About Us
About BumbleB English
About Us
Our Mission & Vision
At BumbleB English, we aim to support students in their journey to become global individuals with the confidence and ambition to challenge themselves in new and different environments.
About Bumble English
Our History
BumbleB English is named after the bumblebee, a cute little insect that collects nectar and pollen in small groups. The school’s name is pronounced the same: “Bumble Bee.”
BumbleB English started in late 2011, when our school’s teacher, James, began teaching English to his daughter when she was in kindergarten.
A few months later, a small class was created on Sunday mornings that included other kindergarten students. The first few weeks focused on playing in English, singing the alphabet, and simple greetings.
After a while, word-of-mouth spread to other families and within the neighborhood. Soon, the number of students and lessons gradually increased.
Currently, we teach students from elementary school age students and above. Our group lessons range from two students to five students. We also have private lessons for students who want to focus on a specific goal, such as language tests, school interviews, or studying abroad.
In addition to lessons for children, we offer business and conversational English lessons for adults. We have also helped students as they prepare for MBA programs and graduate school.
As we expand the number of lessons and educational services, we will continue to provide a personalized learning experience at reasonable prices.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Experienced Instructor
Our school's instructor has experience in teaching as well as a range business experience.
Student Achievements
Success in English proficiency exams, admissions to international and private schools and foreign universities.
Friendly service
As a small school, we provide a friendly and caring service to each student.
School Teacher
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, USA, James holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree (MBA) from the University of Rochester, N.Y.
He has work experience in the area of financial information technology and investment advisory.
He has been living in Japan for over fifteen years and understands the struggles of learning a foreign language.
James
Customer Reviews
At BumbleB English, we understand that each student possesses his or her own distinctive strengths and learning abilities, facing a variety of challenges and opportunities. Our approach is to work closely with each of our students, understanding their specific needs and offering tailored solutions to assist them in reaching their objectives.
Below are a few customer stories from our students and parents.
Google Reviews
先生方も優しく、熱心に英語を教えていただきました。
先生方のおかげで英語が大好きになり、今では英語に携わった職業に就きたいと考えています！
James先生と奥様に季節のイベントから英検対策、日常会話まで楽しく熱心にレッスンしていただけます。
素敵な先生です。
高校生になった今も英検対策でお世話になりました。
本当に通わせていただいて良かったです、お勧めです！！
我が家は、インター受験を3ヶ月後に控えていた頃に小5の息子をお任せしましたが、数ヶ月以内に3学年分もの英語力向上が必要という不可能に近いお願いをしたにもかかわらず、学習計画、必要なツールの提供、日々の管理、弱点の補強など、筆記から面接まで完璧にフォローして下さり、無事に3ヶ月で合格まで導いて下さいました。
その過程で、無料で学習書籍を何冊も提供してくださったり、必要な有料アプリを無料で提供してくださり、遠隔で毎日の学習内容もチェックし、ペースが遅れていると励まし、不得意分野は追加学習をアサインしてくださる、面接直前には、想定問答だけでなく、自信を持って目を見て話すこと、最後は校長先生に自分から質問するための想定問答まで用意して下さり、信じられないほどのきめ細かさで、付き添って下さいました。
ジェームズ先生に出会えなければ、合格はありえずただただ感謝しています。これからも、インターのフォローをしていただくために、定期的にお世話になりたいと思っています。
これまで多くの英語学校や英語講師につきましたが、間違いなく業界最高峰に位置する先生です。大変信頼できるプロの英語教師ですので、心からお勧めしたいと思います。
(Elementary School 2nd grade and 6th grade)
My daughter, who is shy and does not like to enter new environments, wanted to try it right after the trial. She enjoys playing games and the content keeps her interested. They follow up with us very closely, informing us of the lesson content and homework, I think the teacher's kind pesonality made my child feel at ease and enjoy attending the school. I am thankful that it is not like an English class, but rather a fun way to experience English and to make them feel that they love English!
(Adult Student - Private Lesson)
I am a working adult. I started taking private lessons before starting my new job because I needed English at my new company.The teacher is really attentive to my needs, choosing materials and class topics based on the skills and topics I would need for work, and checking my drafts before a presentation. I am also always impressed by his patience in waiting for me when I don't come up with the right expression. Thanks to him, I am having no problems at my new job. I would like to thank him very much.
(Elementary School 2nd grade and 6th grade)
Because I work full time, it is difficult for my family to learn lessons during the week. We have lessons on Sunday mornings. If I have plans on Sundays, they offer a make-up date and time so that I can take lessons without having to change my schedule, which is very helpful. My daughter, who is shy and does not like to enter new environments, wanted to try it right after the trial. She enjoys playing games and the content keeps her interested. They follow up with us very closely, informing us of the lesson content and homework, and sending us audio recordings. I think the kind personalities of the couple make my child feel at ease and enjoy attending the school. I am thankful that it is not like an English class, but rather a fun way to experience English and to make them feel that they love English!
