Hello, I am a Japanese woman living in the countryside of Japan. I am in my late 30s.　 I have been working on learning English for about a year. I can read, write, listen to English, but I still struggle to speak English. I am trying to practice shadowing with your video. Your story of learning Japanese inspires me. Thank you. I am looking forward to your next video.

@RumMonkeyable

Ай бұрын

Best wishes in learning English! 英語学習のご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。👍👏🥰

@copakid3229

Ай бұрын

I would love to take a course with you

@manaturnerbudge3503

Ай бұрын

I would totally do your course

@cecilearquette1637

Ай бұрын

Choco Ice, English is difficult to learn when you do not have someone to talk to. But your writing is very nice! I am a university professor in the United States. I have taught English in Africa, Mexico, and Chile. I visited Japan last year too and loved it very much. I wonder if there is some way I can talk to you online? It is hard for you to find English speakers in the countryside! Sincerely, Cecile

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Shadowing is an excellent technique. It really helps with fluency. Thank you for watching ♥️

You are a very sweet person to offer creating a Japanese language learning course. You will have many students! 🥰😍❤👍👏

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much 🐱

@docodamukky

Ай бұрын

Very interested in your japanese courses.

@RumMonkeyable

Ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan 👍👏

@tesssalvador5979

Ай бұрын

Me too would be interested to take online .

@noreenmary3300

Ай бұрын

I’m definitely interested. 🥰

I am about 40 years into my journey learning Japanese but I also started from humble beginnings. First came to Japan by accident, and immediately cancelled the lessons that had been set up for me thinking, "this language seems impossible..." however I was in Yamaguchi Prefecture in the 1980s and there were no English speakers to be found. Deep loneliness set in so I resolved to study. At first I could not make myself understood at all. I could not even say Good Morning (ohaiyoo gozaimasu) in a way that was easy for the listener and for me. The ridiculouslness of that smacked me in the face like cold water so I practiced the phrase aloud by mself 100 times or so until I could say it fluently. And so it went. In a short time people thought I was fluent, which was not the case at all. I could only say a few things but I said them well, too well for my own good probably. I also could not read, or cook, and living by myself this meant I couldn't eat, which was a real problem. So I quickly learned to read the simplest menu items - curry rice, rice pilaf, sandwhich, matching my text book up against each character in the menu, and ate such fare at the same kissaten for a few weeks until I had learned more. After 40 years, it has become an amazing journey that has given me so many gifts in life, that all the effort was very much worth it. But I definitely could not see that at the start.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

It does sound like you've had an amazing journey ♥️

@app321

Ай бұрын

I had a similar experience in my 30-year Spanish journey. Where I learned to pronounce it so well in the beginning that I appeared to be more advanced than I actually was😅. It made for a few laughs, for sure.

Yes. Would love to learn functional Japanese. I am a 60y.o. teacher in Cairns. Goal: retire and travel Japan with my wife. Pushbike, motorbike. You are my favourite KZreadr! Humble, genuine. Wishing you peace and happiness.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵 Very kind of you 😀

@willincairns

Ай бұрын

I'm also from Cairns, and share the same sentiments.

@puffafish8503

Ай бұрын

Yes I would like to learn Japanese, have just gotten back from there yesterday, and would love to get (much) better, appreciate the videos and your offering

@user-vg7wj7ee8f

Ай бұрын

Yes! I’m interested in learning Japanese, sign me up please!

@kezbot2

Ай бұрын

​@@willincairnsme too ☺️

Anyone who goes to Japan and tries to learn the language, can in time learn it. Immersion is key. Your story of not being able to communicate for months, in stores and other places, is a common one. Many Japanese don't speak English, and get annoyed with foreigners who speak no Japanese. You persisted, broke free, and learned the language. Amazing story, shared by thousands of other English teachers in Japan.

@Retiredinruraljapanvlog

16 күн бұрын

I agree- this is the way it has gone for many of us here.

OMG! PLEASE!!! I'm a complete beginner and structure is something I desperately need! I would even pay for tutoring! ANYTHING!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵

@robinclemons9751

21 күн бұрын

@@ChaniJapan I would love to learn Japanese as well. I am from the US and it was on my list to make a trip in 2020, but you know the world stopped moving then.

