Our Teaching Team

Experienced Japanese language instructors and support staff

Nihongo Center has been staffed by dedicated Japanese language educators since 1979. Our teachers are selected for their ability to make Japanese accessible and practical for adult learners — not just grammatically correct, but genuinely usable from the first week.

47+
Years of combined
teaching experience
27
Countries our
students represent
20
Max students
per class

Hideo Kurita

Principal of Nihongo Center

  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Interests: Reading historical fiction in the bath
  • About: I have completed eight marathons (Honolulu x 4, Osaka x 2, Kyoto x 2)
  • Message: Let’s study Japanese in the country’s most exciting city!
Nihongo Center teacher and staff in Kyoto

Kuniko Kinomura

Managing Director

  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Interests: Tennis, Music (Rock, Jazz, Classical)
  • About: Stoic, with a burning curiosity.
  • Message: Through communicating in Japanese at Nihongo Center you will encounter a new self.
School Staff - Koji Ueda - Teaching Manager

Koji Ueda

Chief of Sales Planing Department

  • Spoken Languages: English, Indonesian, Swedish (Basic), Chinese (Basic)
  • Interests: Travel, Restaurants, Tennis, Flute, Cello
  • About: I believe in the motto “No pain no gain” and want to lead fun, but occasionally strict classes.
  • Message: I look forward to meeting everyone.

Ready to Start Your Japanese Journey?

Apply for the April 2027 intake — full student visa support included, small classes, central Kyoto.
Application deadline: October 31st, 2026.

Request InformationApply for April 2027