(Elementary School 6th grade)
We have been here for about four years now. Both the teacher and his wife are loving and very enthusiastic, and my son is happy to attend. I think it's a wonderful school with lessons tailored to the level of the child, seasonal events, Eiken preparation, and detailed care. I hope you'll let me continue to go to you in middle school and high school!
(Elementary School 4th grade, 6th grade)
The classes are small, so the teachers understand the children's personalities and tailor the lessons to their level, so I feel comfortable attending. There are many events such as Halloween and Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, etc., and both parents and children are happy to learn English in a fun environment. The teachers usually give us an environment and habit to think and respond in English by ourselves, so we naturally acquire English skills and will surely improve. I can be assured that I will be given detailed information about how the lessons are going each time.
(Elementary School 3rd grade & 6th grade)
We have been taking care of our children since about the same time they started elementary school. They are a loving couple who always look after the children with kindness, and although they are at home, they teach them well. They have many events and activities planned throughout the year, and we have been able to experience the real cultural side of the school. If possible, I'd like to keep them around even after they reach junior high school age and beyond! I am so grateful to live in Yoga and to have met you and your teachers.
FAQs
We have provided answers to commonly asked questions.
“BumbleB” is a play on words. We named it “BumbleB” from the cute little bumblebee insect.
The most significant difference is that the same instructor has run and operated the school for over ten years. This stability and experience have helped students build confidence in English, think critically, and be curious about the world around them.
In addition, we focus on student’s progress in English and strive to help each student reach their potential. We understand that each student has different learning abilities and interests, and we offer support and encouragement to help them achieve their potential.
The best students are those who can learn actively and not as passive learners. We encourage students to contribute in class and use the English that they know. When learning a foreign language, especially English, students need to overcome the embarrassment of making mistakes. That is why we teach students to look at things from different perspectives and express themselves in their own style.
Kids lessons start in the afternoon on weekdays. We also offer lessons on Saturdays. For older students and adults, we provide lessons later in the evening and on Saturdays. Lessons for adults during the day is possible, when the schedule permits.
No, there are no semesters or class terms. Students can enter our school or leave at any time of the year. However, please let us know 30 days in advance if a student will be leaving BumbleB English.
If a student is unable to attend a lesson, please let us know as soon as possible. Lessons can be transferred to another class day if the school is notified at least one day before the lesson. Please note lesson cancellations on the day of a lesson will not be eligible for a transfer lesson or a refund.
It is becoming more difficult to provide a transfer lesson. For onsite students, if space is available, you can enter an existing lesson. For private lesson students, we will offer a refund in the subsequent invoice. Refunds are only available if cancellation occurs at least 1 day prior to the lesson.
Most classes use affordable industry-standard materials that are made for English language learners. BumbleB English can provide the materials or students can purchase the materials directly.
Yes. We strongly recommend that students study English outside the classroom on a regular basis. Most classes have homework. Homework may include reading, writing, workbook activities and textbook review.
If a student will be late for a lesson, please let us know as soon as possible. However, please note that during the day there are back-to-back lessons so we cannot extend a lesson longer than the regularly scheduled finish time.
Yes, we offer online lessons for both children and adults. Online classes work best for children in elementary school and higher.
We also provide access to online services that support a student’s learning. Please get in touch with us directly regarding these services.
Yes, we offer a range of self-study materials, including online exercises, reading materials, and practice worksheets.
We accept cash, credit card, bank transfer and SetaPay. All the major credit cards are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB.
Please contact for additional methods such as PayPal.
Our Parent Company
MakoStars LLC.
MakoStars LLC was founded in 2015. The company’s mission is to promote a better understanding of the world through the knowledge and use of English.
MakoStars provides educational products and services to individuals, families, teachers, language schools, and other organizations. The MakoStars website publishes information and resources related to English education.
In addition, MakoStars operates an English language school, BumbleB English, in Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo. BumbleB English provides English lessons from elementary school to high school. The school offers also one-on-one classes for college students and business English lessons for adults. Lessons are taught onsite and via Zoom.
In early 2018, we started selling books and learning materials on several online e-commerce platforms. Currently, MakoStars has received a total of over 25,000 orders online. Based on this success, we have launched our own online store MakoStars Shop (https://www.makostars-store.com) and Mercari Shop store, to serve our customers directly.
MakoStars LLC was founded in 2015. The company’s mission is to promote a better understanding of the world through the knowledge and use of English.
MakoStars provides educational products and services to individuals, families, teachers, language schools, and other organizations. The MakoStars website publishes information and resources related to English education.
In addition, MakoStars operates an English language school, BumbleB English in Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo. BumbleB English provides English lessons from elementary school to high school.
In addition, the school offers one-on-one classes for college students and business English lessons for adults. The school offers onsite and online lessons
In early 2018, we started selling books and learning materials on several online e-commerce platforms. Currently, MakoStars has received a total of over 20,000 orders online. Based on this success, we have launched our own online store MakoStars Shop (https://www.makostars-store.com) and Mercari Shop store, to serve our customers directly.
