English Now! is different.

At English Now! we address the problem confronting so many Japanese students of English: how to actually speak English that can be understood by native speakers, and how to understand native speakers' English. It remains a sad fact that even after many years of traditional English education both in and out of school, the majority of Japanese are unable to effectively communicate with native speakers in English. Due to the traditional approach to language learning in Japan – which has focused on reading, writing, and speaking English with kana pronunciation – most students have never developed the ability to actually hear real English and to reproduce its sounds.

In English Now!'s classes for adults, we attempt to rebuild English language skills based on sound, that is, listening and speaking. More than other so-called "English Conversation Schools," from the beginning we take direct aim at the sound of real English: its pronunciation, intonation and rhythm. Our classes are small enough (max. 6) that each student gets the personal attention he or she needs to see real progress. All classes work extensively with listening materials featuring authentic, natural English. With more basic classes this will be in the form of quality textbooks prepared for non-native speakers of English who plan to study and/or work in the United States. More advanced classes work with a variety of multimedia featuring "raw" English from television, radio, internet, podcasts, etc.

Class time is also devoted to developing interactive speaking skills for conversation and presentation. Guided discussion serves to both encourage self-expression in English and to develop the give-and-take skills necessary for effective communication. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about foreign cultures, the knowledge of which is often prerequisite for truly meaningful interaction with native speakers.

Kids' Classes
English Now!'s children's classes are aimed at getting each child's English experience off on the right foot. As with our adults' classes the focus is on the pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm of natural English. No katakana English is spoken here. However, the atmosphere is light and playful. Especially with younger children's classes, study is active, physical, and very vocal – not simply sitting at desks. In fact, we have no desks; just some tables and chairs for when we occasionally need to sit down. We wish for the children to relax and feel comfortable with English as it is really spoken – and to enjoy experiencing a foreign culture. Of course, classes are small enough that each child gets plenty of personal attention.

English Now! is not a juku and never will be. Don't bring your kids here so that they may pass their high school entrance exams. That is not the way we study.

So give us a call and try a class out for free. We think you'll find that you'll not only enjoy your study here, but with time and effort you'll see yourself steadily improve so that you will be able to truly communicate in real English with native speakers, be it for work or pleasure.