@Retiredinruraljapanvlog

16 күн бұрын

Try Japanese pod or Human Japanese- two really great resources!

Thank you for sharing your story so openly and for the outstanding content you are creating. I also struggled 30 years ago with a very rocky and anxious start on my Japanese language learning journey. Like you I persevered and became a Japanese high school teacher in the United States and had a wonderful and meaningful career with so many incredible students. Having struggled so much at the beginning made me a stronger and more supportive and understanding teacher. For students just starting on your journey, please don't give up and do believe in yourself. Find people who will believe in you and your efforts and be patient with you, and most of all be patient with yourself. You will learn Japanese!

This should be a popular class. Language is what keeps us separated from the community we live in. No matter how much we love Japan ..you will soon grow tired or embarrassed. I was so tired of my child translating for me! Ironic ...because I went to uni in Germany and was upset at English speakers using their kids as translators. I realized that I was doing the exact same thing when during my second visit, I caught myself waiting hours for my kid to return to accompany me to the grocery just to read the kanji on food labels (we are several generations vegetarian). I decided to learn as much as possible in one month.

I feel so lucky to find your channel. Thank you for that. “Excuse me?” This was the scariest phrase in English for me when talking to English speakers. I couldn’t continue the conversation once they said it. I would go into panic mode, wondering, “Did I pronounce a word wrong?” or “Did I mix up the ‘R’ and ‘L’ sounds?” I would just stop talking and focus on reading, which actually helped me a lot. Many people have said to me, “You’ve been studying English for years just to READ? Learning foreign languages should be fun and for communication.” What are you doing?” I don’t give a damn anymore because I know I’m having fun and “Excuse me” doesn’t scare me anymore.”

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

So glad you aren't scared by it any more. I agree that communication should be fun and talking to other people from other countries is such a wonderful experience 😀

It's never too late to follow your dream , better late than never as people often say . You are brave to decide living alone in a foreign country .

Waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. You mean this whole time you have been a Japanese teacher 😮? I would love for you to be my teacher. Your vibe is so chill and down to earth!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😀

I've been attempting to learn Japanese for about 25 years. I took 3 years in high school and 1 in college. Since then I have on again and off again tried to study on my own or with family and friends. I have a strong grasp of Hiragana, Katakana, and pronunciation. I am struggling to make the leap into speaking full sentences (outside of some basic textbook phrases) and having conversations in Japanese. I have visited Japan 10 times including 3 home stay of about 6 weeks each. Once immersed I do ok at understanding some of what I am hearing, but I struggle to articulate my thoughts in Japanese. My family and a few friends are once again attempting to learn Japanese (with the Genki textbooks) and I understand the anxiety that feeling unable to speak brings. Thank you for your video and the reassurance that fluency is attainable.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

I know how you feel and I think it is a learning journey that has no ending ♥️

@hossp2365

Ай бұрын

You sound like my doppelgänger 😂. This will sound bleak, but unless you live in Japan for a reasonable period, or extended holidays for months, it is almost impossible to master. Almost :) I mentioned this in another post, but for some reason Japanese, unlike most western cultures, cannot deal with incorrect pronunciation or grammar. They don’t seem to have the ability to pick key words out of a sentence, place them in context, and get the gist of it. Except at an izakaya or other alcohol related venue. Then we all seem to understand each other. 😂 I am heading back over for three months in September, so will give it another go 😊

@phillydisco

Ай бұрын

Do you live in a city that has clubs for people who want to speak Japanese? Meetup groups, for example. I learned extended French in Jr High and High School, but never felt 100% confident to use it outside of class. But then on trips to Quebec, I find that even if I can't speak it, I can understand what is being said. What I do know that helps, is not to overthink translating English to the other language, but try to think in that language other.

@JedRothwell

Ай бұрын

I suggest the following. Get some books on tape. Listen to them and follow along with the text, for 10 minutes a day. Write down a summary in Japanese of what you read. Then read the text yourself. Select interesting books with the text in middle-school format, with lots of furigana. I read books such as Jules Verne, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" because I knew the content, and the text is relatively easy. Or Takeyama's war novel, "The Harp of Burma," which I saw in the 1956 movie. It was actually written as a children's book, so it is easy to understand, but it is interesting for an adult. If you can get the book, the book on tape, the movie, the manga cartoon version, and the animated movie, all the better. Something like "In This Corner of the World" (another war novel) is available in all these formats, including a translated English comic, I think. Read them all. Several times. Write summaries in Japanese comparing the different versions. If you can persuade a Japanese native speaker to mark up your daily essay with a red pen showing all your mistakes, all the better. That motivates you! I had a retired teacher do that for me when I lived in Japan, similar to Chani's first teacher.

