Learn Japanese
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137)
Wed 2006/11/15 22:24
Back in the UK, I remember watching a children’s program called Blue Peter where the presenters came to Japan to cover Tokyo culture. Cant remember what age I was but I swore to myself that I would live and work in Japan someday.
It all started with my interest in gaming. My first machine was an imported Sega Megadrive. I wanted to know more about the machine and up n coming games so I got my booty along to a Japanese bookstore in Piccadilly called the Japan Center. They had tons of imported books from Japan which they sold for an arm and a leg. Got my first copy of Megadrive Fan and remember not being able to read a word of Japanese. Many games at the time used katakana for English names so I started to figure out the pronunciation for certain characters.
I used to be a hard core gamer at the time and got crap like the Sega Megadrive and cool stuff like the PC Engine Duo. Where did I get the money at the time to buy stuff like that? I used to sell Kylie Minogue merchandise – but that’s a different story which I will go into one day ^^
My parents are Chinese Malaysian. They moved to the UK 40 years ago and of all places, they decided to choose a dump called Hackney to live in ^^; I was brought up on English and Cantonese at home but unfortunately I didn’t have any Chinese education at all. Given my appearance, I always get the “yeah but you had a head start in Kanji” but alas - I didn’t have the luxury of being able to read kanji.
I soon got myself a text book called “Japanese for everyone” ( avail at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.jp ) – the cover is crap but I learnt much of the basic grammar patterns from that book. Its also the book that I used to learn to read and write.
The book that helped me learn Kanji was “A Guide to Learning Japanese Characters” by Tuttle (avail at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.jp ). The book explains the origins of each of the Joyo Kanji (1945 most commonly used kanji) and gives you a mnemonic to remember each character – a fantastic must-have book for those learning kanji.
When doing my rounds in the Japan Center one day, I chanced upon the cover of Young Jump magazine which featured the most gorgeous thing I ever saw – t’was an idol called Nishida Hikaru. Added the magazine to my weekly stash and from then on wanted to know more about her so started to buy a ton of idol magazines (including BOMB - Hikaru on the cover in the above image). My Japanese reading capabilities from this point forward started to improve ten fold as I needed to be able to read to find out more about her ^^;
The following is a list of the things that I done and the events that got me to my Japanese level today – hopefully there will be a few ideas that you can use for your Japanese learning too.
- Put up classified ads on the Japan Center message board asking for language exchange. Apart from books, the Japan Center also sold a lot of Japanese grub and other stuff which attracted many Japanese customers – many who were students over in London to study English. Through the ad, I was able to meet quite a few Japanese folks.
- I made a point of reading the weekly free Japanese journals that were handed out at the Japan Center and through the classified ads, I found out about an English/Japanese language exchange class held in Bond Street somewhere. Native Japanese speakers who were learning English would go to meet native English speakers and chat about stuff. Made a ton of Japanese friends through activities like this. I do feel that its important to spend time with Japanese folks as language is not all about the grammar – its about the culture too and you will learn much of the culture and mannerisms through being with the Japanese.
- I bought a ton of videos from a Japanese book shop in St Pauls. They had somebody in Japan who recorded Japanese variety programs including anime. When the videos got a bit old, the lady at the shop would sell them to me for about a pound each. I needed an NTSC video player to play the videos and I bought one with the annual grant that I received ^^;
- Bought a ton of manga including the whole series of Ranma 1/2 and Crayon Shin Chan. Both of these manga had furigana which helped me learn Kanji at the same time. Furigana is the hiragana pronunciation that you see above kanji from time to time.
- I also listened to a lot of JPOP (including Nishida Hikaru) and what I like about Japanese CDs is that they always come with the lyrics – learning through music was a good method.
- Japanese dramas while at times can be far fetched, you get to see a lot of “daily” Japan and hear “daily” words n phrases. I still watch dramas and am currently watching Sailor Fuku to Kikanjyu – love it.
- I set my tape player to run at 5 am in the morning at a low volume. The theory was that I would subconsciously hear the Japanese tape which would slowly brain wash me with the lingo.
- I set goals for myself like taking the Japanese language proficiency test. I managed to pass level 4 and then level 2 the following year through self study. Applying for the test and then studying for it was another good learning method which kept me focused while I was still living in London. After I passed level 2, my Japanese was good enough to get me into the second year of a Japanese language BA at London University.
- I wanted to make sure I spent time in Japan but needed cash. While I was at university, I took a part time job at a Japanese restaurant called Benihana in Chelsea London. I worked nights after school everyday so that I could save up for a plane ticket to come to Japan every year - and blow most of the remaining money on the first day in Akihabara on Idol DVDs and anime goodies ^^;
- I thought I would make good use of peeing and pooing time so I made kanji charts which I put up in the toilet. I had one chart of “currently learning” kanji above the toilet for pee time and one beside the toilet for poo time. Those who poo standing up only need one chart.
- To speed up the learning of Kanji, I decided not to learn the stroke order. Each kanji should really be written in a particular way from top to bottom but my kanji are written from bottom to top ^^; As long as the kanji looks the same when Im finished writing then that was good for me.
- I contacted the publisher who released all the anime titles at the time in the UK (I think it was Island Communications) as I wanted some free anime booty. I met with the CEO and I ended up writing for the fan club magazine. Island would give me video tapes of Anime titles that they were considering releasing in the UK. Some of the titles were pre-production releases and I would write up reviews. The demo tapes didn’t have any subtitles at the time and this part time job served as another reason to keep on studying.
- After a while I started to translate freelance for simple publications which also helped me in my Japanese learning efforts and make a bit of cash on the side.
- During my later years at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies – London University), I got myself a part time job at London Heathrow airport as ground staff escorting poor lost Japan Airlines passengers between terminals and arranging tarmac transfers – t’was fun and paid well at 10 pounds an hour (well it was good at the time). This was another good opportunity to use my Japanese and mingle with Japanese folk.
- I took out a loan for a computer mainly because I wanted it to help with my Japanese studies. At the time, English Windows 95 had lousy support for Japanese so I learnt how to partition the drive and install Japanese Windows. Using a Japanese OS was great as it helped me pick up Japanese computing words.
We were all on dail up at the time and I remember my phone bill being about 200 pounds after discovering the internet and how much anime stuff I could download at 56K.
It was through buying the computer and self studying Windows that got me into the IT field which started off as a computer engineer for Japan Airlines. - After Japan Airlines, I got a job with Nature – the scientific journal. The position was to be based in Tokyo. I remember reading the job description at the time…
“Need somebody who is a native English speaker who can speak Japanese, Chinese and who is proficient in current web technologies.”
I took it upon myself to study HTML during my breaks at JAL and ended up producing a working prototype of a homepage for JALs computing and airline support division. Without this knowledge, I probably would not have got the job at Nature and wouldn’t be in Japan (gulp).
Nature sent me to Tokyo for a week of tests which included verbal communication, and forecasting in Excel (the position was Marketing). By this time I was quietly confident with my Japanese speaking skills and passed all the speaking, translating etc tests.
It was my first time working in an office with Japanese people. Nature served as an important step in picking up Japanese through listening and learning the phrases used in an everyday Japanese office. From then on it was on to Job Dragon as a contents producer, Amazon as Website Manager and now at Microsoft as a CGM (Consumer Generated Media) Product Manager – those who are interested can have a peek at my resume. Hmmmm, this is turning out to be more of my life story rather than a tips list on how to learn Japanese ^^;
So, for those who want to live and work here, how important is it to be able to speak Japanese?
Well one is going to have to be able to speak at least a few words and phrases to get by – important stuff like "your toilet smells" (for example). I know many folks who don’t really speak Japanese who do well in Japan. However, I have found that many people who have a good command of Japanese seem to be in senior positions and earn [loadsa money here]. I speak through experience as a hiring manager and through the people I know in the industry and am not speaking on behalf of everybody. In Japan, Its all about who you know (the same everywhere I suppose but especially in Japan) – the more people you know, the more opportunities are opened to you and the language will help you in this area. You ideas are best conveyed directly instead of going through a translator.
While my Japanese is far from perfect, I do speak comfortably-ish and you can listen to be babbling on a TV show (that show was live and I was nervous so I sounded like a pratt) and in a recent interview.
I’d better stop here before you nod off completely but hopefully there should be some pointers in here for those who are serious about learning Japanese.
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
Brad in Perth, Western Australia
Really nice post. It's great to have a little more insite on who the real danny choo really is!
