MakoStars · Setagaya, Tokyo
MakoStars helps families and learners choose the right lessons, books, study tools, and online courses — with a clear path from foundations to exams, academic English, and global communication.
Tokyo
In-person support
Asia
Online lessons
A2–C1
Elementary & above
10+
Years experience
What MakoStars Does
MakoStars brings together teacher-led guidance, high-quality books, and structured study materials designed for families who want English to support real academic and life goals.
Private and small-group lessons for children, returnees, teens, and adults — online across Asia. View tutoring options →
Carefully selected English readers, workbooks, test-prep books, and teacher-approved learning tools for families in Japan. Shop recommended books →
Clear guidance for EIKEN, IELTS, TOEFL, bilingual learning, returnee education, writing, reading, and school support. Coming Soon
Self-paced courses, printable materials, vocabulary systems, writing practice, and digital learning packs for home study. Coming Soon
Start With The Student
Families need more than random resources. They need a clear route: level, goal, materials, practice routine, and expert feedback when it matters.
Build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through structured, personalized lessons. For children, lessons create a strong foundation in communication, vocabulary, phonics, reading, and self-expression. For older students and adults, lessons focus on clearer communication, stronger fluency, and practical English for school, work, and daily life.
Prepare for EIKEN, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, school assignments, interviews, and academic writing with focused support. Students begin with a level check and receive a personalized study plan, targeted practice, and clear feedback. Past students have achieved strong results, including IELTS 8.0, TOEFL iBT 108, and EIKEN Pre-1.
Support for returnee students, international school students, and children adjusting to English-based learning environments. Lessons help students maintain strong English, build academic vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, participate in classroom discussions, and write with more structure and confidence.
Prepare for the academic, language, and communication demands of a new school or country. Lessons cover school interviews, classroom participation, academic writing, everyday communication, and confidence-building for students preparing to study or live abroad.
Build stronger academic writing skills in English, from sentence structure and paragraph development to essays, summaries, opinion writing, and vocabulary. Students learn how to organize ideas, support opinions with examples, and express themselves clearly for international school, entrance exams, EIKEN writing, and future study abroad.
For students with specific goals, we design short-term or intensive programs around the target outcome — typically lasting one to six months. Examples include school interview preparation, returnee entrance support, EIKEN writing and speaking practice, presentation coaching, study abroad preparation, and specialized English for professional or academic needs.
Who We Help
Japanese families in Japan and abroad, and parents with children at international schools across Asia. We help you find the right path — from early reading to EIKEN, returnee support, and international school preparation.
Build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, test-taking, and academic English with clear steps and practical practice. Access structured lessons, curated study materials, and guided paths from elementary level through advanced academic English.
Use ready-to-teach worksheets, lesson ideas, reading activities, and book recommendations for English learners. Curated resources designed to save planning time and support consistent, effective English instruction at home or in the classroom.
We help parents and motivated learners (junior high and above) access and get the most from leading digital learning platforms — including Khan Academy, GetEpic!, ReadTheory, and Reading Eggs. All English-interface tools, guided by an expert who knows how to use them effectively.
Our Destinations
A curated shop for English readers, phonics books, workbooks, graded readers, EIKEN resources, and parent-approved home learning materials.
Self-paced online classes for vocabulary, writing, reading, speaking, and exam preparation — ideal for students who need structured practice between lessons.
Live English lessons in Setagaya, Tokyo and online across Japan. Small groups and private lessons for children, teens, and adults — taught by an experienced native English teacher.
Article Categories
Organized around clear educational needs so parents, students, and teachers can quickly find the right guidance.
Guidance for families navigating English study, school expectations, and long-term language growth in Japan.
Browse category →Practical exam strategies, vocabulary plans, writing support, and level-by-level preparation advice.
Browse category →Support for IELTS, TOEFL, school essays, presentations, reading, writing, and advanced academic skills.
Browse category →Word learning, reading fluency, comprehension, phonics, graded readers, and study routines that work.
Browse category →Preparation and support for students moving between Japanese, international, and overseas school systems.
Browse category →Essays, opinion writing, summaries, sentence structure, and academic vocabulary for school, exams, and beyond.
Browse category →Practical study advice, exam preparation, book recommendations, and support for students learning English in Japan or preparing for global opportunities.
Opinion essays appear in EIKEN Grade 2 and above, IELTS, TOEFL, and international school assignments. Many students know what they want to say, but struggle to express it clearly and persuasively in writing. Here is a practical framework that works.
After living abroad, many families worry about their children losing their English when they return to Japan. The good news: with the right approach, English can be maintained and even improved after returning.
Choosing books that are too easy leads to boredom. Too hard leads to frustration. Finding the right level — challenging but achievable — is the key to building reading fluency and a genuine love of English.
If you are planning to study abroad or need an English proficiency certificate for university or professional purposes, you will likely need to choose between IELTS and TOEFL. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide.
Tell us your child's age, level, goals, and current school situation. We'll suggest books, study tools, lessons, or online courses that make sense.