Ever wondered what it’s like to be a language student living in Osaka? Lee, a Go! Go! Nihon student, has taken the time to answer a few of our questions about his experience.
Hi Lee, tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from?
I’m from America. From Minnesota, more specifically from a small little town called New London. I was working as a woodworker, playing video games and studying Japanese in my spare time. I lived out in the countryside so there wasn’t much for me to do.
When did you arrive in Japan?
The 2nd of January, 2019.
What brought you here? (What do you like the most about Japanese culture?)
There is so much! The culture, architecture, the history, and their food! I want to experience Japanese life as well. It’s so different from America. The buildings are very tall because they are running out of room to expand so the only way to get bigger is by building taller buildings. Their food is more natural with less preservatives so it tastes so good! As for the culture it’s one thing I’m still trying to figure out. I can’t quite put it into words yet. Because it is very unique.
Their culture is very kind so they make me feel like I’m at home. Even when I was homesick. When I first arrived in Japan my roommate, who is Japanese, welcomed me with open arms.
Have you been to Japan before?
Yes, back in 2017. I went to Akamonkai for one month for the Otaku Japan Study Trip. We went to school 5 days a week and on our spare time Studytrip.com staff took us all over Tokyo! Even to Chiba!
How was your experience as a study trip student? What did you enjoy the most?
The robot restaurant was probably the best part. I could try to explain but… really you can’t put the experience into words. The staff was very knowledgeable and helped me with any questions I had concerning my school or getting around in Tokyo.
Are you attending a language school long-term at the moment?
Yes, I am currently going to Arc Academy in Osaka.
Why did you choose Osaka to study abroad in Japan?
Hmm, when I was in Tokyo everyone told me that people from Osaka are more friendly than people in Tokyo. Tokyo is a business city so everyone is very busy. I want to make plenty of Japanese friends so I chose Osaka. Tokyo has so much to see but Osaka has Kobe, Nara, Kyoto all close-by.
How is your experience at the school so far?
My experience at school has been great. The teachers are very nice and they seem to really care about how you like it in Japan, and if you have any questions they will always be there to help. As for classes they are very good! It’s a little difficult but I definitely feel like I’m learning more and more each day.
How is your regular day at school?
Usually, we start with Hiragana and Katakana, and then we practice making sentences. After, we practice speaking.
Where do you usually go after class?
Sometimes I go and hang out with a classmate and have a cup of coffee and review what we learned today. I also try to go to meet-ups after school to practice my Japanese with native Japanese speakers. Other times I just go home and relax.
Do you have a favourite place in Osaka?
It would probably have to be Nipponbashi. It’s not as crowded as Dotonbori but has plenty of anime shops, arcades, and restaurants to try out! Which makes it perfect for exploring by yourself or with a friend!
Which other places would you like to visit in Japan?
I would like to visit Hokkaido which I have heard receives the most snowfall in the world! I would also like to go to southern Japan near Nagasaki, the landscape is very beautiful there.
What’s your favourite Japanese dish?
Ramen!
Would you recommend living and studying Japanese in Japan?
Yes. Japan has changed my life in so many ways and I’ve only been here for one month. I used to be very shy before I came to Japan, by taking this step in my life I have gotten very brave.
Anywhere you want to go in Japan you can just get on a train and go. The culture is so different from anywhere else. I plan on staying 1 year so I’m sure I will have many great experiences and many friends will join me along the way! Hopefully you will visit Japan someday.
Thanks a lot Lee for your testimonial. We wish you all the best of luck with your studies in Japan.