(ID #41295) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
administrator
I agree with you Brad greetings
(ID #461083) Posted on 2009/01/25 06:23
Leo in San Francisco
That's quite a write up there Danny ;), thank you. I'm learning Japanese right now (self-study & once week course) but you're right. Passion is pretty much the key. And I never thought about slapping a Japanese localized OS onto a PC. Thanks for the idea. Now I just need to finish off the Master's degree and learn more Japanese and I'll be all set (or so I think). Which leads me to this question, how beneficial is an IT related Master's in Japan/getting hired in Japan?
(ID #41297) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
zip in newcastle, UK
Wow....it was a long way...and glad that you made it at the end.... and for myself....too old to pick it up now....guess i can only stay here to do what i am doing right now.....
(ID #41298) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
perhaps i'm using youthful optimism, but i dont think your too old for learning any langauge. dont give up
(ID #434755) Posted on 2009/01/04 09:16
Doc in Kansas
i wonder if passion for anime can translate into passion for the language... i am slowly attempting to learn japanese, usually through reading raw versions of mangas/light novels and watch unsubed anime, i will probably start some serious courses in the near future. as to the subject of Kanji, just how close does it resemble Chinese? i can pick out the Chinese characters in novels 20% of the time and get a very rough idea of wut the sentence says.
(ID #41299) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
Me too!! My passion for anime has led me to learn japanese but Im still a beginner.
(ID #398002) Posted on 2008/12/04 10:42
Shambala in my computer
hmmm....my friend gave me a pretty reliable site to learn japanese from, but right now, im too lazy er....'busy' to learn anything ^^
(ID #41300) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Medical Engineering Researcher
Would you mind sharing what site you mean?
(ID #522655) Posted on 2009/03/15 22:18
Rongmomo in Tooting, London
Just thought I'd let you know - Hackney was recently selected as the worst place to live in the UK. Guess it's great you got out in time.
(ID #41301) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
DarkMirage in Singapore
For me, I just took up Japanese because it was offered by my school. I didn't really watch anime (at least not exclusively) up until that point, so it was more of a case of the language sparking off my interest in the pop culture. Once the foundation and interest were there, I found it much faster to learn on my own through games and anime instead of lessons. But that's probably a problem limited to school-based courses. Commercial courses are MUCH, MUCH better and faster by my experiences. Another way to learn lots of words and grammar forms fast is to do fan translation. When you force yourself to translate something, you tend to pay more attention to the words and meanings and do more background research. Whereas simply watching a show unsubbed means that you tend to guess the meaning of words you don't know and be done with it. Translating takes a lot of time, though. I usually keep it to one show at a time. Right now it's Happiness! (Please support Shiawase Fansubs! kthxbye!) And I'm not sure if I should be recommending this... but I personally think that bishoujo games are the best way to learn. :P They are voiced, which helps your listening like anime does, and they have text too, which helps your reading like books do. 一石二鳥ってやつさ。 JLPT in less than a month's time. 皆さん、がんばれ～ （でないと死刑だからね。）
(ID #41302) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Tom in South Florida
Great post Danny! I'm going to go and look into those books. I've been studying Japanese on and off now for a good 4 years. My Hiragana is down pat and my Katakana isn't too far behind. The hardest part is easily the Kanji. For me, I find watching the things I'm interested in helps immensely in learning the language, as well as cultural aspects. However, most of the time, they're awful for proper Japanese as they tend to use a lot of slang. Something that might help you guys is to check out this website. http://www.thejapanesepage.com They have some great resources and grammar sections for learning Japanese. They even have a few programs for learning Hiragana and Katakana (UNIX and Windows).
(ID #41303) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
David in Bogota, Colombia
Wow Danny i really like your website, it's a must-see-every-day page and about this post, my congratulations, you did your best to make your dream come true. I hope someday i can go there and live a wonderful experience like you. I'm gonna take your advices to learn japanese in a better way....
(ID #41304) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Jimmie in nyc
Danny, what an awesome post! Thank you for sharing your pseudo life story and language learning tips. If only more os us had your kind of passion ...
(ID #41305) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Otaku, Manga-ka
Yeah but, isn't there some place u can go online 2 learn free?
(ID #516026) Posted on 2009/03/10 13:16
geovanni in Metropolis
Nice post Danny. Japanese indeed is a very unique language, just like Chinese. But I believe in order to really improve, one must really intellect frequently with another. I used to pick up some words by constantly exchanging words with my Japanese-speaking friends...
(ID #41307) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
shou' in US
What was the typical format for the Japanese Language Proficency Test? I plan to take the test next year. My initial goal is to receive a 3, but in order for that to happen I have to (re)learn a lot of Kanji which I find the most challenging when learning Japanese. The grammar appears to be very easy to pick up, but that darn Kanji. I need to visit Japan again (or stay). Akiba was a lot of fun and deserved a full day instead of an hour. P.S. Where is the Black Ranger avatar?
(ID #41311) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Jackass from Melbourne in Melbourne
Wow...your basically in the same boat i am, raised by chinese family, lame with the language. (Cantonese by the way) I was thinking about doing Jap in uni, now you just gave me another reason for me to do it..^^ Cheers ps. keep up the good work. Love the site.
(ID #41313) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Micke Lundh in Sweden
Determined and self motivated, that is the keyword. And never ever give up. I admire you for it.
(ID #41314) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
Sounds like you put a lot of hard work in everything you do! I know a bit of japanese, which was useful when I went, but I would like to know a lot more so I could perhaps apply for a job there. Jobs in the CG industry in Japan are often for japanese speakers only. Intresting that your love for anime and idols spurned you to learn this fiendishly difficult language!
(ID #41315) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Ãngelu§ in Sydney, Australia
Cool, didn't know you have Chinese Malaysian heritage, cos I'm one as well. And I have a relative who lives in Hackney! btw, do you still speak Cantonese? I've just finished my 2nd semester of Japanese in university, but I've still got a long ways to go to achieve minimal proficiency...
(ID #41316) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Chaos Incarnate in Pasco, WA, USA
Hmm, good advice, all of it.
(ID #41318) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Sean Wilson in Tokyo
Wow, very interesting and personal post. I assume you are talking about YAOHAN PLAZA in London? I used to go there to be amazed by Japanese magazines & snacks. I also applied to go to SOAS University in London, but was unfortunatley rejected. Which in my life turned out to be a good thing - I ended going to Wolverhampton University and got deep into DJ and techno club culture, one of the best things about the U.K. Your post makes me think about what could have been for me... I know that U.K. culture is hard to get into if you dont drink or smoke (weed), and you are not interested in Electronic music / club culture. I think a lot of British asians (aka "Orientals") miss out on a fun and worthwhile aspects of youth culture, by not wanting to upset or disgrace their families. That is my personal observation from spending 9 years in England with Chinese British friends.
(ID #41319) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Kyoji in UK
いいところでしたね～ ずっとどうやってこの仕事を辿り着けたって聞きたかったんで！ でもメールアドを見つけられなくて（笑） やっぱりこれは憧れですね！ ずいぶん成功らしいし！すごいだな！ ところで、自由翻訳者になった前にもう日本語を大学で勉強していたんですか？ それとも、日本語能力2級の資格だけを持っていたの？ ちなみに倫敦に住んでいましたか？いいね～ あそこはたくさん輸入商品があって。 ここ（スコットランド）には何もないんです。 ネットなければ何も手に入れないなぁヽ(´∇｀)ノ That was a nice read and very inspiring. For me, I spent a year self-studying using a book named "Japanese in Three Months" and corresponded via letters with a native Japanese. Internet wasn't very common at the time and was still expensive so I had to resort to snailmail. It was good though because it forced me to learn how to write Kana and JP Kanji. I started out writing in Romaji then slowly picked up on the script. You know... those huge dial-up phone bills sounds like me when I found Anime encoded in Real Media and broadband wasn't available yet (apart from ISDN). I was just really getting into Anime at the time. Nowadays, broadband is cheap enough for everyone to afford. The amount of "free" content you can get access to really spoils people =P
(ID #41320) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Marvin
quite an informative post Danny. ^^ I didn't know your that your native Chinese dialect was Cantonese. ^^ unfortunately most Cantonese words I know are curses, since I'd often pick them up from Cantonese friends who only use their native tongue whenever they're aggitated angry or talking to their mother. ^^
(ID #41321) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
artreyu in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wow..didn't know your parents from Malaysia. Have you been to Malaysia? Anyway, I always have a fascination with Japanese culture ever since I was a kid. Currently learning Japanese...till not very good at it though
(ID #41324) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
so you have learned japanese and overcame major hurdles in getting to japan. kudos to you. but the next challenge is even greater - how to befriend those japanese idols and actresses?
(ID #41326) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
David -M- in France, Strasbourg
Very very Interesting... I agree with the fact you need to have passion, that help a lot. Your story shows that if you work and catch opportunities, you can go far.
