From “I wasn't understood”
to “I got my point across.”
Being asked to repeat yourself can make speaking English feel daunting. Susie understands the pronunciation challenges Japanese speakers face and helps you work on them, one sound at a time.
Ten 90-minute private lessonsUnderstand the sounds.
Speak with confidence.
Using materials refined through years of teaching, Susie focuses on pronunciation difficulties common among Japanese speakers. Across ten lessons, you practice speaking clearly and work toward delivering a clear presentation with confidence.
Find your sticking points
Notice the differences between Japanese and English sounds and identify the sounds you want to improve.
Practice one to one
Work directly with Susie on pronunciation and clear speech in each 90-minute lesson.
Present clearly
Use what you have practiced to express your ideas in a clear presentation.
Meet Susie
Born and raised in Japan, Susie taught herself English through NHK television English programs. She then studied at Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin (日米会話学院), regarded at the time as one of the leading places to learn English, and greatly expanded the possibilities in her life through the language.
Drawing on that experience, she helps Japanese speakers work through pronunciation challenges and learn to express their ideas clearly in one-to-one lessons.
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You can stay in Susie's home while taking lessons.
Alongside your private lessons, staying with Susie gives you opportunities to use English in everyday life, including cooking and conversation. You may also take the ten lessons without staying in her home.
Illustrative image.
Practice English in daily life.
Choosing ingredients and describing what you are making gives you a natural chance to use the English practiced in your lessons.
Especially recommended for English teachers.
Refining your own pronunciation can deepen your understanding of the sounds your students find difficult. This private program is for teachers who want more confidence in their own speech and fresh insight into teaching pronunciation.
Why I am introducing this program
Naomi Konishi
Founder of NEIC Living English · English teacher · National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English)
Based in Kyoto, I have taught English to students from elementary school through high school for more than 20 years. Throughout that time, my guiding question has been: “How can I help a child who struggles with English understand it and make progress?” I have sought teaching approaches that respond to each learner’s difficulties. I also work as a licensed guide interpreter, introducing Japan to visitors from overseas.
During my stay in the United States, I met Susie and learned that she had seen many Japanese people struggle to speak English as they wished, even after living in America for years. She had reached out to support them through pronunciation and clearer communication.
Our conversation flowed as we discovered a shared concern: how to help people who struggle with English. Although we had worked with different learners in different countries, the purpose behind our teaching was closely connected. That encounter inspired me to introduce her program to people learning and teaching English in Japan.
I handle course inquiries in Japanese, listen to your preferences, and coordinate with Susie to help you explore the program.
Practical information
This course supports people who struggle to make themselves understood, even after years in the United States or extensive English and grammar study in Japan. Revisit pronunciation from the foundations, clarify your reasons for learning, and build clearer speech and confidence.
Clear Speech Course
US$650
Ten 90-minute private lessons
Textbook included
Stay with breakfast and dinner
US$125 per day
Includes breakfast and dinner. During dinner preparation and dinner, learn vocabulary and phrases for ingredients, cooking, and ordering at restaurants (2 hours).
Stay without meals
US$75 per day
Lodging without breakfast or dinner.
Your room and amenities
Stay in an extra room at Susie's home in Lomita, California, with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi/internet, and use of the washer and dryer. Sheets, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a hair dryer are provided.
Course and lodging fees are separate. All prices are in US dollars.
Dates and location
October 2026 – January 15, 2027
Lessons at Susie's home only, without an overnight stay.
January 15 – February 25, 2027
You may reserve a room at Susie's home and stay while taking lessons.
March – April 2027
Susie will be travelling overseas.
Lesson days and times
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
10:00–11:30 am / 1:00–2:30 pm / 3:00–4:30 pm / 6:30–8:00 pm
All times are local California time. Please ask about your preferred dates and whether you would like to stay.
Course inquiries — Japanese-language support
Naomi Konishi will review your inquiry and reply by email. This form is in Japanese. Submitting it does not confirm a booking.