Learn with me

いっしょに日本語を学びましょう。

I am located in the Charlottesville, Virginia, area (within a 20-mile radius) for in-person lessons, and I am available for virtual meeting as well. My preferred method of teaching is in person as this offers the most immersive experience for my students.

My lessons

Introduction

This unit is for students with little or no prior knowledge of Japanese. It focuses on developing basic spoken and written Japanese skills, as well as grammatical knowledge and oral/aural skills.

Intermediate

Students will learn more advanced grammar by balancing listening, speaking, reading, and writing to acquire practical Japanese skills. Have everyday conversations with natural Japanese pronunciation. Read smoothly and fully understand text of a certain length and be able to properly express your opinion in a rational way.

Advanced

Aimed at students who can use Japanese with almost no difficulty in daily life, this level uses teaching materials that cover all the genres of Japanese.

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About Me

Hi, I'm Noriko Donahue!

I am originally from Japan and have completed most of my education in Japan. I finished my graduate studies at the University of Virginia and hold a Master of Education specialized in Foreign Language Education.

I have been teaching Japanese in various academic settings in the past 24 years — University of Virginia, Mary Baldwin University, and, most recently, Piedmont Virginia Community College. I have also tutored students of all ages and proficiency levels.

My Travels and Teaching

Please scroll through to view my travels in Japan.

清少納言Sei Shonagon

Yo wo komete tori no sorane wa hakaru tomo, yo ni afusaka no seki wa yurusaji.

[百人一首“Hyakunin Isshu” #62]

Deep into the night, even if some may be deceived by the crow of a false rooster, the
Barrier of Afusaka will surely not let down its guard, yet this can never be achieved with me, and I will surely not meet with you.

Shoro at Joruri-ji, Kyoto

Sei Shonagon, 枕草子"Makura no soshi"; The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon

Haru wa Akebono. Yoyo shiroku nariyuku yamagiwa, sukoshi akarite, murasakidachitaru
kumo no, hosoku tanabikitaru.

For spring, it is the dawn that is the most beautiful.
The skies on top of mountains become lighter and lighter with the rising sun. The long thin clouds that turn light purple are a sight to be enjoyed, too.

Nagoya, Japan

Sei Shonagon, 枕草子"Makura no soshi"; The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon (Continued)

Natsu wa yoru, tsukinokoro wa saranari, yamimo nao, Hotaru no ooku tobichigaitaru.
Mata, tada hitotsu futatsu nado, honokani uchihikarite yukumo okashi. Amenado furumo okashi.

For summer, it is the night that is the most beautiful. The moonlit nights, of course, but a moonless night is also pretty with fireflies dancing everywhere in the dark, or even the faint light from one or two fireflies in the dark is pretty. Rain at night is also nice in summer.

笑顔を見せて今を生きていこう

Egao wo misete ima wo ikite iko

We shall live the present with a smile.

Japanese Calligraphy

Japanese Maples in Autumn

Takayama

Takayama (高山) is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama.

Steps at Nikko

Shinkyo

Shinkyō wooden arched bridge. 1904.

Mt. Fuji

Shinjuku Gyoen 新宿御苑

Shinjuku Gyoen is a large public garden in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Noh Mask

Noh 能 is a major art form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performedsince the 14th century. Noh utilizes masks of which there are a great variety.

Koi Fish and Bamboo Leaf Boat

My Travels and Teaching

Please scroll through to view my travels in Japan.

清少納言Sei Shonagon

Yo wo komete tori no sorane wa hakaru tomo, yo ni afusaka no seki wa yurusaji.

[百人一首“Hyakunin Isshu” #62]

Deep into the night, even if some may be deceived by the crow of a false rooster, the
Barrier of Afusaka will surely not let down its guard, yet this can never be achieved with me, and I will surely not meet with you.

Shoro at Joruri-ji, Kyoto

Sei Shonagon, 枕草子"Makura no soshi"; The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon

Haru wa Akebono. Yoyo shiroku nariyuku yamagiwa, sukoshi akarite, murasakidachitaru
kumo no, hosoku tanabikitaru.

For spring, it is the dawn that is the most beautiful.
The skies on top of mountains become lighter and lighter with the rising sun. The long thin clouds that turn light purple are a sight to be enjoyed, too.

Nagoya, Japan

Sei Shonagon, 枕草子"Makura no soshi"; The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon (Continued)

Natsu wa yoru, tsukinokoro wa saranari, yamimo nao, Hotaru no ooku tobichigaitaru.
Mata, tada hitotsu futatsu nado, honokani uchihikarite yukumo okashi. Amenado furumo okashi.

For summer, it is the night that is the most beautiful. The moonlit nights, of course, but a moonless night is also pretty with fireflies dancing everywhere in the dark, or even the faint light from one or two fireflies in the dark is pretty. Rain at night is also nice in summer.

Japanese Maples in Autumn

笑顔を見せて今を生きていこう

Egao wo misete ima wo ikite iko

We shall live the present with a smile.

Takayama

Takayama (高山) is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama.

Japanese Calligraphy

Steps at Nikko

Shinkyo

Shinkyō wooden arched bridge. 1904.

Mt. Fuji

Shinjuku Gyoen 新宿御苑

Shinjuku Gyoen 新宿御苑 is a large public garden in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Noh Mask

Noh 能 is a major art form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performedsince the 14th century. Noh utilizes masks of which there are a great variety.

Koi Fish and Bamboo Leaf Boat