JP YoKoSo is a Japanese learning website for English speakers. The goal is simple: explain Japanese clearly, with real examples, in plain English. Whether you are just getting started or preparing for JLPT N2, you will find guides, vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and practice questions organized by level.
Meet Daisuke
Hi, I’m Daisuke — the creator of JP YoKoSo and a certified Japanese teacher specializing in helping English speakers understand Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, JLPT preparation, and natural conversation.
I have been teaching Japanese on italki since August 19, 2022, and have completed over 678 lessons with students studying for travel, daily conversation, JLPT preparation, work, and long-term communication. My speciality is helping English speakers understand not only what Japanese words and grammar mean, but when, why, and how native speakers actually use them.
- Teaching Japanese on italki since August 19, 2022
- 70+ students, 678+ lessons completed
- 5.0 rating, 100% attendance and response rate
- 90+ learner reviews on italki
- Completed 420-hour Advanced Japanese Teacher Training Course
- Completed 60-hour Japanese teacher training course
- Specialty: English-speaking learners, grammar, JLPT, conversation
Teaching Qualifications
I hold formal qualifications in teaching Japanese as a foreign language, completed through The World Japanese Language Centre in Australia.
Who This Site Is For
- Beginners who want to start with hiragana and build from there
- JLPT learners aiming for N5, N4, N3, N2, or N1
- Intermediate learners who want to understand the nuance behind Japanese grammar
- Travelers and culture enthusiasts who want practical phrases and cultural context
- English speakers who want explanations that make sense in terms of how English works
What JP YoKoSo Covers
| Topic | What you’ll find | Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | Particles, verb conjugation, conditionals, polite forms, nuance | Grammar Hub |
| Vocabulary | Topic-based word lists, JLPT vocabulary, word comparisons | Vocabulary Hub |
| JLPT | N5 through N1 guides, grammar lists, vocabulary, kanji, practice | JLPT Hub |
| Kanji | N5–N2 kanji lists, readings, examples, study strategies | Kanji Hub |
| Conversation | Everyday phrases, greetings, restaurant, travel, natural speech | Conversation Hub |
| Practice Questions | 1,300+ daily vocabulary and grammar quizzes by JLPT level | Practice Hub |
| Reading & Listening | Comprehension strategies, cultural reading, shadowing guides | R&L Hub |
Why JP YoKoSo Exists
Many Japanese learning resources either give very short translations or very technical grammar explanations. Learners often need something in between: a clear explanation of what a word or grammar point means, how it is used, and what mistakes to avoid. That is the purpose of this site.
Learner questions from real one-on-one lessons also help shape the articles on JP YoKoSo. When many students struggle with the same grammar point, word difference, or phrase, that topic becomes a priority guide for the site.
How Content Is Created and Reviewed
- Topic selection — based on learner difficulty, JLPT relevance, and common English-speaker mistakes
- Grammar and usage check — each grammar point, word, and example sentence is verified
- Plain English explanation — Japanese concepts are explained in terms that make sense for English speakers
- Natural examples — every grammar point is illustrated with real-use examples
- Regular updates — articles are revised when learner questions or corrections reveal gaps
Accuracy and Corrections
Japanese is a nuanced language and accuracy matters. If you find an error in any article — an incorrect translation, a grammar rule that has been oversimplified, or a broken link — please let us know. We read every message and update articles accordingly.
Study with Daisuke on italki
If you want one-on-one Japanese practice, grammar explanation, JLPT preparation, or speaking correction, you can book a lesson directly with Daisuke on italki.
View Daisuke’s italki teacher profile →
Looking for other Japanese tutors? Browse all Japanese teachers on italki — hundreds of native and certified teachers at every level and price range.
What Learners Say
Here is what students on italki have said about learning Japanese with Daisuke.
Quick Links
- Start Learning Japanese — the beginner guide
- JLPT Study Guide — all five levels
- Daily Practice Questions — quiz archive
- Contact — mistakes, questions, feedback