Hi, my name is Vanessa and I'm from California in the United States. I was born in the Philippines, but I moved to America when I was 2 years old. I grew up in Southern California's Orange County. You might know it from the TV show, "The OC." It's also the home of the original Disneyland. I major in Japanese language and literature at the University of California, Berkeley, so I thought I'd come over to Japan and study the language directly. I've been in Tokyo since October of last year and so far it's been a blast. I've lived in a dorm in Chiba and another dorm in Kawasaki. But now I live in my own apartment not too far from where I take classes at a Japanese language school in Shinjuku.

I love listening to music of all kinds. Although I might not look like it, I particularly love post-punk and new wave. And believe it or not, I once had blue hair. Most of my favorite bands are British but currently really into Japanese music. So if you know any obscure Japanese bands from the 80s, tell me about them! I also love traveling and exploring. So I enjoy hearing about the places people have been and their favorite places to hang out. So far my favorite place in Tokyo is Shimokitazawa, but I'd love to learn more about the little pockets of culture that I know are hidden in this great city.

I believe studying languages is a way to understand people. So I feel privileged to be able to study Japanese and to help you improve your English. Come on down and let's have a chat!