Free Trial Lessons Available
From Grade 5 through seniors. Come see if it's a good fit.
Book a Free Trial Lesson
Small-group English in Fujieda — the same teacher, every week.
Classes are capped at six, so there's time to actually speak. I build each lesson around your goals and your own pace, in a relaxed, mistakes-welcome space where English starts to feel natural.
Wondering if the classroom's the right fit? The best way to find out is to take a free trial lesson yourself.
Book a Free Trial Lesson!About Starfish English
I teach English conversation in a small classroom in the Oosu neighborhood of Fujieda, Shizuoka, about a 5-minute drive from Fujieda Station. We practice English you can actually use. My goal is to help students from Grade 5 (ages 10+) through seniors communicate confidently.
Why The Name "Starfish English"?
The school takes its name from a short story.
What I care about most in my day-to-day teaching comes through in it.
Who This Works Best For
✓ This Classroom Suits You If:
- You're age 10+ through senior years
- You prefer consistency (same teacher, long-term)
- You value personalized attention over large groups
- You're comfortable with focused, seated learning
Consider Other Options If:
- You're looking for large group energy (10+ students)
- You prefer multiple rotating teachers
- You need drop-in flexibility without commitment
- You're seeking a standardized curriculum
Meet Richard
Your Private English Mentor
Hello, I'm Richard. I came to Japan in 1990 to teach English in junior high schools, and it has been home for 36 years since. From 1994 to 2012 I worked in education and technology in Tokyo — coordinating international online learning programs for schools, and later helping Japanese students prepare to study overseas. In 2012 I went back to teaching English, and in 2016 I settled here in Fujieda's Ōsu neighborhood, where I've taught each year since for the Fujieda International Friendship Society (FIFS). I began teaching my own students as Starfish English in 2020, and the school has grown from there. Today I work one-to-one with learners from age 10 upwards, drawing on 18 years of teaching to help you speak English with confidence.
Courses - From Grade 5 (Ages 10+) to Seniors
From Grade 5 through adults and seniors, each course is built around your level and what you want to use English for.
Upper Elementary English (Grade 5-6, Ages 10-12)
Building English habits before Junior High starts.
Junior High English (Ages 12-15)
School teaches the rules. This course teaches the game. Academic support meets real-world communication in a safe, small-group environment.
High School English (Ages 15-18)
"Passing the test" is just the starting line. Build the advanced skills needed for university: essay writing, debate, and critical thinking.
Adult Conversation (All Adult Ages)
Improve your speaking and listening skills in a relaxed setting. Perfect for daily conversation, travel, and general fluency. Welcome to learners of all adult ages.
Senior Travel English (Ages 60+)
I use a specialized research-based approach for mature learners. As your patient, experienced instructor, I create an anxiety-free environment where you can learn comfortably at your own speed. Build confidence for international travel through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Business English (Working Adults)
Develop the language skills needed for professional success, including presentations, meetings, and email communication.
Eiken Preparation (Junior High, High School & Adults)
Grade 3 through Grade 1. Focused on the interview and the essay — the two parts that are hardest to practise alone.
TOEIC, TOEFL & IELTS Preparation (Adults & University Students)
Break 800 on TOEIC, or hit the score your university asks for. Timing, scanning, and essay structure.
Homestay Prep Intensive Course (Junior High & High School Students)
Intensive 8-lesson program preparing students for successful homestay experiences. Covers host family communication, cultural awareness, and confidence-building.
Why Choose Starfish English Fujieda?
- Same teacher for years - I teach every lesson myself, so the longer you stay, the better I can teach to how you learn.
- Maximum 6 students per class - You won't get lost in a crowd. More speaking time, more individual attention.
- Free parking at the door - No extra costs or hunting for spots. Convenient access from Fujieda, Yaizu, and Shimada.
- Understanding Japanese learners - I've been here since 1990, so I have a good sense of where Japanese learners get stuck, and why.
- Native-speaking bilingual teacher - Fluent in both English and Japanese for clear explanations when needed.
- Relaxed, homey atmosphere - A safe space where mistakes are welcome and learning happens naturally.
- Focus on real-life communication - Practical conversation skills you can use immediately.
- Patient, anxiety-aware instruction - Addresses learning anxieties and builds genuine confidence at your own pace.
Experience The Learning Environment
Take a virtual tour of the classroom and location. See where you'll be learning with these interactive 360-degree views.
The Classroom
Step inside the cozy, traditional Japanese-style classroom where all the learning happens.
Navigate: Drag to look around • Ctrl (⌘ on Mac) + scroll, or the +/− buttons, to zoom • ⌂ to reset
Note: This recent photo shows the student-centered approach to classroom safety. Learn about flexible mask policies →
The Location
Explore the peaceful neighborhood around Starfish English in Fujieda.
Navigate: Drag to look around • Ctrl (⌘ on Mac) + scroll, or the +/− buttons, to zoom • ⌂ to reset
What Students & Parents Say
Read authentic feedback from current students and parents.
From reviews posted by students and parents on Google Maps
"I started at an older age, but I'm learning in such a warm atmosphere and having fun. Even though I'm slow to memorize things, they teach me kindly and in an easy-to-understand way, so I look forward to my once-a-week classes."
- Kuboyama-san"Parent of a 2nd year Junior High student. He started learning here before the classroom officially opened. When I asked him if he wanted to continue, he said 'I want Richard to teach me,' so he's been going ever since... Starfish has given him the confidence to say he loves English."
- Parent of 2nd-year junior high student"A school where learning is fun, mixing study and play. The teacher finds the best way for me to learn, so studying English feels easy and enjoyable."
- Junior high school student"Through activities like 'Would you rather...?' and Role Playing, I face English positively and creatively every time. The teacher listens carefully to my conversations and explains difficult vocabulary immediately... It's a warm class where I feel watched over."
- Kubota-san"A classroom where you can relax in a homey atmosphere and learn English along with imagination and creativity!"
- Sone-sanLatest from the Blog
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Read more →Start With a Free Trial Lesson
The trial lesson is completely free. You take a real lesson yourself and get a feel for how I teach. No pressure, no commitment - just a chance to see if it's right for you.
• 30-45 minute personalized session
• Meet your instructor and experience my teaching style
• Get a level assessment and course recommendations
• No obligation - take your time to decide
Contact Information
5-1-53 Oosu, Fujieda
Shizuoka 426-0051
Japan
054-660-7740
starfishfujieda@gmail.com
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 - 21:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
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Open in Google MapsFind us on Eikaiwa Kyoshitsu Navi (Japanese-language directory)