Say hello to Yoko Maruyama! The veteran Japanese teacher grew up in Tokyo and has been living in Kerrisdale for the past 25 years, launching her own business – Japanese Learning Vancouver – along the way. We caught up with Maruyama to find out more about her passion for languages and teaching.
Q: How long have you been teaching at the KCC?
A: Since the beginning of 2022. We all were still wearing masks.
Q: What is your favourite thing about teaching Japanese?
A: To be able to open a whole new world to the learners. When you have another language, your life goes to a totally different level.
Q: What do you want students to take away from your class?
A: Confidence to execute this language that’s really different from English and Latin-based languages.
Q: What most inspired you to pursue teaching Japanese?
A: The idea of hearing students say they were able to communicate with native Japanese speakers in Japan during their travels, or with their Japanese in-laws or friends in Vancouver.
Q: What is your top career highlight?
A: Simply when I hear, “That was a great course! We learned so much and it was really fun. You are a wonderful teacher.”
Q: What is your favourite way to spend a weekend?
A: Learning other languages (French, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin), running (I did a Vancouver full marathon), working out (at the KCC exercise room!), playing piano, reading, watching movies, visiting local breweries/wineries (see photos below) and playing with my cat.
Q: What is your go-to comfort food?
A: Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Mediterranean. I love sweets and my breakfast is always some sort of sweets, cake, pastry, pie or ice cream.
Yoko Maruyama‘s Introductory Japanese classes fill up fast – stay tuned for her next one in the Spring 2026 Guide! Find out more about KCC instructors here. This page will continue to grow as more instructors submit their profile information.
