L.I.T. Agency Representative Director
Kawashima Ryota
Hello everybody, my name is Ryota Kawashima and I am in charge of all the language assistance services concerning Japanese and English.
The idea of setting up a Language Assistance Agency first came to my mind while I was working as a private Japanese teacher. In fact I noticed that many of my students had some serious trouble overcoming the language barrier and dealing with their every day life in Japan. As their requests of help and assistence multiplied, I thought that it was high time to do something about it. That’s how L.I.T.Agency for people “Lost In Translation” was born.
Being born and raised in Osaka, I love jokes and have a keen sense of humor which I like to display also while delivering my lessons. My teaching method is aimed at making my students feel at ease from the very first lesson and enjoy the pleasure of learning through joking, quipping and bantering.
I also offer an efficient service of translating and interpreting, as well as acting as an agent for my clients when it comes to filling in official papers. Do not hesitate to contact me for any language-related issue you might be experiencing, even if it doesn’t show on the list of my services.
SERVICES
Language Assistance
It is a truth universally acknowledged that, no matter which country you are travelling to, owing the right papers is a vital part of your stay. However, Japan in particular has an healthcare system of its own and an extremely convoluted bureaucracy that can drive many crazy.
- Do you want to apply for a change of status or residence, or for an extension of period of stay?
- Have you received a job offer by a Japanese company and want to make sure you have nailed all the terms and conditions of the contract?
- Are you going through the gruelling job hunting process and need help writing/proofreading your Resumè and Cover Letter?
- Are you a fresher in one of the many Universities in Tokyo and have trouble going through all the paper you will surely be asked to fill in?
- Are you worried about where to get the best healthcare services in Tokyo for you and your near and dear?
- You are not sure which phone company is the most suitable for you?
- Are you planning to move in a new flat/share-house etc., but cannot find one which will completely satisfy you?
I can help you through the intricacies of the Japanese bureaucracy, by offering on-the-spot translations and accurate explanations of official documents and papers. I also can also act as an interpreter at Ward Offices, Hospitals, real estate agencies, phone companies etc.
JAPANESE TEACHER
I believe that my passion for teaching grew slowly and unconsciously during the three years that I spent as a Human Resources student at Lakeland University, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
That experience, in fact, enhanced my language awareness, and helped me develop a subtle sensitivity towards the HUGE cultural barrier between Japan and western countries.
This is why I am immediately able to connect to my students and relate to their problems.
As I am strongly opposed to standardized teaching methods, I am committed to tailoring my lessons to each student’s needs and requirements, with a view to always creating a stimulating and engaging learning environment.
If you are looking for a place where you can focus on preparing your JLPT Exam through customized lessons, or improve your Japanese skills through debating and other unconventional, proactive methods,come on over! You won’t be disappointed.
TRANSLATOR
Even though translation is not my main area of expertise, I have been working on and off as a Japanese-English, English-Japanese translator for a wide variety of privates.
I consider one of my greatest strengths that I am naturally detail orientated, well organised and focused, all qualities that have helped me greatly to quickly develop a skill in converting documents and articles from one language to the other, while preserving the original message as clearly and accurately as possible.
My areas of expertise are: General Translation and Technical Translation of Legal Documents, University Lectures, E-mails.
I also do Proofreading, and take up Interpreting jobs.
My duties so far have included: translation of documents/e-mails from English to Japanese & vice versa, researching legal & technical phraseology to ensure the correct translation is used, meeting with clients to discuss any unclear points and provide guidance & feedback. I also have experience reviewing and proofreading mother-tongue texts.
REVIEWS
I’ve been taking lesson with Ryota for about a year now, and I am extremely happy with them. When I started, I was barely past the Beginner Level, but thanks to Ryota’s efficient, fun and detailed focused approach to teaching, I feel much more confident of my Speaking and Listening skills, to the point of having a daily conversation with native Japanese people without much of an effort. I’m a language teacher, too so I recognize how experienced and well-prepared Ryota is. I highly recommend his classes!
Matthew (Australian English Teacher)
Ryota is a fantastic teacher who is able to quickly assess your Japanese level and tailor his lessons accordingly, with a view to always making them interesting and a lot of fun. The teaching material he provides is customized and always engaging, aimed at developing mainly your Japanese Speaking skills in a country where communicating in English can be hard at times.
Vikas (Indian engineer)
Fantastic lesson with Ryota! I loved every minute of it. Ryota really makes learning Japanese enjoyable and is able to perfectly tailor your lesson to your needs. This makes his teaching method absolutely effective in every situation of the -sometimes hectic and confusing- daily life in Japan.
Elizabeth (English housewife)
If you’re looking for a Japanese teacher, look no further. Ryota is AMAZING.
I’ve been having lesson with Ryota for over a year and half and I’m starting to get a lot more confident talking to strangers and am certainly understanding more and more all the time. All the lessons are catered to your needs and appropriate to your level. I was a bit nervous at first but Ryota is so friendly and helpful that it creates a really relaxed learning environment.
Randy (American soldier)