About Us

Ohara Language offers individualized language classes to tailor students’ ages, schedules, levels, interests, and goals. The owner and the main instructor, Kaori Ohara, is a former University of Michigan Japanese language program coordinator and lecturer with more than 30 years of teaching experience. Upon completion of ten 2-hour classes, beginning students will be able to enjoy basic interaction in Japanese.

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Kaori Ohara

Owner & Main Instructor

Ms. Ohara was born in Taiwan, and raised in Japan. She received her M.A in Linguistics from University of Michigan in 1986. While working on her graduate degree, she taught English to children and family members of foreign students on university family housing on two days, and regular Japanese classes as a teaching assistant on three days a week. In the summer of 1986, she participated in the Japanese teacher's training program at Cornell University, Ithaca, before returning to University of Michigan as a full-time lecturer. Three years later in 1990, she managed Exchange: Japan, a summer home-stay program for college students in Kyoto, Hachimanyama, and Hokkaido. In 1992, after teaching and serving as a Japanese language program coordinator, she decided to stay home to teach her own children. She returned to University of Michigan as a part-time instructor to teach Business Japanese in 1999-2000. During the time that she was not teaching at college, she worked as an interpreter, translator, and eventually founded her own business, Ohara Language, to resume her teaching career.
I believe everyone is unique in his own way, especially when it comes to language learning.
I enjoy the challenge in helping each student search for the best solution for each student.
Testimonials

What People are Saying About Us

  • Kaori Ohara is an exceptional language instructor.  Kaori is a most dedicated teacher, who goes above and beyond the usual expectations. She was instrumental in helping my daughter excel in her proficiency of the Japanese language, and in helping her apply to universities in Tokyo. My daughter was able to excel and flourish with Kaori's instruction, I can not praise her enough.
    Lisa Murphy
  • Kaori is an extraordinary person and teacher - she enjoys working with the kids and watching them learn and it shows!  She encourages and challenges her students in a comfortable and supportive environment. We are lucky to have such a talented teacher!"
    Julie Brabbs
  • I've really enjoyed having Ms. Ohara as my teacher for the past two years.  I always looked forward to going to class.  Not only is she an amazing teacher, but also time and time again she would go above and beyond, out of her way, to help me with studying, applying to schools, and so much more.  I can't put into words how grateful I am.
    Julia