What made you join SSJ?

Until then, I had been focusing on input, like listening to podcasts and reading books. But when I actually talked to Japanese people, I often couldn’t recall the words I had learned, and I felt that input alone wasn’t enough. I also tried using chat services, but the conversations felt too perfect—almost like textbook Japanese—and not quite natural. That’s when I realized that talking with real people is the most important thing. Around that time, I was listening to Haruka’s and Mizuki’s podcasts, and that’s how I found out about SSJ. Before that, I had been taking private lessons on a different platform, but I started to feel that I wanted a more relaxed environment where I could speak more freely. When I heard about SSJ on the podcast, I thought, “If it’s a group, maybe it’s okay to make mistakes,” and that became the main reason I decided to join.

How was your first SSJ class?

To be honest, I was really nervous in my first class—so nervous that I was sweating.

But then I noticed that everyone else was nervous too, and that made me feel a bit more at ease.

As time went on, everyone became more friendly, and it naturally turned into a comfortable environment where it was easy to talk.

In private lessons, I used to feel pressure like, “I have to speak well,” but in group classes, that pressure is much lower, and I can relax more.

Before each class, I spend time preparing. I check the topic, organize my thoughts, do some shadowing, and imagine how the conversation might go. Preparing like that helps me feel more confident when I join the class.

Also, in group classes, I can learn a lot from other students. Being exposed to expressions and ideas that I wouldn’t come up with on my own is a big advantage.

Have you felt any changes or growth since joining SSJ?

About six months after joining SSJ, I was surprised by how much I had improved. I gained confidence, and words started to come out more naturally. Recently, I’ve been able to think in Japanese and speak without translating from English first, and it feels really good. In group classes, I can also learn from others, which gives me insights I wouldn’t get studying alone. My goals have also changed a lot. When I first started learning Japanese, my goal was to watch anime without subtitles.

But now, I want to connect with Japanese learners from all over the world. I also want to be able to use only Japanese when I travel to Japan, and someday, I’d like to live in Japan.

Message for those considering SSJ

If you’re thinking about joining SSJ, I’d definitely say, “Go for it.”

At first, everyone is nervous and makes a lot of mistakes. But by speaking together with others who are learning just like you, you’ll improve more than you expect. It’s a relaxed and friendly environment, and I think you’ll get results you didn’t expect. In group classes, you realize that you’re not the only one making mistakes, and that makes a big difference. You can learn through natural conversation, which is a very different—and more enjoyable—experience compared to studying grammar alone.

For people who want to live in Japan or actually use Japanese in real life, I think this is a very effective way to learn. Right now, I study Japanese not because I have to, but because I want to. Because I’m in an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes, I’ve gained confidence and feel more motivated to speak. I want to keep enjoying learning Japanese and continue improving.