About Me




Hi, I’m Chieko.
I am from Shizuoka, Japan. Shizuoka is famous for …

I’m the creator behind Chienowa Japanese! I create Japanese learning videos using the Comprehensible Input approach, helping learners understand and enjoy Japanese naturally through stories, conversations, and real communication. Most of my content is designed to feel less like “studying” and more like spending time in Japanese.

While many learners know me through CIJ (Comprehensible Japanese), where I’m one of the 11 creators, this is my personal creative space where I share even more Japanese content, ideas, and experiments.

As of May 2026, I’ve created more than 160 videos for CIJ across four different levels for premium members, and I continue to release new lessons every week. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the CIJ team and the growing Comprehensible Input community.

But on my own channel, things are a little more relaxed, spontaneous, and creative. I love experimenting with different ways to make Japanese understandable, immersive, and fun — whether that’s through storytelling, slice-of-life conversations, cultural topics, or simply talking naturally in Japanese.

If you’re looking for more comprehensible Japanese content beyond CIJ, come hang out with me here: Chienowa Japanese YouTube Channel

And if my videos help you on your Japanese journey, you can support my work by buying me a cup of “o-cha🍵”! Your support helps me continue creating new videos every week and keeps this project growing.

Affiliate note: If you sign up for CIJ using my link, I may receive a small referral commission at no extra cost to you.

A little more about me:

  • Love dogs and playing the ukulele.

  • Worked as a Japanese-English conference interpreter for 9+ years.

  • Lived in Japan, the USA, the UK, Malaysia, and Canada.

  • Recently (since 2026), I have become a “moviegoer.” I prefer to experience a movie rather than just lightly consume it.

Recent watches:

  • Okurimono (Japanese Documentary)

  • Left-Handed Girl (Taiwanese)

  • Kokuho (Japanese movie on Kabuki)

  • Project Hail Mary (Sci-Fi!!!)

  • Mile End Kicks (Montreal movie)

  • Under the Open Sky (Japanese movie about an ex-yakuza struggling to adapt to life outside of prison.)