Teach Japanese Online: 12 Best Websites & Tips to Get Started

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When it comes to teaching languages online, some languages prove to be more lucrative than others. English, of course, is the most popular language. But Japanese, a seemingly intimidating language, is not far down the list. So, if you can speak Nihongo and are on the lookout for online jobs, one of your best options is to teach Japanese online.

Teaching Japanese online

Why teach Japanese online?

Besides the fact that you’ll be earning using a skill that you already have, there are more reasons why teaching Japanese online is great.

1. There is great demand for Japanese language tutors.

Interest in Japanese culture has always been strong, as seen in the popularity of manga, anime, J-pop, and Japanese literature. Japan also has one of the largest economies in the world. Consequently, Japanese companies operating in and outside Japan are always looking for applicants and even business partners who can speak Japanese.

As a tutor, you can be sure that there will always be people who want to learn Japanese whether for business or leisure.

2. It’s a location-independent job.

Want to work from home or while you’re traveling? As an online Japanese teacher, you can work from wherever you want, as long as you have a laptop, webcam and microphone, and a stable internet connection!

3. You can set your hours and rates.

Teaching Japanese online allows for flexible scheduling. In addition, some don’t have minimum hours required. So you can work full-time, part-time, or even just occasionally.

You can also dictate your rates, especially if you have certifications or previous teaching experience.

4. It’s a fun way to help other Japanese language learners and Japanese culture lovers.

With 126 million native speakers, Japanese is one of the most spoken languages in the world. It’s also the third most widely used language on the internet. And yet it’s also known as a complex and intimidating language.

As a language tutor, you can help learners and Japanophiles develop a deeper understanding of the language and Japanese culture.

Ready to put your Japanese skills to use? Below are websites where you can teach Japanese online plus details on pay, hours, requirements, and how to apply.

Best websites to teach Japanese online

1. Preply

Teach on Preply

Preply is one of the leading websites for finding tutors online, not just for languages but for other subjects and hobbies, too. It’s also one of the best websites where you can teach Japanese online.

Preply boasts over 900 Japanese tutors. In short, you will have competition. But the platform also has over 800,000 active learners from 180 countries so you can count on a steady stream of Japanese students, especially as you build your credibility and gain more experience.

Pay: You can choose your hourly rate and change it anytime. Most tutors charge an average of $19 per hour.

Note: Preply takes a 100% commission fee on your first lesson payment with every new student. For subsequent lessons, the commission ranges from 18-33%. So your goal is to get more repeat students.

Hours: You can set your hours, but there are no minimum hours required.

Requirements:

  • Teaching experience is recommended but not required
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Must be fluent or a native Japanese speaker
  • Reliable internet connection, quality webcam, and microphone
  • Willingness to customize lessons for students

How to apply: Apply here using a Facebook or Google account. Create your profile, add a headshot and an engaging 2-minute video introduction, and your availability schedule. After that, if you pass the screening, you will hear back from Preply within 5 business days.

2. italki

italki tutors

With over 5 million language learners, italki is one of the best sites to teach classes online. Unlike Preply, italki offers solely language lessons.

italki has over 900 Japanese teachers on board, a mix of professional tutors and community tutors? What’s the difference, you ask? Professional teachers have extensive teaching experience, training, and certification. Meanwhile, community tutors can teach general and conversational language lessons. When applying on italki, you can only choose one tutor type.

Pay: You can set your rates, from a minimum of $4 per lesson. Community tutors usually make about $9-$13/hour while professional teachers can charge more, usually $15-$19/hour. Italki takes 15% commission from all class fees.

Hours: Teaching schedules are flexible. Classes, however, last for 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes.

Requirements:

  • Native or near-native Japanese speaker
  • Must be 18 years old or older
  • 1- to 3-minute video introduction
  • For professional teachers, you’ll need to present documents showing your professional training or experience. You may check the list of documents here.

How to apply: Check if there are still available slots for Japanese teachers. Sign up here. Prepare a 1-3 minute video introduction that showcases your Japanese skills, teaching style, and personality. Provide certificates or diplomas if you’re applying to be a professional teacher. Applicants will be notified of the result within 10 business days.

