pordo LLC
Improve your Japanese,
gain self-confidence, and
enjoy a richer experience raising
your child in Japan!
Welcome to Japan!
pordo LLC offers fun Japanese programs for both children and parents. Programs are taught online using a unique workbook that enables us to create programs suited to each student’s learning needs.
pordo programs will help both you and your child grasp the basics of Japanese. Many parents tell us that learning to speak Japanese makes the experience raising kids in Japan much more enjoyable.
At pordo, our mission is to support families who want to get the most out of their time in Japan.
Hitona WADAさんによる1 on 1 : Available program times
Testimonials from individuals who have taken Japanese language programs
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I really appreciate learning sentence patterns for real situations I’m in. The worksheet illustrations are cute and help me picture myself in the situations for better practice. The flow of the program was really logical and each phase built on the previous one. By the end of the program, I felt more confident in talking to other moms in Japanese. Tona sensei is so nice and she teaches in a genuine and friendly way.
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I found today’s session good. It forced me to remember the sentences through repetition. I liked that it was in a conversation format that can be used in everyday life.
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The pordo Workbook is helpful for practicing particular real-life scenarios in which you may find yourself. While my Japanese reading and writing has been improving, my listening and speaking skills (which I actually need more for everyday interactions) require a lot more work. I found using this ‘workbook’ with Tona-sensei to be very useful in guiding the practice conversations. However, I did find myself trying to cheat and read the sample sentences when they were in view instead of learning the phrases naturally. That said, with all the repetition and variations of using the sentence structures, I did actually remember them long enough to try them with some mama-tomos the next day.
What are the key features of the KODOMOTO workbook?
- Program topics based on common scenarios from everyday life
- Each topic looks at a situation you are likely to come across while raising children in Japan. Many parents tell us they have experienced feelings of disappointment, frustration, or awkwardness due to not being able to speak Japanese.
- Retention improved by using role-play activities to reinforce learnings
- At the end of each program, you will do a role-play activity to practice the phrases you have just learned. By practicing what to say in various real-life situations, you will be better prepared to deal these situations when confronted with them. Once you gain confidence, you will start to enjoy speaking in Japanese.
- A workbook that promotes program personalization. The workbook has space for writing program notes, comments, etc.
- This is a space for writing down useful phrases related to any topic you choose. It could be something general, such as you or your family member’s interests, or something more specific like phrases for explaining about your child’s allergies. By fully utilizing this space, you can create a personalized workbook that greatly supports your life in Japan.
Combining the workbook with the online programs will help you to achieve the best results.
pordo LLC offers fun programs uniquely targeted at parents and children.
Only pordo programs are created from a mother’s perspective and focus on teaching useful phrases for mothers raising children in Japan. By combining the pordo workbook together with our online programs, you will quickly gain the confidence to speak about a range of everyday topics.
For Adults
Suitable for those who can allocate a fixed amount of study time every week.
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One-on-one Japanese course
Parenting
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Teaching Japanese related to parenting is our specialty. The programs are tailored to your specific circumstances. This is pordo’s most popular course.
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Group Japanese course
Parenting (Min. three students)
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Learn how to discuss matters related to parenting in Japanese. Recommended for students looking to learn Japanese in a fun group environment, at a reasonable price.
Suitable for those who cannot allocate a fixed amount of study time every week.
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I want to focus on improving my Japanese speaking ability.
Video Exchange Course
For students who want to improve their Japanese, but don’t have much free time. Exchanging video messages with a pordo teacher is a great way to improve your Japanese speaking ability. This is a 6-month course. Applications are accepted at any time.
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I would prefer to study by myself.
Self-study using KODOMOTO!, the original pordo workbook
A Japanese workbook that focuses on topics related to parenting.
For Children
Suitable for those who can allocate a fixed amount of study time every week.
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One-on-one Japanese Course
A Japanese course for children aged 3 or older
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Programs are structured around each child’s needs (basic conversation, getting ready to start school, etc.). This course is great for kids preparing to go to a Japanese school.
