Tokyo, Japan

Learn Japanese Without Wondering What to Study Next.

I spent years figuring out how to go from zero Japanese to JLPT N1 and living in Japan. Now I'm building the step-by-step system I wish I had when I started.

Made for beginners and intermediate learners.

Join the Academy See the Roadmap
Mark Williams
10+ Years Learning Japanese
N1 JLPT Level
Tokyo Living & Working in Japan
40K+ YouTube Subscribers

Built From 10+ Years of Learning Japanese.

I spent years trying textbooks, apps, grammar resources, immersion, listening practice, and real conversations to find what actually worked. That eventually led to JLPT N1, and today I live and work in Japan. The Academy organizes what I learned into a clearer starting path for beginners.

The Roadmap

Your Roadmap to Real Japanese

Japanese is a long journey. You don't have to figure out the first steps alone. The Academy helps you build a strong foundation and gives you a clear path for what to work toward next.

01

Start From Zero

  • Hiragana
  • Katakana
  • Pronunciation
  • First useful phrases
  • Basic sentence structure
02

Build the Foundation

  • Essential grammar
  • Core vocabulary
  • Basic kanji
  • Simple listening
  • Building sentences
03

Understand Real Japanese

  • Everyday expressions
  • Natural speech
  • Listening practice
  • Reading
  • Speaking practice
04

Use Japanese With Confidence

  • Longer conversations
  • Continued immersion
  • Using Japanese more naturally
  • Building independence
  • Continuing your Japanese journey

This is the long-term picture of where learning Japanese can lead. Mark's Japanese Academy helps you start this journey — building the foundation you need to keep progressing.

Mark Williams in Japan
Mark Williams in Japan
Mark Williams in Japan

My Story

I Know What It Feels Like to Start From Zero.

I'm from Atlanta, Georgia. I wasn't raised around Japanese and didn't grow up anywhere near Japan — I started as a total beginner, studying for years before I ever set foot in the country.

I made plenty of mistakes and tried more methods than I can count — textbooks, apps, grammar guides, immersion, real conversations — before any of it clicked. That path eventually led to JLPT N1, and I now use Japanese every day living and working in Japan.

Everything I teach is built on what I wish someone had told me at the beginning: a clear order to learn things in, instead of guessing.

Learn & Practice Together

Everything You Need to Keep Moving Forward.

A learning path plus a place to practice it — beginner lessons, real Japanese, and people to learn alongside.

Clear Learning Path

Know exactly what to study next instead of jumping between random apps and resources.

Beginner Lessons

Step-by-step lessons covering reading, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and useful Japanese.

Real Japanese

Learn how Japanese is actually spoken, not only textbook expressions.

Weekly Live Sessions

Ask questions, practice, and get guidance directly.

Community

Learn alongside other beginners and intermediate learners.

Challenges & Practice

Use what you learn through listening, speaking, reading, and practical challenges.

Join the Academy

Is This For You?

This Is For You If…

You want to learn Japanese but don't know where to start.

You've tried apps or textbooks but feel like your learning is scattered.

You know some Japanese but struggle to actually understand people.

You want to eventually speak Japanese confidently.

You're interested in Japan and want Japanese to become part of your life.

You do not need any Japanese experience to start.

Mark's Japanese Academy

Join Mark's Japanese Academy

Start Japanese with a clear plan — and a community to learn alongside.

  • Step-by-step beginner lessons
  • Weekly live sessions
  • Community & Q&A
  • Worksheets and practice resources
  • Practical Japanese from someone who lives and works in Japan
Founding Member Price $19/month
Join Mark's Japanese Academy

Made for beginners. No Japanese experience required.

Academy video · 1:30
Inside the Academy — Skool classroom & community screenshot

Free Lessons

Learn Japanese With Me.

Free lessons, study strategies, real Japanese, and life in Japan.

How I Would Learn Japanese From Zero in 2026

The exact order I'd study things in if I were starting completely over.

The First Japanese Grammar You Should Learn

The building blocks that make every other sentence easier to understand.

10 Japanese Phrases You'll Actually Use

Real, everyday Japanese — not just what's in the textbook.
Watch on YouTube

Beyond Japanese

There's More to the Story.

Japanese is a huge part of my life, but it's not all of it. I also share what it's actually like to live in Tokyo — the culture, the food, the travel, and the people I meet along the way.

Life in Tokyo Culture & Food Travel Conversations YouTube

You Don't Need to Figure Japanese Out Alone.

Build a strong foundation and always know what to study next.

Join Mark's Japanese Academy

Founding Member Price — $19/month. No Japanese experience required.