First Day of Japanese Language School - Orientation Day | Living in Japan

[@makaizaku]

Have you studied Japanese? In Japan? Thinking about it? How's it going?

[@ArinHobbies]

I Will when i have opportunity to do it. It is in my wishlist and pray for it everyday. Im 46 Yo now but still have big dream to live abroad. And i want to go to Fukuoka too .. Lucky you and Good Luck, Wish you All The Best🎉

[@samyadeepdatta9043]

​@@ArinHobbiesYou shouldn't dally much.. many japanese schools don't accept/ try not to accept students over 30

[@makaizaku]

That's great to hear! What are your goals for studying Japanese in Fukuoka? Feel free to ask me anything.

[@makaizaku]

GenkiJACS poses no restriction on age. I am not the youngest in my class. And there are a least a few 60+ students in other classes.

[@ArinHobbies]

@@makaizaku i want to learn Japanese language like native, and when i can do it, i hope i can be Japanese teacher in my home country. Or if i have lots of good luck, maybe i can be Indonesian translator in Japan. Hahaha, BIG Dream, but who knows? Nothing is impossible if universe say YES ☺️ I'm so sorry if my English not very well speaking. Hope you understand what i mean ☺️

[@herrycohenchang1750]

Age is not a limitation to learn absolutely anything. ダンさん頑張ってください、応援しますので🙏

[@makaizaku]

You are absolutely right! And thank you so much! ありがとうございます！🙏

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

To me, there are only two ages : alive and dead. That's all that matters!!

[@herrycohenchang1750]

@@IzzyOnTheMove couldn't agree more.

[@MrGiggidy90]

Hi love your honest and freestyle camera viewing, it reminds me of the early days of youtube, please keep it up

[@makaizaku]

I intend to. Thank you so much!

[@ashtonpeters6547]

I just subscribed, I’ve been craving this type of content for a long time. A lot of us fall in love with Japan by watching the travel vloggers who tend to show all of the bright lights and “must see” parts of Japan. But for all of the people who dream about moving to Japan there isnt a lot of realistic/raw moving to Japan content. So thank you sharing your journey. I’m also canadian and have been looking into studying/working aboard in Japan. How do you deal with being so far away from Canada? This might sound irrational but I have a deep fear that a medical emergency or something bad could happen back in Canada when I’m gone. Have you ever dealt with this type of fear?

[@makaizaku]

Thank you for your comments. That is the goal with this channel - to show a little more of the process of things and life in Japan without the glamour or gloom. Just the reality of it. For me, at least. Living somewhere is not the same as travelling somewhere. For emergencies, like anything, they can and do and have happened. I've spent the better part of 15 years living far from family in different cities and countries. Best thing you can do is stay in touch, tell them you love them, and that you are on your own journey to discover yourself and live a happy and meaningful life. They will understand, support you, and would only want you to do so.

[@SpycyShark]

This is so cool. I attended GenkiJACS several years ago, it’s interesting to see how the school and Fukuoka has changed over time. Thanks for sharing.

[@makaizaku]

I'm interested to hear what may have changed? I believe Hakata station was rebuilt over a decade ago. Thank you for watching.

[@SpycyShark]

@@makaizaku The school used to be near Tenjin, the new location looks much bigger. We used the Genki textbooks instead of Minna no Nihongo. Hakata station wasn't part of my commute so I don't remember it as clearly unfortunately. I regret not checking out Daiso and Tokyu Hands

[@makaizaku]

@@SpycyShark How long did you study with GenkiJACS? Daiso is my favourite shop!

[@SpycyShark]

@@makaizaku just 2 months. Not sure if they’re still offering shorter courses

[@makaizaku]

@SpycyShark I believe there are drop-in classes, a 10-week course, and a summer course. I'm not sure about shorter than that now. I know some locations have different offerings and visa support.

[@Harshalpat]

Underrated channel. Keep it Up

[@makaizaku]

Wow! Thank you so much!

[@G00DBL00MZ]

Super helpful video! ありがとございます！

[@makaizaku]

@@G00DBL00MZ どういたしまして！

[@xporkrind]

Fukuoka looks like a very cool place !!!! Love the classroom and love the train station. Very clean and modern looking. Not that crowded compared to some other parts of Japan I have visited.

[@makaizaku]

You are right. Many people like to think that Fukuoka is a happy medium of Japan's bigger cities; not too hectic, not too bland.