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My child would prefer to study by themself.
Self-study using DEKITA!, the original pordo workbook
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Enjoy learning Japanese using this original pordo workbook. Kids can also enjoy learning together with parents or siblings.
Hitona WADAさんによるTuition Fee
pordo LLC offers excellent programs for children and parents who wish to learn Japanese.
One-on-one Japanese course
Parenting
Teaching Japanese related to parenting is our specialty. The programs are tailored to your specific circumstances. This is pordo’s most popular course.
Group Japanese course
Parenting (Min. three students)
Learn how to discuss matters related to parenting in Japanese. Recommended for students looking to learn Japanese in a fun group environment, at a reasonable price.
I want to focus on improving my Japanese speaking ability.
Video Exchange Course
For students who want to improve their Japanese, but don’t have much free time. Exchanging video messages with a pordo teacher is a great way to improve your Japanese speaking ability. This is a 6-month course. Applications are accepted at any time.
I would prefer to study by myself.
Self-study using KODOMOTO!, the original pordo workbook
A Japanese workbook that focuses on topics related to parenting.
Suitable for those who can allocate a fixed amount of study time every week.
-
One-on-one Japanese Course
A Japanese course for children aged 3 or older
-
Programs are structured around each child’s needs (basic conversation, getting ready to start school, etc.). This course is great for kids preparing to go to a Japanese school.
-
My child would prefer to study by themself.
Self-study using DEKITA!, the original pordo workbook
-
Enjoy learning Japanese using this original pordo workbook. Kids can also enjoy learning together with parents or siblings.
Hitona WADAさんによるTuition Fee
pordo LLC offers excellent programs for children and parents who wish to learn Japanese.
Greetings
Enrich Your Life and Relationships in Japan Together with pordo!
How is your new life in Japan?
Bringing up your child in a foreign country is not always easy. Just imagine if you could make yourself understood more in Japanese, how much better your ordinary life would be. Imagine the possibilities that would open for you, and the friendships you could make. We at pordo will help you make the most out of your time in Japan.
Providing Support for Your Peace of Mind in Japan
I have been teaching Japanese to people from around the world for over fifteen years. As well as teaching Japanese, I also offer psychological health care support. It is my wish to provide a safe learning environment for you and your family. I will be there to assist and support you every step of the way to overcome the difficulties of living in another country.
To Support Parents and Children from Overseas Living in Japan
I am also a parent of two children. I clearly remember how nervous and worried I was before my son started elementary school, wondering if he and I could adjust and have a good beginning to our new life. I will never forget the tension and worry I had. Having experienced these feelings, I understand and share your concerns as you step into an unknown world.
Bringing Together Language and Compassion
Pordo means ‘door’ in Esperanto, a language that was developed to be a universal second language for international communication. Our mission at pordo is to support people who want to learn a new language and open the door to a new and exciting world. I would like to bring people and hearts together through learning Japanese. We will support you as we work together to improve your life in Japan.
Hitona Wada
Director of pordo LLC
Instructor Profile
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Over the years, I have taught Japanese to people of all nationalities and from a diverse range of backgrounds, including housewives, technical interns, trainees, ALTs, foreign language teachers, businessmen, elementary school students, high school students, and international students.
Born in Nagasaki City. Mother of two young children.
Qualifications
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- Master’s degree in pedagogy from Hiroshima University (Graduate School of Education, Teaching Japanese as a Second Language Program)
- Passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test
- Type 1 Junior/Senior High School Teaching License (Foreign language studies)
- Master Practitioner accreditation from the Japan Individual Psychology Association (Counselor course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the programs taught in Japanese only?
When learning a language, it is important that instruction is provided in the language being taught wherever possible. That said, our experienced staff will adjust their teaching style to match each student’s Japanese ability. All of our teachers speak conversational English, so don’t hesitate to ask questions in English.
Do you offer a free trial program?
Yes, we offer a 20-minute trial program for all prospective new students. Before the trial program, the teacher will assess your Japanese ability and confirm your learning objectives.
