2:18 Same feeling, I get lost in places like big buildings and stations. Sometimes I end up entering the train going towards the opposite direction. Many times I come out of the wrong exit gate and have to circle around.
おつかれさまでした！I’m Japanese. This reminds me of my first day at the English school in the US… My English was horrible at the time, and I was overwhelmed by the public bus system to get to the school. I remember how nervous I was even asking the bus driver how to get off the bus 😂 Wishing you the best of luck in Japan!!
I would say it’s because I think you stated you’re an older guy (like me) and you show every little detail regarding your new life in Japan. I find it relatable. I don’t live in Japan but I’d certainly like to attend a language school there short-term one year.
@mrmatz408 Many schools offer courses from a couple of weeks or months and more. My current school also has 1-year and 18-month programs with visa support.
ありがとう！ My original plan was to give monthly updates how classes are going and how I am improving my Japanese over time. However, time itself is an issue and it simply don't have the dedication for such a series. So, I intend to do a 6-month update over the next semester break.
Hi How’s it going? I caught up with your videos of Toronto prior to Japan. You certainly had an adventure getting there. I noticed Yu said you travel a lot and went to Vietnam, What’s that like? Would you recommend it for a visit and why? You also mentioned that you were leaving Canada. Wow. Big move. Any reason you might like to share??
Hi. Thank you for watching and asking. I was in Ho Chi Minh City for about 5 months in 2014/2015. While I liked the vibe of HCMC, I was calling Bangkok home at that time, so I wanted to go back. Seeing as it was years ago, I understand the city has changed a lot, so I cannot really comment on what it is now. Visit? Sure - people usually speak highly of Dalat and Da Nang, however, I only ever saw HCMC. I have lived in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver (Canada’s bigger cities), I’ve lived in Australia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Japan, and Japan just feels good for me. I like so much about it (as you’ll watch on this channel), and I have always wanted to live and work abroad. And learn another language. Japanese works for my interests and goals. And so, here I am. :)
Cool that language poster at 6:18 is very interesting. : ) I teach Chinese and use a similar poster but like this one here in the video a lot better. : )
Those same posters are in each classroom. Friendly reminders of the rules of engagement. Hope your teaching is going well? Mandarin has always been interesting to me.
@@makaizaku Haha, my teaching is going great, thank you for asking. : ) By the way, is there a video that explains your background? (As in, what you were working as in Canada, for how long, and how you saved the money to go to study in Japan.) Awesome editing by the way! 頑張ってください！！
Glad to hear. Good question. 日本に来る前はクルーズ船で働いていました。 My other TH-cam channel is about working on cruise ships: 'Dan Overboard" th-cam.com/users/DANOVERBOARDvlogs This allowed me to save the money I needed to take the year off to study.
I was in Shinjuku where I stayed, shibuya, Okinawa, Beppu to stay at a traditional inn, Hokkaida, Hiroshima, Kyoto etc. Not sure I spelled those all correctly. Such a great trip. The food was an issue for me but I have digestive issues. I got by. Missing it there. Forgot Osaka. I understand that it might be difficult to film and learn in class. Sure you can describe it. I am struggling with Kanji. Using Kanji look and learn but am confused. Still trying as Kanji is important. My younger daughter was born in Toronto and I have lived all over Canada. Vancouver is lovely but pretty damp and miserable now.Take care and keep up the good work.
You've travelled well. Kanji is difficult, yet, surprisingly, it is sometimes easier to recognize and understand the meaning versus hiragana alone. 頑張って！
you should get an IC card instead of buying a train ticket each time. makes commuting way easier. i dont think i've ever bought a physical ticket, just tapped the card
This has been a common piece of advice I hear. I cannot even say why I haven't got one (because my initial logic seems to be incorrect). Still, I cycle more than anything. It's just these videos where I'm buying tickets to show those who may not know.
I will now add my equipment to the description: Equipment (not affiliated): - GoPro Hero 10 Black - GoPro Media Mod - Hollyland Lark M1 Wirelss Lavalier - Rode Video Mic Go ii - Smatree Q3S Telescoping Selfie Stick with Tripod - Ulanzi GP-4 4 in 1 Magnetic Mount Adapter Which institute will you study with?
I'll come to Japan this year on April to study Japanese language at Japanese language school. I'm so excited but kinda nervous at the same time because I'm afraid that I will unable to speak Japanese really good and unable to get a part time jobs there. I have a question to ask, is it easy to get a part time jobs in Japan? will the school help us to find the part time jobs? or, do we need to find it by ourselves?