Home stay families in japan are great.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

So great and so supportive ♥️

Thank you for your interesting video as always. I am Japanese living in Canada for 1 years. Your video reminds me of my marriage at Cairns. I still have the same thing to speak English, I can't speak out that I though in my brain. Anyway, I love and enjoy your video and learning a lot. Cheers!😊

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

I wish you all the best with your English studies. English is a hard language to learn as well.

Yes please, I am struggling to get a grasp, and so much information out there, but all different.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵

Not just trauma, but any heightened emotional response (surprise, joy etc.) will help cement words in your brain. So will associating it with music. I graduated from UQ with a linguistics major and a double major in Japanese in 1985. Is that where you went to Uni? My first year in Japan (outside Hiroshima, when I was an exchange student) was also fraught with fear and performance anxiety, and perfectionism. It took me a long time and lots of psychological self-examination to get over. But I went on to get my BA, and study an additional year after that, in Tokyo. Over the years I would read bits and pieces here and there but for the next 30 years I really didn't use my Japanese at all. Then in 2019 I went back for a holiday with my son, and my brain ignited with the love of this language. I discovered that so much of it was still sequestered away there in my mind, and just came back, on autopilot. So I studied for the JLPT (日本語能力試験), and passed the N1 level the next year on my first try. Learning a language is SO much easier now than it was in the 1980s. There's so much material online, and apps, podcasts, slow news etc, that you can really immerse yourself in it and absorb it with your whole self.

@TheOneRioji

Ай бұрын

It's crazy how much anxiety and fear can be induced just from trying to learn a new language. I'm currently in that same stage with Japanese, where I'm learning, slowly, but I'm terrified to try to speak!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

That is wonderful that your love of learning Japanese came back and you were reignited after 30 years!

@frithbarbat

Ай бұрын

​​@@TheOneRioji Shadowing, which Chani mentions, or parroting, if you will, are great techniques to try. You can also record yourself and plays it back so you hear your accent and learn to correct it. Doing this in private can get you used to speaking without performance pressure or embarrassment.

@frithbarbat

Ай бұрын

​@@ChaniJapanI intentionally didn't brush up before the trip. I really wanted to see what my brain could do in it's own!

Hi! I don't know if you've noticed but this video is "unlisted" and thus only a few will be able to see it, specifically, only those that have the video weblink. If you intend for others to see the video, I suggest changing the viewership.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much ♥️ I was a bit nervous about publishing this one. It is up live now.

@KathrynGremley-sw4kp

Ай бұрын

Yes!

@313PH4N7

Ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan I am, and surely many others, glad that you published it despite your nervousness. Thank you for sharing the story. Some guidance in learning Japanese would be greatly appreciated. As others have mentioned, it is a bit overwhelming attempting to start one's journey into learning Japanese as there is so much information out there. All the best from Denmark (The one in Scandinavia, not the Australian one).

This clip will surely make many people say, "After all, I am not alone!" Thanks for sharing your journey. This will go a long way espeially for those who are in their steep learning curve learning the "devil's language."

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you! It is a tough language to learn.

@socks_cat356

Ай бұрын

Haha, this devilishly difficult language can actually be called the language of angels, as you can easily communicate by simply arranging nouns and verbs, regardless of their order.

@JAM041158

Ай бұрын

@@socks_cat356 The people can be very well be "angels" - mind so pure and innocent (well , generally, in my experience). One wil have to contend with (on top of Chani san's tribulation with Japanese phonics....lolz) the different written forms (hiragana, katakana, kanji).... and the words that have nothing to do with anything (e.g., if you know Spanish, you can probably converse with Italian or Portuguese, etc.). And of course, as you rightly pointed out, working on the order of words in a sentence may relatively be a good exercise to dig into. What the "hell" ("devil") is this language .........

@socks_cat356

Ай бұрын

@@JAM041158 For example, it is said that there are more than 100 ways to read the kanji character "生" (life).