Are pordo online programs taught exclusively using the pordo workbook?
No, we can also use other teaching materials. This will depend on each students specific learning objectives (e.g. studying for JLPT, learning Japanese for emergency situations (natural disasters, etc.), exchanging a video diary). Whatever your needs, we’ll create the perfect programs for you!
How is payment processed?
Currently, we request that students pay all fees (program fees, workbook fee, etc.) via direct deposit or PayPal. If you live outside of Japan, please contact us to confirm payment options.
Terms & conditions
Amendments may be made to these terms and conditions without prior notification. Please read these terms and conditions carefully prior to applying for, or submitting payment for, pordo online programs. For inquiries relating to face-to-face programs or training courses for Japanese nationals, please contact us directly via the pordo homepage or Facebook page.
Free Consultation | Prior to commencing pordo online programs, you are required to reserve an online (ZOOM) consultation using the Inquiry Form available on the pordo homepage. The purpose of this consultation is to enable a pordo instructor to assess your Japanese proficiency, and confirm your learning needs and goals, and also confirm your preferred program schedule (day of the week, time), etc. Please provide the instructor with as much information as possible during this consultation as this will help us to create programs that are tailored to your specific needs and learning goals. |
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Advance payment of program fees | As a general rule, pordo courses consist of a block of 10 online programs. We request that the fee for all 10 programs be paid in advance. The group class will be 8 program in total. |
Course cancellation | You may withdraw from your course (cancel your contract) at any time, however, if you have completed 40% or more of the course at the time of cancellation, you will not be eligible for a partial refund of the course fee. If cancellation takes place prior to 40% of the programs being completed, and the reason for cancellation is deemed reasonable, you will be eligible for a refund of the fee for all remaining programs, minus a cancellation fee of 1,000 yen. If you find that the programs do not match your language abilities or learning objectives, please don’t hesitate to consult with your pordo instructor about changing the content of the programs mid-course. * The terms and conditions for the group class differ from above. Please confirm at the time of application. |
Teaching material fees | The materials (textbook, etc.) required for the respective courses are sold separately, they are not included in the program fee. pordo will provide a free consultation for discussing the materials you will require based on your Japanese speaking level and learning needs. * The cost of materials may be included in the course fee for group classes. Please confirm at the time of application. |
Available payment methods / Payment due date | Students residing in Japan are requested to transfer the course fee directly to pordo’s bank account via direct deposit, or pay via PayPal. For students living overseas, please pay via PayPal. So that the necessary program preparations can be made, we request that you forward payment in full at least 7 days prior to the date of your first program. |
Program non-attendance | If you are unable to attend a scheduled program for some reason, please be sure to contact us at least 15 minutes prior to the program start time via email, phone, messenger, etc. In the event that prior notification of non-attendance is received, you will be permitted to reschedule the missed program for a later date (limit of 2 rescheduled programs per course). If you fail to attend a scheduled program and no prior notification is received, you will be deemed to have attended the program and it will not be possible to reschedule this program for a later date. A personalized program schedule will be available online via the “Program Schedule” page of the pordo website. There may be times when a class is not held due to a public holiday or due to instructor unavailability, so please be sure to confirm the schedule prior to each program. * As the rule of the group class will differ from above, please confirm at the time of application. |
No programs due to public holiday or instructor unavailability/Scheduling of a supplementary program | Programs will not be held on Japanese public holidays or over the New Year’s holiday period. Also, please understand that a program may occasionally need to be cancelled at short notice due to instructor unavailability. If you wish to reschedule a program that has been cancelled for one of the above reasons, please contact your instructor within 7 days of the date that you received notification of program cancellation. |
Company profile
Operation | pordo LLC. |
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Director | Hitona Wada |
Location | Murakawa building #2-D 5-3 Dejima-machi, Nagasaki-city, NAGASAKI |
Inquiries and Email | Reservations and Inquiries |
Business Contents |
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SNS | LINE / Facebook / Instagram |