In December 2019, just before the world was upended by the Covid-19 pandemic, I embarked on my first trip to Japan. For three weeks, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture, exploring everything from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beaches of Okinawa. Little did I know that this trip would ignite a deep passion for Japan, its culture, and its language—a passion that would reshape my life in the years to come.
By 2023, after years of living in New Zealand, I found myself yearning for something more. New Zealand had been good to me, but I felt a growing restlessness. I didn’t have a clear plan, but I knew one thing: I wanted to learn Japanese. The idea of mastering a new language seemed not only exciting but also potentially beneficial for my future. With that in mind, I began my journey with the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5, the first step in what would become a profound personal and cultural adventure.
Starting with JLPT N5 Preparation: The Beginning of a Journey
To prepare for the JLPT N5, I decided to take private lessons. My teacher was a gem, providing me with numerous shortcuts and techniques to grasp various grammar forms effectively. She drilled both the polite and short forms into me, ensuring I became proficient in them. Despite this, I quickly realized that mastering kanji, vocabulary, listening, and reading would be no small feat. Balancing my everyday responsibilities with studying proved challenging, and there were times when I wondered if I had taken on too much.
But the challenge only fueled my determination. In 2023, I made a life-changing decision: I quit my job and moved to Tokyo for seven weeks. This was no vacation—I enrolled in a language school and stayed with a homestay family, fully immersing myself in the language and culture. The experience was like jumping into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim. I struggled to understand conversations around me, but this “shock therapy” pushed me to work harder, especially on expanding my vocabulary and honing my language skills.
Immersed in Tokyo: A Crash Course in Japanese Life
During my time in Tokyo, I became intimately familiar with the textbook Minna no Nihongo, a staple for Japanese learners. I compared it to Genki 1, which I had used occasionally back in New Zealand, and found that Minna no Nihongosuited my learning style better. The intensive study routine, coupled with the real-life application of the language in daily interactions, accelerated my learning.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my stay in Tokyo was the friendships I formed. These connections went beyond the classroom, offering me a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. I experienced Japan not just as a tourist but as someone who was beginning to call it home. I navigated the intricacies of Japanese etiquette, commuted on crowded trains, enjoyed authentic Japanese cuisine, and even joined a local gym. These everyday experiences were invaluable, providing me with insights that no textbook could offer.
Exploring Beyond Tokyo: Nikko and Ikaho
While Tokyo was my base, I also took the opportunity to explore other parts of Japan. Trips to Nikko and Ikaho opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of the regions surrounding the capital. Whether it was the historic temples of Nikko or the soothing hot springs of Ikaho, each excursion deepened my appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
The Road to Passing JLPT N5
Despite the challenges, my time in Tokyo was transformative. When I returned to New Zealand in June 2024, I felt more prepared than ever to take the JLPT N5 in July. The listening section proved to be the most difficult, but the well-organized exam environment in New Zealand, complete with visible clocks and time warnings, helped me manage my time effectively.
In September 2024, I received my results: I had passed the JLPT N5. This achievement marked a significant milestone in my language learning journey. By then, I was already back in Japan, having moved to Osaka in August 2024 after a brief return to New Zealand. With my N5 certification in hand, I enrolled in a Japanese language school in Osaka, where I began studying for the N4/N3 exams.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues
Passing the JLPT N5 was just the beginning of my deeper journey into the Japanese language and culture. It was a milestone that gave me the confidence to continue pushing forward, despite the challenges that lay ahead. Learning a language is never a straight path—it’s a winding road with ups and downs, setbacks, and breakthroughs. But that’s what makes the journey so rewarding.
On August 26, 2024, I received the results of my latest test: I had failed the JLPT N3 by a narrow margin. While I performed well in the listening, kanji, and grammar sections, I fell short in the reading section, missing the overall passing score by just six points. It was a fair result, considering the limited time I had to prepare, but it was also a reminder of the areas I need to focus on. Despite the setback, I’m not discouraged. I might try again in December, armed with the knowledge of where I need to improve.
Conclusion: My Ongoing Love for Japan
My journey from New Zealand to Japan, from struggling with basic Japanese to tackling the complexities of the JLPT N3, has been anything but ordinary. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, discoveries, and unforgettable experiences. As I continue to study and immerse myself in Japanese culture, I’m reminded that learning is not just about passing exams—it’s about the connections we make, the experiences we share, and the growth we achieve along the way.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story inspires you to pursue your own language learning goals, no matter where the path may lead. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to reach out.
Marco
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