Learning Japanese
Learning Japanese
Status: Ongoing
Started: 2023-06-01
Current Level: N4
Why Japanese?
I've always been fascinated by Japanese culture, from the food to the philosophy. Learning the language opens doors to:
- Reading manga and light novels in original form
- Understanding anime without subtitles
- Future travel to Japan (see Japan Trip Planning)
- Connecting with Japanese colleagues at work
Study Methods
Daily Practice
- Anki: 30 new cards + reviews (45 min)
- WaniKani: Kanji and vocabulary
- Podcasts: JapanesePod101 during commute
- Immersion: 1 hour of Japanese media
Weekly Goals
- Complete 2 chapters of Genki textbook
- Write 3 journal entries in Japanese
- Have one iTalki conversation session
Progress Tracking
| Metric | Current | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Kanji Known | 847 | 2000 |
| Vocabulary | ~3000 | 6000 |
| Grammar Points | N4 | N2 |
| Speaking Hours | 45 | 100 |
Resources
- Japanese Grammar Notes
- Favorite Japanese Media
- Genki I & II textbooks
- Tae Kim's Grammar Guide
Reflections
The compound effect from Book - Atomic Habits is real. After 7 months of consistent study, I can now:
- Read simple manga with a dictionary
- Have basic conversations
- Understand ~60% of slice-of-life anime
The key is showing up every day, even if just for 15 minutes.
Related
- Japan Trip Planning
- Language Learning Techniques