Japanese is a fascinating language, but studying it can be a challenge. Whether it’s the complex writing system, the unfamiliar sentence structure, the heavy emphasis on honorifics, or the plethora of particles, there will inevitably be times when you will feel utterly perplexed and ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?!” So, if you are thinking about studying Japanese, you are going to need some motivation. And one way to be motivated is to have some simple, realistic, but enjoyable language goals.
In a previous article I have already listed some practical reasons for studying Japanese. But now I’d like to focus on the more impractical reasons. Practicality is after all, entirely overrated. In my case, for example, I wanted to study Japanese because I was interested in Japanese poetry and art, both of which have no practical value whatsoever — but are of infinite value for the soul.
So here are seven impractical but very fulfilling and fun reasons why you should study Japanese.
1. The Geek Factor
Love manga? Love anime? Love games? Are you a massive otaku for Japanese geek culture? Why wait for the best material to be translated when you can read, watch and play it in the original language? Many people find themselves inadvertently drawn into Japanese language study through their interest in Japanese comics, games and animated movies, and it makes sense. The enjoyable element keeps them motivated, and both grammar and vocabulary can be more easily absorbed in such a memorable context. Using all of these diverse materials as your primary source materials will also give you a solid grounding in the key areas of reading and listening.
2. The Cool Factor
There’s no question that achieving proficiency in Japanese is pretty cool. And it should be! Learning Japanese takes a lot of time, effort, and determination, and that makes you special! However, this is not just an excuse to show off to your friends. Acquiring such an unusual skill will make you stand out from the crowd and boost your self-confidence. And this in turn will create a virtuous circle, because the more self-confident you become, the easier it will be to practice your second language and learn even more!
3. Travel
Imagine how much even a little Japanese language ability can enhance and enrich your experience when traveling in Japan. If you can throw out a little more than the occasional arigato and sumimasen, and actually have some simple friendly conversations with the people you encounter on your trip, it will create happy memories that will stay with you forever. Setting a date for your trip will also give you a fixed goal to add impetus to your studies. Keep that dream trip in your mind, and it should get you through the hardest study periods!
4. Ordering Sushi
Do you know your saba (mackerel) from your shake (salmon) ? Your ebi (shrimp) from your ika (squid)? Your unagi (eel) from your uni (urchin)? Study in advance and order sushi like a pro. That way you’ll know exactly what you’re eating, and how to order it again. And what more memorable context for language acquisition could there be than a sushi bar? The taste is unforgettable, so the language should be too!
5. Karaoke
If you ever live and work in Japan then karaoke participation is a requisite of office parties. Why fall back on Stevie Wonder when you can impress your coworkers with a heartfelt enka rendition or get the party bouncing with some lively J-pop? Studying songs is also a great way to pick up vocabulary, and improve your intonation and pronunciation. Just choose a song you like, and get studying.
6. Making Friends
As most Japanese either can’t speak English, or lack confidence in their English language ability, you will definitely need to learn the language if you want to make Japanese friends. But the general lack of English ability in Japan, is actually a real boon to your Japanese studies. Unlike some countries where English language ability is common, Japanese people will be happy even when you speak to them with the most basic, beginner-level sentences. And what purpose does a language serve if it doesn’t help us to connect with other people? Making friends through the medium of Japanese should be your ultimate aim.
7. Japanese Is Beautiful
Japanese is an elegant language with gentle intonation, a fluid rhythm, a strong emphasis on politeness, humility, and respect, and almost no cursing. The language has a long and diverse literary heritage too, which includes the world’s first novel, and poetry composition as a popular pastime. And if you have ever seen any Japanese calligraphy, you will know it has a strong visual aesthetic too. Endlessly pleasing on the ear and the eye, it is a joy to converse in Japanese and just as delightful to read it.
Get Started
One of the most popular Japanese textbooks for beginners is the two-volume Genki series. These are comprehensive elementary Japanese course books designed to build the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Minna no Nihongo is a more immersive textbook that is often used in classrooms, but if you are just getting started and plan to study on your own, Genki is probably less daunting.
Alternatively, you can try Tae Kim’s online Guide to Learning Japanese. A lot of people swear by it, and it does have the advantage of being completely FREE.
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Full text by Micheál O’Luain. All rights reserved.
Top image: Portrait of Oe no Mochitoki by Kikuchi Yosai – Public Domain.