Many Japanese students spend years studying English grammar for tests, yet still struggle to speak naturally. The problem isn’t ability—it’s lack of real conversation practice. At A-1 International English School, I help students build confidence through relaxed, one-on-one lessons that focus on real communication, not memorization. Students learn to think in English, respond naturally, and enjoy speaking with confidence.

Master the simple present, past, and future forms you need for clear, natural English in everyday conversations.

Learn the five grammar patterns Americans use every day. These simple structures will make your English sound more natural, confident, and conversational.

Grammar is a tool for communication, not a list of rules. Learn how simple, natural structures make your English clearer, smoother, and more confident.

Many students think English improvement comes from memorizing long vocabulary lists—but real progress happens when you use the language. In this week’s lesson, we explore why active practice builds confidence faster than passive study and how you can transform your English by speaking, listening, and engaging every day.

Learning how to say “no” politely is an essential communication skill in English—especially at work, in customer service, or in everyday conversations. Many learners worry about sounding too direct, but English has many soft, natural ways to refuse without hurting anyone’s feelings. In this week’s post, you’ll learn useful expressions, softening phrases, and real examples that help you say “no” clearly, kindly, and confidently.

Telling a clear, engaging story in English doesn’t have to be difficult. With a simple structure and a few easy phrases, you can share experiences confidently—without getting lost or repeating yourself. In this post, you’ll learn how to organize your ideas, add natural transitions, and keep your listener interested from start to finish.

Ever watched an American movie and wondered what “hang out,” “no worries,” or “that’s lit” really mean? This week, we’re breaking down the slang you hear on screen — the words and phrases that make everyday American English sound fun, casual, and real.

Small talk is more than just polite conversation — it’s how Americans build connection, trust, and comfort in daily life. In this post, you’ll learn the real topics people use, how to respond naturally, and practical ways to sound confident and friendly in any casual conversation.

Learn eight Halloween-inspired idioms like “skeleton in the closet” and “ghost town” that you can use every day. These spooky expressions will make your English sound more colorful and natural — all year long.

Want to stop translating and start thinking in English? 💭 In this week’s post, you’ll learn three simple daily habits that train your brain to stay in English mode. These easy techniques — naming what you see, talking to yourself, and switching small parts of your routine to English — will help you speak more naturally and confidently every day.

Turning 60 this December has inspired me to slow down and focus on what truly matters—living in Japan, sharing my love of antiques, and helping others succeed in English. Life is short, and I’ve learned that “someday” isn’t a plan—carpe diem is.

Millions of students around the world study English for years but still struggle to speak confidently. Why is English so hard—and what’s the secret to finally communicating freely?

Getting ready to travel? ✈️ Mastering English for airport situations can make your trip smoother and less stressful. In this week’s post, we’ll explore useful phrases for check-in, security, and boarding — so you can feel confident from the moment you step into the airport until you take your seat on the plane.

Even advanced English learners make small mistakes that can make their speech sound less natural. In this post, we’ll look at common errors in spoken English—like using the wrong prepositions or forgetting articles—and explain how native speakers really say things. A few small changes can make your English sound smoother and more confident!

Discover how small changes in your words can make your English sound friendlier, more natural, and perfectly polite.

Have you ever worried that your English sounds too direct or even a little rude? You’re not alone. Politeness in English often depends on how we soften our language — using modal phrases like could, would, and might to make requests sound gentle and respectful. In this post, you’ll learn simple ways to make your English sound more polite and natural in any situation, from the office to everyday life.

Have you ever heard a strange phrase in an American workplace meeting and thought, “What does that even mean?” You’re not alone. Office English is full of idioms and expressions that don’t always match their literal words. In this post, we’ll break down 10 of the most common American workplace expressions so you can understand—and even use—them with confidence.

💬 Have you ever been in the middle of an English conversation and suddenly didn’t know what to say next? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Keeping a conversation alive is a skill, and like any skill, it can be practiced. In this post, I’ll share simple techniques you can use right away—like asking follow-up questions, showing interest with active listening, and using natural expressions—to make your conversations flow smoothly and feel more natural.

By the end, you’ll have practical tools to avoid awkward silences and build confidence every time you speak English.

These two common phrasal verbs—“look up” and “look into”—sound similar but mean very different things. Learn how to use each correctly and confidently.

Starting conversations in English doesn’t have to feel awkward. In this post, you’ll learn seven warm, natural phrases that make small talk easy and help you connect with people confidently.