It is natural to be nervous, I think. I was very excited to come and study. However, learning a language is a big task. As long as you self-study and practice speaking daily, you will improve over time. I don't want to say it is easy to find a part-time job, but not impossible. Most students work in convenience stores or retail shops where a little Japanese is necessary. My school, and I believe most, do not help to find work. The priority is to study, so the school helping to find you a job takes away from the focus of studying.
@@makaizaku Thank you!! I'm so nervous for the interview, it's been a while since I last studied japanese. Did they do another interview once your classes started?
@@A-bp9hq Don't be nervous. GenkiJACS' admin and teachers are great! They are there to help you, and you'll be placed appropriately. We do interviews every term as part of our exams. The grading determines your progress and if your class placement is appropriate.
Im currently saving up money to be able to come to Japan and study at a language school! I want to be able to permanently live in Japan one day so I really hope doing this would help 🥺
I had and have the same goal as you. I hope to improve my ability ongoing and create a life here in Japan. When do you plan to come to Japan? What are your long-term goals?
As I have heard, yes, definitely. Especially rental costs. I did live in Tokyo briefly over a decade ago, and didn't find it expensive compared to Vancouver where I was living prior. Vancouver felt more expensive is some regards. Comparing Fukuoka and Tokyo, I would say Fukuoka is less expensive. Are you deciding between the two to relocate?
That's a great and common question I get. Truthfully, I would have preferred Osaka. However, my school of choice, the course start time, length of the course, and the visa support all landed on the Fukuoka branch. Osaka was an option for a different start time, shorter course length, and no visa support. Nagoya was an option, however Fukuoka seemed best for me given the timeline.
What level of Japanese is this? Im really scared because my japanese level and mastery is really low but im coming to japan soon to study. What level is the class your attending in this video.
If you are scared you should actually be excited because you have a lot to learn. Most schools require you to at the very least memorize the Katakana and Hiragana chart. If you got that on lock down you are going to study so much faster than if you have to keep looking up what each character is.
My level was initially classed as a sort of half-step above beginner. I am technically in the beginner class now, yet I started in another class first, and in that class we began studying halfway thru the beginner book. It is true, my school will at least require you to know both hiragana and katakana. But don't be scared! You'll be placed appropriately, and the teachers at GenjiJACS are all great! What are your goals for studying? 頑張って！
@@makaizaku I see. Im not really heading to the same school you mentioned. What I fear is that being place in a class with different level of Japanese, idk if its true.. but the scenario is there will be people in your class that are way ahead of you and such and so I fear that I'll have to struggle catching up without everyone else rather than move at a phase close to what I can do. My ultimate goal is to be really proficient in Japanese language and adapt well. But my small and attainable goal is to have decent Nihingo and be able to find part time job.
@marksun4292 I was placed in a class that was much more proficient than I was. I did my best and ultimately sef-decided to move to a lower-level class. Learning Japanese requires a lot of self-study and daily practice. If you are proactive and can learn the concept well and use them, you'll learn quicker. If you struggle, it's OK. I am sure your teachers and classmates will help you in the best way!
@@makaizaku oh I hope we have that option too, to move to a lower level. I'm honestly excited and hope I'll be someone who really study. But I already assumed it will be problematic🤣. How long are you at school now? How good your nihongo is nowadays, compared to when you came.
Since being in Japan, I have seen some Japanese using sign language (JSL). Have you used it, or ASL, or other? I am indebted to Google Translate as well. I use it daily for studying and general translations. I also use the camera/image to text translation a lot to!
I think strictly Honshu for the first time. I wanted to go from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto/Nara for maybe 4 days (Kyoto temple walk, Nara deer park, Osaka eating) then go to Hiroshima to pay my respects at peace park and see that famous water gate. After that I don't have a plan, I wanted to go to all the Godzilla rides at the various amusement parks. also ONSEN ONSEN ONSEN as much as possible. @@makaizaku
@@makaizaku Coming back to this comment and am curious if in the last 2 months have you progressed as much as you wanted to and are you happy with the GenkiJACS learning methods.
@@diablo3schizle I have progressed, yes. As much as I wanted? Not sure how to gauge that. It's a process over time, and some things I surprise myself with and many basic things still escape me. GenkiJACS is great. However, I do encourage people to use the language outside of class. And if the JLTP is your goal, you'll need to get supplement materials that are structured for the test itself.
@@makaizaku we want more 面白い videos . Hope you are safe and happy enough. I should probably stick to learning Japanese here alone in my room. Can't handle that many NPC's at once.
