Welcome to Tanpopo!
I’m Astrid, the founder of Tanpopo. I started Tanpopo in 2023 as a one-person school offering Japanese lessons, and it has since grown into a team of me and native Japanese instructors delivering personalized online lessons (check where we are).
Background
Originally from Indonesia, I’ve lived in Japan for over 20 years. Currently, I live with my husband, three children, and two cats (yes, it’s a busy household!) in a small town Morimachi in Shizuoka prefecture, famous for its green tea.
Languages
I’m a native Indonesian speaker, fluent in English (TOEIC 990, TOEFL 103), and I also passed the Japanese test JLPT N1 twice (2013 and 2026). In 2021, I studied Chinese for a few months with private tutors, and I am also interested in Korean language as well. . Beyond personal interest, Japan’s deep cultural connections with these languages inspire me to learn even more!
Above all, I strongly believe that humans are a creative species, born to create, and language, including sign languages and any form of communication, is a key tool for this creativity. It allows us to express ideas, share knowledge, and build connections.
Education
- Bachelor’s in Veterinary Medicine – Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia.
- Master’s & PhD in Animal Physiology – Tohoku University, Japan (MEXT Scholar).
Professional Experience in Language Services:
- Former in-house English-Japanese translator and consecutive interpreter at Yamaha Motors Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan (6 years).
- Freelance translator & interpreter specializing in scientific, industrial, and corporate fields, translating materials from Japanese to English and Indonesian.
Get In Touch
Tanpopo’s main communication channel is WhatsApp (+81-80-2820-0107), with updates occasionally shared on Facebook @multilingualtanpopo and Instagram @multilingual_tanpopo.
Looking forward to seeing you in class!
Notes:
This is a playful illustration of me, especially on a very good day with a high-dose of coffee😄
TANPOPO 