Premium English learning support for families in Japan and across Asia. Tutoring, books, study guides, and online courses from conversational English, EIKEN, IELTS and academic English.https://makostars.comhttps://makostars.com/post-06-writing-academic-expressionhttps://makostars.com/post-06-writing-academic-expressionOpinion 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.Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://makostars.com/post-05-study-abroad-returneehttps://makostars.com/post-05-study-abroad-returneeAfter 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.Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://makostars.com/post-04-vocabulary-readinghttps://makostars.com/post-04-vocabulary-readingChoosing 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.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://makostars.com/post-03-academic-englishhttps://makostars.com/post-03-academic-englishIf 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.Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://makostars.com/post-02-eiken-studyhttps://makostars.com/post-02-eiken-studyEIKEN is Japan's most widely recognized English proficiency exam. Whether your child is aiming for Grade 5 or Pre-1, the preparation approach matters as much as the effort. Here is what actually works.Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://makostars.com/post-01-english-learning-japanhttps://makostars.com/post-01-english-learning-japanMost families in Japan want their children to succeed in English — but without a clear routine, progress stalls. Here is a practical guide to building consistent English habits that work for real family life in Japan.Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT