but learning Japanese is helping me get ready for it. I know repetition and practice are the key. You don’t see results right away, but if you stay consistent, you’ll definitely get better.

It’s also motivating because this goal connects to my passion. Even just a little progress helps a lot. Studying Japanese keeps me focused and reminds me that small steps lead to big results.

If anyone’s thinking about visiting Japan or studying Japanese, I’d definitely say — just start. Don’t worry about being perfect. Practice every day, even a little, and you’ll be surprised how much confidence you gain.

Rated 5 out of 5
Briana Gigante 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in her everyday life.

“JLF helped me actually speak Japanese!!!”


I’ve been studying Japanese for about four years, and honestly, it’s still difficult—but this is the first time I actually feel confident when I speak. I’ve tried different methods before, but learning with Chihiro-sensei at Japan Language Factory has been completely different. She’s so patient and always tailors the lessons to what I really need in real life.

I live in Boston and work at a hospital, specializing in heart research. I’m now transitioning into a remote research position, which means I can live anywhere—and that’s a big motivation for me to keep learning Japanese and, eventually, move to Japan.

I actually started learning Japanese during COVID in 2021, when I was going through depression. I had everything—a good job, a house—but I still felt empty. I have a bird, and one day I thought, “If he needs stimulation every day, I probably do too.” I wanted something meaningful to focus on, so I decided to learn a language from scratch—and I chose Japanese. From the moment I started studying, I began to feel better.

When I finally went to Japan in 2023, it was love at first sight. The people were kind, everything was so clean and peaceful—I just knew I wanted to live there. Before joining Japan Language Factory, I studied using apps and textbooks, but when I got to Japan, I realized what I’d learned didn’t help me actually speak. I thought, “Did I even learn Japanese?”

That’s why this method is so refreshing. JLF teaches you based on what you need. For example, I always went to convenience stores, so we practiced exactly how to ask for a bag, or how to order something politely—and when I used those phrases in Japan, it worked perfectly! I remember walking out of the store so proud that I didn’t need to use English or Google Translate.

It’s amazing how just a few minutes of practice every day makes such a difference. I tried many tools and apps, but this is the first one that really helped me speak naturally. It’s not about memorizing random words—it’s about using real sentences and building confidence step by step.

For anyone who’s afraid to start, I totally understand. Japanese is tough, but it’s also so rewarding. You just have to decide this is something you truly want to do. Even with my own challenges—I have a small speech stutter from childhood—it never stopped me. I wanted to make friends, connect with people, and live freely, and that keeps me going.

My advice is: don’t give up. Even ten minutes a day can change everything. If you have the desire inside you, you can absolutely overcome anything and reach your goal.

Rated 5 out of 5
Ramsey Gomez 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

"JLF helped me speak Japanese with confidence and real support!!!"My experience with Japan Language Factory has been amazing.

Asako-sensei has really helped me progress — she’s patient, encouraging, and always there even when I felt unmotivated or struggled. Because of her support, I can now hold real conversations in Japanese, which honestly feels incredible.

I’m actually a pastor at a church, and my long-term goal is to preach the Bible in Japanese. For me, learning the language isn’t just about speaking — it’s about building real relationships. I believe the best way to do that is through the gospel. And Asako-sensei really understands that vision and helps me move toward it.

I wasn’t planning to go to Japan at first, but God kept opening doors — mission trips, finances, timing — everything lined up perfectly. When I finally went, I fell in love with Japan. The people were so kind, everything was clean and organized… it really felt like love at first sight.

What I love about JLF’s method is how simple and effective it is — listening, imitating, and practicing. It’s helped me build discipline and a bilingual mindset. Before, my studying was all over the place, but now it feels focused and clear. I tried textbooks and apps like Duolingo, but nothing helped me actually speak. JLF made the difference because it’s practical — it’s about real conversation.

I also love how flexible it is. Life gets busy, but JLF adjusts to your pace. That’s why I’m continuing to Levels 2 and 3 — even when I move to Japan, I can keep training.

If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: set small, achievable goals, and stay consistent. Japanese is hard, but small wins keep you motivated. Don’t be afraid to fail or sound silly — that’s part of the journey. Be disciplined, keep practicing, and surround yourself with community. That’s how you grow.

Rated 5 out of 5
Brendan Campbell 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

“I used to live in Japan without speaking the language—Japan Language Factory changed that.”

