OUR STORY
日本語の庭 (Nihongo no Niwa) is an online Japanese language school founded in February 2020 by Jason Musikanth, from Cape Town, South Africa, who is currently studying for the JLPT N1 exam. Jason, formerly head of the tutor team at ケープタウン日本語会 (Cape Town Nihongo Kai) under the renowned linguist Keigo Aoki-Bazlinton, founded Nihongo no Niwa at the encouragement of both Keigo-sensei and his students after CTNK closed. Following Keigo-sensei’s passing in early 2023, Jason continues to honour his mentor’s legacy by sharing a love of Japanese language and culture with a growing community of learners.
Our school offers structured Japanese classes primarily focused on JLPT N5–N2 levels, designed to make Japanese approachable while maintaining a solid foundation in grammar and communication. With more than 10 years of Japanese language coaching experience, we have developed an effective teaching style and method of instruction that supports every learner’s journey. Through a balanced curriculum of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students engage with interactive activities, multimedia resources, and cultural insights, learning not only how the language works but how to use it confidently in real conversations. Many students begin with simple goals such as understanding anime without subtitles, travelling in Japan, or exploring a long-held interest in the language. Over time, these first steps often grow into much more, and we now have many former students living, working, and studying across Japan.
More than anything, Nihongo no Niwa aims to create a welcoming space where curiosity about Japan can grow into genuine language ability... much like a garden nurtures what is patiently cultivated.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At 日本語の庭, we believe that language learning is a gateway to understanding and appreciating different cultures. Not only do we want to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively in Japanese, but we want to cultivate a deep appreciation for Japan's rich heritage and a respectful understanding of its culture.
Symbolising our commitment to growth and perseverance, our school mascot is a koi fish, which holds great significance in Japanese culture, representing strength, perseverance, and transformation; qualities that reflect the language-learning journey itself. These values resonate with our approach to education, where we encourage our students to overcome challenges, embrace new perspectives, and achieve their personal language learning goals.
Whether you are learning Japanese for personal enrichment, academic pursuits, career advancement, or simply for the joy of discovering a new language, we are committed to providing a thoughtful and supportive learning experience. Join us on this exciting journey as we dive into the intricacies of the Japanese language and unlock the doors to a world of opportunities and cultural understanding.
OUR TEACHERS
There's more than one mind behind Nihongo no Niwa, and here you can learn a little more about our team.
Founder & Head Teacher
Jason Musikanth
Jason started his Japanese language journey at Cape Town Nihongo Kai (CTNK) and continued until it's closure, first becoming an assistant tutor and then head of the tutor team along the way. At the close of CTNK, Jason took up the mantle - at the insistence of both Keigo-sensei and his students - and started his own language school. He was also accepted into the Japan Foundation Teacher Training programme in the Summer of 2026, a comprehensive training program for overseas Japanese-language teachers. Jason is a big fan of Sumo, runs the school shōgi club, and always enjoys a tasty bowl of niku udon. He has a special fondness for cats and pizza, and currently speaks five languages.
Assistant Tutor
Caitlin Spies
Caitlin started studying Japanese at Cape Town Nihongo Kai under Keigo Aoki-Bazlinton, and - at the closure of the school in late 2019 - continued her studies under the tutelage of Jason Musikanth. She and her three classmates may have even directly inspired the official name of this school through an inside joke, but she will certainly never tell. When not teaching beginner levels at Nihongo no Niwa, she can be found running her Japanese boutique (Arashi House), sketching, reading Japanese literature, and contributing to the school's writing and anime clubs. She has a deep love for Japan & its culture, with a particular fondness for artisinal crafts, like kimono & kokeshi dolls, and the twisting stories of Yōkai and Japanese folktales. She currently speaks four languages, but would love to learn many more.
Assistant Tutor
Bys van Schoor
Bys started learning Japanese in 2006 at Cape Town Nihongo Kai, which he attended for several years before continuing to expand his Japanese education on his own through group classes and self study over the next few years. When not teaching beginner classes at Nihongo no Niwa, Bys might be found hiking in nature. In fact, some of his fondest memories of Japan consist of hiking through the lush overgrowth of Nara and other forests of the country. Bys also has an appreciation for Japanese cinema and animation, having first uncovered a love of the medium - as so many do - through Studio Ghibli masterpieces such as Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke. He loves cats, feels a strange kinship with Japanese character Gudetama, and currently speaks three languages.