I thought I’d finally make my own log! I have been studying Japanese since 2019 I think, but the first couple of years were self-study. I took my first Japanese class in high school in 2021 (same year I started WaniKani), and chose to major in Japanese language, literature, and culture. As you can see, my WaniKani progress has been slow, and while my Japanese learning hasn’t been the most optimized and efficient route to fluency, thanks to my schooling and wonderful professors, I’ve been able to keep up a steady increase in ability and maintain what I’ve learned.
I first studied abroad in Japan my sophomore year of college, for about five months. My second time was two months, this past summer! I am currently applying for this year’s cycle of the JET program, and should find out soon if I have an interview or not. I have also gotten to be a TA for two Japanese courses, beginner and advanced, and will TA for an intermediate course this Spring. I’m writing my Honors thesis on host clubs and what aspects of Japanese culture have contributed to their existence and predation on vulnerable people in Japanese society.
I think I’ll also use this as a sort of general Japan and Japanese diary. I am happy with the progress I’ve made in this time frame — I can read most manga with ease, read novels, have hours-long conversations without using any English. My closest friend in Japan doesn’t know any English. But I have so much further to go, and I want to eventually reach fluency! I’m going to try and build more consistent habits this year since I will be graduating, and won’t have Japanese classes for the first time in a while. I’ve also taken every JPN class offered at my university, including an independent study, so I won’t have consistent practice anyways besides speaking with my professors.
Thank you to everyone who may take the time to read my thoughts! I expect this to have some thoughts about my goals and life in regards to Japan as well as concrete WaniKani updates. Also, if there is anyone earlier in their journey who is curious about anything in mine, feel free to ask. 頑張ろうー！
Welcome to the study log crew! It seems like you’ve got a solid foundation and a good plan, so I don’t know that you’ll necessarily need a lot of advice (nor am I often the right person to give it) but I look forward to your exploits!
I posted my New Years’ Japanese goals in another thread, but I figure I’ll put them here as well:
Get to WaniKani level 50
I’ve been doing WaniKani since 2021 but taken sooo many breaks. Thankfully, because of my academic career, I’ve maintained all that I’ve learned and then some, but those things have gotten in the way of my progress on WK itself. I could push for a higher level but I don’t think that’s realistic with my schedule
Finish reading my first novel
I’ve read many parts of novels, and am surprised with how easily I can parse things! However, I have yet to completely finish one cover-to-cover. I think the mental load of reading in Japanese prompts me to pick something easier to do. But once I start, I always surprise myself. I’ve gotten far in some books, but quickly move on to new ones since I have a hard time aiming my motivation at just one. So, I’d like to finally finish one! The first novel I ever tried to read was 秒速5センチメートル. At the time it took me a long time to get through a page, but that was years ago and it’s a rather short book, so I think it would be a good candidate.
Read at least five manga volumes
I can read manga pretty easy, and it’s enjoyable. However, I buy way more than I read lol. And similar to the novels, the idea of practicing my reading seems much more exhausting in my head than in practice, leading me to opt for easier forms of entertainment when it’s really not that bad. So I want to finally read those pretty volumes on my shelf lol
Take JLPT for the first time?
I would estimate I could take N2 if I had a few months to focus on preparation, but I’m uncertain. N3 would be safer. But I’ve never taken the JLPT before (considered doing it last session but registration was full when I checked it). I think it’s something I’ve always been nervous to do, and it involves a lot of hassle and has never been necessary for me yet. But I’d like to finally give it a shot and get over my testing fears
I applied for this cycle of the JET program, so that is my main focus and goal this year, but I’m trying to make sure I maintain my study regardless of the results. I’ll also be finishing my undergraduate thesis this year and graduating, so hopefully I can still manage all of it! I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t reach all of these goals, especially depending on JET results, but I will push myself to at least get 3/4!
In terms of the goals, hopefully you can accomplish them all, of course. If not, just focus on making progress on the most important goals when you can, and don’t forget that goals are things that are important to you, and milestones are things that you use to measure your progress towards goals. As long as you know what’s important to you and what helps you figure out how you should allocate your time and effort, though, you’ll do great!
I saw Marty Supreme last night, wasn’t prepared for a little Japanese listening and reading practice lol. Great movie too. Doing some kanji writing practice today for the first time in a while.