(ID #41327) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Soon in United States
I thought your parents are from Hong Kong but I was wrong. I am Chinese Malaysian too. :D Anyway I need your help with JET program that you mention in your blog. I know English is not really native language for Malaysian, but you did mention your friend who are Malaysian teaching in Japan. Can I know more about it?
(ID #41329) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
レモス·ロドリ－ゴ (Rodrigo Lemos) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
こんにちは！私はレモス·ロドリ－ゴです。アレゼンチン人です。国で１年から日本語を勉強します。 I started learning japanese a year ago, because i want to study IA in Japan when i finish university. I'll try to do my best to make my dream come true. I love your blog Danny! Rodrigo Lemos from Argentina.
(ID #41330) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
電車男inMTL in MTL, Canada
great stuff, danny!!! always having fun and learning a lot from your post everytime!!! I wish i could be as self-motivated as you >_
(ID #41331) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Chrno in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
i would like to learn japanese... if i had the spare time to do so.
(ID #41334) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Boris in Maryland USA
i would love to learn some Japanese, i know only a few word and I was told I have a good pronanciation. I guess for me learning english as second language when I moved to USA is enough. However I still think I would love to learn some and maybe one of my friends will teache me I kind of think the ebst way to learn is to be in that culture and talk, talk talk
(ID #41335) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
KapuKapper in on a 777 to Narita. (I wish.)
I started learning via the Pimsleur method for a trip to Japan last November. I can now carry on (VERY basic) conversations. I just discovered the NHK lessons online as well! I hope to master enough spoken language so that it will hopefully be easier learning to read and write as well. It's a long road ahead... but I'm determined to get there!
(ID #41336) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Just returned yesterday from a business trip to Hong Kong. I had the opportunity and couldn't pass it up. Which I believe is a point you are making. Always take and look for every opportunity to learn and improve. It's what takes a person from dreams to reality. You are right, having passion to learn the language and the culture is so important. To be good a person needs to eat, sleep and live Japanese as much as possible. If someone is passionate about the language and the culture in time, it will lead to meeting the girls. My life is a good example. *^^* When I was younger, I had the opportunity to help out in a office that was mostly staffed by Japanese. It's what helped spark my interest in Japanese and helped me learn about more about Japanese people. Spending time with the Japanese and in Japan becomes so much better knowing Japanese. Thanks as always for the great post. Don't give it a second thought. It's hard not to make a post like and not turn it into a life story. ^_- It's always encouraging to know I thinking in the same direction as someone who has already made the journey.
(ID #41337) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Hi to the new posters ^o^/ Soon in the US, Yes - I know a few folks who were not native English who managed to get on the program. I think they took some tests to have a look at their grammar and pronunciation. Artreyu, Yes - been there a few times but not lately - usually to KL and Penang - sometimes Ipoh. 仁葉工芸さん、 その諺知らなかった。ありがとうございます！ Sean, Never went to Yaohan to get my stuff - was too far. Ãngelu§, Yep - do speak Cantonese. shou' , Its all multiple choice out of 4 - so you have a 35% chance of passing I suppose ^^; DarkMirage, Didnt know you dont fansubs - post the link for everyone ^^ Good luck with JPLT although Im sure you will pass though. Rongmomo, Great news! Doc, Yes it can ^^ Leo in San Fran, Depends really - experience is more important though. I personally dont think it helps too much (through experience).
(ID #41340) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Busterbeam in Nagoya
Very inspirational and useful. I was wondering about the secret of your success and now i know. now if only i could apply these lessons to my own life...
(ID #41349) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Nekketsu Gaijinder in Byston Well
I've been aiming to get back into learning the language and this entry has inspired me to really go for it. So now, I'm aiming to take the JLPT within the next two years. Considering how I'm stuck with a job that only provides four hours a week, it'll give me something to do ^^;
(ID #41351) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
JOXXX
has its funny, I used to scour that japanese shop at St.pauls for anime books regularly! As well as Japan Center..but the st.pauls one was a goldmine if u went there at the right time of the month! wildone_106@yahoo.com
(ID #41353) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
-Cerberus- in Malaysia
owh wow... u're a chinese malaysian? hehe good 4 u! ganbatte-ne! (am i pronouncing it rite? ;-p)
(ID #41361) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
SOS Brigade Leader
although i live in malaysia but im also chinese malaysian and proud of it
(ID #464656) Posted on 2009/01/28 00:41
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
wow cool, my GF is half Malaysian chinese half S'pore chinese!! But she was born in Australia.....hehe!! I hope we can learn Japanese together......that'll be cool.....no MORE SUBTITLES!!
(ID #41389) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Tom in New Zealand
Thats a really great article Danny. I have a passion to learn Japanese, but am having trouble trying to get lessons or tutoring, as i didnt do Japanese class this year, i have no chance at getting into next year. I know i'll live in Japan at somepoint in my life. Is it too much to ask for some help? Chances are no, but i should ask just in case.
(ID #41416) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
BeLe in Cebu, Philippines
That's one of my goals for this year and for 2007. Learn japanese. My source of motivation? Anime. Hahahah. Really, I'm getting tired of subs and would like to watch it raw. I can read the kana's now and a few kanji...but I still can't form sentences of my own. >_
(ID #41418) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Harumiya in New Zealand
Hey guys! I tried making a website where we learn Japanese language. Tell me your impression. Is it too easy to you guys?
(ID #41786) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Tofu-san in Rancho Palos Verdes
I had a foreign exchange student at my house last year who taught me basic phrases, both kana, and some kanji (20) Next year in high school, I'm planning to take Nihongo.
(ID #42229) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
trentonblades
I have always loved Anime, but for the last five years i have been yearing for Japan. I have studied myself raw of everything Japanese. I love the culture, and I feel i am well versed on it. However, it has always been my dream to learn Japanese and live the rest of my life where i belong - Japan. But no matter how hard i try, i can't teach myself Japanese, and my school doesent offer it. I am going to take it next year in PSEO, and i can't wait. I promised myself i would learn, and it will happen. I can say stupid Otaku stuff like What the hell? and i know a few Kanji...
(ID #42658) Posted on 2007/01/02 02:35
Illustrator & Designer
Great post and great site btw, I've been coming here almost everyday since I discovered it and love all the improvements you've made. I share quite a lot of similarities with you, grew up in a Chinese Cantonese speaking family here in Australia but can't read or write Chinese for shit. I imported a Sega Megadrive, PC Engine Duo (I thought I was the only one) and a Super Famicom. My passion for learning Japanese never went as deep as you however, furthest I got was playing barely playing and finishing the Japanese version of FFVII and taking a beginners Japanese language class. My biggest love is manga though and wish I had seen Nishida Hikaru and fell in love like you did. Anyway, keep up the great work and when you get a chance, let us know if you know anyone that poos standing up and tell us all about you selling Kylie Minogue merc... ;) Cheers G.
(ID #46556) Posted on 2007/04/14 14:08
Lisa in France
Hi! Gosh, a bit of a late response in relation to when your entry was posted, but I only found your blog today so there's my excuse. I just wanted to thank you for an insipiring entry - you certainly had plenty of innovative ways to get things to sink in. I'm currently self studying, trying to continue on my own after a Japanese course at uni last year. It's going slowly to say the least, but I'll be going to Japan myself for a year in July. Using some of your tricks may just help me improve even more before then. Thanks again for a great post and an interesting blog. :)
(ID #47238) Posted on 2007/05/01 18:47
interesting post, i going to use some of you tricks, if you want to call them that, and hopefully get better and go to japan one day.
(ID #47304) Posted on 2007/05/03 06:24
Dog of the Country
reading ur post on learning japanese makes me wanna truly master the language!!! DAMN!!! currently, i'm studying it in school, but once i'm out, i'm planning to study somemore. JLPT...hmmm..if i have the chance, i would like to take it. and they say you learn jap from porn..kinda true for u...
(ID #47625) Posted on 2007/05/10 09:30
Scanlator, iCONIST, Web master
I didn't took up some japanese lessons but i did learn a few phrases from the anime ^_^;
(ID #47850) Posted on 2007/05/15 09:36
Yuzuru in New Zealand
Hi there! I built up a web site where we can learn Japanese kanji and idioms used in Manga One Piece. I'll be happy if it's useful for you. Thanks! http://www.japanesebooks.jp/learn-japanese/manga-one-piece-episode1-part0.html
(ID #48004) Posted on 2007/05/18 07:56
Hello! When I had started to learn Japanese language I had found that my native language(Chuvash) in its grammatical structure and in pronounciation of some consonants is like Japanese. I had found the Japanese word -jin(man)in Chuvash! It is not accidentally! Our ancestors lived in the Northen China. Is it easier for me to learn Japanese because of my native language? What do you think? Thank you.
