June Imajo

Biography

Hello. I’m June Imajo. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.
I have been teaching since I was 19 years old.
In the States, I taught Japanese.

However, I was asked to start smoking cessation in Japan. Since I studied Psychology as a
minor at U.C.L.A. , and being fluent in Japanese as well, the company offered me a big role.
Little did I know, the Japanese government ran the tobacco industry.

It took a lot of effort to convince hospitals, JR, government and Japan as a whole that
smoking was bad for not just smokers but moreover, for the people around them.
Due to this experience, I got offers to do translations.

Sonna Otoko wa Yamenasai (Too Good to Leave, Too Good to Stay) sold 100,000 copies. It
introduced Japan to DV.
Others are The Beatles Anthology and The Rolling Stones Anthology, Movies, CD liners,
Promotion Videos for the city of Shinagawa, Police Department, etc.

But what I missed the most was teaching.
Not just one way, but in the classroom.
So, I began my career back as a teacher in Japan.
I have taught students from 2 to 85 years old.
My motto is there’s no limit.
Each student has their strong and weak points.
My job is to help expand their knowledge, overcome their fears and build confidence in each
person.

I have had 2-year-olds pass Eiken as well as elementary school aged students pass Pre-1.
At Musashi High School, I taught Academic Writing.
The boys are very intelligent. However, the students I had were not all perfect writers.
I had many students thank me because they were getting full points on their essay writing on
their Eiken.

I, myself, have won various essay writing contests in English and in Japanese.
My style is, “If you can say it, you can write it.”
It means, if your speaking ability is fair, your essays are fair.
I’m here with open arms to make it from fair to GREAT.
Highlights in my life… winning essay and speech contests, getting a lot of life experiences,
meeting so many splendid people like yourself.
When I was 16 years old, I was invited to the Royal Palace to meet with the Heisei Emperor
and Empress.
This is something not many people can experience.
The Emperor talked to me in Japanese.
The Empress,on the other hand, in the most beautiful and fluent English.
I felt Japanese Royalty must find English an important part of communication as well.
I can’t wait for us to become a team and work/study together!

Experience & Skills

June Imajo has a diverse background in teaching, translation, and cross-cultural communication. Here’s a summary of her experience and skills:

• Extensive Teaching Experience: Has taught students of all ages, from 2 to 85, in both the US (Japanese language) and Japan (English). Focuses on identifying individual strengths and weaknesses to expand knowledge, overcome fears, and build confidence. Has a proven track record of student success, including young children passing Eiken and older students excelling in academic writing. Taught Academic Writing at Musashi High School.
• Bilingual and Bicultural: Native in both English and Japanese, with deep understanding of both cultures. This was instrumental in her early career advocating for smoking cessation in Japan and later in her translation work.
• Translation and Writing Skills: Experienced translator of books (including “Sonna Otoko wa Yamenasai,” “The Beatles Anthology,” and “The Rolling Stones Anthology”), movies, CD liners, and promotional videos. Has also won essay writing contests in both English and Japanese. Emphasizes a practical approach to writing, believing that strong speaking skills translate to strong writing.
• Cross-Cultural Communication and Advocacy: Played a significant role in introducing the concept of second-hand smoke to Japan, working with hospitals, JR, and the government.
• Personal Achievements: Won various essay and speech contests. Met with the Heisei Emperor and Empress at the Royal Palace.

June’s core philosophy is that there are no limits to learning and that every student can achieve greatness with the right support and guidance. She emphasizes a collaborative approach to teaching and learning.