3. Live Lingua

Live Lingua Japanese tutors

Boasting certified, native Japanese speakers, Live Lingua is one of the top sites to find Japanese tutors. It’s also one of the most exciting platforms where you can teach and earn online.

Live Lingua places emphasis on language immersion. As a Japanese language teacher, that means you are encouraged not just to teach the language but also to share the cultural context with your students.

When students look for Japanese tutors on Live Lingua, they need to answer a quick quiz to determine their learning style, their current Japanese level, and learning goals. Teacher applicants also take a quiz. Based on the results, students are then matched to teachers. The student and teacher will take a free 30-minute trial lesson for them to get familiar and set learning goals.

Pay: Depending on the type of Japanese lessons you will be teaching and the number of hours that the student is purchasing, you can expect anywhere from $29 to $34 per hour.

Hours: Minimum of 10 hours per week

Requirements:

  • Must be a native Japanese speaker
  • Experience learning a second language
  • At least two years of experience teaching languages to foreigners
  • Have a university degree in teaching Japanese as a second language or Bachelor in Education plus a Certification in Teaching Japanese as a Second Language
  • Have access to a good computer with both a microphone and a camera, along with a reliable internet connection
  • Love for teaching

How to apply: To teach Japanese online, fill up this application form. Take the teaching style quiz. If your submission fits the position, Live Lingua will respond shortly.

4. Wyzant

Teach Japanese on Wyzant

Unlike others in this list, Wyzant only employs tutors that reside in the United States. So this is ideal if you reside in the US and want to teach Japanese online and offline to students in the US.

Aside from language lessons, other subjects are also available. Creating a profile is free. And while other sites have premium listings and top placements, Wyzant ensures that your profile will be displayed as long as it fits the needs of the students.

Pay: You can set your hourly rate. Top tutors have earned as much as $50,000 per year. You can receive payment from Wyzant by direct deposit.

Hours: No minimum required

Requirements:

  • Native or near-native Japanese speaker
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a US resident and possess a valid Social Security Number
  • Certificates and teaching experience are not required but will give you an advantage.

How to apply: Sign up to be listed. Provide the information needed, as well as certificates or proof of past teaching experience, if any. Personalize your profile and wait for feedback. Wyzant usually reviews profiles within 7 to 10 business days.

5. AmazingTalker

Teach Japanese on AmazingTalker

Boasting over 900,000 language learners and 80 languages, including Japanese, AmazingTalker is one of the top-notch places where you can showcase your Japanese skills.

As a tutor on AmazingTalker, you can teach different types and levels of Japanese like conversational Japanese, Japanese pronunciation, or Japanese for business. Moreover, you will be teaching students of varying ages. You can teach kids online or adults of intermediate levels. AmazingTalker uses a matching system, so students will be connected with you only if their needs match the type of lessons that you offer.

Pay: You can set your rates. Most Japanese teachers charge $15–28 per 50-minute private lesson and $6–10 per 25-minute trial lesson. AmazingTalker takes a commission fee of 0-15%.

Hours: No minimum required, but top tutors usually teach for 15 to 49 hours per week.

Requirements:

  • Must either be a native Japanese speaker or have a degree in Japanese
  • Experience in 1-on-1 Japanese tutoring or related classroom experience
  • Passion for teaching and the ability to create your lesson plan and teaching materials

How to apply: Accomplish the application form. Be ready to record a trial lesson and undergo training if hired.

6. Cafétalk

Teach a language on Cafetalk

Like Preply and Wyzant, Cafétalk offers lessons on virtually anything – languages, music, yoga, art, fashion, and so much more. There are currently over 800 Japanese teachers on the platform and they are almost always hiring more. You’ll have even higher chances if, aside from Japanese and English, you can speak Korean or Chinese.

As much as Cafétalk ensures that students get quality service, the platform also promotes tutors’ wellbeing. There’s no shortage of promotional tools at the tutor’s disposal. New tutors are featured on the site weekly and there are lots of testimonials from other tutors. Tutor counseling is also readily available.

Pay: You set your rates but a minimum payout of 3,000JPY applies. Fees start at 60% of the lesson price and increase depending on lesson sales with the highest possible fee percentage at 85%. You will receive payment every month through Payoneer, Paypal, or directly to your bank account.

