What made you join SSJ?

I first found out about SSJ through Haruka-sensei’s podcast, Haru no Nihongo. After listening to it, I became interested in SSJ and decided to join. I had been studying Japanese on my own from the very beginning, using textbooks like Genki to learn grammar and listening to Japanese-learning podcasts. However, I found the speaking part very difficult. I once tried a private lesson on another platform, but I got extremely nervous in a one-on-one setting and felt like it just wasn’t for me.

SSJ offers group classes—don’t you feel nervous?

I do feel a little nervous, but since the pressure isn’t all on me, I can relax a bit. Other students are also nervous, so it feels like we’re all in it together. In my trial class, I was with Haruka-sensei and another member, Miguel. Miguel was very kind, which made me feel comfortable as a fellow student. Haruka-sensei also had the same warm atmosphere as in her podcast, and I thought, “I can keep going in this kind of environment.” I felt that this method would really help me improve my speaking skills. At first, I couldn’t even introduce myself properly. I could more or less understand Japanese when I heard it, but I couldn’t respond in my own words. Now, I’ve learned more vocabulary and gradually gained confidence. I can speak faster, and words come out more smoothly than before. I feel that group lessons suit me better.

What do you think are the benefits of group lessons?

One benefit, as I mentioned earlier, is that the pressure isn’t all on me. Knowing that I’m not the only one feeling nervous helps me relax.

Another benefit is that I can learn by listening to other students. When I speak, I don’t always have time to think about grammar, but when others are speaking, I can think, “That’s a nice way to say it,” and try to imitate it in my head. Then I use those expressions in my own answers. I think this is one of the biggest advantages of group lessons.

Is there anything you keep in mind when taking classes?

I think it’s important to prepare well before class. I used to be very busy with work and sometimes couldn’t prepare. But after having an experience where I couldn’t perform well because I wasn’t prepared, I started making sure to study in advance. I look up unfamiliar words and think about my answers to the questions beforehand.

What is the atmosphere like in SSJ?

Everyone is friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. It’s easy to talk, so I feel comfortable participating. I also take part in activities like shadowing, club activities, and monthly campaigns where we write stories. There are many opportunities to use Japanese in different ways, which I think is great.

What are your future goals?

Before, I only had a vague goal of wanting to become fluent. But now, I have a clear goal of living in Japan. About three months ago, I visited Fukuoka and thought, “I want to live here.” In the future, depending on my work situation, I think it would be nice to split my time between Japan and Indonesia. If I have children, I would like to raise them in Japan. For that, I believe I’ll need at least a JLPT N2 level.

Message for those considering SSJ

If you’re unsure, I highly recommend trying a trial class. You can experience the teachers’ teaching style and the class atmosphere firsthand, and you’ll also meet other students at a similar level.

It can be hard to keep studying on your own, but having classmates motivates you to keep going. I think it’s a really great environment, and I definitely recommend it!