Japanese Language Training & Cultural Consulting Services

Welcome to Essential Japan | デトロイトへようこそ


Essential Japan bridges cultures and opens doors to new opportunities through expert Japanese language instruction and cultural consulting. Founded by a Detroit native with extensive experience in Japan’s business and local community landscapes, we provide authentic, practical guidance for individuals and organizations looking to connect with Japan.

About the Founder
After graduating from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and completing immersive studies at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Shiga Prefecture, I built a career spanning both Japanese and American professional environments. My journey includes:

  • Japanese Language Teacher in Detroit’s public school system
  • Program Coordinator for Japan Culture & Information Center at the University of Alabama
  • Royalty Administrator with Sony Music Publishing in Nashville
  • Production Coordinator with TV Tokyo in New York City
  • Years of private Japanese language tutoring
  • Cultural consulting for businesses entering Japanese markets

This unique blend of Detroit roots and Japanese professional experience allows me to offer insights that are both culturally authentic and locally relevant.

Our Services
Language Training

Individual Instruction

  • Customized one-on-one lessons for all proficiency levels
  • Business Japanese for professionals
  • Conversational Japanese for travelers
  • Intensive JLPT exam preparation
  • Cultural context integrated into all lessons

Group Classes

  • Small group sessions (4-8 participants)
  • Corporate language training
  • Family classes
  • Special interest groups (anime/manga, business, travel)
  • Seasonal cultural workshops

Cultural Consulting
Business Services

  • Pre-negotiation briefings and protocol training
  • Communication style adaptation strategies
  • Market entry consulting
  • Document and presentation review
  • Interpretation and translation services

Cultural Programming

  • Event planning and execution
  • School cultural days
  • Community workshops
  • Japanese arts demonstrations
  • Culinary experiences

Why Choose Essential Japan?
Authentic Experience
Our instruction is informed by real-world experience living and working within Japanese systems, not just textbook knowledge.


Local Perspective & Academic Foundation
As a Detroit native with academic program coordination experience, I understand both the unique needs of the local community and how to develop structured cultural engagement initiatives.

Practical Application
Whether you’re learning for business, travel, or personal enrichment, our approach focuses on practical skills you can use immediately.


Cultural Context
Language doesn’t exist in isolation. All our services incorporate cultural nuances that make the difference between basic communication and true connection..

Connect With Us
Ready to begin your Japanese language journey or enhance your cultural understanding? Contact us to discuss how Essential Japan can support your goals.
Phone: (313) 217-5009
Email: info@infraredmediaworks.com
Location: Midtown Detroit

始めましょう！ (Let’s begin!)
Schedule your free consultation today to discover how Essential Japan can help you achieve your language and cultural goals.