Have you been to Japan? Studied here? How was/is it for you?
2:18 Same feeling, I get lost in places like big buildings and stations. Sometimes I end up entering the train going towards the opposite direction. Many times I come out of the wrong exit gate and have to circle around.
The trials and tribulations in the art of finding one's way. 頑張って！
@@makaizaku ありがとう、頑張りましょう
おつかれさまでした！I’m Japanese. This reminds me of my first day at the English school in the US… My English was horrible at the time, and I was overwhelmed by the public bus system to get to the school. I remember how nervous I was even asking the bus driver how to get off the bus 😂 Wishing you the best of luck in Japan!!
And look how far you've come! Incredible! How long ago was this for you?
I could hope my Japanese improves as your English has.
おつかれさまでした！
Life in Japan seems very interesting, good luck in your new life there Dan😊😊
It really is. Thank you so much! Maybe you'll visit one day.
Yes, I would like to visit someday 😊
Great! We'll see you soon, then!
Sure, always take care.
Nice video! I'm planning to study Japanese too in Japan this summer! がんばりましょう！
That's great! With GenkiJACS or another school?
頑張りましょう！
@@makaizaku I'm gonna study in Tokyo :)
Let's us know how it goes!
Great video mate I will be going to a language school in Japan next year. Subbed!!
That's great! Which school?
And what are you goals for studying?
Awesome video, thank you for sharing your experience!
Thank you for watching! Have you been to Japan or studied Japanese?
@@makaizaku Yes I've been to Japan 5 years ago and I'm planning to come to learn Japanese at GenkiJacs next year 😄
Awesome! Where were you then? どこに住んでましたか？
Will you study at the Fukuoka branch?
I'm glad I found your channel, it's quite interesting and different from the Japanese videos I normally watch on TH-cam.
Thank you for watching! I am curious, what makes mine different from others you have seen?
I would say it’s because I think you stated you’re an older guy (like me) and you show every little detail regarding your new life in Japan. I find it relatable. I don’t live in Japan but I’d certainly like to attend a language school there short-term one year.
@mrmatz408 Many schools offer courses from a couple of weeks or months and more. My current school also has 1-year and 18-month programs with visa support.
ミックアイジック sounds cool imo. Good luck with your studies がんばってね
ミ instead of マ could be more accurate for some. I think I use マ myself... This is why it's been tricky to pinpoint the katakana spelling.
ミッカイジャク also sounds cool, I'm just spit balling ideas, it's up to you. Have fun in Japan. ❤
Can you do a video updating us on how the classes are going? ☺️ thank you! Love the videos.
ありがとう！
My original plan was to give monthly updates how classes are going and how I am improving my Japanese over time. However, time itself is an issue and it simply don't have the dedication for such a series. So, I intend to do a 6-month update over the next semester break.
Hi How’s it going? I caught up with your videos of Toronto prior to Japan. You certainly had an adventure getting there. I noticed Yu said you travel a lot and went to Vietnam, What’s that like? Would you recommend it for a visit and why? You also mentioned that you were leaving Canada. Wow. Big move.
Any reason you might like to share??
Hi. Thank you for watching and asking.
I was in Ho Chi Minh City for about 5 months in 2014/2015. While I liked the vibe of HCMC, I was calling Bangkok home at that time, so I wanted to go back. Seeing as it was years ago, I understand the city has changed a lot, so I cannot really comment on what it is now. Visit? Sure - people usually speak highly of Dalat and Da Nang, however, I only ever saw HCMC.
I have lived in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver (Canada’s bigger cities), I’ve lived in Australia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Japan, and Japan just feels good for me. I like so much about it (as you’ll watch on this channel), and I have always wanted to live and work abroad. And learn another language. Japanese works for my interests and goals.
And so, here I am. :)
苦労やストレスもたくさんあると思いますが健康に気をつけて頑張ってください
食べ物、人、交通、観光、博多はどれをとっても魅力的な街だと思います
応援しています
You are so right! And I agree. Thank you for your advice and support 🙏
ありがとうございます！
がんばって
頑張りましょうね！
Cool that language poster at 6:18 is very interesting. : ) I teach Chinese and use a similar poster but like this one here in the video a lot better. : )
Those same posters are in each classroom. Friendly reminders of the rules of engagement.
Hope your teaching is going well? Mandarin has always been interesting to me.
@@makaizaku Haha, my teaching is going great, thank you for asking. : ) By the way, is there a video that explains your background? (As in, what you were working as in Canada, for how long, and how you saved the money to go to study in Japan.) Awesome editing by the way! 頑張ってください！！
Glad to hear.