@JAM041158

Ай бұрын

@@socks_cat356 ROTFL............... "devils"... "angels/purity/innocence"...... but lo and behold! "Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal"......... What an 'angelic-devilish' stuff this language is....Shall we forewarn those wanting to learn the Japanese language of just what is in store for them should they decide to do so?

I would love to learn Japanese with you. Thank you.

Lovely watching you im 64 now is it to late to learn. I have been studying Japanese culture and history for a while I'm disabled so I can't visit now. I watch every thing on japan a beautiful country I am so happy for you what you have achieved waiting for the next one xxxxx

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Never to late to pick up something new😀

@digitaltutorials1

Ай бұрын

I've studied the language in little bits over my life. One or two classes with many years in between. I recently made the decision to travel there in the next few years in hopes of finding a path to move there. I have some "light" disabilities (things that will become major at any time like back issues). So I've been learning as much as I can daily (like 10 minutes to 2 hours) and consuming as much Japanese media content as possible (social media and TV/anime). So you have to start with goals. If you can't travel a long term goal might be to read original texts, even children's books, in Japanese. Or perform translations. Even knowing the basics provides so much more insight when translating the meanings, simply because we do a two step translation from Japanese to literal English to natural English. The real meaning is in the literal and the natural is just "this is how I might say it to a friend". When you have a long term goal, then you can find short term steps to move you in that direction. Think of it like hiking up a mountain with no trail. Sometimes you go this way, then you see something pretty and take a detour, then you continue towards the route you were taking but instead of backtracking you take the direct route from where you are now. There are many methods of learning. To learn for free, use apps (like Pimsleur, Duo Lingo, I use Duo but I tried Pimsleur and I think it is better) to get phonetics, hiragana/katakana, and phrase constructions. You can get the Anki app and download decks of Japanese learning flash cards (beginner or JLPT N5 to start). Use websites for detailed explanations (Google your questions and there are many sources). For natural Japanese and to hear the spoken language from Native speakers, follow many KZread and Instagram sensei. E.g. NihongoDekita, Yuu From Tokyo, Cozy, etc. The more you follow the better. Then when you scroll you'll get plenty of content. Ideally, starting at this moment, all content you watch and read should be Japanese content. 100% immersion. When you get to Kanji, start an account on Wani Kani's website and follow those instructions daily. If you have money, you can take one in one Japanese lessons online for ~$5-30 per session on apps/sites like iTalki. For a premium alternative to sites and app learning, you can go with NativShark.com which is like $200/year and their audio samples are real. I tried them out for a bit and I like their content but I don't want to pay.

@markurta1

Ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan This is so true. I started learning Japanese just over one year ago. I was 55. I thought it would be very hard and that I was too old. You can only easily learn a language when you are young etc etc. I no longer agree with that. As an adult, learning a language, you have lots of advantages over a child learning a language for the first time. You understand basic grammar rules. For example, you understand how to form a sentence, you know what a noun, a verb, an adverb and an adjective is. You also know about possessive, past present and future tense, objects and subjects. All of these things are really difficult for a child to learn from scratch. You also have a very large vocabulary. You just don't know those words in Japanese yet. You understand what the word "irony" means but try explaining it to a young child. This concept is really difficult.

@user-xp1md2wo1s

Ай бұрын

I enjoy your videos very, much. I find them very insightful. This one that I didn't expect and am so glad you made. I'm Australian and have visited Japan many times was I study shakuhachi. I have made many attempts to learn the language and keep hitting the 'wall' at some point. I'm above survival level but not able to carry on a conversation. My teacher and some other people I've met in the town are fluent in English. Before I went last time I had some online private lessons that were disappointing as we ended up just using a basic text instead of working on conversation. Your video has inspired me to give it another go. Thank you, Jim

