An American English Conversation Training School based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
Real English. Real confidence. One conversation at a time.
Online lessons with a native American teacher who understands the challenges Japanese learners face.
Meet Your Teacher
Hello, I'm John Haines
An American English teacher and online tutor based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
I grew up in the United States and have always been passionate about languages and cross-cultural communication. This led me to earn a BA in Language Arts (Japanese) with a minor in Linguistics.
After university, I moved to Japan, where I’ve been living and teaching for several years — currently in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. This experience has given me deep insight into the specific challenges Japanese learners face with English pronunciation, intonation, natural phrasing, and cultural nuances.
I specialize in helping Japanese students speak more clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-life situations.
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe learning English should be practical, enjoyable, and confidence-building. My lessons are:
- Fully conducted in English with patient, step-by-step support for all levels
- 100% tailored to your personal goals (conversation, Business English, IELTS, travel, etc.)
- Focused on real-life communication skills rather than just grammar rules
Whether you are a Japanese learner looking to overcome common pronunciation and fluency barriers, or an international student seeking natural American English, every lesson is personalized.
Qualifications & Experience
- Native American English speaker
- BA in Language Arts (Japanese)
- Minor in Linguistics
- Over 6 years of international teaching experience
- Specialized in IELTS Speaking & Writing and Business English
- Experienced working with Japanese learners and students from many countries
- Based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan — teaching students across Japan and online worldwide
Why I Love Teaching
Education has always been very important to me. I love helping others achieve their goals. It’s very rewarding when I play a part in that.
As an English teacher based in Hokkaido, I help my students — especially Japanese learners — gain the confidence to express themselves clearly in English. Whether they are preparing for a job interview, leading a business meeting, trying for a promotion at work, planning overseas travel, or simply want to chat more naturally, I’m here to support them every step of the way.
What do I do when I'm not teaching?
Take a look: Hokkaido Life with John
Learning a language is a journey — and I’m excited to be your guide.
Student Terms & Policies
To ensure a smooth and professional learning experience for everyone, please read the following terms carefully.
Payment
All payments are processed securely via PayPal. For lesson bundles, full payment is required before the first scheduled lesson.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
I require at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged at the full lesson rate.
Bundle Expiration
All lesson bundles must be used within 3 months from the date of purchase.
Technical Requirements
Lessons are conducted via Zoom or Google Meet. Please ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment for our sessions.
Working Hours
Monday – Saturday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Japan Standard Time (JST).
What My Students Say
"He's a very good teacher. I always take conversation classes with him, and we always talk about many subjects that are interesting and relevant in today's society. He knows a lot about culture, so you'll never be bored during class. Lastly, he has very good taste in music. If you ask him, he'll recommend the best songs."
Sophia Kanashiro
Brazil
"An exceptional teacher, demonstrating remarkable patience and the ability to guide students towards achieving the progress they aspire to."
朱李忠
China
“John’s lessons are relaxed and fun — I’ve learned so much.”
Yoon
South Korea