Good question. 日本に来る前はクルーズ船で働いていました。
My other TH-cam channel is about working on cruise ships: 'Dan Overboard" th-cam.com/users/DANOVERBOARDvlogs
This allowed me to save the money I needed to take the year off to study.
I was in Shinjuku where I stayed, shibuya, Okinawa, Beppu to stay at a traditional inn, Hokkaida, Hiroshima, Kyoto etc. Not sure I spelled those all correctly. Such a great trip. The food was an issue for me but I have digestive issues. I got by. Missing it there. Forgot Osaka. I understand that it might be difficult to film and learn in class. Sure you can describe it. I am struggling with Kanji. Using Kanji look and learn but am confused. Still trying as Kanji is important. My younger daughter was born in Toronto and I have lived all over Canada. Vancouver is lovely but pretty damp and miserable now.Take care and keep up the good work.
You've travelled well.
Kanji is difficult, yet, surprisingly, it is sometimes easier to recognize and understand the meaning versus hiragana alone.
頑張って！
you should get an IC card instead of buying a train ticket each time. makes commuting way easier. i dont think i've ever bought a physical ticket, just tapped the card
This has been a common piece of advice I hear. I cannot even say why I haven't got one (because my initial logic seems to be incorrect). Still, I cycle more than anything. It's just these videos where I'm buying tickets to show those who may not know.
I'm going to be attending a language school for a month this summer! Super excited. May I ask what this was filmed on? It has great quality!
I will now add my equipment to the description:
Equipment (not affiliated):
- GoPro Hero 10 Black
- GoPro Media Mod
- Hollyland Lark M1 Wirelss Lavalier
- Rode Video Mic Go ii
- Smatree Q3S Telescoping Selfie Stick with Tripod
- Ulanzi GP-4 4 in 1 Magnetic Mount Adapter
Which institute will you study with?
Thank you very much! I'm going to be studying with Kyoto International Academy :)
頑張って！
I'll come to Japan this year on April to study Japanese language at Japanese language school. I'm so excited but kinda nervous at the same time because I'm afraid that I will unable to speak Japanese really good and unable to get a part time jobs there.
I have a question to ask, is it easy to get a part time jobs in Japan? will the school help us to find the part time jobs? or, do we need to find it by ourselves?
Good question
It is natural to be nervous, I think. I was very excited to come and study. However, learning a language is a big task. As long as you self-study and practice speaking daily, you will improve over time.
I don't want to say it is easy to find a part-time job, but not impossible. Most students work in convenience stores or retail shops where a little Japanese is necessary.
My school, and I believe most, do not help to find work. The priority is to study, so the school helping to find you a job takes away from the focus of studying.
I have the same concerns as you hahaha coming this april too hopefully. Hope you'll do well.
@@marksun4292 I'll give you an update next month lol
do you remember the level check by any chance?
Mine was a Zoom call / interview while I was onboard a cruise ship. If you are remote / overseas, I imagine it would be the same.
@@makaizaku Thank you!! I'm so nervous for the interview, it's been a while since I last studied japanese. Did they do another interview once your classes started?
@@A-bp9hq Don't be nervous. GenkiJACS' admin and teachers are great! They are there to help you, and you'll be placed appropriately.
We do interviews every term as part of our exams. The grading determines your progress and if your class placement is appropriate.
@@makaizaku That's amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!
@@A-bp9hq 頑張って!
Im currently saving up money to be able to come to Japan and study at a language school! I want to be able to permanently live in Japan one day so I really hope doing this would help 🥺
I had and have the same goal as you. I hope to improve my ability ongoing and create a life here in Japan.
When do you plan to come to Japan?
What are your long-term goals?
that's a lot of walking haha I miss it
Gotta get those daily steps in, right!
Hey I wanted to ask you: are you also working part time during school?
At this immediate moment I am not working yet. However, I have a part-time job (アルバイト) starting soon.
Is Fukuoka les expensiv than tokyo?
As I have heard, yes, definitely. Especially rental costs. I did live in Tokyo briefly over a decade ago, and didn't find it expensive compared to Vancouver where I was living prior. Vancouver felt more expensive is some regards. Comparing Fukuoka and Tokyo, I would say Fukuoka is less expensive.
Are you deciding between the two to relocate?
Just out of curiosity. Why did you choose this school in this city? Why not Tokyo or Osaka or something like that?
That's a great and common question I get.