Before joining Japan Language Factory, I had already been living in Japan for a couple of years. I assumed I’d naturally pick up the language just by being here, but the truth is, I stayed mostly in English-speaking circles. I couldn’t confidently introduce myself, and I avoided situations where I had to speak Japanese—even basic conversations were intimidating.

When I joined JLF, I realized how different their approach was. From day one, it was all about practical, spoken Japanese—not grammar drills or memorizing rules. In my first group session, I could barely say two sentences, but now, after 30 sessions, I can confidently introduce myself, order food, go shopping, and talk with Japanese friends.

The method works because it’s immersive and built on real conversation patterns. It doesn’t feel like “studying”—it feels like preparing for real life in Japan. Thanks to Japan Language Factory, I now feel like I actually live here—not just exist here.

Rated 5 out of 5
Alex Hollums 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

“I just moved to Japan, and I’m already having real conversations—thanks to JLF.”

When I moved to Japan three weeks ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had studied a bit, but I was still a beginner—nervous about whether I could really use the language in everyday life. I had a million things to handle: finding an apartment, getting a car, starting work. Japanese signs and systems felt overwhelming, and I wondered if I was really ready.

But I had one big advantage: I started learning with Japan Language Factory before I arrived.

A coworker of mine recommended it, and I’m so glad I took his advice. JLF’s approach is nothing like traditional language classes. It’s not about memorizing vocabulary or doing grammar drills. From the beginning, they focus on speaking—real phrases, real situations, and building the confidence to just try.

That shift in mindset changed everything for me. I stopped worrying about being perfect and started focusing on being understood. Even in my first few weeks here, I’ve had conversations with local people—at shops, restaurants, and even while asking for directions. Most of the time, neither of us is fluent in the other’s language, but we meet in the middle. And it works.

JLF gave me the tools to do that. It taught me how to speak up, how to approach people, and how to make simple Japanese feel natural. It made settling into Japan feel a lot less lonely—and a lot more exciting.

If you’re planning to move to Japan or just want to connect more deeply with the culture, I highly recommend JLF. Don’t wait until you land. Even a few lessons beforehand will open up a whole new side of your experience.

Rated 5 out of 5
Jason Hanin 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

“I’m 51, a professional chef, and Japan Language Factory made it possible for me to work in a Tokyo sushi restaurant.”

My name is Jason Hannan. I’m an executive chef in New Jersey and I’ve been in the culinary world for over 35 years. Japanese food and culture have always inspired me—ever since I was a little boy eating teppanyaki with my parents. That early spark became a lifelong passion, and in recent years, I’ve been determined to get closer to the real world of Japanese cuisine.

Three years ago, I visited Japan for the first time—and it exceeded every expectation. I knew I wanted to return and truly work in that world, not just observe it from the outside. Eventually, I connected with a sushi chef in Tokyo, and he invited me to apprentice at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Sushi Masashi. It was an honor. But I knew if I wanted to succeed, I needed more than just cooking skills—I needed to speak the language.

That’s when I found Japan Language Factory.

JLF gave me exactly what I needed: practical, real-life Japanese. Not textbooks. Not grammar drills. Just phrases and patterns I could use immediately—on the train, at the restaurant, with locals, and in everyday life. I worked with Shona-san, who became like family. She understood what I needed, because she knew my life and my goals.

Thanks to JLF, I wasn’t just a foreigner in a sushi kitchen—I was someone who could communicate. Even just a few phrases allowed me to connect with chefs, staff, and customers. It gave me the confidence to go anywhere in Japan, even to rural towns where no one speaks English. I was able to say, “I’m a chef from America,” and that opened doors, built relationships, and created unforgettable moments—like the time I connected deeply with a pizza shop owner in the countryside, just through a few Japanese words.

At 51 years old, I don’t believe in “too late.” I believe in staying curious. JLF helped me keep growing—not just as a chef, but as a person. I’m now working toward a long-term visa to return to Japan and cook for two years. I’m also planning to open a Japanese restaurant in Cape May with my current employer.

Japan Language Factory wasn’t just a course. It was the tool that made my dream real.

Rated 5 out of 5
Donald Jackson 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

“After 17 years in Japan, I finally found the way to really speak Japanese.”

