10 BEST Sites to Teach English Online to Japanese Students

It’s crazy how accessible teaching has become. Armed with a laptop and internet connection, you can instantly connect with paying students all around the globe. 

So if you want to teach English to Japanese students, there’s nothing stopping you.

Well, at least if you know where to search for jobs. 

And in this guide, we’ll cover the 10 best websites to do it.

Let’s dive in.   

Why teach English online to Japanese students?

Before we jump into our list, let’s cover why you’d want to teach English to Japanese students in the first place?

What makes them so special?

Well, for one, Japan is stuffed to the brim with people who’d love to learn English. 

Anyone who has traveled to Japan can attest to the fact that a language barrier exists. Ordering food in a restaurant and asking for directions can be a legit challenge. Learning English opens up opportunities for people living in Japan, both locally and online. 

Second, Japan has a one-of-a-kind culture. And teaching English to Japanese students online is one of the best ways to learn about it without actually having to travel to Japan (although I highly recommend that too!). 

Alrighty, now that we know why Japanese English students are awesome, here’s how to find them. 

Make sure to stick around for the FAQs section at the end for more important information to teach Japanese online.

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How to Teach English Online to Japanese Students: 10 Best Websites

1. EnglishEverywhere – Teach Business or Personal English

EnglishEverywhere is an easy platform to join because they do not require a teaching degree. 

After passing your initial and final interviews, you’re all ready to start finding Japanese students.

On EnglishEverywhere, you have the freedom to create your own lesson plans. Despite being a little extra work, many teachers enjoy not having to stick to a rigid curriculum. The one-on-one classes also make it easier to connect with your students.

EnglishEverywhere Application Requirements
✅ TEFL/TOEFL qualification
✅ Ample teaching experience
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Proficiency in using Skype
✅ Ability to respond to work emails within 36 hours upon receipt

EnglishEverywhere Application Process

1. Fill out the online application form
2. Complete an internet connection test
3. Go through an initial interview
4. Conduct a mock lesson by teaching a supervised 30-minute class with an actual student.

EnglishEverywhere Payment Terms

One of the perks of the job comes in the form of pay-outs. EnglishEverywhere pays teachers ¥800 ($7.25) per 30-minute class for the first ten classes in a month. After that, you earn ¥900 ($8.19) per 30-minute class.

Schedules are flexible as long as you meet the minimum 10 classes per month. If not, your balance carries over to the next month.

Payments are made through PayPal on the 25th of each month.

2. S-Lessons – Teach English Online to Young Japanese Students

S-Lessons centers on teaching English to Japanese children. This opportunity is perfect if you enjoy working with kids.

The company offers two kinds of teaching programs:

1. The Regular Course option, which gives you pre-prepared lesson plans.
2. The “Leave it to Teacher” option, which gives you the freedom to come up with your own lesson plan and materials.

Each teaching session runs 22-minutes, plus a 3-minute evaluation sheet after each class. 

S-Lessons Application Requirements
✅ Teaching experience of at least one full year
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Proficiency in using Skype

S-Lessons Application Process

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Submit a resume.
3. Go through an initial Skype interview to discuss prior experience learn about the online lesson platform
4. Conduct a Skype Demo lesson with a mock student.

S-Lessons Payment Terms

You set your own rates based on S-Lessons’ point system, where one point is equivalent to ¥1. Your rates depend on your qualifications and experience.

The company grants its teachers the flexibility to work whenever and wherever. But with this flexibility and convenience comes a price — 30% of your earnings, to be exact. That means that after paying the platform, you’re left with 70% of the fee you charge.

What’s the best TEFL course?
This is the TEFL course I personally took. It is consistently ranked as one of the top TEFL programs available. That said, if you’re still not 100% sure teaching English is for you and you’d rather start with a cheaper, less comprehensive course to test the waters, check out this one.

3. Cena English – Teach English Online to Professional Adults

Cena English connects teachers with professionals who want to learn English. Students need not worry about finding the right teacher for them, as they can first test the waters through a free 25-minute trial lesson.

