Erika Soga Med
TESOL Certified
Born in Owariasahi, Japan, grew up bilingual and bicultural of Japanese, and English. Has always thought it is important to understand one`s identity through language. Started learning the field of TESOL (teaching English as a second language) in her undergraduate education at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. At this time she had started teaching ESL in Japan as well. Later, since moving to San Deigo, CA studied at University of San Diego in the field of TESOL, Literacy and Culture, and obtained her Master of Education.
Upon graduation has taught at The Salvation Army, VIPKID, Converse School of International Language, and private tutoring. Authenticity, and practical application of the language learned is a priority in her teaching. She studied Bilingual Story Telling in graduate school, and pays attention to the effectiveness as well as the learner outcome of the learning process. She enjoys Japanese Tea Ceremony as a hobby. 

Meet our awesome sub tutors!

Brooke Lanfried BA
Brooke currently lives in Escondido, CA and is joining Camellia as a Japanese language tutor. She has been studying Japanese for ten years since she was in junior high. Upon recently returning from Japan, spending a year teaching english as a second language, dedicates herself to teaching languages. If you are interested in traveling to Japan, like the culture, or just want to learn Japanese for fun, she will be a perfect fit for your Japanese language learning journey!

Honoka BA
Meet Honoka, our newest sub tutor! She was born in Japan, and raised in San Diego. She is fluent in both English, and Japanese. She attended International Christian University located in Tokyo. When visiting Japan, she likes to tour various parts in Japan, especially the onsen towns! If you are interested in learning Japanese, booking your next trip to Japan, talking about Japanese pop-culture, or anything related to Japan that is right up her ally! Schedule a lesson, and bloom.

Mayuko BA
Mayuko is a native Japanese speaker from Japan, now based in San Diego. She has a background in cross-cultural communication with experience in PR and translation/interpretation. She studied Theater Arts and Linguistics at UC San Diego.
She loves helping students discover natural, everyday Japanese and the culture behind the language. Whether you’re interested in learning Japanese, planning a trip to Japan, or simply want to learn more about Japanese culture and expressions, she’d be happy to help you along the way!

Amanda BA
With roots in San Diego and four years of experience living in Japan, Amanda is a passionate and friendly Japanese tutor at Camellia, dedicated to creating a fun learning environment. Whether you're a beginner learner, preparing for the JLPT, wanting to travel to or live in Japan, Amanda will curate each session to help you achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning Japanese, chatting about the culture, need any tips about traveling or living there, schedule a lesson with Amanda!

Yuji Hayashi

Yuji Hayashi is a native Japanese speaker and a graduate of Keio University, where he studied Law. Before becoming a pastor, he spent more than 20 years working for a Japanese financial institution, including experience in international business and working in New York.

Yuji enjoys helping students discover not only the Japanese language, but also the culture, customs, and ways of thinking behind the language. He believes that learning a language is a wonderful way to understand people and build connections across cultures.

Whether you are just beginning Japanese, preparing for a trip to Japan, or simply curious about Japan, Yuji would be happy to join you on your language journey!