Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026
A street-level photo of a small, vacant commercial building in the Kamui area of Asahikawa, Japan. The ground floor features large front windows, a recessed entrance, and a sign indicating the space is available for rent. The building has a modest, older design with brick accents and frosted glass, and it faces a quiet sidewalk in soft winter sunlight. This is the type of space I imagine becoming a welcoming home for A-1 English School in the future.
Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been taking time to reflect on the year behind us and to think carefully about the future of A-1 English School.
When I first started this school, my goal was simple and clear:
to help students build real confidence in English through natural, unscripted conversation — not memorized dialogues or stiff textbook English.
That goal hasn’t changed.
But as I look ahead to 2026, I see new possibilities, new challenges, and some important changes that I believe will help me serve my students — and my local community — even better.
A Clearer Focus for 2026
A Simpler Name
In 2026, the school name will change from A-1 International English School to simply A-1 English School.
This reflects my commitment to the local community here in Asahikawa and Japan, while still welcoming students from anywhere. The heart of the school has always been personal, human, and community-focused — and the new name reflects that.
What I Teach: Real American English Conversation
At A-1 English School, my focus is basic American English conversational skills — the kind of English people actually use in real life.
There’s a reason many Japanese students struggle to speak English naturally. As I discussed in my December 12, 2025 blog post, the Japanese English education system emphasizes knowledge — grammar rules, vocabulary lists, test preparation — rather than communication.
To be fair, teachers work under tight time limits and enormous pressure to prepare students for entrance exams. Their goal is not conversation; it’s academic success.
My role is different.
Through A-1 English School, I want to help students use English, not just study it.
I can’t change the system — but I can do my part.
A Dream for a Physical Space in Asahikawa
Online lessons are wonderful. They remove concerns about weather, transportation, safety, and cost. Students can learn comfortably from home, which helps keep classes affordable.
However, some students learn better face-to-face.
In 2026, I would love to rent a small space — possibly in the Kamui area — where students can come to learn in person.
My dream is to create a welcoming place where students can:
take English classes
drop in to chat in English
borrow books from the A-1 English library
watch movies
meet other learners and practice conversation naturally
As my wife often reminds me, renting in Japan is not easy — or inexpensive. Making this dream a reality will require support from the local community.
I walk regularly around Kamui and always keep my eyes open for a possible location. More than anything, I want A-1 English School to be a place that contributes positively to the community — somewhere anyone feels welcome to stop by, say hello, and learn.
This is my dream for 2026.
Keeping English Education Affordable
Making English education affordable and accessible is one of my highest priorities.
I grew up poor. My parents were divorced, and my mother raised three children on her own. I remember clearly what it felt like to be left out simply because we couldn’t afford certain things.
Because of that, I want to offer:
affordable English lessons
free learning resources
a free English book, music, and movie library
Of course, all of this costs money. Community support will be essential.
If you’ve found this blog or my lessons helpful, you’re welcome to support A-1 English School. Your support helps keep this small school growing and allows me to continue offering free English learning resources.
👉 You can support the school here:
https://www.a-1-english-school.com/blog
Thank you for being part of the A-1 community.
Staying Connected on Facebook
I also enjoy staying connected with students and readers on Facebook.
My Facebook profile is not public — but if you’d like to say hello, you’re welcome to send me a friend request here:
👉 John Haines on Facebook
Supporting the Dream in Other Ways
Another way I hope to support A-1 English School in the future is through Kamui Vintage, my small online shop featuring vintage, antique, and unique items from Japan.
Proceeds from Kamui Vintage may eventually help fund a physical learning space for students in Asahikawa.
If you’re curious, you can visit the shop here:
https://www.a-1-english-school.com/kamui-vintage
Looking Ahead
These are some of my goals and dreams for 2026.
I know the road ahead won’t be easy — but I’m excited for the challenge.
Thank you for reading, for learning with me, and for supporting A-1 English School in whatever way you can.
I wish all of you a happy New Year, and I hope to see you again in 2026.
— John Haines
Founder & Teacher, A-1 English School
