LinguaLift Blog - Latest Comments in Interview: Michael Gakuran

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Seb — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:44:35 -0000

nice article! ^^

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:39:44 -0000

Gotta love old Socrates ;)

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

David LaSpina / The Japan Guy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:21:36 -0000

Great Interview. It was nice to learn a little more about you, Michael.

Studying Japanese isn't always easy, and so it's always wonderful to read about people who have beaten the curve and obtained some proficiency at it. I admire your determination to do just that, and while so young. I often wish I had begun studying Japanese a bit before moving here.

Ah yes, and that Socrates quotation.. "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing". Despite studying and being more interested in Eastern philosophy than Western, that has been my favorite quotation since high school. I'm sure I annoyed many of my "cafe" buddies in college by *always* quoting it.

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:44:05 -0000

Thanks for the comment Brett :). I guess I did a lot of different things that weren't out of the textbook, but they were really just a result of enjoying learning the language. As you rightly said, rather than me looking for things to motivate me, they came naturally as an extension of being fascinated by so many parts of Japan. This seems to be the key to success more than using special techniques or learning methods (although they can speed up one's progress :) ).

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Rainbowhill — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:35:34 -0000

Great interview Philip, and also very interesting to hear more about your development as a language learner Michael. I think what really stands out for me is your curiosity and initiative when it came to seeking out authentic experiences with Japanese. From pushing for classes in school so you could develop your interest, to seeking out friendships with Japanese people and then immersing yourself in the culture through sports and other activities it seems as though you have really embraced Japan.

For anyone learning Japanese and just starting out you really could find no better role model to emulate. Too often people think just about a the tools, and the tactics, on a really small scale when it comes to learning the language. To maintain your motivation over a long period, Japanese has to be something you have a really deep interest in. Thanks for sharing the bigger picture Michael, and for bringing it to us Philip.

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Harvey — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:38:14 -0000

Good stuff! I love learning more about the "personal" lives of my J-Blog and Twitter friends :-) Thanks for sharing!

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:37:21 -0000

You mean using computers and such? I was thinking more along the lines of taking calligraphy classes and getting messy with ink ^^;. Although word has it there are apps for the iphone that mimic the experience. No idea what they are like though...

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

caughtredhanded — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:28:45 -0000

Great interview. Always good to get a behind-the-scenes look at our people. Good job!

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

drayomi — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:44:08 -0000

Thanks for responding! ;)

I shall take up your recommendation. It sounds enjoyable, and since I am an artist it might make learning Kanji that much easier.
Do you know of any resources for learning Japanese Calligraphy? :)

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:08:54 -0000

Glad to hear it :). Kanji is quite tough, but they are also very enjoyable to learn. I'd especially recommend learning calligraphy if you can - it really helped me to see the characters as artistic with deeper meanings.

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

drayomi — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:38:21 -0000

Thanks you for this interview! I always thought the end product was what I should always be thinking towards, but you have allowed me to realize that my journey so far has been a blast despite the low level of my Japanese. But, if I think about it, I have learned a ton in the last three months. I didn't even know Hiragana or Katakana existed three months ago, and now I can read them off by heart. :)

Anyway, Gakuranman, would you say that Kanji is the most difficult part of Japanese, or the most enjoyable?

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:24:02 -0000

Thanks Shockerz. That's a great complement! If I get people to question themselves and the world around then I feel I have achieved something :).

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Tommy Lee — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:49:59 -0000

This is definitely a good read on the thoughts you have Mr. Gakuranman. Your story kinda remind me of Danny Choo himself but he use a different way I guess. It always a pleasure reading your blog that take make me a step backward for while to reexamine everything I know about Japan.

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:08:17 -0000

Hi Derek. Yes, I did Kendo for 2 years - 1 year in Japan and 1 year back in the U.K while at University. I can't say I've really done it for a significant length of time and I never bothered grading, so perhaps I didn't really get into the spirit of it properly. That said, I do enjoy the traditional Japanese arts and attending the weekly tea ceremony, taking calligraphy classes during my year abroad at a Japanese University and doing a week long pilgrimage on Shodoshima gave me a better insight into the culture. I felt it really did bring me closer to the spiritual side of things :).

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:05:05 -0000

I haven't taken the new test or bought any books that fit the revised format, but from what I have heard it's a good thing. Level 1 will go largely unchanged, but I did hear that it is now harder. Perhaps this is because you have to pass each individual section in order to pass the whole test, whereas before if you failed one section but did extremely well on another, you'd pass. As for the new kanji, learning more is always good. The ones specified as standard are really only bare minimum anyway. Most Japanese people will know more.

On your dilemma whether or not to do N4 or N3, I'd say try a few practice tests (either online if there are any of buy a book) and see where you stand :).

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

DerekPadula — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:06:01 -0000

You mentioned Kendo lessons in this interview, and I would like to know if you have ever practiced Japanese martial arts or spirituality for a dedicated length of time. I have found that the cultural arts (dancing, martial arts, music, traditional arts, calligraphy, etc.) can lead to a much deeper understanding of a nations' people and history. The Japanese martial arts often have a connection through the mind and body that can teach things a text book never could. Have you explored this aspect of the culture?

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Tokyo_Ben — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:24:19 -0000

I'd say you are pretty smart. I follow your blog, but I didn't know about that speech contest you won. But since you've passed the JLPT1, I'd love to hear what you think about the changes happening this year. Both the new 5-level system, and the addition of 190-some kanji. Is this good or bad? I've been studying for the 3-kyuu, but now it's becoming N4. Should the changes affect my strategy going into the JLPT this coming December?

Re: Interview: Michael Gakuran

Gakuranman — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:12:59 -0000

Thanks for doing this article Philip! It makes me sound way smarter than I am o.O;. I hope it gives people a little insight into the learning Japanese process though :)