Hours: You can set your hours and lesson duration.

Requirements:

  • Must be a native Japanese speaker
  • Over 20 years old
  • Teaching experience and certifications are not required but preferred.

How to apply: Create an account. Accomplish your profile and take a quick interview. It may take 7-14 days for Cafétalk to get back to you.

7. Verbling

Find a tutor on Verbling

Verbling has over 10,000 qualified tutors of 70 languages. Among the Asian languages it offers, Japanese is one of the most popular so you should consider Verbling if you’re looking to teach Japanese online.

Because Verbling is known for its quality tutoring service and integrated platform, the site requires tutors to have prior teaching experience and a strong internet connection. All lessons are done via Verbling Video, a built-in classroom setup where you and your student can upload files, message each other, and review lessons together.

Pay: You can set your hourly rates and cash out anytime through PayPal, TransferWise, Payoneer, or Verbling Credit.

Hours: No minimum hours

Requirements:

  • Must be a native Japanese speaker or have a very good command (C2) of the language
  • Previous experience teaching Japanese. In your application, you must include a reference letter or any other proof of relevant teaching experience.
  • A formal teaching certificate will increase your chances of admission.

How to apply: Create an account and submit a Verbling application. Fill up the form and submit a video introduction, along with proof of teaching experience. You will receive an email from Verbling within the next two weeks whether you are accepted or not.

8. Rype

Teach on Rype

Mobile app Rype is a membership-based language learning platform. The site offers subscription packages of 10 hours, 6 hours, or 4 hours per month but the lessons are always 30 minutes long. This setup is great because it will allow you to see your student’s progress over time.

Pay: $9-11/hour

Hours: 10 hours a week minimum availability          

Requirements:

  • Native Japanese speaker
  • Previous teaching experience
  • Fast internet connection, high-quality audio, and webcam

How to apply: Sign up on Rype’s teachers’ page. Share your basic information and teaching experience. A Rype expert will assess your experience, skillset, and teaching style to see if you’re a good fit for the job.

9. Verbalplanet

Teach a language on Verbal Planet

Offering ultimate flexibility and access to great teaching tools, Verbalplanet is one of the best places to teach Japanese online. Japanese is one of the most popular Asian languages on the platform.

The best part about it? It’s free to sign up and allows you to keep 100% of what you earn. No membership fee or commission fees!

Wherever you are in the world, all class times are shown in your local time. This means there’s no confusion. Verbalplanet also helps you set up your online tuition diary and invoicing system for you to effectively manage your students.

Pay: You can set your hourly rates. Most tutors charge $15 to $30 for 45-minute sessions.

Hours: No minimum hours required.

Requirements:

  • Native Japanese speaker
  • Accomplished tutor profile
  • PayPal account to receive payment
  • Language teaching qualifications and experience are not particularly required but may help you get approved faster.
  • Speaking other languages aside from English and Japanese will give you an advantage.

How to apply: Sign up. Accomplish your profile and set your hourly rate.

 10. MyLingoTrip

Learn or teach japanese on MyLingoTrip

Japanese is one of the 12 languages that are currently being offered by MyLingoTrip. The lessons and curriculum follow international CEFR standards, hence they require native and professional Japanese tutors.

Aside from one-on-one lessons via Skype, you may also teach groups of 2. In addition, tutors are evaluated for their performance. At the end of each 60-minute session, students can leave a rating and feedback.

Pay: Depending on the course level and package, you may earn anywhere from €13 to €25. Booking fees are paid by the students before the beginning of the course. Teachers invoice their students directly for their lesson fee using PayPal or an alternative invoicing service.

Hours: Flexible, however, each lesson is scheduled to last 60 minutes.

Requirements:

  • A love for teaching languages
  • Must enjoy working with international students
  • Must be a native Japanese speaker but comfortable in speaking English
  • Basic computer skills
  • Stable internet connection

How to apply: Submit the application form. You will need to present diplomas or certificates, if any, and describe your teaching method.

11. Lingoci

Learn or teach Japanese on Lingoci

Lingoci is a great website that allows you to teach Japanese online through fun, personalized, and effective one-on-one lessons. The platform encourages tutors to provide a tailored learning experience that creates results. This way, you can see the progress that your students are making.

