Why are you studying Japanese?

The main reason I study Japanese is for life in Japan. Originally, my partner was working in Japan, so I began studying Japanese so we could live together. I moved to Tokyo in 2021.

Right now, the biggest challenge I face in learning Japanese is “words that you can’t learn from textbooks.” I passed JLPT N1, but many of the words Japanese people use in everyday conversation don’t appear in textbooks. On top of that, they speak quickly and use difficult vocabulary. I especially feel that textbook language alone isn’t enough to make friends.

Why did you join SSJ?

I learned about SSJ through Haruka’s podcast. Since I live in Japan, learning Japanese is essential for me. I also work with Japanese colleagues, so I’ve tried various methods like joining business communication classes and using AI-based Japanese learning apps.

SSJ was one of those methods, and I joined to practice conversation. At first, I was very nervous, but once I joined a class, I found the atmosphere really welcoming. One of the members in the same class strongly recommended it to me, which gave me the push I needed to become a member.

What do you like about SSJ compared to other services?

What I love most is the warm and friendly atmosphere. Especially the closeness between teachers and students—it doesn’t feel stiff or formal, which I think is one of the best parts. In other classes, there tends to be a clear teacher-student boundary, and I often felt like the language used was for “learners,” which seemed unnatural to me.

That kind of environment might be fine when you’re just starting out, but I wanted to speak more natural Japanese. SSJ has none of that stiffness—it’s very casual and friendly, which makes it very comfortable.

Another thing I really enjoy is the weekly conversation topics. I actually make a point not to check the topic before class. That way, I can enjoy the little surprise of “Oh, this is today’s topic!” and it also helps make the experience feel like real-life conversation practice, without preparation.

Were you scared to join a group conversation class?

Of course, I was nervous and anxious at first. But the SSJ members are all kind and fun people, so I quickly got used to it. There was absolutely none of the “sketchy vibe” I was worried about (laughs).

Ideally, I’d love to make Japanese friends and talk with them, but in reality, that’s not always easy—I often overthink how I should start a conversation. Compared to that, SSJ members are super easy to talk to, and I always feel like I’m chatting with friends.

I usually join the advanced class, and the other advanced members are also fun and interesting. Everyone’s Japanese is great, which is very motivating. We share our cultures and personal experiences, and through that, we learn new vocabulary together—it’s really valuable.

What changed after joining SSJ?

I had taken other Japanese classes before, but those mostly focused on formal or polite speech, so I wasn’t used to more casual, natural ways of speaking—like how you would talk to friends.

But in SSJ, everyone speaks casually, so I’ve gotten much more comfortable using natural Japanese. Also, even when I make mistakes during class, the teachers gently and kindly correct me, which makes me feel very safe.

Actually, in the past, I once made a mistake in Japanese at work and a colleague laughed at me. Even after passing N1, I lost some confidence in my Japanese. But at SSJ, I don’t feel that anxiety at all, and I want to continue learning here.

What is your goal in learning Japanese?

I have two goals. First, to be able to have natural, casual conversations in Japanese. Second, to make friends using Japanese. It doesn’t have to be with Japanese people—I just want to connect with others through Japanese and enjoy natural conversations.

Do you have a message for people interested in SSJ?

Even if you don’t feel confident, that’s totally okay. Learning a new language will absolutely expand your world.

In the past, I only spoke Chinese and English, and I could generally understand how speakers of those languages think. But once I started learning Japanese, I was exposed to new cultures and customs through the language, and I feel like it really opened up new possibilities in my life.

Let’s expand our world together through Japanese!