Dear Minim Family, I hope you are well!
The weather is becoming slightly warmer and we can see some beautiful flowers peaking out from the branches! Spring is almost here and we hope that you are taking some time in between to admire the beautiful nature around you.
Recently, we have connected with a wonderful and charismatic Japanese language tutor who would like to contribute to the Minim community.
This teacher also happens to be my Japanese language tutor 17 years ago before I came to Japan! At Minim, we are very strict with our hiring processes as Minim teachers who join the team need to show that they are people who show the 6Cs: compassionate, collaborative, creative, critical thinkers, confident, and curious.
Gima Sensei shows all these values. We will talk about what he will be able to offer for the Minim community, but for now, we would like to share our honest experiences about learning Japanese.
Before moving to Tokyo...
We get an offer, an invite or a series of coincidences that led us to take the leap of faith and move to Tokyo. We get excited and started downloading the duo lingo app, watch Japanese dramas and anime and even pick up a textbook to start learning the language.
We spend a few minutes to an hour each day conscientiously studying, and never losing a duo lingo streak. We have no idea if all of this studying will be useful, but we trust in the process and hope that things will miraculously work out when we arrive in Tokyo and we can burst into Japanese phrases and chat up with locals.
Moving to Tokyo...
We are shocked that after months of studying hiragana, katakana, watching dramas... That we still cannot read the signboards in Japanese fast enough. Knowing every single letter of the hiragana is one thing, to read seemingly random pieces of hiragana letters and string them into words in a split second is another.
Conversing at the shops are a whole new challenge. At best, we have practiced enough to learn how to order, but whatever the shop owner says after that is up to anyone's guess.
We learn that it takes extra courage to go out of the house into a Japanese environment, and ordering coffee, asking for directions, or holding a simple conversation can still feel intimidating.
When will this uncomfortable experience become comfortable?
When will I get to a point where living in Tokyo is easy?
I know that there is so much that Japan has to offer, how can I discover them?
Learning Japanese is definitely something that can ease daily living in Tokyo, and unlock gems that the beautiful country has to offer. Enroling in a suitable Japanese language program may help tremendously in the long run to build positive memories and experiences during our time here, not to mention learning a new skill!
In our next newsletter, we will share how Minim is thinking about Japanese learning in a way that is practical, human, and rooted in real life.
Till then, we will see you at the classes! ;)
P.S. If this experience resonates with you, we would love to hear your story. Please feel free to write to us. We are always here to listen!
Minim Spring Programs – Registration Now Open
As spring approaches, we are excited to offer special holiday programs designed to spark creativity, confidence, and hands-on learning.
This season’s highlights include:
Ukulele & Stage Confidence
Minim Leather Studio
Each program is thoughtfully designed to be engaging, skill-building, and fun!
Spaces are limited, and we would love to welcome your child.
View full details and schedule here: https://tinyurl.com/3y2mxk3
We look forward to a meaningful spring together.
Join us Music Academy!
Our passionate teachers offer lessons in Piano, Ukulele, Voice, Violin, Saxaphone, Flute, Oboe and Clarinet! All music academy lessons are held in the comfort of your home.
To sign up for private instrument lessons, please fill up the questionnaire here and we can take it from there: https://forms.gle/Dxz1cXjynBoS7sie8
Piano Academy @ Nishimachi
We are pleased to offer on-campus Piano Academy lessons at Nishimachi, providing families with the convenience of structured piano instruction within the school environment.
This program combines quality one-on-one teaching with the ease of learning on campus — eliminating the need for additional studio arrangements while ensuring consistent musical progress.
To learn more about lesson structure, availability, and registration, please visit:
https://tinyurl.com/5cnny8pu
Minim Math Club: A Math Afterschool Program
Minim Math Club commences in January with 3 classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays at Willowbrook International School, and an upcoming class at Nishimachi International School on Mondays (more details soon!)
Minim Math Club is based on the Singapore Math curriculum, and children can look forward to building strong foundations in math while engaging in fun word problem challenges that encourages critical thinking, problem solving skills and logical reasoning.
Learn more about Minim Math Club @ Willowbrook: https://tinyurl.com/tjvpuuuh
Minim Math Academy - Private Math Tutoring
Some say that Music is the Mathematics for the soul, and Mathematics is the Music for the mind.
If your child needs help with math, or you want them to have extra attention on the subject, we are here for you with the Minim Math Academy! We have a strong team of Singaporean educators who give it their all for children to understand math concepts with strong foundations, and we are heartened to hear that all current children on the program have benefitted from this.
We look forward to helping as many children as possible to learn math, and also love math!
Learn more and register here: https://tinyurl.com/5dthc8r8
For more information about our teaching team and philosophy, please visit our website at www.minim.family
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to approach any of our teachers, or contact us at contact@minim.family
Love,
All of us at Minim
