Come in and meet Matt and Ako

Matt (M. R. Bryen) is the teacher and owner of Native English. He teaches every class himself, and Ako often joins the classes to assist.

Meet Matt

• From Australia. Matt is an Australian native speaker of English.
• In Hyuga for more than 20 years. Matt has lived right here in Hyuga — and taught English — for more than 20 years.
• A Hyuga local. Matt is a Japanese permanent resident and lives here in Hyuga City with his family.
• For all ages. He teaches everyone from young children to adults, including Eiken test preparation.

Matt loves surfing, sailing and playing the guitar.

He believes children learn best when they are having fun, feel safe, happy and interested. His lessons use stories, songs, games and real conversation, so students look forward to coming each week — and remember what they learn.

For older students and adults, lessons are calm and practical: clear explanations, plenty of speaking time, and steady steps toward your goal, whether that is an Eiken grade, a trip overseas, or confidence at work.

Meet Ako

Ako often joins classes to assist Matt, so students get the best of both — a native speaker, and a teacher who understands exactly where Japanese learners find English tricky.

• Japanese. Ako is Japanese, so parents can feel at ease — all communication can be in Japanese.
• English from a very young age. Ako has been interested in English and began learning it from a very young age.
• Time in Hawaii. Ako has lived and spent time in Hawaii.
• An experienced teacher. Ako has years of experience teaching English.
• Loves surfing. Outside the classroom, Ako loves surfing.

Teacher, author and illustrator

Outside the classroom, Matt wrote the picture book Jaja's Day at the Beach — written and illustrated entirely by himself, with no AI — in memory of his dog Jaja, who loved watching the fish in the rock pools at Okuragahama Beach.

The book was made for all children, and especially for young learners of English. Its free companion app lets children play, listen and learn with the story.

The picture book and the school are two different projects. They share one thing: Matt's wish to help children in Hyuga enjoy English.

See the book & free app

Come and say hello

For children and students, the easiest first step is a trial lesson — come in and meet Matt and Ako, see a lesson, and ask any questions you like, in English or Japanese.

For adults, there is no trial lesson, and no need for one: adult classes are Pay-as-you-learn, with no joining fee and no monthly fee. You only pay when you come — just send us a message and join a class.

Get in touch

Classes for every age

From a child's very first English words to adult conversation and Eiken tests — there is a class to grow with. Children and students can try a lesson first; adult classes are Pay-as-you-learn (only pay when you come).

Small classes, on purpose

Every class at Native English is a small group. Usually there are six students or fewer in a class. A group never grows beyond eight — and if it ever reaches eight, that is only temporary, until the group can be split into two classes suitable to everyone's individual schedules.

Over more than 20 years of teaching, Matt has learned that smaller groups are much better for students: everyone speaks more, gets more individual attention, and improves their English faster.

Ako often joins classes to assist. Ako is Japanese and also has many years of experience teaching English, so students get the best of both — a native speaker and a teacher who understands exactly where Japanese learners find English tricky.

Fees and class times

Children & students — monthly fee system. Classes for children and students are paid by monthly fee. A trial lesson is available before you join, so your child can try a real lesson first and you can decide in your own time.

Adults — Pay-as-you-learn. Adult classes have no joining fee and no monthly costs. You only pay when you come, for that lesson. That is why there are no trial lessons for adults — there is nothing to sign up for; just come along when you can.

Private one-to-one lessons are also available. They are a faster, more effective way to learn, and naturally the most costly option — please ask for details and fees.

Class times and fees: Please ask us for current class times and fees — we are happy to explain everything before you decide anything.

Not sure which class fits? That is normal. For children and students, tell us the student's age and experience when you book a trial lesson, and we will suggest the best class. For adults and private lessons, just send us a message about your goals.

Get in touch

Visit us in Hyuga City

Native English is in Hyuga City, Miyazaki — a short trip for families across the city.

For children's classes: book a trial lesson in 3 easy steps

Trial lessons are for group children's classes (kindergarten through to high school students), which run on a monthly fee system.

1. Send us a message. Use LINE, Instagram or email ([email protected]) — whichever is easier for you.
2. Tell us a little. The student's age, and any English experience or goals, like Eiken.
3. Come and try. Meet Matt and Ako, join a real lesson, and take your time to decide. No pressure.

Adults: no trial lesson needed

Adult classes are Pay-as-you-learn — no joining fee, no monthly costs, and you only pay when you come. So adults don't book a trial lesson: just send us a message, come along to a class, and pay for that lesson. Private one-to-one lessons are also available — they cost more than group classes, so please ask for details and fees.

Ways to contact us

We do not list a phone number here — messages on LINE or Instagram are the surest way to reach us, and we reply as soon as we can.