If you've been following the blog for awhile, you'll know that earlier this year I began the adventure of learning Japanese. I've been interested in Japanese culture since Jr High/High School, and my trip there in 2014 was one of the highlights of my life. I decided that it was time to learn more about the language and history of Japan and so...I jumped in.

I'm in the process of learning Kanji (shout out to WaniKani, a Kanji learning website that I absolutely ADORE) and I study daily using a few different resources (in addition to WaniKani I currently use LingoDeer, Drops, am investigating various grammar options but will probably end up studying using Genki, and plan on getting a tutor through italki).

It's been tough - Japanese is no joke to learn - but really REALLY rewarding. It's crazy strange when I'm able to understand/read something, and that I no longer get that "that is completely strange and undecipherable to me" feeling that I did when I started. It's kinda cool. But I have a loooong way to go. Anyway...

Another thing I try to do daily is get some Japanese media into my eyes and/or ears. Though I don't understand about 99% of what I hear or read at this stage in my studies, it's a way for me to interact with the language and get the sounds a phrasing into my ears and brain. Part of what makes Japanese so tough is its complete non-relation to English; it's of no help. So the more I can listen to the language, and begin to understand pronunciation, cadence, etc. the better chance I'll have of sounding natural when I speak.

One of my favorite ways of doing this is through music (though lately I've also been watching loads of Terrace House, which is FANTASTIC!), and in my hunt for new tunes I came across this lovely little tune and video by Evisbeats. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!