@beataolszewska3173

Ай бұрын

@@markurta1 Wow, I thought I was the only late starter ;-) I took up Japanese two years ago at the age of 58 just because I went on a few 2-week trips with my grown-up children, who all speak Japanese, and their sensei. I was never into tourism for the sake of seeing new places, I've always wanted to understand the people there. So first I just had the ambition to learn hiragana and katakana and catch up some phrases, more for the fun of it. A short while after I realized that I've been doing serious language learning (classes, long hours of homework, daily kanji practice, only Japanese movies etc). I passed my JLPT N5 last year, which gave me some confidence and boosted motivation. At the end of this year I am taking N4 and have learned over 500 kanji. Last October I went on a fortnight's trip to Japan just on my own, to see how I could cope, and that was a fantastic experience! I am able to speak very basic things but also grasp and understand a lot more. I could read signs and inscriptions all around me, get the clue of what people around me were saying, had some basic, but lovely chats in sento, onsen, shops, train or cultural institutions. That felt so great even though I am just a mere beginner. Now there are times when I work really hard on a daily basis (when I get back from work), then those when I'm just doing my daily kanji/ NHK News Web Easy practice and homework (I take classes once a week) but I never skip a day without at least a very brief contact with the Japanese language. My son told me not to rely on motivation too much and to work out a regular daily learning routine. I believe being stubborn, consistent and daring will take you further and further, and just as Chani said - having put in the effort you might not even realise how much you have grasped already.

Hi Chani, I just love your channel..I'm in Perth Western Australia, middle aged and have for many, many years wanted to visit, and dreamt of living in Japan, though my age and lack of understanding Japanese always been a huge block. Your videos give me that incentive to maybe one day to at least visit.. thankyou x

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

I hope you can visit one day ♥️

Love this very personal narrative which is very encouraging for people who are interested in learning more about Japanese language and culture.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind comment 😀

Amazing story! Yes Japanese courses please!!

Yes please, Chani!

I think your course will be very popular, Chani! Your calm, humorous approach is so reassuring. Good luck with the road ahead!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Yes please. We are Australian, really enjoy your chanel and love Japan!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😀 I am working on making a course ♥️

あなたに日本語は上手ですよ！良い考えをありがとう！

In the past couple of months I've been wanting to pick up learning Japanese again, and then this video pops up! I think it's a sign 😊 I am definitely interested in your Japanese course!

I thought for your cousin, Dan. I am sure that you gave him great memories during his visit to Japan.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Very kind of you ♥️ Yes it was a great memory for both of us 😀

That will be cool. With your videos I've build now 100% wish to learn Japanese and move there as you do! Thank you!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵

Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing

@ChaniJapan

29 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Yes please . I would like to learn Japanese from you ❤

Love your videos on Japanese culture!!!!!😀 Your videos are very funny!!!! Yes yes on the Japanese tutorials! @ChaniJapan

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵

Ahh. This had me chucklin’. The Japanese blank stare…. I’ve travelled the world and tried my best to butcher my way through the hosts language. Generally they are happy that you are giving their language a try. But not Japan. Or France, but that’s just being French of course. Most countries pick up a few words from your sentence, place those words in the context of the discussion location, and after a back and forth communication is gained. Not in Japan. 😂 Pronunciation is king. Perfect examples - I walked into a car rental business where I had made an online booking for a car. In Japanese I said hello, usual greeting, and “watashi wa, karuma reservation des”. (Basically I have a car reservation). Blank stare. Say it again. Blank stare. What I got wrong was car is kuruma, not karuma. I’m standing in a car rental shop, with my licence, and we couldn’t get past ku and ka….😂 - Went to Ticket Station at Matsumoto and after saying hello asked in my best practiced nihongo May I have a ticket to Nagano. Blank stare. I know I said kippu (ticket) and Nagano (city) and Eki (station). Just blank stare. Growing up in Sydney Australia we all function on broken English. The Vietnamese grocer, the Italian cafe…. Would love to know the cultural science behind it. 😊😊😊

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Your examples are exactly what was happening to me. I can really relate. This is what sent my anxiety off the charts.

@hossp2365

Ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan as a fellow Aussie, do you think it’s the historical monoculture? I Oz I grew up with butchered English so l think I learnt to pick up single words rather than sentences. I remember the local milk bar owner Ames Cassamento spoke almost no English, me no Italian, but we worked it out. And that was in the 70’s lol

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

@@hossp2365 there were so many accents around me growing up as well. I was used to people at least trying to understand.

