Sakura Juku - Japanese Language School

Welcome to SAKURA JUKU!

Do you love Anime? Japanese food? Have you started learning Japanese but need some help? Well, you've come to the right place! Here at SAKURA JUKU, we focus on building a strong foundation in Japanese grammar and vocabulary, then use these skills for conversation and engaging class activities that will take your Japanese to the next level. But…SAKURA JUKU is more than just a language school. This is a place that provides opportunities to learn about and experience Japanese culture. Here you will feel a sense of belonging and community where everyone is welcome!

Meet The Teachers

Eri Sensei

Eri sensei (In Japanese, Sensei means teacher, and students call their teachers by their name + the word Sensei or せんせい or 先生) grew up in Japan and moved to the US to study linguistics at the university and has been living here since then. Eri sensei loves to travel to different parts of the world whenever she gets a chance, learns about the different cultures, and tries out local food. She enjoys watching amine, and recently started playing video games; she loves when her students recommend her their favorite anime and games! She truly enjoys teaching Japanese. It makes her so happy when she sees her students get so excited to be able to speak Japanese! For a glimse of Eri sensei's life as a Japanese teacher, check out her youtube channel!

Tsuzuki Sensei

Tsuzuki sensei was born and raised in Japan. She has been teaching Japanese at several universities since she graduated from WSU with a MA in English (TESOL), and has experience teaching students from 5 to 60 years old. She loves teaching and enjoys every minute of it! Tsuzuki-sensei enjoys good food, J-Pop, K-Dramas, shopping and laughing (especially with Japanese comedy shows). She also likes playing piano and reading books in her spare time. However, recently she feels that puzzle games suck up her precious time too much but she cannot quit!

Spring 2025 Courses

Introduction to Japanese

January 22 - April 16, 2025 (12 weeks / 15 Hours)
Wednesday 6:00pm - 7:15pm (75 mins)
Dayton, OH - Beavercreek
USD 360 | Age 16+
Instructor: Tsuzuki sensei
* Only 4 Seats Left *

Learn More

Momoko

Taking Japanese classes with Sakura Juku has been one of the best desicions I've ever made. I am able to connect more with my heritage and learn new things each week. The community and fun among my classmates gets me through the challenging part of learning a new language! If you're thinking about Japanese language classes, please consider Sakura Juku!

Lucy

Eri is an amazing teacher; I have been taking Japanese lessons with Eri for about 2 years now and they are the highlight of my week! She makes Japanese learning fun and always teaches me interesting things you can't find in the textbook, going the extra mile to make sure I understand when I have a difficult question. She always comes well-prepared for lessons ensuring they are well structured with equal focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking. She is a patient teacher who always listens and helps to correct my Japanese. She also has many great tips for other interesting and often unexpected resources for learning Japanese, helping me to practise throughout the week. I recommend Eri sensei to everyone!

Dylan

Eri sensei creates a safe and productive space for learning about both Japanese language as well as culture. Five stars! 🌟

Leah

I have been getting lessons from Eri for 2+ years, and I am working on Kanji! It is a great day when I have a Japanese class with Eri sensei.

Abe

It's been almost two years now since I started my lessons with Eri sensei. It's been challenging at times, that's for sure, but thanks to her bright and constantly positive attitude and reassurance when I'm not doing well, all in all, I'd say I'm getting along all right. And not only am I learning the language, but she also makes the classes culturally educational, showing some Japanese customs and traditions and just talking about Japanese life in general. When I first started looking for Japanese learning resources, I didn't think it would be as fun as it's been, but it has, and I often find myself looking forward to my next lesson. エリ先生、二年間おしえていただきありがとうございます! Can't wait to see what else you have to teach me in the future.

Bear

Eri sensei goes above and beyond not only to accommodate her students but to make them feel comfortable enough to try their best! Every class we have is unique, insightful, full of cultural and linguistic knowledge and above all else…FUN! I look forward to our classes every week because I know that not only will I have a great time but I'll also learn a whole bunch of new vocabulary and things about Japan I never knew before! I can't recommend her enough, she truly cares about her students and it shows not only in her work ethic but also in the skills I've acquired because of her lessons!