Reflections on My Japanese Language Learning Experience

Reflections on My Japanese Language Learning Experience

By Lars Guo

Published: July 11, 2025

Opening Message:  

Hi folks! I hope you’re all doing well. Today’s blog is about what I’ve learned through studying—and continuing to study—Japanese. While many of these lessons apply specifically to Japanese, some may also resonate with learners of other languages like Chinese, Korean, German, Spanish, Arabic, and so on. Of course, not everything may transfer across languages, but I hope you enjoy reading and find something helpful!

Taken by me

1. Culture: A Different Way of Thinking 

Studying Japanese gave me deep insights into Japanese culture, which is quite different from American culture. In Japan, the group often matters more than the individual. Teamwork and supporting others are emphasized over personal success. This theme shows up frequently in anime, where standing out too much as an individual can be portrayed negatively.

Politeness and exceptional service are pillars of Japanese society. Being late is taken even more seriously than in the U.S., and proper etiquette—like giving gifts—is deeply embedded in daily life. When a friend gives you a gift, you're expected to return the gesture with something of equivalent value. It’s also common practice to bring back souvenirs for coworkers after a trip, which reflects the strong group-oriented mindset. In contrast, American culture tends to view breaks and vacations more individually, often without thinking much about the impact on coworkers.

Even casual hangouts in Japan may involve host gifts, something rarely expected in American social settings. All of this opened my eyes to a very different way of thinking about relationships and responsibilities.

2. A Whole New Writing and Grammar System 

Unlike English, which uses the Roman alphabet and follows a Subject-Verb-Object sentence structure, Japanese writing is composed of three scripts: Kanji (Chinese characters), Hiragana (Japanese native script), and Katakana (used mainly for foreign words). Sentences often follow a Subject-Object-Verb structure, which takes time to get used to.

Reading Japanese as an English speaker is challenging. Not only do you have to adjust to the grammar and script differences, but you also have to learn multiple meanings and readings for each Kanji character. Just because you know one meaning doesn’t mean you can read it correctly in every context.

3. Dedication and Discipline Are Essential

 Learning Japanese requires serious commitment. Between Kanji, grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and listening, there’s a lot to take in. If you’re aiming for professional-level fluency—especially for job opportunities in Japan—you’ll need to reach at least an advanced intermediate level.

Translation work in particular demands a deep understanding of Kanji and how it's paired with Hiragana to form meaning. It’s a long journey, but every step is rewarding if you stick with it.

4. Discovering How I Learn Best

Studying Japanese has helped me learn more about myself. I’ve come up with creative ways to study, like making my own comics, translating books I’ve always wanted to read in English, and curating my YouTube feed with only Japanese content using a separate Gmail account.

I even started making mini videos to help me memorize Kanji. I realized that traditional classroom settings don’t work as well for me—I need to think outside the box to stay motivated. These discoveries have made the learning process more engaging and personal.

How It Changed Me as a Person 

This journey gave me a new appreciation for Japanese culture. Now, when I stay at someone’s home, I naturally bring a host gift—something that’s much less common in American culture. I also learned that a simple gift like a Pokémon sticker might not cut it in Japan. As a foreigner, I may have gotten a pass, but I want to be more respectful going forward.

More than anything, I’ve learned that consistency and patience are key. There are days when I don’t feel like studying—but I do it anyway. I’ve learned to enjoy the process, embrace the challenges, and stay creative in how I approach language learning. I’ve also gotten better at finding ways to access Japanese content for free—and legally!

Closing Thoughts

Have you experienced something similar while learning Japanese? Or does this inspire you to start? I hope you enjoyed the blog, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day!

#Japanese Language #Language Learning #Learn Japanese #Studying Japanese #Japanese Culture #Cultural Awareness #Kanji Practice #Grammar Differences #Language Motivation #Self Study #Creative Learning #Language Journey #Language Dedication #Anime and Culture #Multilingual Mindset #Foreign Language Learning #Language Insights #Language Tips #Lars Guo Writes #Blog on Language Learning