From Konnichiwa to Confidence: Our Japanese Learning Journey

Have you ever taken a leap of faith simply because something felt right? That’s exactly how it was when my partner, Elaiza, and I decided to enroll in an N5 Japanese language course at Kagayakashii Mirai International Language Center and Support Services, Inc. in February 2023.

That month, we both stepped outside our comfort zones and embarked on a journey to learn Japanese. It was thrilling yet intimidating especially when faced with intricate kanji characters that looked more like works of art than letters! However, as we delved deeper into this linguistic adventure, we realized that mastering a new language wasn’t just about memorization; it was about immersing ourselves in an entirely different culture, mindset, and perspective.

What started as a simple curiosity soon turned into a whirlwind of late-night study sessions, sneaky office printouts, and a home that resembled a Japanese classroom albeit with our own unique twist!

The First Steps: From Confusion to Curiosity

Our first few classes were a mix of excitement and “What did I just sign up for?” moments. The hiragana and katakana charts looked like a code we had to crack, and our pronunciation? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly music to the ears. But what made it fun was the fact that we were in this together. Every mistake turned into laughter, and every little progress felt like a victory.

Elaiza and I made it a habit to practice daily even if it meant greeting each other with “Ohayou gozaimasu!” first thing in the morning or randomly yelling “Sugoi!” (amazing) when something cool happened. These small efforts slowly built our confidence, and before we knew it, we were forming simple sentence.

"Every new language is a door to a new world step through it with curiosity, embrace the challenges, and discover the beauty of growth together."

The Reality of Balancing Work and Study

Taking a full Sunday class sounded manageable at first. “It’s just one day a week, right?” we thought. Wrong.
With both of us working full-time, we quickly realized that Sundays alone weren’t enough to master Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. So, after long shifts at work, instead of winding down like normal people, we’d dive straight into studying.

Most nights, we’d be half-asleep, staring at flashcards, mumbling Japanese words, hoping they’d magically stick in our brains by morning. “Babe, what’s the reading for this Kanji again?” One of us would ask, while the other, equally tired, would just blink in response.

Some nights were productive. Other nights, well… we just ended up laughing at our own exhaustion.

The “Secret” Printing Mission at Work

Now, here’s where things get a little mischievous.

At work, we had a free printing allowance but only for office-related stuff. And technically, Japanese study guides weren’t “office work”… but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.

So, every now and then, when no one was looking, I’d sneak in a few prints. The moment the papers rolled out, I’d grab them like a ninja, stuff them in my bag, and walk away casually like I had just printed the most important work report ever. 😆

Did I feel guilty? A little.
Did it help us study better? Absolutely.

Turning Our Home Into a Japanese Wonderland (With a Thai Twist) 😂

To make studying fun, we turned our walls into a language hub. We pinned up Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji charts everywhere on doors, on mirrors, even near the fridge. No escaping the Japanese language, even while getting a midnight snack.

But here’s the best part alongside those charts, we also pasted pictures of our favorite Thai idols as extra motivation. 😂

“One day, we’ll not only understand Japanese, we’ll learn Thai next!” we’d joke. It was silly, but having those familiar faces on the wall made the struggle feel lighter.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

Learning Japanese taught us more than just language it taught us patience, perseverance, and the beauty of small wins. It reminded us that growth isn’t always linear. Some days, we felt like we were making great progress, and other days, we struggled to recall basic phrases. But isn’t that how life works? It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard.

One of the most heartwarming moments was when we had our first short conversation in Japanese with a native speaker. It wasn’t perfect, but the joy of being understood, of connecting in a language that once felt impossible, was priceless. It made all the late-night practice sessions and tongue-twisting drills worth it.

Why Learning Together Makes All the Difference

The best part of this journey? Sharing it with Elaiza. Learning a new skill with someone you love adds an extra layer of motivation and accountability. We celebrated each other’s progress, helped each other when we got stuck, and turned what could’ve been a solo struggle into a shared adventure.

If there’s one thing this experience taught us, it’s that challenges are always more fun when faced together. Whether it’s learning a language, chasing a dream, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, having a partner by your side makes all the difference.

"Learning something new is never just about the skill it’s about the journey, the growth, and the memories you create along the way."

The Struggles, The Wins, and The Lessons We Learned

Looking back, there were times when we questioned ourselves. Why are we doing this? Are we even learning anything? But every time we pushed through, every new word we understood, every time we held a conversation in Japanese even if it was just ordering food it felt like a victory.

This journey taught us three big lessons:

🔥 Passion will push you beyond your limits. Some days, we were exhausted. Some days, we wanted to quit. But deep down, we knew why we started, and that kept us going.

💪 Small sacrifices lead to big rewards. Whether it was giving up sleep, sneaking in prints at work, or filling our walls with study notes every little effort mattered.

❤️ Doing it with someone makes all the difference. Studying alone is hard, but having a partner who struggles with you, laughs with you, and celebrates the wins with you? That’s priceless.

Graduation Day: Just the Beginning

By May 2023, we officially graduated from our N5 course. But we knew this wasn’t the end it was just the beginning of a bigger dream.

If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that you will never “find time” for something you have to make time. Life will always be busy. Work will always be demanding. But if something truly matters to you, you will make it happen.

So, if you’ve been wanting to learn something new, take that first step. It won’t be easy, but trust me it will be worth it. 🚀✨

What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn? Maybe now is the time. 😉

Students - 2023

The Journey Continues

Though our Japanese classes have ended, our learning hasn’t stopped. We still practice, watch anime without subtitles (well, almost), and dream of the day we visit Japan, armed with everything we’ve learned.

So if you’ve ever thought about learning a new language or stepping into the unknown go for it! It won’t always be easy, but with the right mindset (and the right partner), it will always be worth it.

Arigatou gozaimasu for reading, and remember ganbatte (do your best) in whatever journey you choose to take!