@mapinoita279

Ай бұрын

What always strikes me with my Japanese students is their own personal shame at not understanding English well. They’ve spent so many years “book learning “ English grammar and vocabulary, and their intelligence was measured by how they performed on standardized English exams throughout junior high and high school. So when a foreign person speaks to them, their brain panics and freezes. They can’t relax enough to listen and decipher. They assume you’re speaking English if you speak Japanese with a foreign accent. I spend a good chunk of time in each class encouraging students to relax, and teaching ways to work through the panic and paralysis that happens when they don’t understand. So when you are valiantly struggling to use Japanese, their mind isn’t thinking, “How great that he’s trying to use my language!” but “He must be speaking English, and I can’t understand! I’m so stupid and ashamed!” I’ve worked with over a thousand adult Japanese learners of English, and I see this problem every day. I love my students, so I’m a huge cheerleader and encourager. They’re so awesome, but they very seldom realize!

@reverie6034

Ай бұрын

So accurate! They are panicking just like you are. I taught English to Japanese students years ago and prying the dictionaries out of their hands was a serious challenge. They struggle with accents and often “hear” garbled English when people are trying to speak Japanese! Good to remember.

You are a Japanese teacher too! Wow, Chandi. I would love to learn japanese and live in Japan. That panic feeling is so known. I was in France after having the language as a student for four years and I couldn't utter a word as a youngster. Parisians aren't that accomedating to none French speakers 🤣and gosh, they don't speak ancient Greek in Greece, such a bummer. Older makes definitely braver, I don't care if I have to speak with hand gestures or my phone, I go for it. I am on the other side of the bar, good at math and science, not a language brain. Willing to try though! It must be harder for a English speaker, I have had three languages already at home, so a fouth or fifth wasn't a problem. English is spoken all over the world, no need to learn a different language. Plus, Kanji is so different from Latin. You are so brave 🥰

Good on you hard working always pays off,God bless you in everyway of life.Keep up the good work. Nice to hear your story.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

What a great story! Thanks for sharing it.

Yes, I may be interested. I am an Australian woman living at present in Tasmanis. Interestingly, myvyounger brother and his wife, who both lived in the Gold Coast, had a home stay for Japanese people for a few years. They had a lovely house and at by that time their sons were young. I drove up and stayed with them for a few months till I rented a house in Northern NSW just over the border.

I am a Japanese male living in Sydney. I have a similar experience and I am deeply mindful of what you are saying

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇦🇺 I hope you are having a good experience in Australia ♥️

@carmenbella9104

29 күн бұрын

I am living at Sydney Welcome !!!😊🇵🇪

Yes, I would be very interested in such a course. Thank you for offering.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵

That was a lovely story of your journey to learn Japanese, and all the pit falls involved, thank you. I would love to learn Japanese but, as an 'older gentleman' (66), I feel that I've left it a bit too late. I am retired now (and hate it!) and fill my days by watching KZread videos from Japan. It is, quite simply, the most beautiful and amazing country in the World. I would dearly love to go there and meet those wonderful and charming people. So yes, I think that offering on-line courses is a brilliant idea, but I fear that it would be a bit late in the day for an old duffer like me! I enjoy your videos and have subscribed, and look forward to each one! 🥰🥰🥰

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment! Never too old in fact you are not that much older than me so I am sure you can do anything you want. Thanks for subscribing 😀

@NealeOBrien

Ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan Thank you for your kind words and letting me down so gently! At least you still look very young!

@aviewer9516

Ай бұрын

You're not nearly 'too old'! I'm up there as well, and learning new things such as languages is so good for the brain! I highly encourage you to learn and I hope you do get to visit Japan one day soon! Take care!

@joanmh45

Ай бұрын

Hello Neale, You certainly haven't left it too late to study this fascinating language. I'm 79 and have been enjoying my Japanese language journey for many years. I'm addicted to learning kanji! Please take the plunge into the Japanese language! You won't regret it! And maybe you'll be able to visit that fascinating country and meet some of it's wonderful people. Good luck!

@NealeOBrien

Ай бұрын

@@joanmh45 Thank you for replying. I'm watching a lot of Japanese videos on KZread and I have picked up a few words and about 6 Kanjis. But although I'm hearing a lot of Japanese, none of it sticks in my brain! I would be very interested in seeing if I can actually learn it better? Thank you again.

