When I retired from full time lecturing, I decided it would be good to learn a new language. In choosing Japanese, I think I was influenced by the Japanese boyfriend of a friend of my mother, who was introduced to us as a Kamikazi pilot who had somehow survived! When he demonstrated a martial arts posture and did a forward somersault in our front room, my eighteen-year-old imagination was clearly aroused. Starting Japanese past sixty turned out not to be so easy, but having taken the plunge, and then being invited to do some parttime teaching of my subject at a university in Japan, I soldiered on.

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I did a basic introductory course in Japan and have occasional lessons while there for a few months each year. But I needed to supplement that with a systematic programme and regular conversation opportunities in the UK. That is how I met Asami, who more than met both of these needs. Our lessons vary between ongoing grammar lessons and conversational sessions. She is skilful at explaining new materials, and patient with my waning powers of retention of new vocabulary. Because her English is excellent. she is able to help me formulate in Japanese topics from my own academic field. Our time together is always interesting and often fun. I have endorsed her when she has undertaken teaching work at schools in the UK and am happy to do so for any teaching work she may undertake.