I'm going to Japanese language school in my 30's... and it's hard

Hi Josh, I'm thinking of attending Japanese language school in Fukuoka. I'm 70 years old.

Go for it, it's never too late! I started learning Japanese at 37. I didn't go to any school but I did my best to study by myself and practice speaking with a good friend who lives here in Switzerland. My plan was not to tell my wife and prank her once we went to Japan again. Three years later now, at 40, I would say I am more or less fully fluent (even when it comes to complex topics like science, geopolitics etc I can manage). We just came back from Japan and it was quite an adventure. My wife almost could not believe it when I suddenly dashed out rapid Japanese somewhere in a Ryokan in Gifu where the staff didn't understand any English. Also, it saved our butts because my wife had to go to a small hospital on the countryside and they could not speak a word of English there, not even the doctor. I spent half a day translating between nurses, doctors and my wife - after which she was fully convinced that my Japanese skill was not just a gimmick with a few sentences. I was a crazy experience, as I had been to Japan many times before but didn't know a word of Japanese and suddenly I could speak with everyone everywhere. Saved us trouble many time, not just the hospital. I already spoke 4 languages (Native German/Swiss Dialect, French, Finnish and English) which surely helped in some ways, particularly pronunciation, but it was difficult initially. Yet surely one of the most rewarding things I have chosen to do in the past three years. I especially felt flattered as I often got asked where in Japan Iived. Just keep it up, even if its a pain in the beginning, it's SO worth the trouble...

I attended the Japanese language school in Shibuya when I was 36. It’s been 7 years now since then. I am still living in Tokyo and I can still survive!

I did the same, at 30 I took a one way ticket for Japan and went to school to learn Japanese language. Moved from working life back to student's life. It was the best decision of my life, go for it, man!

I'm 40 and just registered to attend ISI next year. I don't know, moving to Japan is just a dream that I'm tired of pushing off. Time to make this happen while I still feel young at heart. Glad to see other non traditional students making similar moves

Hi Josh, congratulations on following your dream. Greetings from Kyoto, from a 52 year old Japanese language learner. がんばります

I'm planning to go to a language school in Japan when I'm 30 (I'm 27 now), it's nice to see a detailed routine in that perspective

Hi, Thank you for having an interest in the Japanese language. I admire your effort and dedication to learning it. As for Japanese Katakana words, even I, as a native Japanese speaker, sometimes get confused by them. They are supposed to be converted from English words, but they are sometimes modified in strange ways. Take your time and enjoy learning! I hope you understand my English. I've started re-learning English again. 応援してます！

So inspiring Josh! Subbed.

Hi Josh, good luck with your learning journey. Please keep us posted 🙂

thanks for sharing your journey with us!

I just got back from visiting Japan for a couple months. I am about to head back there for school as well, I'm also in my 30's. This is definitely inspiring and helps me feel comfortable knowing I'm not the only one my age doing this. You've gained a new follower! Can't wait to make it back soon. Good Luck on all your studying and adventures!

Hey Josh, I'm 35 and I thought about attending the Japanese language school but I doubted a lot about that. Your video helped me and motivated me not to stop and just do! Thank you and good luck to your channel! I'll be waiting for more videos!

We're on the same boat. Keep it up!

about to go for my first japanese class tomorrow, and your video popped out this morning! What a great coincidence, good luck to both of us! :)

You can do it! One piece of advice I would give is focusing on common verbs and adjectives. When people study a second language they usually don't learn through literacy so they miss a lot of the expressive nature of the language. Learning from children's books can help a lot. There are websites online where you can do this for free now.

Great video! Keep going!!

I just discovered your channel and I loved it so far keep up the good work

That's awesome, Josh! I'm in my mid forties and started learning Japanese over two years ago and I really love it. I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to following you on your journey.

Goodluck Brother!