M.A. in Japanese - UMass Amherst
B.A. in International Relations - DePaul University
10 years teaching experience

About Jeff

I'm Jeff Salazar, and I’ve been teaching Japanese full-time since 2015. I specialize in helping English-speaking students reach fluency through immersion, using a curriculum I developed after years of study, translation work, and time living in Japan.

As a native English speaker fluent in Japanese, I understand the specific hurdles English speakers face. This allows me to explain grammar, nuance, and cultural context more clearly than most native Japanese instructors. Here’s why that matters.

Background & Experience

I hold a master’s degree in Japanese from UMass Amherst, where I wrote my thesis on city pop, vaporwave, and nostalgia. Read i t here. Before that, I earned a B.A. in International Relations from DePaul University. After undergrad, I spent a year living and studying Japanese in Tokyo.

I’ve lived and studied across Japan—from Chiba and Harajuku to language schools and Shinto shrines. I’ve translated over 30,000 words professionally and even worked at a ramen shop in Atlanta. Teaching, though, has always been the core of my work.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe language learning should feel immersive and meaningful—not dry or mechanical. I draw on my interests in Japanese film, architecture, Shintoism, calligraphy, and cuisine to help students connect with the culture in ways that go beyond textbooks.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in immersion, consistency, and realism. Students learn best by surrounding themselves with Japanese they can understand and enjoy—manga, podcasts, films, and real conversation. I guide learners step by step, starting with simple, compelling input and gradually moving toward more complex material. I don’t emphasize perfection or memorization; instead, I help students build sustainable habits that lead to long-term retention and confidence. SRS is just a support tool—it’s immersion that does the real work. My goal is to help you make Japanese part of your daily life, not just a subject you study.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your goals in Japanese!
宜しくお願い致します。

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Testimonials:

"He took the time to get to know us, and designed his curriculum and lessons around our particular needs as a family...Jeffrey is an outstanding, competent, caring, professional instructor whom we cannot recommend highly enough." -Manuel S.

"Jeff Salazar has been my language teacher for several months. I am now traveling in Japan and realize how much I have learned from him in terms of language skills as well as culture. It has been the perfect preparation! Jeff's style of teaching is friendly, efficient and useful. As someone who studies other languages, I know an excellent teacher and he is one." - Lucinda P.

"Jeff has been tutoring my son in Japanese for several months. My son enjoys the lessons very much and is making very good progress." - Lanta B.

"I have been with Jeff for the past few months now and it has been great. I enjoy how he explains and teaches the language in a way that isn't dry. There are many supplements to the textbook that help me understand the language and the culture such as videos, articles, tv shows, and even games. I highly recommend him as a Japanese teacher." -Rachit K.