Who I work with
Professionals relocating to Japan
Career strategy, resume positioning, and cultural guidance to help you land the right role.
More detailsCompanies entering the Japanese market
Consulting, positioning, and partner development for businesses expanding into Japan.
More detailsAnyone serious about learning Japanese
One-on-one lessons with a native speaker. Japanese for English speakers, English for Japanese speakers, from complete beginner to business-level fluency.
More detailsIn Fukuoka, we actually meet up
The practice app gets you ready. Fukuoka is where you use it. I host the International Dunkman Meetup here: people who moved from all over the world, sitting down with locals who want to meet them.
What members say
Travis
United States
“I recently moved to Fukuoka and joined because I wanted to meet people. Yoshi-san is a great host, and I’ve really enjoyed meeting other foreigners and locals learning English. I was worried I wouldn’t find other foreign professionals here, but everyone has been so friendly, and it’s a great chance to practice my Japanese too.”
Miki
South Korea
“What I’ve enjoyed most is connecting with people from different parts of the world through language. I love discovering how differently we express ourselves, and then finding the little things we have in common. For me, IDM is not just a place to practice languages. It’s a place where I meet different people, share cultures and values, and keep expanding my own world.”
Kazu
Japan
“IDM (International Dunkman Meetup) is more than just language exchange for me. Talking with people from diverse backgrounds really opened up my mindset. Come join us and let’s be friends!”
Alicia
Spain
“Moving to Fukuoka was challenging at first, so building a strong community became essential. Yoshi-san is a fantastic host who welcomed me from day one and is always planning new activities for the group. The atmosphere is genuinely friendly and uplifting, which makes it the perfect place to meet both foreigners and locals while practicing Japanese and other languages.”
Roland
Switzerland
“I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and hearing how they found their way to Japan and how they’re building their lives here. Even after years in Fukuoka, it still gives me ideas and things I could approach differently, or do better.”
Rieko
Taiwan
“I saw one of Yoshi-san’s posts on Threads, and since I was planning a working holiday, I came along. I could barely speak any English, so I brought a friend with me. I still remember that day so clearly, talking with people from all over. I kept coming back and made friends from abroad. It made me want to talk more, and that’s when I started studying English.”
Matthias
South Africa
“The meetups are fun and chilled. I got to meet people from all over the world and I made new friends. It’s always a nice and relaxed atmosphere, so you don’t need to worry about anything. You can join at your own pace.”
Park
South Korea
“I joined this meetup because I wanted to make friends after coming to Japan. I was a little worried at first because I’m quite introverted, but everyone was so friendly and started conversations with me. Thanks to this meetup I’ve made great friends, practiced Japanese, and shared languages and experiences with people from different backgrounds.”
Junya
Japan
“Yoshi, who hosts the community, is super warm and welcoming, which naturally draws in so many interesting people from all over the world. I’m Japanese, but since I only recently moved to Fukuoka, I’m really happy to be part of the IDM community and connect with everyone here!”
Mario
Spain
“I’m very grateful to have been part of such a great group. The atmosphere is fantastic, and everyone is genuinely kind and friendly. It’s a great way to meet people from different countries, make new friends and share experiences. Yoshi-san is a great host and is always looking for new and interesting activities for everyone to enjoy.”
Jake
United States
“Dunkman Yoshi is a great way to interact with Japanese people and foreigners from all around the world. You meet new people every event while exploring Fukuoka together. I definitely recommend it to anyone that’s new to Fukuoka.”
Voices from Fukuoka
I sit down with people from abroad who have built a life here, and write up what they say. Why Fukuoka, and what it has actually been like. This city, told by the people who moved to it.
Want to actually talk to someone?
A real-time AI partner for interviews, business, and everyday situations. Open it in your browser and start speaking.
Job interviews, business Japanese, and everyday situations, with a partner that talks back in real time.
Want to know where you really stand?
Take an exam-style test, then get your score section by section, plus an explanation for every question you missed.
A JLPT-style test with a section timer. Pick the level closest to yours, then review it question by question.
Can’t read the characters yet?
Then start where everyone starts. Hiragana and katakana drawn stroke by stroke, then kanji, words and short stories, all on one path. Free, and you don’t even need an account.
All 46 hiragana and all 46 katakana, drawn one stroke at a time. Then the first 285 kanji, the words by theme, and short stories to read. One path, and it shows you what to do today.
From the blog
Notes on careers, culture, and building a life in Japan, written from Fukuoka.
More ways to work with me
Beyond career and language, a few other places you’ll find me.
