Comments on: Interview: Michael Gakuran

By: Gakuranman

Gakuranman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:39:44 +0000

Gotta love old Socrates ;)

By: David LaSpina / JapanDave

David LaSpina / JapanDave — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:21:36 +0000

Great Interview. It was nice to learn a little more about you, Michael. Studying Japanese isn't always easy, and so it's always wonderful to read about people who have beaten the curve and obtained some proficiency at it. I admire your determination to do just that, and while so young. I often wish I had begun studying Japanese a bit before moving here. Ah yes, and that Socrates quotation.. “As for me, all I know is that I know nothing”. Despite studying and being more interested in Eastern philosophy than Western, that has been my favorite quotation since high school. I'm sure I annoyed many of my “cafe” buddies in college by *always* quoting it.

By: Gakuranman

Gakuranman — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:44:05 +0000

Thanks for the comment Brett :). I guess I did a lot of different things that weren't out of the textbook, but they were really just a result of enjoying learning the language. As you rightly said, rather than me looking for things to motivate me, they came naturally as an extension of being fascinated by so many parts of Japan. This seems to be the key to success more than using special techniques or learning methods (although they can speed up one's progress :) ).

By: Rainbowhill

Rainbowhill — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 05:35:34 +0000

Great interview Philip, and also very interesting to hear more about your development as a language learner Michael. I think what really stands out for me is your curiosity and initiative when it came to seeking out authentic experiences with Japanese. From pushing for classes in school so you could develop your interest, to seeking out friendships with Japanese people and then immersing yourself in the culture through sports and other activities it seems as though you have really embraced Japan. For anyone learning Japanese and just starting out you really could find no better role model to emulate. Too often people think just about a the tools, and the tactics, on a really small scale when it comes to learning the language. To maintain your motivation over a long period, Japanese has to be something you have a really deep interest in it. Thanks for sharing the bigger picture Michael, and for bringing it to us Philip.

By: Harvey

Harvey — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:38:14 +0000

Good stuff! I love learning more about the “personal” lives of my J-Blog and Twitter friends :-) Thanks for sharing!

By: Gakuranman

Gakuranman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:37:21 +0000

You mean using computers and such? I was thinking more along the lines of taking calligraphy classes and getting messy with ink ^^;. Although word has it there are apps for the iphone that mimic the experience. No idea what they are like though…

By: caughtredhanded

caughtredhanded — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:28:45 +0000

Great interview. Always good to get a behind-the-scenes look at our people. Good job!

By: drayomi

drayomi — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:44:08 +0000

Thanks for responding! ;)I shall take up your recommendation. It sounds enjoyable, and since I am an artist it might make learning Kanji that much easier. Do you know of any resources for learning Japanese Calligraphy? :)

By: Gakuranman

Gakuranman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:08:54 +0000

Glad to hear it :). Kanji is quite tough, but they are also very enjoyable to learn. I'd especially recommend learning calligraphy if you can – it really helped me to see the characters as artistic with deeper meanings.

By: drayomi

drayomi — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:38:21 +0000

Thanks you for this interview! I always thought the end product was what I should always be thinking towards, but you have allowed me to realize that my journey so far has been a blast despite the low level of my Japanese. But, if I think about it, I have learned a ton in the last three months. I didn't even know Hiragana or Katakana existed three months ago, and now I can read them off by heart. :)Anyway, Gakuranman, would you say that Kanji is the most difficult part of Japanese, or the most enjoyable?