Loved hearing this story. I remember when I first moved to Japan having to really work up a huge amount of courage just to say thank you in a conbini! I panicked about which way to say it and what level of politeness to use so much that I had to really work up my courage just for one or two words haha! It took a long time to be comfortable with making mistakes and getting those inevitable confused looks, and now the tables have turned and people just chat away to me in Japanese and it is me that is completely confused when I get out of my depth hahah! I really enjoyed the story about the spirit level and I think I may remember that word a little better having heard your story. Personally, I would be interested in themed, everyday life, vocabulary videos, although it is grammar that I find the most difficult. I find a lot of textbooks quite dry and seeing Japanese in action in your everyday life would be more meaningful and memorable I think. thanks for the great video 😊

I am from the Philippines. I am currently working on to study Japanese language. Thanks for sharing your experience.

What an awesome idea and how kind of you to offer to take on teaching us Japanese I would be very interested, your story of your journey on how you learned Japanese was very interesting thanks for sharing

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵

Another great video Chani, always entertaining and informative. Thanks so much

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

Yes please to Japanese course!!!

There are actually so many great resources available now- Human Japanese is one them along with Anki cards that folks have developed. Japanese POD is another great resource.

Thank you for your video and for giving my feelings words. I currently work in Japan and I have the same struggles and fear. I definitely feel like I can understand more than I can speak. It is really easy to let these struggles put you down and stop you from speaking entirely. I'd love to see more content for Japanese lessons!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

You're so welcome!

This is such an interesting video, I had been wondering about how you learned Japanese. Thank you for sharing this!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi there, I'm a fellow Australian, also in my 50's, who is new to your channel. Firstly I'd like to congratulate you for the steps you've taken to immigrate to Japan. It takes bravery to step out of what is familiar and step into a vastly different culture. I fell in love with Japan in my 20's however, was unable to visit until I was in my 30's - and have been travelling to Japan yearly since. As I fell in love with the country, it's people and culture (making friends along the way), I decided early on to learn the language. Your "Nihon go" learning journey really resonates - the fear of public speaking still lingers each time I visit Japan. I'm at the stage you spoke of, where I can understand most of the spoken language however, I'm hesitant to speak. I'd be so pleased for you to create a Japanese language study course and would definitely join! Thank you for your generosity sharing your knowledge. I look forward to discivering more of your channel 😊

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😀

So comforting, thank you.

Yes, definitely! I did it in High School and gave up but want to take it seriously now.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵 The feedback has been good so I am going to start working on it 😀

Memories came back to me of the time when I first arrived in Australia...I felt like you did and now I live here. ❤ You're so sweet, I would love to let people know about your course if/when you start a course. 😀

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

You are the inspiration I needed! Thank you so much!!!!

I loved the picture of you and Dan at Disneyland. It sounds like he is no longer with us, I am so sorry! What a great idea you have about Japanese lessons :)

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 😀

Yes please - I have been leaning Japanese on and off for years now. I really want to be able to converse.

Please create that course! We need it! 🤓😺 Great video ❤

@ChaniJapan

6 күн бұрын

Working on it!

Thank you for your honesty

Please do that... create the course. 25 years of teaching Japanese as a foreign speaker and now living it may just mean something.

Great story.. Cheers..❤️❤️

Yes please!

I often read in language learning forums and hear in language learning videos how 日本語上手です is taken by learners as sort of a false compliment or a joke like “oh your japanese is unnatural and not very good, clearly you’re a beginner”. and in the stories, people share a sense of disappointment or failure when they hear this (even tho it’s their own interpretation of meaning and likely not what is actually meant). but what i never read or hear is how that’s the first real sign you’re making really great progress. it means you’re understandable enough to communicate in some small way, and that’s a huge leap, especially if you’re coming from English to Japanese. like for you, going from completely not understandable to buying bus tickets. i’m grateful to have heard your perspective. it makes me feel a little less scared to speak! so for anyone out there, don’t be discouraged by your 日本語 being called 上手 by Japanese people, because it means you’re getting there, so be proud and keep going!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

This is a very important comment 😀 Thank you for pointing this out. It should be taken as a compliment and as a learner it can really be a boost of confidence that you need to encourage you to keep going. I know that after a while it can feel different hearing this compliment but for the learners out there I hope that this helps them get the confidence they need to keep trying. ♥️

I'd be very keen on a course, Chani! I'm lucky enough to head to Japan once or twice a year for work, and my language skills have stalled at what I can remember from high school. I tried lessons with an excellent native speaker teacher, but was intimidated by the immersion approach as I couldn't sustain a conversation. I spent most of my lessons asking her to repeat things and apologising for not understanding, which left me feeling like a failure(!)

Inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

Loved this video - very well presented! I laughed out load at some of it.

I just recently found your channel and I felt so inspired after I watched the first video about it never being too late to follow your dreams. I've been studying Japanese for a while now, and I have a dream of living and working in Japan, but I keep feeling discouraged about my progress. Watching your videos and seeing your passion and positive attitude makes me feel better! It reminds me to treat myself with compassion and to follow my heart. I would love to see a language course from you! I think you would help so many people, not just with learning Japanese, but also with feeling more confident and reassured :)

Absolutely interested. Thank you

I would love to join your Japanese course

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵 The feedback has been good so I am going to start working on it 😀

@vivianawilliamslondon

Ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan That's great!

Inspiring that you persevered to do this. I think Japanese is a beautiful language, sometimes intoxicating to listen to. Such a great culture.

You are amazing.

That is a truly amazing journey, from silent fright to Japanese language teacher! When watching some of your previous videos I already thought that your command of the language is absolutely remarkable, now I get it. I studied Japanese at uni myself, but my language skills are far from yours.

I’m personally not interested in learning Japanese but I would love to learn with someone as nice as you. I think you would be very empathetic and supportive. Wishing you every success with your future endeavors.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Very kind of you to say that 😀 Thank you ♥️

Fantastic experiences, thanks for sharing.

Hello, @ChaniJapan! These videos have been fun to watch while being inspirational & educational at the same time. Currently looking for a six month to one year language program in Japan to really jumpstart the learning. I'm looking to leave this government job in expensive California and hoping to find an akiya in the coming years. Glad youtube suggested your videos last week. Cheers and thanks for all the good content!

You were one of my favourite teachers in primary school, thank you for being one of the really good ones ❤ I’m 30 now and your story is fantastic.

Oh, yes, please - I would love to do a Japanese course with you! Thank you for your great example of perseverance and also love towards Japanese language. And also I think Dan was your savior 😁

Bring on the course !!! You are super inspirational and I enjoy watching your content a lot !!!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😀 I am working on making a course ♥️

I would love to learn Japanese from you, thank you for considering teaching it. I’ve been picking up some Japanese but structured learning would be amazing. I live in the US, have been to Japan twice, and have hopes for moving there someday.

I would be super interested in the course!!! Love your videos!!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵

why'd this make me cry!! xD I've not even started learning japanese but it feels so relateable - probably the reason i've not started because I hate speaking!

Yes please, I would love to participate in a course like this especially someone who understand my anxiety about language acquisition.

You are a very inspiring person.

Gosh yes please myself and my 2 sons would !!!!

Hi Chani! Im glad this video is up❤

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks Vegys ❤️ I wish I could have included the special treats. But next one will work I am sure.

Wow! What an inspiring story!! Thank you for sharing. ☺

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

You are welcome 😀

thank you for your story! i’m currently in the fear stage of trying to jump the hurdle of starting to speak japanese and it is tougher when one isn’t in japan! i’m glad you were able to grow from that fear after some time.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

I really understand that fear stage ♥️

Lovely dedication 💌

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks a lot 😊♥️

Fascinating story, thank you.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

Greetings from Redondo Beach 🇺🇸. Nice video. 🌷

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 😃

i'm definitely keen to join your course!👍🏼❤️

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😀 I am working on making a course ♥

Well done video! 🙌

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Yes 100% interested!

I'll be in . Love your channel. Your very inspiring❤

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you 🇯🇵 The feedback has been good so I am going to start working on it 😀

Absolutely, yes. I would love to have a course.

@ChaniJapan

14 күн бұрын

Coming soon!

thanks for sharing your experience

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for sharing your journey, it is a daunting process!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching 😀 Very daunting!

Thank you for sharing your story!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

Thanks for sharing your stories. It was really interesting! I've never been to Japan but it makes me feel a bit calmer about the anxiety around speaking. I think I'll be able to get there eventually, when I do go. ^^

Looking forward to see where this goes.

Yes please ... I would like to learn Japanese. (from Australia)