Virtual Nihongo

New Course Enrollment Deadlines!

June classes start on June 6th and 7th! Enroll by June 1st to ensure you don't miss out on the first class!

Terms and conditions apply. Spots may be limited, and deadlines may be changed. Dates are by 04:00 UTC. Final enrollment deadline is June 28th.

Get to know

Your Instructor

Instructor Masanori Shiomi was born in Osaka, Japan. He received his bachelor’s in Linguistics and master’s in East Asian Languages and Cultures at University of Kansas.

After graduating, he taught Japanese for 10 years at several universities, including the University of Minnesota, Grinnell College, Oberlin College, Kalamazoo College, and the University of Kansas.

He has a deep cultural understanding of both the United States and Japan, giving him a unique perspective that helps students overcome obstacles.

Meet Our Team

Why Virtual Nihongo?

Our teaching is student centered. That means we...

Respect everyone. We treat you as one of us.
Actively support your learning. We're always thinking of ways we can support our students both in and outside of the classroom.
Practice transparency. We provide as much information as we can on what you're getting with our courses and lessons.
Keep flexibility in mind. When you learn with us, you're learning more than just what's in the textbook. We connect what you learn with a focus on real-life scenarios and conversations.

Ready to learn more? Check out our course and private tutoring pages here!

Not sure where to start?

Take our short self-assessment to get your personalized recommendation!

Take the Quiz

Hear from our students!

Leslie S.

Age: 60

Standard Course - Intermediate Japanese

My son studied privately with Mac Sensei prior to our move to Japan so that he would be ready for Japanese high school. He was accepted to one of the top public schools in Tokyo! So when Virtual Nihongo was established, I immediately signed up. Over the past 18 months I have advanced significantly in my Japanese language proficiency and my friends and family are amazed that I am finally progressing. Mac is such an excellent teacher, making the classes interesting, innovative and joyful. I love our class atmosphere and the friendships I have made with the other students. Thank you, Mac!!!!!

Austin F.

Age: 32

Standard Course - Intermediate Japanese

This course has helped me go from knowing basic vocabulary to being able to have conversations with locals when traveling to Japan. In addition, this course is just a fun and interesting hobby. Shiomi sensei has done a great job catering the course to what I want to use Japanese for. Highly recommend!

Bella K.

Age: 37

Standard Course - Intermediate Japanese

I was barely speaking in Japanese in the beginning and now I can convey what I want to say. I found that the tutor is very accommodating your level, background and preference of the way of learning. Also, the atmosphere in the class is very welcoming for all level of Japanese skill. I highly recommend this class!

Grace M.

Age: 25

Private Tutoring Lessons

Lessons with Mac have improved my Japanese very quickly and effectively! He has helped me become a more confident speaker & he personalizes all of our lessons to my needs/abilities at the time. Mac makes all of these lessons both fun and engaging which makes me look forward to them every week :)