Kazuo Tsubata teaches Japanese at Diplomatic Language Services. He grew up in Niigata, Japan, and has been teaching for 31 years. We asked him about his path into teaching and what he enjoys most about working with students.
Where are you from, and where did you study?
I grew up in the high snow country of Niigata, Japan. I studied at Dokkyo University, majoring in English language, with the goal of becoming an English teacher in Japan.
How did you start teaching?
I came to the U.S. through an international cultural exchange, and I met my spouse and married here. During a one-year relocation to Japan, I began teaching at a local elementary school. When I returned, I taught at the Japanese Embassy’s Saturday school.
That led to a position teaching an International Baccalaureate Japanese language program at a local high school. I then taught for 10 years at Anne Arundel Community College, often bringing students to Japan for short exchange programs. I also did interpretation and translation for various agencies, and after that I started teaching professional adult immersion.
How long have you been teaching, and what do you enjoy most about it?
In total, I’ve been teaching for 31 years. I love connecting each student’s unique interests and personality to the language and culture of Japan. When I can find the learner’s passion, I research stories or special vocabulary that support their goals.
I also anticipate the kinds of interactions students might need to have in their professional roles, and I try to prepare them for those moments.
I see my role as being a bridge, helping students get the skills they need to carry out their life’s work in my home culture. I feel fortunate to support good relationships between Japan and the U.S., my home country and my adopted country.
What do you like to do outside of class?
I enjoy family time with my children and grandchildren, and volunteering in my community.
Learn Japanese with DLS
DLS offers Japanese language and cultural training tailored to each student’s goals, taught by experienced, native-speaking instructors like Kazuo. Contact us to learn more or for a quote at www.dlsdc.com/contact.
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