Truthfully, I would have preferred Osaka. However, my school of choice, the course start time, length of the course, and the visa support all landed on the Fukuoka branch. Osaka was an option for a different start time, shorter course length, and no visa support. Nagoya was an option, however Fukuoka seemed best for me given the timeline.
@@makaizaku Ah, makes sense. Thank you. Good luck on your endeavor. Fukuoka and Hakata look good actually. ☺
Can you tell me what city this is?
This city is Fukuoka (福岡). The school is in Hakata and near Hakata station (博多駅).
@@makaizaku thanks
What level of Japanese is this? Im really scared because my japanese level and mastery is really low but im coming to japan soon to study. What level is the class your attending in this video.
If you are scared you should actually be excited because you have a lot to learn. Most schools require you to at the very least memorize the Katakana and Hiragana chart. If you got that on lock down you are going to study so much faster than if you have to keep looking up what each character is.
My level was initially classed as a sort of half-step above beginner. I am technically in the beginner class now, yet I started in another class first, and in that class we began studying halfway thru the beginner book.
It is true, my school will at least require you to know both hiragana and katakana.
But don't be scared! You'll be placed appropriately, and the teachers at GenjiJACS are all great!
What are your goals for studying?
頑張って！
@@makaizaku I see. Im not really heading to the same school you mentioned. What I fear is that being place in a class with different level of Japanese, idk if its true.. but the scenario is there will be people in your class that are way ahead of you and such and so I fear that I'll have to struggle catching up without everyone else rather than move at a phase close to what I can do. My ultimate goal is to be really proficient in Japanese language and adapt well. But my small and attainable goal is to have decent Nihingo and be able to find part time job.
@marksun4292 I was placed in a class that was much more proficient than I was. I did my best and ultimately sef-decided to move to a lower-level class. Learning Japanese requires a lot of self-study and daily practice. If you are proactive and can learn the concept well and use them, you'll learn quicker. If you struggle, it's OK. I am sure your teachers and classmates will help you in the best way!
@@makaizaku oh I hope we have that option too, to move to a lower level. I'm honestly excited and hope I'll be someone who really study. But I already assumed it will be problematic🤣. How long are you at school now? How good your nihongo is nowadays, compared to when you came.
wow, I'm deaf. I mean I lost my hearing in high school and college but I am completely deaf and thank God for google translate on the iphone
Since being in Japan, I have seen some Japanese using sign language (JSL). Have you used it, or ASL, or other?
I am indebted to Google Translate as well. I use it daily for studying and general translations. I also use the camera/image to text translation a lot to!
yeah I can do ASL. with my cochlear implant I get on very well with most english speakers @@makaizaku
forgot to mention I am planning a trip to Japan. I'm hoping first 2 weeks of March.@@makaizaku
Great! Where are you planning to go then?
I think strictly Honshu for the first time. I wanted to go from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto/Nara for maybe 4 days (Kyoto temple walk, Nara deer park, Osaka eating) then go to Hiroshima to pay my respects at peace park and see that famous water gate. After that I don't have a plan, I wanted to go to all the Godzilla rides at the various amusement parks. also ONSEN ONSEN ONSEN as much as possible. @@makaizaku
Mik-I-zik or Mik-I-zak? I always tell them the same thing: “How dare you speak to me.”
😂 Classic!
Do they accept students over 30 years old??
Absolutely.
What would you say your Japanese level is at currently?
Beginner. N5 level.
@@makaizaku Coming back to this comment and am curious if in the last 2 months have you progressed as much as you wanted to and are you happy with the GenkiJACS learning methods.
@@diablo3schizle I have progressed, yes. As much as I wanted? Not sure how to gauge that. It's a process over time, and some things I surprise myself with and many basic things still escape me. GenkiJACS is great. However, I do encourage people to use the language outside of class. And if the JLTP is your goal, you'll need to get supplement materials that are structured for the test itself.
Why don't you just get an ICC card or use an app?
You're right. It's much easier.
あなたの仕事は何ですか？
日本に来る前はクルーズ船で働いていました。
My other TH-cam channel is about working on cruise ships: 'Dan Overboard" th-cam.com/users/DANOVERBOARDvlogs
the train station sure is overwhelming to anyone without any Japanese language experience. NPC overload.
I need a HUD to navigate new areas like this!
@@makaizaku we want more 面白い videos . Hope you are safe and happy enough. I should probably stick to learning Japanese here alone in my room. Can't handle that many NPC's at once.
@@Snow-plex I have so many videos to produce. I have been studying for the JLTP so I haven't been able to edit much lately...
頑張りましょう!
What’s up with that creepy music?
Which part?