Meet Jason, a passionate advocate for Japanese language and culture and the founder of 日本語の庭 (Nihongo no Niwa) Japanese Language School. Formerly the head tutor at ケープタウン日本語会 (Cape Town Nihongo Kai), Jason worked under the guidance of the institution’s founder, Keigo Aoki-Bazlinton. Keigo先生, a native Japanese speaker and a brilliant linguist, mentored Jason and helped him develop a deep love for teaching Japanese.

When Cape Town Nihongo Kai closed, Jason was encouraged by both Keigo先生 and the students to carry on the legacy. Taking up the mantle, he started his own Japanese language school. This transition wasn't easy, especially following the passing of Keigo先生 in early 2023, but Jason’s dedication to his students and his passion for the language drove him to create a thriving community where learners can immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

When Jason isn’t teaching, he’s likely indulging in his other passions. He has a deep love for classic cars, films, and Japanese sumo, and can often be found creating synth music with his band, Saberwolf. His multilingual proficiency in English, Japanese, Afrikaans, Hebrew, and Russian mirrors his broad cultural interests, commitment to cross-cultural communication, and fascination with linguistics.

Jason's posts are a blend of his personal passions and professional insights. He shares stories about cultural nuances that fascinated him, and effective language learning strategies. Jason's commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment is woven through every word he writes. We're thrilled to have him share his expertise and passion on our blog, continuing to inspire and guide others in their journey to mastering Japanese.