[@AwaseMike5137]

Great video and just in time. I'm an American already mid-40's and moving to Kyoto with my Japanese wife this summer. Planning on attending a long-term Japanese language school and saw your vlog here. Appreciate the insight into your experience. I think GenkiJACS may be the place for me! Lots of schools in Kyoto, but this one seems to be the best combination of learning Japanese to live and to work, not just to pass a test, or have a "working vacation" trip. I look forward to your next posts!

[@makaizaku]

I love Kansai! 関西が好き！GenkiJACS has been a good choice for me and I do recommend it. Let us know how it goes!

[@Simonbacon023]

I hope your Japanese learning journey is going well! Japan is a lovely place I love it and hate it! Definitely the atmosphere makes you feel home than home but there’s still a language barrier and it’s just hard to navigate if you don’t speak Japanese as a tourist!

[@makaizaku]

There are aspects that you love and learn to love, and some that you just don't.

[@dg7438]

I love it. I'm in my 40's, male, taking Japanese at a local comm. collge, and have the same alarm sound. Sometimes I feel self concious, but you make me feel so much better about my decisions :)

[@makaizaku]

You make me feel better all the same. Thank you for sharing, and I hope you'll reach the level you're working towards! 頑張って！

[@dg7438]

@@makaizaku thank you! Okay too DM you something?

[@makaizaku]

@dg7438 Of course. Best to use Instagram: DanMcIsaacVlogs

[@Kimadian1]

-Nice you live so close to train station and it was neat to see how it operates. -Your lunch looked yummy! -Hope you will get N2 at least! *fingers crossed*

[@makaizaku]

I think N2 will take at least a couple years... I'll get there eventually!

[@PJski]

Pretty funky editing/filming style. Props. Pretty unique. Raw, unpolished, and... pretty creative.

[@makaizaku]

Thank you for your observations. I like to take a grounded and natural approach.

[@diablo3schizle]

I often come back to this video to feed my hype levels even more! I am intrigued to see an appartement tour of your new place!!

[@makaizaku]

Thank you so much, mate! My apartment(s) video is still being edited and might be a two-parter...

[@diablo3schizle]

@@makaizaku ワクワク

[@user-kw3cx1og5]

様々の國から日本を訪れて来て 色々な事に興味や感心を示して 下さり感動しました。🙂❤️

[@makaizaku]

I love Japan. I want to make it my home :)

[@user-kw3cx1og5]

返信ありがとうございます。 日本での滞在を通じて人生の 素晴らしい答えが見つかる事 を願っています。❤😊🎉

[@makaizaku]

@@user-kw3cx1og5 頑張ります!

[@oscarnilsson5779]

Ah, genki! Natsukashii naaa~ :D I went to their tokyo branch. Such a lovely school. Thanks for your video!

[@makaizaku]

懐かしいな! I'm interested to hear what you did after graduation? Where did life take you then?

[@wadechroninger7101]

Nice video! Im returning home to Japan this year after a long time away, could relate.

[@makaizaku]

おかえりなさい！ How long have you been away for?

[@eigojiyouzu]

Good work in those opening shots and dialog. How exciting. Have you heard of suica? It will save you heaps of time at the station, just load your account with up to 20,000 円 and scan your phone and you are in. No need to carry around cash or coins anymore. I’m currently living in Tokyo and look forward to visiting Fukuoka one day soon. Good luck with your studies mate!

[@makaizaku]

ありがとうございます! I am familiar with Suica, however, I only take the subway or bus sometimes. Not enough to justify getting one. I prefer to cycle to commute. Although, I was recently informed about the Hayakaken which I will look into. I hope Tokyo is treating you well?

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Cool! I decided to dedicate the new two years to learning Japanese. Been dabbling in it for a long time, had a few Japanese boyfriends that taught me some basic, watching anime etc but still struggling with katakana LOL. I got myself flashcards recently. DuoLingo doesn't really work. My first language is French, second is English (100% fluent), I'm French-Canadian. I want to travel to Japan at some point and go to all different areas, maybe 2 months in Tokyo and the rest elsewhere. My best friend actually took a Japanese language university course just to be able to speak it better LOL and we want to go together, but she has kids so she might come only a month and I would continue by myself, so I'll need to also speak and I would like to be able to. There are so many languages I want to learn, besides Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Italian, to name a few, but I came to the conclusion that you have to choose one, you can't study 10 things at the same time. And since nihongo is the 3rd language I am more advanced in, this it will be for 2024-2025. I'd like to try to find an actual practice partner, i.e. a Japanese person who wants to learn French or English and we could meet and do things once a week or something. Nice discovering your channel, check out mine if you want, I travel with my cat and vlog my (not so ordinary) life LOL :)

[@makaizaku]

Wow! That's fantastic. Excellent journey you are on. I was (am) in a similar canoe with different language interests. I was always interested in Mandarin and Korean, but I had to choose one, and Japan and Japanese is where I chose. It has not been easy, but you should certainly dive right in! I watched some of your videos. I do not miss shovelling snow!