The interactive teaching program allows professionals to learn English needed to excel in their field.

Cena English Application Requirements
✅ Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
✅ TEFL certificate or teaching license
✅ An internet speed of at least 1.5 Mbps
✅ Proficiency in using Skype

Cena English Application Process

Cena English likes to get to know their teachers on a more personal level. The process isn’t quite as streamlined as some of the other platforms. 

1. Create a profile based on the required information listed on the company’s website, and email this to info@cena-academy.com.
2. Attach a clear and recent photo, and showcase your personality in the email.

Cena English Payment Terms

Cena pays $11 for the 25-minute trial lessons (even though the student doesn’t actually pay) and $22 for the standard 50-minute lessons.

Payments are made through PayPal monthly.

4. CafeTalk – Teach English Online to Japanese University Students

CafeTalk is a diverse online platform where you can teach while engaging in your hobbies and interests. 

They give you the freedom to create your own lesson plans that incorporate language into other topics of interest. 

Students book sessions through CafeTalk’s online messaging system, and teachers are given the chance to have casual conversations with their students before the actual lessons begin. This fosters camaraderie and builds a sense of trust.

After each session, teachers write a brief report noting their student’s progress and highlighting areas that need improvement.

CafeTalk Application Requirements
✅ Proficiency in using Skype
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Applicants who are fluent in Japanese, Chinese, or Korean (or who have lived in these countries) will be given priority.

CafeTalk Application Process

CafeTalk tends to select teachers based on their personality, rather than solely looking at their achievements.

1. Register online.
2. Complete the information needed to create a profile.
3. Complete a video interview.

CafeTalk Payment Terms

You get to set your own rates. The typical range is ¥500 to ¥2,000 ($5 to $18) for every 25-minute lesson.

CafeTalk takes a 30% to 35% commission of your earnings, so price your classes accordingly. 

They pay you through PayPal, Payoneer, or a direct bank transfer on the 15th of each month after you reach the minimum threshold balance (¥3,000, or roughly $27).

5. Best Teacher –Teach English Online to Japanese University Students

Best Teacher focuses on a well-rounded learning experience for their students, including listening, speaking, writing, and reading. 

As a teacher, they encourage you to tailor your lessons to your student’s goals and preferences, making the process as fun and efficient as possible. 

Best Teacher Application Requirements
✅ Strong mastery of the English language
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Proficiency in using Skype

Best Teacher Application Process

Applicants from all over the world can easily apply for job openings. They will just need to pass all the online exams to prove their mastery of the English language.

1. Register and sign up online.
2. Take a 45-minute English grammar test.
3. Take a 45-minute English written test.
4. Complete an online interview.
5. Complete the online training via Skype.

Best Teacher Payment Terms

The company’s lenient application requirements translate to less competitive pay-outs — just $5 to $6.

Depending on the cost of living in your country, this may or may not cut it.

Your total monthly payment is calculated based on the number of hours you teach, plus bonuses for replaying and editing messages.

Payments are made through PayPal.

6. Lyngo –Teach English Online to Young Students

Lyngo is a great platform for new teachers who lack experience. 

The company understands that learning does not have a one-size-fits-all approach, and would rather hire teachers based on their capabilities.

On Lyngo, most students range from 5 to 15 years old, and all teachers must go through training before starting one-on-one classes.

Lyngo provides all teaching materials for class, which means less prep work for you. 

Lyngo Application Requirements
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Laptop or PC with a webcam, headset, and microphone
✅ Proficiency in using Skype

Lyngo Application Process

Applying to Lyngo is easy peasy.

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Submit your resume.
3. Complete an online interview.

Lyngo Payment Terms

The teaching rates vary between ¥900 to ¥1,500 ($8 to $14) per hour. Teachers are rewarded based on the number of hours they clock in, plus bonuses for extra efforts.

Payments are made through PayPal monthly.

7. Eigox – Teach English Online to a Wide Range of Japanese Students

Eigox is an online teaching platform that offers several different teaching styles. These include a “free talk” conversational class, textbook-based learning, and a method that allows students to access free online materials on their own.