(ID #48387) Posted on 2007/05/23 15:15
Very true... determination and passion are two important factors in learning any language. I started learning japanese when I was in grade 8 but that was on my own. Then in grade 9 I finally got into a school where there was a japanese course without french in my studies. Once from there I have been learning quite alot because I joined a class that had some japanese experience before while I didn't. At the time I only knew a few words with all the hiragana with katakana and very little kanji but, as the year went by I actually managed to reach a point where I could actually go to japan and survive with alittle help. The year after that I progressed quite alot and then we started learning conjunctions and advanced grammar structures. Once grade 10 was over my teacher told me that now I could go to Japan and survive without any help from anyone. Once I heard this I was happy and lucky my family actually planned to japan. (OH crap I just realized I have just made a blog instead of an message). Anyway yah, with determination and the passion to learn Japanese. Anyone can learn and succeed but the amount of work to accomplish what you want is always different. Later Narmi..
(ID #48812) Posted on 2007/05/31 16:43
Anon
Your story is truly inspiring! ;_; It goes to show that money is not a hindrance if you have the passion & determination to overcome it! I took elementary Japanese classes twice but dropped out twice too. =.= Seeing your blog really encourages me & moreover self-learning Japanese is easier now thanks to the internet.
(ID #49541) Posted on 2007/06/12 13:09
kurz in malaysia
yea it was meant to be tips for nihongo learning..but it became a nice and encouraging true story :) what a great experience... u said u did major in Japanese n Korean go in london-dai but u ended up being a computer engineer? or u did have a degree in the that field? if they accept self-study programmer that would be at least an advantage to some of us here :) ps: at least u didnt screwed up ur english like my friends who study there..lol
(ID #49674) Posted on 2007/06/14 17:46
Some really nice tips there, especially the toilet charts, must try that myself ^^ Next March I will be going for 10 months as an exchange student to Japan so I hope learn a lot then. I've been quite busy studying Japanese for almost a year now, so I've got some understanding of the language. Apparently exchange students usually pick up the language of the host country pretty well and can speak it fluently when they return. Do you think this will be the case with Japanese? Or is that being a tad too hopeful?
(ID #50396) Posted on 2007/06/26 13:16
*squil!!!* Wow!! Lol, well, first of all, made me laugh so hard, I almos fell off of my bed. Next, WOW!!! Amazing tips! Love em! Thanks sooooo much Choosan! Love em! Hopefully *crosses fingers* I can be just like you....Yes, you're my super hero now. You live in Japan, you work in Japan, you love Japan(and everything in it...almost i guess) AND you're helping others! A great super-hero reward for you! *Personally designed by me. XD* One day, *I* will be in Japan too...and *I* will be living a great life...even if I don't exactly fit in. ^-^v *Learning Japanese nowadays...not going too far though*
(ID #50543) Posted on 2007/06/28 08:21
Very nice post. I kind of laughed when i read the part about you saying you will work and live in Japan someday because I said the same thing a few months ago. Yes, I also want to go to Japan because of Japanese girls(i think i have a fetish for Japanese girls in kimonos ^^) but the main reason I want to go to Japan is the culture and I'm glad you said something about that. I really never heard of people wanting to go to Japan because of them liking Japanese girls but mostly of them loving anime.
(ID #51120) Posted on 2007/07/07 00:20
hi danny, i did japanese in '03 and '04 but went there on an exchange trip in '06. so yeah, i was kinda struggling to communicate with my host fam. but i actually learnt alot more words and phrases over there than i did in school (not blaming the teacher) i made a dipshit out of myself cos my friends convinced me that "watashiwa chikan desu" meant "i dont understand". i actually said that to my host mother and father to which they just stared at me. now i know that "wakarimasen" is the proper phrase to use. note: i wasnt into janime/jdrama at the time so only knew formal words.. not chikan.
(ID #59080) Posted on 2007/10/11 00:31
ok i wish i had started earlier but im trying now lol... umm when i switched your site over to japanese mode i could actually recognize a deal of it... though my japanese is horrible lol im going to learn alot more when my lessons in japanese start next year :P (for my second l;anguage class in high school) anyway right now iv only been self studying for about oh half a year... and well not going so well but im learning still i havent given up or anything (its actually kinda fun to amaze fellow anime fans with my little bit of japanese lol) ...once i get better with japanese (and figure out how to use a japanese keyboard) i plan on switching this over to japanese mode to learn alot more (voc grmmer etc.)
(ID #60737) Posted on 2007/10/24 11:20
jean-bob
こんにちは！ このサイトを立ていっておめでとう誤差います。 僕はリョンに住んでいるフランス人の大学生です。今のところ、歴史の勉強をしっているんですけど...あまりおもしろくなくって辞めるかなっとおもています。やっぱりやめるよ... ちょうとびっくりしたが僕はあなたと同ってじ感じするんですよ...やる気まんまんみたいな人っていうこと。僕は日本語を一人で一年くらい勉強しましたけど、一年だけかもしれないですが無理をしたんですよ。（笑う） 毎日日本語を5時間も勉強する気でした。日本語を読んだり、ドラマで聞いたり、それに寝る時でもｍｐ3で日本語を聞いたり...今は日本語がそんなに上手ではありませんがその無理のおかげで解ることが中々できると思います。今はゲームをしって漫画を読んで日本語を使います。 頑張ってね！
(ID #60945) Posted on 2007/10/25 14:00
Hey Danny, I must say your life story inspired me even more to keep studying Japanese. I'm studying Japanese for about 2 years now, and mainly consists of self study. There were a few times where I just wanted to give up and continue with my everyday life. But The language and culture are like a tractor beam, everytime I see only the slightest bit about Japan my heart gets all exited again and it pulls me back. So I made a concious choice, a little while ago, to focus on studying Japanese and earning money so I can go there halfway next year. The only problem I encounter is that its pretty damn hard to find people with similar interests around here, or even Japanese folks to practice my Japanese with. I think I may have found my goal in life and I'm now inspired enough to actually work hard on it. Thank you!
(ID #63058) Posted on 2007/11/10 18:45
Catherine in England
Your story is brilliant, I wish I could do stuff like that to learn the language. Unfortunatly I'll probably be relying on books to learn Japanese as I live in the north of England. We're very isolated from Japanese culture up here :D
(ID #63163) Posted on 2007/11/11 20:35
Anime Forever
Respect! Im 16 years old now. Watching lots of anime and everyday I practise drawing anime. I finish my school this year so I want to work with making Anime on computer. I learned a lot of japanese words by watching lots of Anime, and im still learning :) I will soon focus more with studying japanese and my main goal in life is to work with anime and work and live in Japan :) I have lots of respect for you, and I hope i reach my goal someday.
(ID #64842) Posted on 2007/11/24 17:14
antonio lyj
heya danny! i have to say that your life is really interesting! i'm 16 this year and i always dream of working and living in japan since young like you, maybe we'll meet some day? maybe i'll try to find you some time when i go to tokyo. thanks for sharing the ways you learnt japanese, i'll try using them to help myself learn japanese^^ will reply after spamming myself with more kanji @_@
(ID #65029) Posted on 2007/11/26 13:45
Your story is really inspiring, i also have learned through anime and manga, i remember downloading hiraganand katakana charts to elarn how to read SNES japanes RPG ^^. I hope someday I may be able to travel to Japan and work over there, that has always been my dream and Im working hard for that to happen. Thanks for all the inspiration and hope you always get along so well in life.
(ID #67750) Posted on 2007/12/24 17:03
I´m 17 years old, and my biggest and only dream in life is to learn japanese and live the rest of my life in Japan. I watch a lot of anime so I can some basic speech. Me and a freind is trying to gather enough people to make japanese in to a subject in our school. Since Sweden is not a english speaking contry I have two language to learn. (Right now I´m using a translator for the hard english words) At least I can speak fluent english. I´m also trying to learn some Japanese through internet. If my dreams is to come true - it dosn´t mater how bad I have to live or what I will work with. My heart is in Japan, and for every singel second I think about it hurts more. I will take your advices with me.
(ID #68690) Posted on 2008/01/05 02:38
Brad in Perth, Western Australia
Really nice post. It's great to have a little more insite on who the real danny choo really is!
(ID #83299) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Leo in San Francisco
That's quite a write up there Danny ;), thank you. I'm learning Japanese right now (self-study & once week course) but you're right. Passion is pretty much the key. And I never thought about slapping a Japanese localized OS onto a PC. Thanks for the idea. Now I just need to finish off the Master's degree and learn more Japanese and I'll be all set (or so I think). Which leads me to this question, how beneficial is an IT related Master's in Japan/getting hired in Japan?
(ID #83301) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
zip in newcastle, UK
Wow....it was a long way...and glad that you made it at the end.... and for myself....too old to pick it up now....guess i can only stay here to do what i am doing right now.....
(ID #83302) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Doc in Kansas
i wonder if passion for anime can translate into passion for the language... i am slowly attempting to learn japanese, usually through reading raw versions of mangas/light novels and watch unsubed anime, i will probably start some serious courses in the near future. as to the subject of Kanji, just how close does it resemble Chinese? i can pick out the Chinese characters in novels 20% of the time and get a very rough idea of wut the sentence says.
(ID #83303) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Shambala in my computer
hmmm....my friend gave me a pretty reliable site to learn japanese from, but right now, im too lazy er....'busy' to learn anything ^^
(ID #83304) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Rongmomo in Tooting, London
Just thought I'd let you know - Hackney was recently selected as the worst place to live in the UK. Guess it's great you got out in time.
(ID #83305) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
DarkMirage in Singapore
For me, I just took up Japanese because it was offered by my school. I didn't really watch anime (at least not exclusively) up until that point, so it was more of a case of the language sparking off my interest in the pop culture. Once the foundation and interest were there, I found it much faster to learn on my own through games and anime instead of lessons. But that's probably a problem limited to school-based courses. Commercial courses are MUCH, MUCH better and faster by my experiences. Another way to learn lots of words and grammar forms fast is to do fan translation. When you force yourself to translate something, you tend to pay more attention to the words and meanings and do more background research. Whereas simply watching a show unsubbed means that you tend to guess the meaning of words you don't know and be done with it. Translating takes a lot of time, though. I usually keep it to one show at a time. Right now it's Happiness! (Please support Shiawase Fansubs! kthxbye!) And I'm not sure if I should be recommending this... but I personally think that bishoujo games are the best way to learn. :P They are voiced, which helps your listening like anime does, and they have text too, which helps your reading like books do. 一石二鳥ってやつさ。 JLPT in less than a month's time. 皆さん、がんばれ～ （でないと死刑だからね。）
(ID #83306) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Tom in South Florida
Great post Danny! I'm going to go and look into those books. I've been studying Japanese on and off now for a good 4 years. My Hiragana is down pat and my Katakana isn't too far behind. The hardest part is easily the Kanji. For me, I find watching the things I'm interested in helps immensely in learning the language, as well as cultural aspects. However, most of the time, they're awful for proper Japanese as they tend to use a lot of slang. Something that might help you guys is to check out this website. http://www.thejapanesepage.com They have some great resources and grammar sections for learning Japanese. They even have a few programs for learning Hiragana and Katakana (UNIX and Windows).
(ID #83307) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
David in Bogota, Colombia
Wow Danny i really like your website, it's a must-see-every-day page and about this post, my congratulations, you did your best to make your dream come true. I hope someday i can go there and live a wonderful experience like you. I'm gonna take your advices to learn japanese in a better way....
(ID #83308) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Jimmie in nyc
Danny, what an awesome post! Thank you for sharing your pseudo life story and language learning tips. If only more os us had your kind of passion ...
(ID #83309) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
geovanni in Metropolis
Nice post Danny. Japanese indeed is a very unique language, just like Chinese. But I believe in order to really improve, one must really intellect frequently with another. I used to pick up some words by constantly exchanging words with my Japanese-speaking friends...
(ID #83311) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
shou' in US
What was the typical format for the Japanese Language Proficency Test? I plan to take the test next year. My initial goal is to receive a 3, but in order for that to happen I have to (re)learn a lot of Kanji which I find the most challenging when learning Japanese. The grammar appears to be very easy to pick up, but that darn Kanji. I need to visit Japan again (or stay). Akiba was a lot of fun and deserved a full day instead of an hour. P.S. Where is the Black Ranger avatar?
(ID #83315) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Jackass from Melbourne in Melbourne
Wow...your basically in the same boat i am, raised by chinese family, lame with the language. (Cantonese by the way) I was thinking about doing Jap in uni, now you just gave me another reason for me to do it..^^ Cheers ps. keep up the good work. Love the site.
(ID #83317) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Micke Lundh in Sweden
Determined and self motivated, that is the keyword. And never ever give up. I admire you for it.
(ID #83318) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
Sounds like you put a lot of hard work in everything you do! I know a bit of japanese, which was useful when I went, but I would like to know a lot more so I could perhaps apply for a job there. Jobs in the CG industry in Japan are often for japanese speakers only. Intresting that your love for anime and idols spurned you to learn this fiendishly difficult language!
(ID #83319) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Ãngelu§ in Sydney, Australia
Cool, didn't know you have Chinese Malaysian heritage, cos I'm one as well. And I have a relative who lives in Hackney! btw, do you still speak Cantonese? I've just finished my 2nd semester of Japanese in university, but I've still got a long ways to go to achieve minimal proficiency...
(ID #83320) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Chaos Incarnate in Pasco, WA, USA
Hmm, good advice, all of it.
(ID #83322) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Sean Wilson in Tokyo
Wow, very interesting and personal post. I assume you are talking about YAOHAN PLAZA in London? I used to go there to be amazed by Japanese magazines & snacks. I also applied to go to SOAS University in London, but was unfortunatley rejected. Which in my life turned out to be a good thing - I ended going to Wolverhampton University and got deep into DJ and techno club culture, one of the best things about the U.K. Your post makes me think about what could have been for me... I know that U.K. culture is hard to get into if you dont drink or smoke (weed), and you are not interested in Electronic music / club culture. I think a lot of British asians (aka "Orientals") miss out on a fun and worthwhile aspects of youth culture, by not wanting to upset or disgrace their families. That is my personal observation from spending 9 years in England with Chinese British friends.
(ID #83323) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Kyoji in UK
いいところでしたね～ ずっとどうやってこの仕事を辿り着けたって聞きたかったんで！ でもメールアドを見つけられなくて（笑） やっぱりこれは憧れですね！ ずいぶん成功らしいし！すごいだな！ ところで、自由翻訳者になった前にもう日本語を大学で勉強していたんですか？ それとも、日本語能力2級の資格だけを持っていたの？ ちなみに倫敦に住んでいましたか？いいね～ あそこはたくさん輸入商品があって。 ここ（スコットランド）には何もないんです。 ネットなければ何も手に入れないなぁヽ(´∇｀)ノ That was a nice read and very inspiring. For me, I spent a year self-studying using a book named "Japanese in Three Months" and corresponded via letters with a native Japanese. Internet wasn't very common at the time and was still expensive so I had to resort to snailmail. It was good though because it forced me to learn how to write Kana and JP Kanji. I started out writing in Romaji then slowly picked up on the script. You know... those huge dial-up phone bills sounds like me when I found Anime encoded in Real Media and broadband wasn't available yet (apart from ISDN). I was just really getting into Anime at the time. Nowadays, broadband is cheap enough for everyone to afford. The amount of "free" content you can get access to really spoils people =P
(ID #83324) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Marvin
quite an informative post Danny. ^^ I didn't know your that your native Chinese dialect was Cantonese. ^^ unfortunately most Cantonese words I know are curses, since I'd often pick them up from Cantonese friends who only use their native tongue whenever they're aggitated angry or talking to their mother. ^^
(ID #83325) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
artreyu in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wow..didn't know your parents from Malaysia. Have you been to Malaysia? Anyway, I always have a fascination with Japanese culture ever since I was a kid. Currently learning Japanese...till not very good at it though
(ID #83328) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
so you have learned japanese and overcame major hurdles in getting to japan. kudos to you. but the next challenge is even greater - how to befriend those japanese idols and actresses?
(ID #83330) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
David -M- in France, Strasbourg
Very very Interesting... I agree with the fact you need to have passion, that help a lot. Your story shows that if you work and catch opportunities, you can go far.
(ID #83331) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Soon in United States
I thought your parents are from Hong Kong but I was wrong. I am Chinese Malaysian too. :D Anyway I need your help with JET program that you mention in your blog. I know English is not really native language for Malaysian, but you did mention your friend who are Malaysian teaching in Japan. Can I know more about it?
(ID #83333) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
レモス·ロドリ－ゴ (Rodrigo Lemos) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
こんにちは！私はレモス·ロドリ－ゴです。アレゼンチン人です。国で１年から日本語を勉強します。 I started learning japanese a year ago, because i want to study IA in Japan when i finish university. I'll try to do my best to make my dream come true. I love your blog Danny! Rodrigo Lemos from Argentina.
(ID #83334) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
電車男inMTL in MTL, Canada
great stuff, danny!!! always having fun and learning a lot from your post everytime!!! I wish i could be as self-motivated as you >_
(ID #83335) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Chrno in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
i would like to learn japanese... if i had the spare time to do so.
(ID #83338) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Boris in Maryland USA
i would love to learn some Japanese, i know only a few word and I was told I have a good pronanciation. I guess for me learning english as second language when I moved to USA is enough. However I still think I would love to learn some and maybe one of my friends will teache me I kind of think the ebst way to learn is to be in that culture and talk, talk talk
(ID #83339) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
KapuKapper in on a 777 to Narita. (I wish.)
I started learning via the Pimsleur method for a trip to Japan last November. I can now carry on (VERY basic) conversations. I just discovered the NHK lessons online as well! I hope to master enough spoken language so that it will hopefully be easier learning to read and write as well. It's a long road ahead... but I'm determined to get there!
(ID #83340) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Just returned yesterday from a business trip to Hong Kong. I had the opportunity and couldn't pass it up. Which I believe is a point you are making. Always take and look for every opportunity to learn and improve. It's what takes a person from dreams to reality. You are right, having passion to learn the language and the culture is so important. To be good a person needs to eat, sleep and live Japanese as much as possible. If someone is passionate about the language and the culture in time, it will lead to meeting the girls. My life is a good example. *^^* When I was younger, I had the opportunity to help out in a office that was mostly staffed by Japanese. It's what helped spark my interest in Japanese and helped me learn about more about Japanese people. Spending time with the Japanese and in Japan becomes so much better knowing Japanese. Thanks as always for the great post. Don't give it a second thought. It's hard not to make a post like and not turn it into a life story. ^_- It's always encouraging to know I thinking in the same direction as someone who has already made the journey.
(ID #83341) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Hi to the new posters ^o^/ Soon in the US, Yes - I know a few folks who were not native English who managed to get on the program. I think they took some tests to have a look at their grammar and pronunciation. Artreyu, Yes - been there a few times but not lately - usually to KL and Penang - sometimes Ipoh. 仁葉工芸さん、 その諺知らなかった。ありがとうございます！ Sean, Never went to Yaohan to get my stuff - was too far. Ãngelu§, Yep - do speak Cantonese. shou' , Its all multiple choice out of 4 - so you have a 35% chance of passing I suppose ^^; DarkMirage, Didnt know you dont fansubs - post the link for everyone ^^ Good luck with JPLT although Im sure you will pass though. Rongmomo, Great news! Doc, Yes it can ^^ Leo in San Fran, Depends really - experience is more important though. I personally dont think it helps too much (through experience).
(ID #83344) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Busterbeam in Nagoya
Very inspirational and useful. I was wondering about the secret of your success and now i know. now if only i could apply these lessons to my own life...
(ID #83353) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Nekketsu Gaijinder in Byston Well
I've been aiming to get back into learning the language and this entry has inspired me to really go for it. So now, I'm aiming to take the JLPT within the next two years. Considering how I'm stuck with a job that only provides four hours a week, it'll give me something to do ^^;
(ID #83355) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
JOXXX
has its funny, I used to scour that japanese shop at St.pauls for anime books regularly! As well as Japan Center..but the st.pauls one was a goldmine if u went there at the right time of the month! wildone_106@yahoo.com
(ID #83357) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
-Cerberus- in Malaysia
owh wow... u're a chinese malaysian? hehe good 4 u! ganbatte-ne! (am i pronouncing it rite? ;-p)
(ID #83365) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
wow cool, my GF is half Malaysian chinese half S'pore chinese!! But she was born in Australia.....hehe!! I hope we can learn Japanese together......that'll be cool.....no MORE SUBTITLES!!
(ID #83393) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Tom in New Zealand
Thats a really great article Danny. I have a passion to learn Japanese, but am having trouble trying to get lessons or tutoring, as i didnt do Japanese class this year, i have no chance at getting into next year. I know i'll live in Japan at somepoint in my life. Is it too much to ask for some help? Chances are no, but i should ask just in case.
(ID #83420) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
BeLe in Cebu, Philippines
That's one of my goals for this year and for 2007. Learn japanese. My source of motivation? Anime. Hahahah. Really, I'm getting tired of subs and would like to watch it raw. I can read the kana's now and a few kanji...but I still can't form sentences of my own. >_
(ID #83422) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Harumiya in New Zealand
Hey guys! I tried making a website where we learn Japanese language. Tell me your impression. Is it too easy to you guys?
(ID #83790) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Tofu-san in Rancho Palos Verdes
I had a foreign exchange student at my house last year who taught me basic phrases, both kana, and some kanji (20) Next year in high school, I'm planning to take Nihongo.
(ID #84233) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
trentonblades
I have always loved Anime, but for the last five years i have been yearing for Japan. I have studied myself raw of everything Japanese. I love the culture, and I feel i am well versed on it. However, it has always been my dream to learn Japanese and live the rest of my life where i belong - Japan. But no matter how hard i try, i can't teach myself Japanese, and my school doesent offer it. I am going to take it next year in PSEO, and i can't wait. I promised myself i would learn, and it will happen. I can say stupid Otaku stuff like What the hell? and i know a few Kanji...
(ID #84662) Posted on 1999/11/30 15:24
Thank you for the tips, and that was a really inspiring post.
(ID #171902) Posted on 2008/04/18 03:29
I never realized how much Eugene from SES looks like Nishida Hikaru. It's like they were separated at birth.
(ID #173295) Posted on 2008/04/21 18:00
um... i'm a native spanish speaking & i also speak english well almost perfectly hehe anyway my main reason to learn Japanese is because i love anime & there's something in me that tells me i'm from there hahaha funny huh? but yeah that's the truth. i am so in Love with Japan so passionate about everything that has to do with Japan (i mean Culture, Anime, History, Religion). and now that i've read your article (wonderful article i'd say) i'm even more encouraged to learn Japanese i mean geez Danny u sure did lottsa effort, i do admire you a lot u r like my idol ^^. MY BIG DREAM IS JAPAN i'd like to visit it for at least a week or so. and then i'd like to stay & work!!!!! once i get a chance XDD
(ID #180661) Posted on 2008/05/04 02:58
Shogo (Registered on 2008/05/13 20:50)
test
(ID #188293) Posted on 2008/05/15 20:52
nice guy!
(ID #185708) Posted on 2008/05/12 03:11
Wow, I really admire you. You have a lot of determination to achieve success, and that's something i must learn for my own :-) I do want to go to Japan and by now, I was feeling dissapointed by the fact that I don't speak Japanese nor have money to buy a ticket, anyway your story has inspired me again. Thank you very much, really
(ID #186678) Posted on 2008/05/13 10:02
Nice post, finaly I get to know more about you. I'm learning Japanese now, I think I'll try some of your tips. Thx
(ID #190944) Posted on 2008/05/19 06:12
Slowly but surely...I will find a way to come to Japan...and perhaps I'll have a different story to share by then! I really enjoyed reading this post. Got me thinking in a direction that I like thinking in.
(ID #191353) Posted on 2008/05/19 17:35
Shogo (Registered on 2008/05/13 20:50)
Hi! my name is Shogo. I can speak Japanese 100 percent, English 50 percent,and French 30 percent. I'm very impresed because many people want to learn Japanese very seriously. If you want, I can teach Japanse by using e-mail or Skype. My e-mail adress is 'snow-whitebird@hotmail.co.jp' I think I cant teach more then 3 people. So please write someting about you and why you want to learn Japanese in English or Japanese.Ill chose 3 people.sorry(>_<)
(ID #192349) Posted on 2008/05/20 21:42
Daytime - Financial Assistant / Nighttime - Golden Otaku + Hardcore Gamer
Shogo, is the class fulled already? ok, pls teach me japanese, my sensei!! will send you email personally... thanks sensei.
(ID #222548) Posted on 2008/06/26 19:31
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
Oooooooooooo wish I had been to the Japan Center before now, I've known of it for quite a while now, but still never been...
(ID #267013) Posted on 2008/08/16 09:25
wahh im cantonese... nvr learned any of it and currently learning mandarin. i wish i had time to learn, might start learning once my chinese run is over
(ID #267086) Posted on 2008/08/16 12:16
Working Otaku mom
I will definitely look into many of those ideas, and those books as well (wondering if Barnes & Noble might have more books like that...) Thank you for the advice... I'm starting to get a little more familiar with Japanese phrases and some words now, by watching Anime and movies, but I am still learning how to read Kanji better. I am officially devoting every spare second I have to learning Kanji more!:D And hopefully soon I will feel confident to do the testing.:) Thank you so much for this article, it also gave us a chance to get to learn more about you.:)
(ID #267394) Posted on 2008/08/16 18:12
Great article! I might order those books! :)
(ID #268340) Posted on 2008/08/17 22:33
I really hope I can learn fluent Japanese by the time I graduate from college or high school.
(ID #268761) Posted on 2008/08/18 09:32
LOL....Malaysia..Your parents move to UK then you move to JAP.. I can speak Mandarin,Cantonese,Hokkien,TeoChew,English,Malay 100% Hakka 20% (I'm Hakka..) Japanese...2-5% ....
(ID #282021) Posted on 2008/08/28 20:00
since my parents are from Japan(Uchinanchu) i always feel attracted to japanese culture and manga was easy to find in my country. Now i'm trying to learn but because of my laziness my japanese sucks. 日本語 は 聞こえ場 分かるけど かく と 話すこと が 出来ない >.< ふつう 話だけ できる
(ID #287978) Posted on 2008/09/02 16:56
favorite part was the peeing and pooing part made me crack up ehhehe but the whole article was great i thought!!
(ID #300895) Posted on 2008/09/14 17:50
Informatics(ComSci-ish) student/self-taught graphic designer and illustrator
Started learning on my own through online sites. Do you know a good one? I also picked up the book you suggested, "Japanese For Everyone". Did yours come with a tape? It mentions one but it didn't have one when I bought it XD
(ID #302372) Posted on 2008/09/16 00:16
cscentrl (Registered on 2008/06/26 15:42)
It's Very helpful for those who want to know more about the beautiful Japanese culture
(ID #308988) Posted on 2008/09/21 23:49
Thanks for the info Danny **^_^** I too had a Japanese Megadrive it had a Red Plastic strip on the Top the UK one had a White plastic strip I remember. To play UK games you had to take a needle file had cut a slot out of the Cartridge slot hahaha I have been fascinated with Japan since I was a Kid I remember a ride at my local fairground it was Called Fuji! I was in awe what was this Magical rock I remember, where did it come from! I had my very first trip this year in febuary to Tokyo for two weeks my ex-girlfriend was working for Ikea in Minami Funabashi. It was completely amazing the best place I have ever been to. Having to comeback I was gutted I got my flight from Narita to Amsterdam to get a connect flight to Newcastle while waiting in the airport Terminal I saw bins over flowing with rubbish you just don't see this in Japan everything is clean and organized in Tokyo, It was such a culture shock. I knew then I had to get out there. Every since being in Tokyo then i have been unhappy being back in the UK I feel frastrated! Im learning Japanese i have spent a fortune on course's books using flash cards it going well. Doing lots of research on Japan and living etc Im studing IT, HTML Java C+ Im doing a deploma if this is not enough for imagration then it will have to be degree I will do it!!! You could say I have passion! Its not about Money for me its just the Culture its so facinating nothing like it on earth. You seem to get this positive-ness that is completely missing anywhere else on earth. People are amazing. Im making quite a few Japanese friends also via Metropolis friends Facebook etc . In about three years time i will be in Tokyo. **^_^** Try this and its completely FREE yes thats right FREE it does help "FREE Live Japanese TV" on your Computer just follow the intructions and download the software its awesome: http://xorsyst.com/japan/watch-japanese-tv-online/ Really hope this helps people ^_^ In about three years time i will be in Tokyo Johnny
(ID #321942) Posted on 2008/10/03 18:40
Programmer Trainee
Thanks so much for these tips I just learn on my own..so I only know words and not how to compose them XD
(ID #322214) Posted on 2008/10/04 01:39
random! :3
when i was a toddler it was the first time i lived in japan and at that time my mother told me i spoke japanese b/c i picked it up from the people at the day care... my mom didnt like that b/c well she couldnt understand me and all so unfortunately she got me english learning classes to revert! :P darn.. but later i discovered anime my first anime I watched was cardcapters, sailor moon, astro boy ! lol then I got to go and live in japan for 2 years in middle school ! I fell more and more in love with japan... I wanted to learn everything about japan and anime ... so over the years i read everything about japan and its cultures... and to this day i try whenever i get free time to read up on whats going on in japan , constantly watching anime, reading manga,playing video games.. teaching myself how to read and write japanese...! Im still known to this day of knowing more about japan, anime, etc... more than anyone i have came across!^-^ yay otaku hehe ^.^ I hope one day to return to japan! ^-^sorry for the long biography lol ... thank you for the tips and everything and you made me giggle more than i have giggled in a long time ! domo arigatou! :3 good luck to you and I wish the best .. take care! peace!
(ID #325760) Posted on 2008/10/07 13:31
Great Story love it **^_^**
(ID #326429) Posted on 2008/10/08 00:51
(#_#) i didn't see the "submit" button and i hit "Post Comment" and i lost my epic comment T_T anyway, i have already swore to myself that i'll walk down the streets of shibuya and shinjuku and i'll do my best to learn how to read and write japanese, i have no problem with the pronunciation because the vowels in Japanese and Spanish are pronounced the same way, and, if i use romaji instead of kanji, i can learn vocabulary easily, but, when i try to learn to write or read japanese, my will power vanishes. but i'll do it, here in spain it's difficult to learn it, there are a lot of places where you can learn chinese, but not japanese, but i won't give up! p(^^)q i think i got too exited with that comment, anyway, im glad you made it, that you could learn japanese, i hope i can make it too.
(ID #332283) Posted on 2008/10/13 05:03
Student, Cashier, Singer, Guitarist
Do you think it would be possible to find any of the books you mentioned at a book store, not just online? (strict parents, long story) examples of stores being Barnes & Noble or Borders Bookstores I've wanted to learn for comin on 6 years now (17 now) if anyone could answer, it would be a great help, i'm goin guitar shoppin soon, maybe pick up a few books. Keep up the great work Danny!
(ID #340129) Posted on 2008/10/20 12:48
Student
Yes, passion. I needed that.
(ID #346161) Posted on 2008/10/25 19:06
I wondering where could i learn Japanese online?
(ID #358529) Posted on 2008/11/04 20:01
There are loads of sites around for learning japanese, but most operate on the assumption that you are at least familiar with hiragana and katakana (etc). I recommend getting a book (I used Minna no Nihongo, which is okay) to start with. Websites are much better once you have some command of the language and can do drills (etc). As a shameless plug, for all those who are doing JLPT, I have created some anki decks for 1 kyuu. You can find them for download here: http://michaeldowney.net/jlpt-1kyuu-kanji-jp/ Anki is an SRS program for memorisation - and it really works. Completely free too. I wonder if you've heard of it Danny? (Not that you need it now, but it could come in handy for remembering lists of figures or something, since you can add pictures too :p) http://ichi2.net/anki/ Good luck to all taking the test this year!
(ID #367658) Posted on 2008/11/12 06:08
Thanks
(ID #368043) Posted on 2008/11/12 12:35
really nice post, it's 6:57 am second day on this site, i woke up and started reading it's just wonderful keep up the good work danny i really admire you, you worked pretty hard to reach your goals^^ respect
(ID #374617) Posted on 2008/11/17 14:20
takamichi (Registered on 2008/09/13 02:00)
While I was looking for a printable Kanji poster I saw this ~ http://www.kanjiposter.com/images/steps.png XDDD Danny-san to sukkuri kana ^w^?
(ID #378424) Posted on 2008/11/20 08:53
It's easy to learn. Especially when your family is bilingual. :P
(ID #379600) Posted on 2008/11/21 03:39
I'm curious of how i'm gonna perfom when i'll be in Japan for almost a year for study and internship. It's easy to loose your focus if you're learning Japanese without using it.
(ID #387412) Posted on 2008/11/27 10:44
Thank you danny! I started learning Japanese this semester. I love the Japanese culture since i was a boy lol Im really glad i finally made my mind and study Japanese, and i plan continue my studies. All your story really inspires me. I really hope someday i can go Japan & work there. For now im going to have learn Japanese well until that day comes ^^;
(ID #389043) Posted on 2008/11/28 09:59
This is one of the things I've been meaning to get around to since I was 19. It's INCREDIBLY sad because, unless it's regularly used in anime or on a VERY common Japanese restaurant's menu, I don't know a single word. =(
(ID #391052) Posted on 2008/11/29 15:33
Thanks for your advices and life long experiences with us. I appreciate it very much. I'm currently learning Japanese in my holidays I do hope that I success.
(ID #392750) Posted on 2008/11/30 23:08
I studied Japanese at upper secondary school (high school). At the beginning of the course we were like 20 students, one moth later it dropped to like 5 students and by the end of the course I was the only one left T_T. In spring 2008 I will study Japanese on full time, I'm so looking forward to it ^^.
(ID #397757) Posted on 2008/12/04 05:00
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
Has anyone tried to learn another language with podcasts?? I think they are very useful and you might find one suitable in your mother language.