Lessons on Lingoci are done via Skype or Zoom. All lessons last for 55 minutes, giving you a 5-minute break if you have back-to-back lessons. As students come from all over the world, you have the chance to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Pay: Unlike most tutoring sites, Lingoci doesn’t allow tutors to set their rates. The price of lesson credits depends on the language and the volume of credits bought. The tutor rate is therefore set by Lingoci when you start, though it is up to you whether you accept.

Depending on demand, your availability, and performance, you can earn $100-300 per month on a part-time basis. If you book more sessions, you can earn as much as $1000. Lingoci sends your earnings directly to your bank account.

Hours: You can set your availability, but each lesson lasts for 55 minutes.

Requirements:

  • Must be a native Japanese speaker
  • Previous online teaching experience
  • A formal teaching certificate will increase your chances but is not required.
  • Reliable internet connection, a functioning microphone, and a webcam

How to apply: Submit the application form. Prepare a 2-4 minute video. If there is enough demand for another tutor and you pass the application stage, Lingoci will contact you within 10 days.

12. Tutoroo

Become a language tutor on Tutoroo

Tutoroo is a language learning website that connects students in over 40 cities to 165,000 in-person and online private tutors. This is something to consider if you want to teach Japanese online and offline in locations like Sydney, Western Cape, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and even in Japan.

Tutoroo requires native speakers, but you can teach more than one language as long as you are proficient in these languages. Japanese is one of the most in-demand languages on the site.

Pay: You can set your rates. Popular tutors can earn up to $8,000/month. The first two weeks of lessons will be paid to Tutoroo by the student directly. This means you won’t be earning for the first two weeks. Once this 2-week period is over, you can then start collecting your payments from the students via cash (if teaching in person) or bank transfer.

If the student terminates or discontinues lessons after two weeks, tutors will still receive 50% of the total amount of fees generated from the two weeks of lessons. This rarely happens because Tutoroo reminds students to screen tutors to ensure that the best match between the two parties is achieved.

Hours: You can choose your hours.

Requirements:

  • Must be a native Japanese speaker or proficient in the language
  • Professionalism, consistency, and punctuality
  • Willingness to teach not just the language but also Japanese culture

How to apply: Fill out the application form. You will hear from Tutoroo within 3 working days.

Tips on how to teach Japanese online

Having an online Japanese lesson

1. Know how much time you’re willing to invest in teaching.

Are you teaching part-time or full-time? Knowing this will help you plan out your schedule. It also gives you an idea of how many sessions you need to do or how many students you can teach, and which website will offer you more flexibility.

2. Consider giving free lessons at first.

Some of the sites listed above offer free trials to students, which means you will inevitably give free sessions. But before you get accepted into the platform, having teaching experience is advantageous, if not required.

For instance, you can offer free Japanese lessons to friends, colleagues, relatives, and even language students that you’ll encounter on Japan-related Facebook groups. Not only does this help your application, but it also gives you more confidence and hone your teaching style.

3. Offer video lessons on platforms like Udemy and YouTube.

For practice, and as a way to help Japanese language learners, why don’t you build courses on Udemy and YouTube? Both give you free rein on how to structure your lessons and you can even earn from both!

With Udemy, if your course is unique, useful, and meets the needs of the students, you can earn as long as students are taking your lessons. With YouTube, on the other hand, if you build a strong following, you can monetize your channel.

This will take time and energy, of course, but it’s worth considering if you’re passionate about promoting the Japanese language.

4. Try different teaching tools.

The built-in tools and resources on the websites above are great. But it won’t hurt to use Japanese language books to aid your lessons. You can also check out different apps to learn Japanese to get an idea of how you can create your lesson plans.

5. Stay motivated.

When the going gets tough, remember why you’re teaching Japanese. Whether it’s because of a financial goal, or because of your passion for teaching, you’ll need to go back to your motivation to keep going.

Did you pick a site where you can teach Japanese online? If you did, congrats! But if not, just bookmark this article and keep it handy for when you need to study your options again.

If you’re interested in making money through language teaching, browse our list of websites where you can teach languages online and websites for entry-level English tutors.

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