Why I hated teaching English in Japan [92LgEG6NhUw]

Six years prior, Daniel resided independently in Japan on a working holiday visa, financing life outside central Tokyo through part-time work at a Lawson convenience store, brief kitchen work at an izakaya, and private English lessons found via findstudents.com.

After teaching a middle-aged football fan, Daniel met an exceptionally tall female student at an Ikebukuro McDonald's; the awkward interaction ended after 20 minutes when she paid 500 yen and cited a friend meetup, leading Daniel to suspect romantic motives.

Following this distressing tutoring session, Daniel abandoned private teaching and quit the convenience store job, leaving Japan after four months rather than the planned full year to visit an ex-girlfriend in Korea.

In 2014, Daniel traveled to Kyushu and delivered five weekly lessons to a 40-year-old student, temporarily improving his outlook on teaching despite continued feelings of unsuitability, lack of passion, and conversation struggles.

Employment and living conditions in Japan, including work at Lawson, an izakaya, and financial affordability.

Experiences with private English students, notably an easygoing first student and an awkward session at an Ikebukuro McDonald's.

Daniel's personal challenges with restaurant paranoia, conversation difficulties, and instructional deficiencies.

Early departure from Japan to Korea, motivations driven by guesthouse peers, and subsequent 2014 tutoring in Kyushu.

Undated: Daniel arranged by phone to meet a female student and subsequently met her at Ikebukuro train station before heading to McDonald's.

Undated: Twenty minutes into the Ikebukuro lesson, the student stated she had to meet a friend, paid 500 yen, and departed.

Undated: Daniel ceased responding on the Find Students website, resigned from the convenience store, and traveled to Korea after four months in Japan.

Undated (recalling 2014): Daniel traveled to Kyushu and conducted five weekly one-hour lessons at 1,500 yen each.

Whether the Ikebukuro student genuinely could not speak or understand English or was downplaying her capability.

Whether the student's departure to meet a friend was genuine or an excuse to end the lesson early.

Whether the student intended to find a romantic partner rather than learn English.

Whether the former student was genuinely interested in studying English or was hindered by instructional shortcomings.

How Daniel would handle shy students or prompt quiet students to speak in future pairings.

What type of employment Daniel would pursue if residing in Japan long-term in the future.