[@arceus54321]

i saw this video on my youtube recommended and watched it because i'll be attending language school in shinjuku starting this april. cool to see your orientation, maybe i can expect something similar. i looked through your channel and also found that you're from toronto! i am too. i will check out some of your recent videos, especially the visa one because im going to be doing the same thing in a few weeks haha

[@makaizaku]

I have met a few Canadians who are from southern Ontario since arriving in Fukuoka. Even people from the next town over! Which school will you study with?

[@arceus54321]

Cool, did not think there would be so many in Japan. I'll be attending KAI in Shin-Okubo. I watched your Visa video BTW and that was very helpful. Realized that I still need to get myself a passport photo for the applciation@@makaizaku

[@makaizaku]

@arceus54321 Someone else commented that they need to commute 7 hours one-way to the consulate. Be sure to not forget anything when you go! ☺️ 頑張って！

[@cristianhcm1914]

Good for you brother. Hello from Phoenix Arizona 👋

[@makaizaku]

Thank you! I've been to Phoenix (for Yuma) many years ago.

[@cristianhcm1914]

@@makaizaku ..Oh my goodness. I lived in Yuma for 20 years. Got a government job and moved to Phoenix. Anyways, my goal is to move to Japan and not look back. Been studying Japanese and making my plans. Best of luck to you!

[@makaizaku]

@@cristianhcm1914 That's great! Good for you and your hard work. How are you studying? Let us know how your plans go. 👍

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Oh, fellow Canadian! Cool :) p.s. I subscribed!

[@makaizaku]

We're everywhere! 😂 Thank you so much!

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Hehe! I love the way you "Japanized" your name BTW!! @@makaizaku

[@makaizaku]

@@IzzyOnTheMove There's probably a few ways to do it. Do you know how to Japanize yours?

[@Spomge-q7z]

Wow, I am current in Fukuoka studying at the same school 😂. Also, love the editing in this video.

[@makaizaku]

You are? Come say "hello!" (Or 「 こんにちは!」) Which class are you? 僕では大濠公園です.

[@マリじゃないよ]

Eyooooo same

[@makaizaku]

本当に？素晴らしい！

[@マリじゃないよ]

@@makaizaku yup I'm being in Fukuoka for 4 weeks and then I'm going back to my country

[@makaizaku]

それはいいですね! 頑張って！

[@mokisan]

Hey Mac! Thanks for the great video. I too wanted to trying something similar and was looking at genki jacs. If you dont mind could you do a breakdown of the fees you paid and everything else? I will be a complete beginner as I don't know to read anything.

[@makaizaku]

Sure! It might be a bit to type here, so if you don't mind contacting me on Instagram, I can chat with you there: @DanMcIsaacVlogs

[@mokisan]

@@makaizaku thanks!

[@noobcola]

Man this looks so fun!

[@makaizaku]

It was. Is! It is intimidating, though. Lots to absorb and adjust to, but it is definitely fun! You've done or planning to do the same?

[@noobcola]

@@makaizaku Currently self-studying Japanese, but I totally would consider going to language school in Japan if I had a 6+ month break!

[@makaizaku]

I recommend it. You'd have a great time and definitely learn more effectively. Good on you for self-studying.

[@user-iq2yp4iy9w]

ようこそ！

[@makaizaku]

ありがとうございます！ ここに来られて嬉しいです

[@musashimarc7536]

Hi this Marc thanks for youre introductions to international student in japan ,i did start for à trip in 2013 ,i whant to study it back on i was à false beginner at that time i learn for m'y pleasure !domo arigato i Will follow your vids Maaku monttoriollu ni benkyoshimashita

[@makaizaku]

頑張りましょう！

[@A.Abe-dn2ce]

Konichiwa. Thank you for sharing your first day of school at a Japanese language school.