I’ve been living in Japan for 17 years. I’m a professional drift racer and entrepreneur, and I’ve built my life and career here. But the one thing that always held me back—both personally and professionally—was not being able to speak Japanese with confidence.

You’d think that after almost two decades in Japan, I’d be fluent. But life doesn’t always work that way. I was busy with the military when I first got here, and then I went straight into building my business. I tried studying on my own through apps, books, and videos, but it never stuck. I’d memorize a few phrases, forget them, and get discouraged. Japanese always felt like something I “should” be doing, but it just never became part of my daily life.

Then I found Japan Language Factory.

Honestly, I was skeptical at first. I had already “failed” at learning Japanese so many times before. But from the very first session, I realized this was completely different.

With JLF, it wasn’t about grammar rules or textbook vocabulary. It was about real communication—the kind of Japanese I actually need in my everyday life. I wasn’t learning to pass a test. I was learning how to live and speak in Japanese.

My coach, Shinobu, didn’t just teach me. She listened to me. She learned about my life, my goals, and what kind of situations I face every day as a foreigner in Japan. And then, she gave me the phrases I actually needed. It wasn’t about saying “This is a cat.” It was, “Here’s how to ask for what you want at the shop,” “Here’s how to answer when someone compliments your car,” “Here’s how to introduce yourself naturally.” That changed everything.

What shocked me the most was how fast it worked. In just a couple of sessions, I felt more confident speaking Japanese than I had in years. It wasn’t because I suddenly became fluent—it was because I finally had a system that worked for me.

I even told Terumi, during our conversation, that in just two days with JLF, I learned more useful Japanese than I had in all the years of trying to figure it out myself. That’s not an exaggeration.

Now, I feel more connected to Japan than ever before. I can talk to people. I can handle daily situations. I don’t feel like an outsider anymore. And that means everything to me—not just as a business owner, but as someone who calls Japan home.

If you’re out there struggling like I was, don’t give up. It’s not that you can’t learn Japanese—you just need the right guide. For me, that was Coach Shinobu and Japan Language Factory.

Rated 5 out of 5
Kevin Jackson 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

A Dream 20 Years in the Making – And I’m Finally Living It.

I used to be one of those people who studied Japanese in college, got an A, and still couldn’t speak it. I memorized phrases like “this is a cat” or “my name is Kevin,” but when it came to holding a real conversation, I was completely lost. For years, I didn’t practice and ended up forgetting everything.

But with Japan Language Factory, everything changed. From day one, I wasn’t just memorizing words—I was learning how to use Japanese in real life. No more robotic phrases or unnatural textbook sentences. With the help of Chihiro-san, I finally understood how Japanese people actually talk. Seeing her facial movements, hearing real pronunciation, and understanding natural intonation was something no app, no book, and no chatbot ever gave me.

For over 20 years, I dreamed of going to Japan. I love the culture. I grew up watching anime like Ranma ½, but life got busy—starting a family, saving money. Finally, in 2025, I told my wife, “Let’s go.” And now we’re doing it—together, with our kids. And this time, I’m going with confidence in the language.

JLF helped me understand that learning a language isn’t about cramming grammar rules. It’s about practicing every day, even just a little. You start with small wins—understanding a word on a t-shirt, or recognizing a phrase at a festival—and those small wins build into a whole new world of understanding and connection.

If you think you’re “too old,” or “too busy,” or “not good with languages,” I want you to hear this: you absolutely can do it. There are no real barriers—only the decision to start, and to keep going. And trust me, the small steps lead to something amazing.

I’m still learning, and always will be. But now, I feel proud, confident, and ready to speak with real Japanese people—not like a robot, but as myself. Thank you, JLF. You helped make my dream come true.

Rated 5 out of 5
James D Camanse 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

“I came to Japan with zero Japanese. Now, I connect with people in real life—and it’s thanks to JLF.”

When I first moved to Japan about three or four years ago, I came with almost no Japanese ability at all. I didn’t know how to introduce myself properly, and even the most basic conversations felt intimidating. I would smile, nod, and just hope the moment passed quickly. It was especially tough trying to build relationships, whether personally or professionally.

But everything started to change after I joined Japan Language Factory.

JLF’s method is completely different from anything I’ve tried before. They don’t start with hiragana or writing kanji. It’s not about memorizing words or taking tests. Instead, they focus on building real conversations—practical phrases you can use immediately, taught in a way that helps you actually speak and connect with people.

