[kanedova]

hey Nyororin,
I just wanted to congratulate you on your great success. Since I am myself going to Japan this Summer I read through your stories intensively. My aim will be to learn as much Japanese as possible within 6 months and then decide where to continue my studies. I am 22 years old and am half Japanese half Swiss, but since I've forgotten (!) how to speak Japanese when I was younger, i will attempt a second go.

You were talking about Free Japanese classes. Do you know where to get more information about that? I will be staying in Wakayama at my nearly 80 year old Grandma's place. I have about $18,000 so saving as much money as possible is crucial. I might even need to find a part-time job, whilst there. Since I own the Japanese Passport, i won't encounter any Visa problems.

My goal will be to integrate as fast as possible into the Japanese Life and with a bit of luck, even get a girl. I will try to neglect hanging out with foreigners and would rather try to further improve my language.

I had a similar situation as you when I was about 16 years old. At that time, it didn't work out in Switzerland so I decided to go to my Dad in Thailand. It was very tough at the beginning. I had to adapt to the culture and eventually i managed to hang out with Thais and after only 1.5 years spoke the Language perfectly (including writting). I am quite proud on this accomplishment and hope I will be able to re-live this experience this coming Summer in japan.

I am glad you could share your experience with us on this Forum and I admire your power to fight through the tough life of getting started in Japan.