[@makaizaku]

こんにちは！Thank you for watching.

[@金子ありさ-r5x]

ダンさん、こんにちは。 ありさです。元気ジャックスについて動画を作ってくれてありがとう😄 とてもおもしろかったです👍🏻！ 日本語の勉強、がんばりましょうね💪🏼

[@makaizaku]

ありささん！こんにちは。コメントありがとうございます。勉強頑張ります! ☺

[@TheFizzster]

I really am debating doing actual Language School after doing self study (unsuccessfully) for a few years. I worry that my age (early 40s) will limit my opportunities, but it may be worth a look.

[@makaizaku]

We are similar. As in, I had similar thoughts. However, I am here, and I am doing it. And I recommend it! You get what you put in. Don't worry about it!　心配しないで！ What are your short-term and long-term goals for studying?

[@TheFizzster]

@@makaizaku My short term goal is to be able to start consuming native content (easy of course) and start mining for unknown vocabulary. I feel like once I start that, my motivation will increase significantly. Grinding vocab/Kanji is crushing me right now :P

[@makaizaku]

It you have the passion to learn and self-study the language will come to you. So long as you are actively using it along the way.

[@A.Abe-dn2ce]

Dan, your video re: your first day of school was of particular interest to me because I've attempted to sign up for class at GenkiJacs. However, their program was full. I'm curious as to how many months into the course are you? Do classes move at a comfortable pace? Do you cover a chapter a week or more? Are you using the Genki book? I'm worried about the class moving at a fast pace and don't want to risk language learning fatigue. Since GenkiJacs if full, I am looking into studying at another school in Fukuoka. I read in the comments that you ended up in Fukuoka due to visa compatibility. Fukuoka is my first choice, I thought that I would have a greater opportunity to use Japanese once I step out of the classroom vs. Tokyo where more people speak English??? All things considered are you glad that you ended up in Fukuoka? I wish you all the continued success! Gambate ne!

[@makaizaku]

I am 7 months into my program at this point. I started in October 2023. Initially, the class I started in was moving too quickly for me. I opted to move to a more beginner-level class with a more comfortable pace. As such, if you are progressing well, you could be moved to a higher-level class. Depending on how the class is going, we cover a few chapters a week. In my class, we are using みんあの日本語. I started at chapter 14 of book 1, and now we are in book 2, chapter 31. Fukuoka is a fine city, and my classmates enjoy it. I prefer to be in Osaka, however, the Kyoto branch wasn’t supporting full-year visas, and so I chose Fukuoka. Once my program completes, and upon securing a work visa, I hope to relocate to Osaka in 2025. If the current offering at GenkiJACS is full, perhaps there is a future start that works for you? 頑張ってね！

[@pawkyyy]

thank you. this is a dream of mine.

[@makaizaku]

Tell me more? What are your hopes and goals?

[@Giovanni-Learning-and-Stuff]

Great video : )

[@makaizaku]

Thank you so much!

[@nowgaku]

あんたはえらい！！

[@makaizaku]

あなたもね！

[@karlamendoza3477]

Hi Isaac! How did you manage renting the apartment?

[@makaizaku]

Hi! My name is Dan. My first apartment was arranged via my school. There are different living options from homestays and sharehouses, and I chose a private apartment. Since then, I have moved to my own apartment and will have a video soon about it. It was quite the process, and the route I took is one of many.

[@davidalger5625]

More videos on your school experience, if you are looking for topics.

[@makaizaku]

I plan on filming parts of classes to show you what it is like to study and learn at GenkiJACS.

[@XYoukaiX]

It's nice that they show you everything still I'd hope they are not doing this in the school I will be going to (if I finally get my CoE) .... this might be nice for people who never went to Japan before but I'd assume many people who go to visit a language school especially if its for more than just 1-2 month have been in Japan before and as a really picky eater I don't need someone to tell me about restaurants and food I am not gonna eat anyways ^^V I will probably be super nervous .... It seems they are speaking a lot of English with you on that orientation, can you tell me how much Japanese you need to know starting the school ? Probably different in every school but Japan now has as a Requirement that you have (I think its) 180 hours of previous lessons so I am a little bit scared that my Japanese is not good enough especially as I don't have 180hours and was told to just lie about it ^^V

[@makaizaku]

The showing around was simply a tour of the immediate area and the busiest area of Fukuoka. And you could always ask which restaurants or shops that may suit your diet - the staff are friendly knowledgeable, and willing to help. At GenkiJACS, they did speak English in the orientation as a common language to help us along. However, the classes as 100% in Japanese. It is recommended to have a least hiragana and katakana memorized, and naturally and few sentences. This will get you to the beginner level starting with Minna no Nihongo Level 1. There is no prior time requirement. And it is best not to lie. You’d just be lying to and cheating yourself. It’s best to be humble and vulnerable to your weakness, it will help you in the onset and the long-run. If you get placed in a level higher than your ability, you will struggle and will move classes to suit you better. 頑張って!