What I appreciated the most was how the lessons were structured to match both my daily life and work environment. On platforms like LinkedIn, for example, I connect with a lot of professionals—many of them only speak Japanese. Thanks to JLF, I’ve learned how to introduce myself confidently and hold conversations in their native language. It makes a big difference when you can connect on that level.

In my personal life, I also see the impact. I live in Ebisu and often go to local coffee shops, ramen spots, and gyoza restaurants. Over time, I’ve become friends with the staff there. Now, I can actually chat with them, understand what they’re saying, and enjoy real conversations. That kind of everyday connection would’ve been impossible before.

JLF gave me the tools and confidence to do that—not just by teaching words, but by teaching how to speak.

If you’re thinking about learning Japanese, especially if you’re living in Japan or want to build deeper relationships here, I can’t recommend JLF enough. It’s more than a language course—it’s a life changer.

Rated 5 out of 5
Kendal James 🇬🇧
From scratch to basic speaking skills in her everyday life.

At first, I didn’t believe it at all. I saw Japan Language Factory on Instagram in 2020, and I thought, ‘Yeah, right, speak Japanese in two months? That seems like a dream.’ It took me six to eight months to decide if it was worth it. But eventually, in December 2020, I just thought, ‘I’m going to do it,’ and I joined.

I took Master Course 1 in 2021, and honestly, I lived in Japan for the next two years using just what I learned from that course. But when I got pregnant in 2023, I realized I needed more advanced Japanese to handle hospital visits and government paperwork. So in July 2023, I signed up for Master Course 2 because I knew I couldn’t learn everything on my own.

One of the best parts has been having my coach, Shono-san. She’s amazing. I also love the audio files—I can just listen and repeat while doing other things, which is perfect since I’m busy. Now, I can confidently talk about epidurals, maternity leave, and hospital procedures in Japanese. I even found out that if you don’t speak enough Japanese at the hospital, they charge you an extra 5,000 yen for translation—but thanks to this course, I didn’t have to pay that!

Honestly, I’m not one bit scared about giving birth in a Japanese hospital alone, and that’s because of Japan Language Factory.

If I have one piece of advice for students, it’s this: Just keep trying. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The worst-case scenario isn’t as bad as you think. Even if you completely freeze and can’t say anything for a full minute, it doesn’t matter. You probably won’t see that person again, and if you do, they’ll probably help you. So stop overthinking it and just go for it!

Rated 5 out of 5
Erin McCullough 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

Japan Language Factory is all about a deliberate approach. A lot of people think they can just listen to anime or immerse passively, but that’s only half the battle. You need to actively engage with the language—speak it, use it, mess up, and learn from those mistakes. That’s what Japan Language Factory helps with. It’s a tool, not the end-all-be-all, but it gives you a structured way to actually apply what you’re learning.

A lot of the traditional methods? They focus too much on the academic side, and that’s not how you really learn to speak. What works is learning by doing—talking to native speakers, using the words you learn in real conversations, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Japan Language Factory feeds into that. It’s designed to get you out there using Japanese, not just studying it. That’s how you actually get fluent.

Rated 5 out of 5
Matt Martin 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

Before Japan Language Factory, I tried learning other languages, but nothing really stuck. I took French in high school—forgot almost all of it. Then, about five years ago, I tried to teach myself German with Duolingo, but it just didn’t work. It felt more like a video game than actually learning a language. I was just clicking through questions, not retaining anything.

When I finally decided to visit Japan in 2024, I spent a month on Duolingo, thinking it would help. It didn’t. I got to Japan and had no idea how to communicate. I was stuck using translation apps, which was a pain. That’s when I realized I needed a different approach, something more interactive. That’s why I joined Japan Language Factory.

It was a completely different experience. Instead of just memorizing words, I was actually speaking with people. The group sessions helped a lot because I got to practice with other learners, ask questions, and have real conversations. And that made all the difference.

When I went back to Japan after studying with Japan Language Factory, it felt totally different. I could actually talk to people, ask for things, and have real interactions. That made my trip way more enjoyable. I wasn’t just lost in a city, relying on my phone to communicate.