The 25-minute classes are customized to meet each student’s unique goals. As a teacher, you’re also expected to submit a written review of each session within 24 hours after the class.

Eigox Application Requirements
✅ Native English speaker or English fluency as a second language
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Laptop or PC with a webcam, headset, and microphone
✅ Proficiency in using Skype
✅ Availability to teach at least 10 hours per week

Eigox Application Process

Eigox values first impressions and approves teachers based on their qualifications and personality.

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Send a video greeting message to introduce yourself.
3. Complete an online interview.

Eigox Payment Terms

Your pay rate depends on your nationality and skillset. Filipino or non-native tutors receive a rate of ￥160 ($1.50) per 25-minute class, while native English speakers or Japanese bilingual tutors receive a higher rate of ￥600 ($5.40) per 25-minute class.

Your rates can gradually increase based on performance. But during your first 10 lessons, you only receive 50% of your payment. This unfortunate rule is meant to incentivize teachers to stick around long-term (in an annoying, backward kind of way). 

Payments are made through PayPal monthly.

8. E-communication – Teach a Foreign Language Online to Japanese Business Students

E-communication is a multi-lingual online learning channel where Japanese students can learn various languages including English, French, Spanish, Russian, and German.

Online classes range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the student’s preference. And teachers are free to create their own interactive lesson plans and materials.

E-communication Application Requirements
✅ At least two years of ESL experience
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Availability to teach at least 10 hours per week
✅ Proficiency in using Skype

E-communication Application Process

E-communication has a thorough vetting process and values quality over quantity. 

1. Submit your resume.
2. Pass a first interview.
3. Pass a second interview.
4. Participate in two demo presentations.

If you aren’t accepted, you can re-apply every six months. 

E-communication Payment Terms

Teachers are well-compensated for their efforts. The company pays a standard rate of ¥2,000 ($17.50) to ¥2,300 ($20.15) per hour.

Payments are made through PayPal monthly.

9. Mainichi Eikaiwa – Teach English Online to Japanese Students and Professionals

Mainichi Eikaiwa gives students of all ages the opportunity to learn English. The classes are interactive and run for 50 minutes.

Teachers are given the liberty to plan their own lessons and find the best teaching method for each individual student.

Mainichi Eikaiwa Application Requirements
✅ A college degree
✅ At least six months of English teaching experience
✅ Stable internet connection
✅ Availability to teach five days a week for at least three consecutive hours per day
✅ Proficiency in using Skype
✅ Preference for applicants with a TEFL certificate
✅ Applicants living in the USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, and Australia will be given priority

Mainichi Eikaiwa Application Process

Mainichi Eikaiwa applicants are straightforward, and they make an effort to get back to you within a week. 

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Include a brief resume and cover letter in the website’s message box (optional, but recommended).

Mainichi Eikaiwa Payment Terms

Pay is ¥1500 ($14) for every 50-minute class, plus bonuses for teaching at least 15 students consistently. 

Payments are made through PayPal monthly.

10. Engoo English – Teach English Online to Young Students

Engoo uses its own video lesson platform to cater to a young client base. Teachers are able to connect with school-aged students all over the world — including Japan — who want to learn how to speak English.

Engoo categorizes students as beginner, intermediate, advanced, and proficient. They provide 25-minute lesson plans tailor-made for each student’s proficiency level. 

Engoo Application Requirements
✅ At least 18 years of age
✅ Strong mastery of the English language
✅ An internet speed of at least 1 Mbps
✅ Laptop or PC with a webcam, headset, and microphone

Engoo Application Process

The company welcomes applicants from all over the world. 

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Pass a video screening.
3. Conduct a supervised mock demo session.
4. Prove that your internet speed is at least 1 Mbps.
5. Complete a 2-hour training session.

Unsuccessful applicants can reapply after six months. 

Engoo Payment Terms

Native English teachers earn roughly $10 to $11 per hour, while non-native English teachers earn $4 to $5 per hour.

Payments are made through PayPal or Payoneer monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions