Learn Japanese
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 #''#0870408534,Japanese for Everyone,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 #''#0804820384,Guide Kanji,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 ^^;
The main ingredient to learning any language is passion. With passion, one can achieve anything. There were about 30 to 40 (can’t remember exact number) people who took the same Japanese course as me at university. Only 3 or 4 people made it to the end (including the guy that came to Japan initially on JET who I mention in this post). Many of the people who took the course were taking it because “Japan is where all the money is” and “I like Japanese girls”. While having a girl (like Hikaru) as a reason to spur language development is good, its also important to be passionate about the language and culture (and not just the girl).
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 interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
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Illustrator & Designer
http://www.knight-edge.com/
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.
otaku
http://dugfresh.net
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.
free lance otaku, full time Protector of Peace.
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...
Anime Blogger
http://notcliche.com/shinkai/
I didn't took up some japanese lessons but i did learn a few phrases from the anime ^_^;
http://www.anime-christian-view.narod.ru
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.
"Koukougakusei" 高校学生
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..
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?
Being human/Student
*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*
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.
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.
student
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.)
Working @ helpdesk
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!
Otaku
http://www.n00bless.net
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.
Art student
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.
Thank you for the tips, and that was a really inspiring post.
I never realized how much Eugene from SES looks like Nishida Hikaru. It's like they were separated at birth.
medicine student & otaku
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
test
Journalist
nice guy!
Student
http://viajapon.com
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
student during the day, otaku at night
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
Looking for Work
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.
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(>_<)
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.
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
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...
Student
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
Working Otaku mom
http://riianadoon.blogspot.com
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.:)
Great article!
I might order those books! :)
Otaku/Illustrator/Mangaka
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/Kyukun
I really hope I can learn fluent Japanese by the time I graduate from college or high school.
Gundam
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% ....
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
Anything I want to be
favorite part was the peeing and pooing part made me crack up ehhehe but the whole article was great i thought!!
Informatics(ComSci-ish) student/self-taught graphic designer and illustrator
http://picchar.cerestia.net
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
http://cscentrl.com
It's Very helpful for those who want to know more about the beautiful Japanese culture
IT Student
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
Programmer Trainee
http://jointsareokay.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for these tips
I just learn on my own..so I only know words and not how to compose them XD
random! :3
http://www.myspace.com/4yaoi4shoujo
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!
IT Student
Great Story love it **^_^**
Student, Otaku
(#_#) 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.
Student, Cashier, Singer, Guitarist
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=622633132&ref=name
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!
Student
http://andreijournal.blogspot.com
Yes, passion.
I needed that.
Casshern - Student
I wondering where could i learn Japanese online?
http://gakuranman.com
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!
Casshern - Student
Thanks
Student for now:P
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
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^?
Pre-law student
It's easy to learn. Especially when your family is bilingual. :P
Student
http://crashacat.wordpress.com
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.
student
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 ^^;
Head Lackey and Scape Goat
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. =(
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
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.
NEET
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 ^^.
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
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.
Student
http://www.somiac.com
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!~
Graduate Student
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!
student
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
Student.
http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/profile/Yuusuke-kun/
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. ^^
student
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
三年せいとオタク
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
estudiante univercitario
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
administrator
http://www.consumer-expert.com/learn_japanese_courses_reviews.html
Learn japanese always is difficult.
your advises are very useful for everybody, thank Danny.
greetings,
Student
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 =)!
Student
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 =)!
Sony Games Tester
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?
Video game developer
http://www.instant-ramen.net
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)
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.)
Full Time Student, Part Time Anime Lover, Half Time Lurker
http://hiro307.blogspot.com
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
student
http://sikibuton.blogspot.com/
I'm japanese.
I don't speak English,But I want studying.
Is this writing correct?
Working towards being a Particle Physcist
http://kynoxy.livejournal.com/
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 :)
Working towards being a Particle Physcist
http://kynoxy.livejournal.com/
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 :)
Nutrition
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.
I'm learning Japanese now, coming to Japan for a month to study in the summer :D
Schoolkid
http://did-someone-say-anime.blogspot.com
I know "your", I know "smells", but what's the Japanese for "toilet"? xD
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
http://argylebolivar.wordpress.com
I would love to learn...online lessons?? =3 aah
Stoodent
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.
Game Designer
http://Satellite-Stage.net
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.
Universitary Student, Gundam veteran pilot :)
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!!!! ^.^/,,
Industrial engineer
http://inotas.blogspot.com
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 ^-^;
Student and free-time otaku ^^
Wow, thanks for all these tips Danny! =D
I want to be an exchange student in Japan for 10 months, but it's... *quite* expensive, so I guess I'll just be in Japan as a tourist sometime =
However, I will study japanese ^^
student and clothes designer
http://neon-banana.com
Danny that was super wicked to read lol. Helped me so much. I WILL LEARN JAPANESE THEN GO THERE AND DO MY CIVIL ENGINEERING! lol yatta!
Interactive Designer
Hi Danny,
Thanks for sharing your passion. Last year I went to Japan for the first time in my life, been saving for about 8 years. I went there for my honeymoon, as my wife also loved J-pop culture. We had a blast, and it was a dream came true for me after a lifetime of wishes and hardwork.
I've read one of your posts about Akiba, and it gave me some ideas about where to go. I ended up going to Radio Kaikan, Yodobashi, a maid cafe and Tora no Ana shop there. Got some cool SOC figures.
Whilst I'm now married, my passion for Japanese culture and history is still burning, so I'm continuing my Japanese language education.
Hope to catch you in your Stormtrooper outfit when I visit Japan again sometime next year hopefully.
Sentai Ranger
http://morganlamia.blogspot.com/
I never realised Japan Center had been there so long. It's still there and sounds exactly like how it was when you were younger. The great little supermarket upstairs, the awesome book story downstairs... They even have the board on the wall still :P
Podcaster and tech-otaku
http://www.japanpodshow.com
It may sound corny but learning Japanese has changed my life (and left me with US$40,000 of debt - but was worth it!)
Life in Japan with the ability to speak Japanese is very different from life without, as I've discovered through my trips here over the past 8 years. And yes, I agree, passion is key! (That's where a Japanese boyfriend/girlfriend comes in handy!)
Thanks for this detailed post on your story. Your passion and determination to be good in Japanese comes across clearly. Appreciate the long list of tips you've shared. ^_^
my biggest problem is that I'm such a lazy slacker... And that I didn't start earlier. Definetely gonna pick up some of the books you mentioned though, and I'm definetely going to visit japan again, and I hope soon
High School Student
imma use the toilet chart! and a shower chart too! -laminatioooooooooon-
Student
Being a half Japanese, who had little knowledge of my mother tongue (constant traveling and stubbornness ><; ) I started using a similar technique with my siblings about 5 years ago. We're not completely fluent as of yet, but it has helped!
I'm glad to see that your efforts have not been wasted.
My nan would always send us DVDs of the latest movies and dramas to watch and a few CDs of her favorite musicians like DREAMS COME TRUE :)
Student
http://foxkey.blog126.fc2.com/
I am in almost the exact same position as your past self. Brought up with being able to speak English and Mandarin but absolutely no education in Chinese at all (So it's really basic).
I'll have to try out some of the steps you've taken to get you where you are ^^ Especially with crucial year of school coming up for me, i'll have to work especially hard.
Spec Ops Otaku
The biggest problem for me prevously was motivation, I didn't really have anything to shoot for. But recently, I've sworn to learn another language (Japanese in this case) and to live / work overseas. This has been an utter wake-up call for me.