(ID #398003) Posted on 2008/12/04 10:43
Nice, I am trying to learn Japanese, I can recognize some Kanji and most of the Hiragana characters, hardly any Katakana though. I am going to be taking JP1 at school next quarter also! I am doing basically the same thing as you web/Graphic Design and I also want to do work in Japan for it!~
(ID #400415) Posted on 2008/12/06 05:45
Danny, I just wanted to say that this post has truly inspired me to work even harder on my Japanese skills. I'm an international student at a university in Japan, but the medium of instruction here is English, so I'm not really good at Japanese. It's been my lifelong dream to live and work and Japan, and to be fluent in Japanese, which is why I'm here now in Japan, trying to get a graduate degree. I hope after graduation I can find a company in Japan that will take me, but I will need to improve my Japanese, and so far I haven't had much time. I've actually been studying Japanese on my own for a few years now, but I kept being distracted by life. But after reading your post, I got a lot of great ideas. So thank you! I hope to get in touch with you when I visit Tokyo some time next year. Cheers!
(ID #410127) Posted on 2008/12/13 12:35
You are inspirating! just i don't know why you dance wearing like stormtrooper, very funny anywayz! your life seems to go well, glad to know that! MERRY XMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR from Spain
(ID #424576) Posted on 2008/12/25 05:37
Student.
Its good to know that you had to learn the language from scratch because I feel its more inspirational. I too am currently learning Japanese, I don't know much of it, only praises here and there, but with these tips you gave, and the story you told, I feel like I can learn this with confidence. I agree with you completely on that passion is the main key. You cant get around in the world or life without passion. I plan to push myself to learn Japanese, maybe even get one of those books you recommended, and really make sure I finally learn what Ive been wanting to for so many years. Truly an inspiration to us all, Danny. ^^
(ID #425864) Posted on 2008/12/26 15:30
i have a stupid question ,but does it require hiragana,katakana or kanji to get to an japanese school and what´s the history and differense in these writings.:D
(ID #428163) Posted on 2008/12/29 11:14
Very Inspiring indeed. Im trying to learning Japanese and so far ive been doing okay I'd be doing better if my school offered it >>". So I;m teaching myself. I made flash cards for hiragana and katakana last year and practiced them whenever I had time in school. After a about two months I was able to read in hiragana and katakan without much trouble. Now im learning with Rosetta Stone which is helping me a lot.I also have a Kanji App on my Itouch that had over 2000 Kanji flashcards which is really speeding up the process of learning Kanji. I hope to study Japanese if its offered in the college or university that I choose to go to, but thats still years away. :p
(ID #434693) Posted on 2009/01/04 07:57
The truth I am new in the page but I am charmed with the truth always me to been charmed with the Japanese culture danny makes a good travajo podrias give me please a page of interbet to learn Japanese to speak
(ID #442875) Posted on 2009/01/10 18:47
administrator
Learn japanese always is difficult. your advises are very useful for everybody, thank Danny. greetings,
(ID #461082) Posted on 2009/01/25 06:21
This is one of the most helpful articles ive come across but I have a question i know you or another reader may be able to help me with which is, how many of the Kanji are absolutely neccesary, and where could i get a reliable list of them with english translations? Thanks so much for your posts, cant wait for the next week in tokyo =)!
(ID #466732) Posted on 2009/01/29 15:12
This is one of the most helpful articles ive come across but I have a question i know you or another reader may be able to help me with which is, how many of the Kanji are absolutely neccesary, and where could i get a reliable list of them with english translations? Thanks so much for your posts, cant wait for the next week in tokyo =)!
(ID #466735) Posted on 2009/01/29 15:14
Hey Danny! I'm currently applying for Japanese studies in SOAS (as well as other Unis just in case) did you enjoy your time there?
(ID #467511) Posted on 2009/01/30 06:00
I wonder... you speak Cantonese, but what about mandarin, did you learn it in the end? (or anyone else who can answer to me since the content of this website is H-U-G-E)
(ID #475118) Posted on 2009/02/05 05:53
Hello Danny, I am new here and have recently enjoyed this wonderful site of yours. :-) Thank you for opening your heart and telling it like it is -- not only is it, "Learn Japanese," well inspirational and educational, but also with heart and soul, not to mention being very entertaininig and a joy to ready through. The tips you've given, "selflessly" and virtually "bare-all" I must add, in regard to your Japanese lessions in the bloom of youth, I am sure, will more or less inspire and help in their final resolution process many (people) being torn between going ahead and being reluctant. :-) I look forward to reading more of good stuff from you. Tyler the Fan of Yumi (And yes, the Murphy's Law, I have it in mind -- so, I already have it copied.)
(ID #483466) Posted on 2009/02/11 10:51
I'm currently learn Japanese in my University as my 3rd Language Subject...it is a compulsory to take 3rd language subject since I a degree student...There are only 4 language available...they are French, Japanese, Mandarin and Arab...so i decided to take Japanese because I like Anime...What have you said is true...passion is important...even thought it hard and u have passion,u will success
(ID #488698) Posted on 2009/02/14 13:21
I'm japanese. I don't speak English,But I want studying. Is this writing correct?
(ID #502818) Posted on 2009/02/26 19:47
Kaaru Raijin (Registered on 2009/03/02 07:12)
Working towards being a Particle Physcist
Wow, you have really inspired me. I am currently learning Japanese and it is my dream to one day live in japan and talk fluently in it. So thank you for the tips and I will take them into consideration :)
(ID #506372) Posted on 2009/03/02 07:35
Kaaru Raijin (Registered on 2009/03/02 07:12)
Working towards being a Particle Physcist
Wow, you have really inspired me. I am currently learning Japanese and it is my dream to one day live in japan and talk fluently in it. So thank you for the tips and I will take them into consideration :)
(ID #506373) Posted on 2009/03/02 07:35
I really enjoyed this post, very informative I must say. Right now, i'm actually wondering what I should do for a career, still haven't made up my mind. I really love japan, i've been to tokyo before and plan to travel abroad towards the kansai area as well. I'm not sure if danny choo would actually read this post, but if so..What is your opinion on the JET program? I've looked into it, but not quite sure if i'd be able to make a career in japan one day.
(ID #538655) Posted on 2009/03/28 13:38
kratos1010 (Registered on 2009/02/18 05:27)
I'm learning Japanese now, coming to Japan for a month to study in the summer :D
(ID #547547) Posted on 2009/04/03 12:19
Schoolkid
I know "your", I know "smells", but what's the Japanese for "toilet"? xD
(ID #598447) Posted on 2009/05/10 04:15
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
I would love to learn...online lessons?? =3 aah
(ID #610838) Posted on 2009/05/18 12:36
I'm going to be a teacher in Japan as well as a part-time interpreter. I hope to use my time wisely like you have in order to accomplish this goal. Thank you, choo.
(ID #612618) Posted on 2009/05/19 20:38
Game Designer
I'm gonna take this year to learn Japanese as well. I've always loved games and anime and manga but I never thought that my passion would make me want to live and work in Japan. I always thought it would be cool but I never thought that it would dictate my career and future. AFter going to Japan for the first time in my life, I have realized a true calling. I will learn Japanese, I will re-locate my..."growing" business there. If Danny wants to lend a helping hand to a guy who's kinda following in his footsteps, I welcome it with open arms. I'm not that sharpest tool in the shed, but when I'm into something, I see it till the end.
(ID #625455) Posted on 2009/05/29 14:55
Thank you so much danny! I love the Japanese culture since I was a boy, All your story really really inspires me. I really hope someday go to Japan. For now im going to save some money, and start to learn japanese, cuz u r never too old to learn something new every day ;). MUCHAS FElICIDADES(CONGRATULATIONS) DANNY!!!! ^.^/,,
(ID #644209) Posted on 2009/06/14 14:43
Industrial engineer
with all those activities necessary to improve in a language... I wonder if Danny-san isn't a caffeine addict or something like that =P But also makes me remember that phrase from Dead Poet's society: Carpe Diem, has a nice article in Wikipedia. ;) Thanks for the example Danny-san but first I have to improve my eigo ^-^;
(ID #648911) Posted on 2009/06/18 11:31
This week's "A week in Tokyo" starts off with a visit to Yanaka Ginza loc...(more)
Thu 06/26 23:36 comments (134)
Its a lovely evening so thought we would go walkies around the Lalaport a...(more)
Fri 11/21 20:24 comments (183)
Presenting the latest in Japanese car accessories.
Yep - its a pair of ...(more)
Sun 01/13 01:01 comments (67)
This is the first time I've seen something like this - body inflation where some sort of liquid is i...(more)
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In a meeting at Ebisu earlier on this week - everybody has an iPhone ^^;
And a closer look at that ...(more)
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