[@XYoukaiX]

@@makaizaku thanks for the answer about the lying parts, its a new "rule?" by Japanese government that you need 160 or 180 hours of Japanese lessons in your country as I was told. Probably starting January 2024 but no idea. The organisation and the school as well sais I should just write down that I have the 180 hours no matter if its true or not just to make sure I will get the Visa.

[@LiquidFlower]

Now that 11 months have passed.. how have you found this course? I see you're supposed to go through N4 to N2 in around 20 weeks each. That sounds really intense in a way. Wonder what your day to day looks like and if you have time for anything else such as a part time job?

[@makaizaku]

@LiquidFlower You may find that I've posted updates since this video. I have taken the JLPT N4. I have graduated from GenkiJACS. I moved apartments. I was working all the while, part-time. I now have a work visa and work full-time. Life is grand. Please watch my videos since then and tell me what you think. Are you on a similar journey as well?

[@LiquidFlower]

@ I did end up watching all your videos after I posted this and I’m glad you found your way. Honestly I was a bit worried to hear you tried 2 jobs. I don’t know how you did it without burning out. Please do take care of yourself 💜

[@LiquidFlower]

I’m not in a similar situation but I was watching your content to figure out if I could go for a student visa as my in to come to Japan. I run a business and so I decided this route is perhaps too much for me on time commitment. They do allow for part time work but when I look at your raw content I managed to figure out there would be a whole lot more to it that I wouldn’t be able to manage at the same time. It’s back to the drawing board for me and seeing what I can do within the startup visa.

[@napoleon9514]

Hey , did you buy your phone in japan ?, or did your old one worked ?, i have similar model samsung

[@makaizaku]

I bought mine in Canada years ago. I believe most modern mobile phones don't have region locks still. Do they? You should be OK. I have used two different SIM cards and providers since arriving.

[@cinematicpoint]

What was the overall cost ?

[@makaizaku]

@@cinematicpoint Overall cost of... my flights? Tuition? Apartment? All of the above?

[@cinematicpoint]

@@makaizakutuition and monthly expenses

[@samyadeepdatta9043]

Did you join the school with zero prior japanese knowledge? Or did some JLPT certifications?

[@makaizaku]

I had been self-studying Japanese for years prior, and I lived in Osaka years earlier. My Japanese was by no means adequate for anything more than a few sentences and a handful of vocabulary. However, GenjiJACS recommends that students can at least read and write ひらがな and カタカナ before the course begins.

[@samyadeepdatta9043]

@@makaizaku That's a really helpful info..Thanks!!

[@makaizaku]

@@samyadeepdatta9043 頑張って！

[@pelegitai]

Hi, just curiosity, How old are you? and why are studying Japanese?

[@makaizaku]

I always wanted to live abroad, and learn another language. Japan, its people, culture, and lifestyle interested me. Japanese fit for pronunciation and genuine interest to grasp. Mandarin and Korean were and are still interesting, however I needed to make a choice and chose to deep-dive into where I am now. I am 41.

[@pelegitai]

@@makaizaku great, thanks for answering!

[@brendanmurphy8727]

Wait, the Genki School uses minna no nihongo. That's like opening the Coca Cola Cafe and only serving Pepsi. Interesting video however.

[@makaizaku]

はい。I believe GenkiJACS used the Genki texts in the past. Of course, the texts used depends on one's class level. I know higher classes use different texts.

[@adabamas]

Very interesting but I can't believe they allowed you to film inside the class. If I were a student or teacher in your classroom I would be annoyed by you.

[@makaizaku]

@@adabamas Typically, one is not allowed to. That is why we ask permission. With allowable stipulations.

[@adabamas]

Good you got permission, now I know which school never to enroll in.

[@makaizaku]

@adabamas 笑！