Finally cave in and made a study log, after almost 2 years (!) after starting Wanikani.
I. A short attribute list of what I think is important
(basically a show-off list so bear with me):
- 23 years old (I was born in 2001, but my birthday is in December so I can cheat 1 year most of the time)
- 2024 Jul JLPT N2 survivor (91/180, total of close to 1.5 years studying on and off). After a few basic courses in University, fell in love with Japan and hated myself so I decided to suffer.
- IT Engineer major, currently working a Research Department type of job in Kyoto.
- ADHD-ed specimen, 2 times Depression survivor (kudos to my ex, my older brother, and 21 Pilots, I would not be alive and kicking without you)
- Moved to Japan last year so very fresh, but I’ve seen some horrible sh!t in my first trip to Japan 2 years ago so not much new. I like every aspect of Japan, especially the bad things because it makes me feel more alive (just a spectator, relax).
- Like a lot of stuff, but not enough motivation to actually do it.
II. Why so late?
To be honest, I never understand the appeal of a study log even until now (someone please change my mind) because knowing myself so well, I will probably quit after 3 updates. I already quit Wanikani 3 times before so it is very likely. Per tradition this is my Level Up Chart:
Ugly, I know.
I wanted to reach to the half mark (lv 30 baby)
because I actually have a very specific plan for Japanese:
1. Stage 1: Reach a decent Kanji and Vocab bank.
I chose lv 30 because its the 50% thresh hold of F4 frequency coverage.
2. Stage 2: Read manga and consume more Japanese contents.
The manga, anime that I actually like because it would be easier at least. And start to pay attention to what the anime character actually saying rather than let my brain automatically filter it out as “Speaking in Japanese”. About 50 manga might be sufficient to get used to Japanese writing I guess (I actually can not read Japanese at this point, I can only Listen and Speak, and would understand the content if someone read it to me but not reading it on my own)
3. Stage 3: Read light novel, novel and do my daily research in Japanese
Yeah, it might be a steep step up from here but I have to suck it up at one point and actually be a functioning Japanese user. The current me just automatically filter out Japanese and read the English portion only. There is no specific goal on this because I want to do this for a really long time.
4. Stage 4: Pass the JLPT N1
After Wanikani Lv.50 I will start to pickup what I forgot in N2, take the N2 test once to see we I’m at (a mock test maybe, 7500 yen ain’t cheap) and start making the plan for N1 and take every test from there until I finally pass. It might take 1 year, 2 years, 10 years, as long as I’m keep trying I have no regret.
III. Reading log
Recommendations are highly welcomed
Manga list
1. Attack On Titan - 進撃の巨人
I am NOT aware that this manga would be this hard for a beginner, or maybe I’m just suck…
Bought the first 9 chapter from a second hand shop for 700 yen and started to read about 10 minutes each day while searching up new words and take notes before work but I reckon it should be at least 30 mins.
2. The promised neverland - 約束のネバーランド
A classic masterpiece. I already finished the English translated version.
3. Seraph of the end - 終わりのセラフ
Vampire and 2 best friends, what’s not to love? I also finished the anime on this.
IV. Anime/Japanese show and movie log
Recommendations are highly welcomed
Anime list
I actually have a giant list on this so I will only write down what I’m currently watching and finished from this point in time onwards. Still, sell me your favorite show!
1. Onepiece 【1114/1133】
Daring to day aren’t we. Been watching since the first episode drop and its my first anime too!
Movie list
Not much right now, but I would love to expand this. I like genre like death game, psychological drama or things around that bush, but again I would love trying new stuff!
1. Alice in Borderland - アリスインボーダーランド 【2/2】
It seems like season 3 is in the making so I’m thrilled.
2. Battle Royale - バトル・ロワイアル
For a movie that old, it is an absolute masterpiece.
3. As the Gods Will - 神さまの言うとおり
I think this is my first? death game movie and fell in love right away. Such thrills!
4. The Werewolf Game: The Beast Side
This is the time where the Werewolf game picked up some popularity in my high school. Not need to say that I had some “creative” thoughts after watching this one every time we play.
5. Shoplifter
This actually hits hard for some reason, seeing Japan depicted from the dark side.
6. Nobody knows
Same as above.
V. Adventure log
Recommendations are highly welcomed
Yes, this is actually a part of this. Like I said before, I like a lot of things but don’t have the motivation. Here are the things I want to try and their status. Please give me advice and suggestion, thank you in advance!
Half-assed hobbies of mine
-
Skateboarding 【About to give up】
This is HARD to pick up in Japan, or at least around where I live, since skateboarding is banned on busy street.
I can only practice once every 2 weeks or so and I’m not very good at it. I can move around not falling down and that’s pretty much it. -
Game programming 【Half-assed learning】
Being a developer at day and at night? Yea goodluck not burning out. -
Ukulele 【About to go buy my first Ukulele】
It seems like a chill hobby to have, idk -
Video editing and social media 【Lazy and don’t know where to start】
Wanted to do something more than just Sleep-Work-Gaming but this is wayyyy out of my comfort zone. -
Crocheting 【Thinking】
Idk, it seems close to Origami which I love and having something I can actually be violent towards sounds nice.
Alright, that’s about it. I’m heading to a secondhand store now. You know what they say:
One’s Nihonjin trash is another Gaijin treasure.
!