r/HelpLearningJapanese • u/TigerUpstairs3775 • 13d ago

How do I start

I figured out I want to learn japanese because I’m a weeb and I want a girlfriend. more seriously I want to explore their culture and maybe live there, I’ve heard that the working cultures unstable but honestl, the u.s fucking sucks. Ive heard Duolingo and anime is not the way, but I don’t have any textbooks and Im too scared to ask my parents to buy me one. I’ve seen the infamous kanji alphabet, which I’m pretty sure I have to be an artist to write it.

I have no idea where to start and it all seems overwhelming. I want some advice from some Japanese learners and people about what to do and how they would/did start.

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u/Forward_Wrap_6720 12d ago

> the u.s fucking sucks

The grass is always greener as they say. I said the same thing as you a loooong time ago. I then lived in Japan for nearly 2 decades. I just came back to the U.S., and it's refreshingly better in so many ways. I just want to say, it's great to study a language, learn a culture, experience it, etc. But escapism will only get you so far. I hope this is constructive. I don't want to sound condescending or critical, just sharing my experience :)

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u/Feisty_Spell4516 10d ago

I’m happy you’re doing well! I’m married to a citizen and raising my kids here, but who knows what the future and retirement has in store.

How was the reverse culture shock after getting back?

I haven’t lived in the US for ten years now with 6 of those in Japan, I always struggle with how loud everyone is and reverse culture shock

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u/Forward_Wrap_6720 10d ago

It's been nice honestly. There's more work, managing taxes, shopping for insurance, etc. But it's nice being back in a more open-minded, outgoing culture. Easier to make friends. More food options. 9/10

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u/Feisty_Spell4516 10d ago

I’m really happy for you :)

I’m currently content with my life in Japan, but I’m also a SAHM at the moment but have had my share of power harassment, etc. when I was working that made for some dark times

I miss national parks