This case study examined Japanese university students' perceptions and attitudes toward native English speaking teachers (NESTs) and non-native English speaking teachers (NNESTs). Their preferences for NESTs or NNESTs were explored by a questionnaire (n = 56) and in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of students (n = 6). Two university English teachers (NEST and NNEST) were also interviewed. Factor analysis and descriptive statistics of the questionnaire responses showed a clear distinction regarding students' preferences. NESTs were preferred for phonological and oral skills, and NNESTs for grammar instruction and literacy skills. Student interviews highlighted the relationship between their NEST NNEST preference and individual factors such as motivation for learning English. Overall, English learners have a more sophisticated and probably realistic perception of the strengths and weaknesses of NESTs and NNESTs than is common in society.