The name “Starfish English” means something specific to me, and it shapes how I teach: small classes, personalized instruction.

In my Fujieda home classroom, I focus on individual students, not crowds. That’s what creates real progress. Here’s the story behind it.

The Starfish Story

A young boy was walking along a beach covered with thousands of starfish that had been washed ashore by the tide. He was picking them up one by one and throwing them back into the ocean.

An older man approached and asked, “What are you doing?”

The boy replied, “I’m throwing these starfish back into the sea. If they stay on the beach, they’ll dry out and die.”

The man looked at the vast stretch of beach covered with starfish and said, “But there are thousands of them! You can’t possibly save them all. What difference can you possibly make?”

The boy picked up another starfish, gently threw it back into the ocean, and smiled. “But I made a difference to that one.”

This story captures how I approach English teaching at Starfish English. I can’t teach hundreds of students at once like the big chain schools. But I can focus on the person right in front of me and create real progress. That’s a more effective path to fluency.

What Individual Attention Makes Possible

After 35+ years living and working in Japan, I’ve built Starfish English around one idea: personalized instruction works because it meets each student’s actual needs, instead of a curriculum’s assumptions.

Here’s who this approach is for:

Junior high students often arrive anxious about making mistakes. A small class lets me give gentle correction on the spot, before errors set in, and just as much, it gives them room where trying and stumbling feels safe.

Working professionals usually need English for specific situations: presentations, meetings, emails. A one-on-one format lets us practice your actual work scenarios instead of generic textbook dialogues.

Adult learners and seniors often have clear goals — travel, hobbies, staying mentally active — but learn at different paces. Individual attention means matching the speed and focus to you, not to a group average.

Why Small Classes Matter

  • Immediate correction: in a small setting, I catch pronunciation and grammar mistakes right away, before they become habits. That’s nearly impossible in large classes.
  • A custom approach: want to focus on grammar? Travel conversation? Business presentations? I adjust to what you actually need, not what a textbook dictates.
  • Consistent support: learning a language takes time and consistency. Small wins matter, rough weeks happen, and I’m here through both.

Our Classroom

360° View: See the actual space

How It Works

Students from Grade 5+ (ages 10+) to their 90s learn here. The approach is straightforward:

  • I set clear goals with you based on what you want to accomplish
  • Regular check-ins help you see progress (which isn’t always obvious day-to-day)
  • Focus stays on practical skills you’ll actually use
  • Questions are always welcome—about English or about your learning plan

Why This Matters

“I made a difference to that one.”

That’s what the starfish story is about—and it’s how I think about teaching. I can’t help everyone at once, but I can help you. The individual attention makes the difference.

Being able to communicate in English opens things up—job opportunities, travel experiences, connections with people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. It’s worth the effort.

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