And honestly, Japan just left a huge impression on me—the culture, the people, the way everything just works so efficiently. Coming from where I grew up, where crime was a big issue, Japan felt so safe. I didn’t have to worry about anything, except maybe earthquakes, but even that was a new experience.

Now, I’m trying to move to Japan. It’s harder than I expected, but I’m not giving up. Japan Language Factory helped me take real steps toward speaking the language, and I know it’s going to help me reach my goal of actually living there

Rated 5 out of 5
Edward Bullard 🇺🇸
From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

I’ve been studying Japanese for about five years now, but not consistently—I’ve had times where I didn’t study at all, even for a whole year. I started learning with Japan Language Factory in 2022, and since then, I’ve been improving. Traveling to Japan multiple times has helped me a lot, and now that I’m building my business there, I know that continuing to learn Japanese is important. My goal is to keep improving so I can communicate better and grow my opportunities in Japan.

Rated 5 out of 5
Mona🇩🇪 & Alkisti 🇬🇷
From scratch to basic speaking skills in their everyday life.

Alkisiti:

Going to Japan was always my childhood dream. I wanted to visit, but I knew I needed to learn Japanese first, which is why I started this course. Now, not only has my dream come true, but I can also speak Japanese fluently—it’s truly amazing! I can ask locals anything, from recommendations on where to go to having meaningful conversations. This has unlocked so many new possibilities and experiences for me. I have no words to describe how incredible this journey has been!

Mona:

I first studied Japanese in university because I love anime and the sound of the language. I took two semesters, but after graduation, I didn’t practice, so I couldn’t improve further. My speech also sounded more like textbook Japanese rather than natural conversation.

Since I was planning to visit Japan, I wanted to take my skills to the next level, which is why I joined this course. JLF was completely different from university classes—it focused more on the individual and what you want to achieve with the language. Before, I could only say a few phrases, but now I can hold deeper conversations. Because I can speak more naturally, I also understand the culture on a deeper level. I’ve been able to express myself, describe my feelings, and fully experience Japan in a way I never could before. It has been an amazing journey!

Rated 5 out of 5

Tyrus Ng🇸🇬

From scratch to basic speaking skills in his everyday life.

“JLF helped me actually speak Japanese, not just understand it!!!”

My interest in Japan has been there for a long time. Growing up, I was always exposed to Japanese culture—cars, entertainment, the overall quality of things coming out of Japan. That stayed with me, and over time, traveling to Japan made me realize there was so much more to experience beyond just being a visitor.

The problem was the language. Even though I could recognize some kanji because of my background, that didn’t mean I could actually speak. Being able to read a little or understand something here and there is completely different from being able to communicate in real life. That gap became very clear to me.

Before JLF, I hadn’t really found a way to start. It felt intimidating, and I didn’t have a clear reference for what actually works. The turning point for me was seeing someone I knew—Willis—who was already speaking Japanese. That made it real. It showed me that it was possible, and that gave me the push to try.

What made Japan Language Factory different is the approach. Instead of focusing on reading and memorization, everything is built around conversation. From the beginning, I was speaking in real situations. It felt very different from anything I had tried before. It’s more situational, more practical, and it actually helps things stick.

Another thing I noticed is how this method changes the way you think. You’re not just learning words—you’re learning how to use them in context. That made it easier to remember and also made the process more interesting, because it’s connected to real life.

Working with my coach has been an important part of that experience. My coach helped guide me through conversations, corrected me naturally, and made it easier to keep going even when I wasn’t sure what to say. That support made it much more comfortable to speak and improve.

As I continued, I also realized something unexpected. This process helped me open up more, not just in Japanese but in general communication. I hadn’t really been talking to new people or having conversations like that for a long time. Through this, I started to feel more comfortable interacting again, which was something I didn’t expect.

At the same time, it also changed how I think about the future. Japan is no longer just a place I visit—it’s somewhere I can actually imagine living. Whether it’s retiring there, bringing business there, or just building a different kind of lifestyle, it feels more possible now.

Japanese went from being something distant and difficult to something I can actually use. And that shift opened up a lot more than just language—it opened up new possibilities.

Action plan.

All the problems caused by not being able to speak Japanese will be solved.
 
All our teachers are native Japanese.
We are the specialists to skyrocket your speaking skills.

Talk to one of our agents to learn our method to become a Japanese Speaker in just 2 months👆

Translate »