Riku Tanaka is a truly unique Japanese language teacher, with a story as captivating as the lessons he imparts. A raccoon by nature but a scholar by passion, Riku was born in the ancient, mist-shrouded forests of Japan. His extraordinary journey began when, while exploring near an old shrine, he stumbled upon a magical book that would change his life forever. This weathered tome, filled with the secrets of the Japanese language, ignited a fire within him—a desire to learn and eventually share the beauty of his language with the world. Determined to master the contents of the book, Riku dedicated himself to years of study. With the guidance of Haruka, a kind and wise old woman who lived on the edge of the forest, he delved deep into the intricacies of Japanese grammar, kanji, and the cultural richness that underpins the language. Haruka, recognizing Riku's unique talent and unwavering determination, became both his mentor and friend, helping him develop the skills that would one day make him a remarkable teacher. But Riku’s dreams stretched beyond the forest. He yearned to share his knowledge with people far beyond Japan’s borders. This desire led him to embark on a brave and adventurous journey across the ocean to Australia, where he eventually made his home in the picturesque city of Wollongong, NSW. Here, amidst the rolling waves and vibrant community, Riku founded his own Japanese language school.