Learning One Foreign Language Completely Changed My Life

There's a story I never told you. It's about the language that started all of this for me - a language that's been missing from this channel this whole time. I'm finally telling you that untold story because it's time for me to move on, heal, and get back to the beautiful Japanese language.
I hope you enjoy this short documentary piece that's close to my heart.
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[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you all for supporting me and enabling me to create work that I love ❤️ Ever since publishing literally the oldest video on my channel, which was my first short documentary, I've been patiently waiting for over 7 years to get back to creating short documentary films and to tell stories and create videos in that beautiful format. This is the beginning of that new chapter of my career and I wouldn't be able to do it without you. *Happy language learning* ✨

[@news_internationale2035]

What's your first or native language?

[@sharonoddlyenough]

@@news_internationale2035 English from Britain

[@mattbattaglia4694]

Robin is a goddamn gem of a human, hope we cross paths one day.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Matt! I’m really glad you think that 🙏🏼✨

[@SanDra-zr9he]

@@RobinMacPhersonFilms maybe you can have a language learners camp once the pandemic is over, I would come, too

[@japaneseimmersion7295]

Your love of the language comes through the second you started speaking it! Best of luck on your return to Japanese. Thank you for all of the inspiration your videos have given others.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I'm really glad you could see that, @Japanese Immersion! Thanks very much for your comment and kind words.

[@Sam-shushu]

My experience with Korean was tragic as well, and it's been really hard to study for a long time. I just barely reached B2, though, so my Korean crumbled very quickly. It's often feels like I'm starting over from scratch, even though I realize that's nonsense. I'm glad you've gotten to a point where you can start again!

[@北村隆憲]

偶然このビデオを視聴しました。聴いていたら，日本語への愛について日本語で話されていたことに感銘を受けました。また日本語の学習を再開されるとのことで，このビデオは2年前のもののようですから，その後日本語をまだ続けておられるとすれば，さらに上達されたことと想像しています。Robinさんの最近のビデオも視聴してみます。また，日本語で話されているビデオがあれば良いのですが。私は日本の研究者で，英語は論文読みなどで使いますが，会話は苦手なので，高齢ではありますが，最近，会話の上達を目指して練習を始めました。ロビンさんの日本語に負けないように頑張りたいと思います。Thank you so much for your wonderful story about Japan and the Japanese language.

[@jazzyeric21]

I'm been following you for awhile and love the channel. Clearly, this channel is more to you than just a language learning channel. I'm happy to see that Robert has been able to use the channel to express his history, dreams, and desires.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much for this comment! I’m really glad you can see how much more this channel means to me ☺️✨

[@-joltrast]

I adore Japan. I've been twice and would go back in a heartbeat.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Where in Japan have you been so far? I hope you get to go and have more amazing experiences there 😊

[@kgal1298]

I'm waiting for it to re-open. I have a friend who's there with his Japanese wife now they were taking care of her mom, but she passed away months ago. However, he can't come back to the states at the moment because of the travel restrictions.

[@-joltrast]

@@RobinMacPhersonFilms Hakone; Kyoto; Hiroshima; Nagasaki; Hirado; Fukuoka; Nagoya and Tokyo (AFAIR).

[@Jusangen]

I know you didn’t want to dwell too much about the negative part, but man, you just blew right through the cancer part! 😮. I too had cancer which ended up being life-threatening, stage 4, blah blah. I too am better now, and it’s a miracle of modern science, but I know it really adds to your life experience. Not all cancer is the same, and some aren’t as bad as others, but still, I hope (and it looks like you’re doing great) you’re all well now and can take that time as a season in life that didn’t go the way you planned, and now it goes a little more towards how you plan 😊 Best of luck and I look forward to more videos!

[@biricikkiz7]

Wow That was so moving.. I could feel almost all your emotions.. that was such a deep story.. your Japanese ist still very Hoi! I am currently in Japan and can maybe understand a little what you felt.. good luck Robin!

[@emilyhinz8315]

An incredibly emotional and moving documentary. I loved this video to pieces! I think most people who go on exchange has a similar experience where they lose touch with their languages. I lost touch with my German and so did all international friends I made in Germany. Seeing you speak Japanese again after so long almost made me tear up! I am slowly starting to get back to my German and I know exactly what you mean when you say that it's like an old friend that you suddenly stopped talking to. You spend so much time and energy for an incredible exchange experience (even if it doesn't go the way you planned, I also ran out of money while I was abroad) and then when you leave it's almost like a "what now?". Thank you so much for sharing such a vulnerable story with all of us. I look forward to watching you "move on" with Japanese!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I'm soooo glad you loved this video so much, Emily!! I think you're right about exchange experiences. Wow it's interesting to read you've had similar experiences with German and Germany! I hope that you have a wonderfully positive experience getting back in touch with your German. You're so good with your languages, I'm sure you'll do great. It's so interesting to me how languages really can mean so much more to us than just being a skill or hobby. I always really appreciate that. Sending hugs!

[@DoubleYouMM]

Really looking forward to see your journey with Japanese Robin sensei😁✨

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you, Wahid! Glad to have your support 😄💫

[@vitinhaosk8]

Thanks for share your history. I have a dream, I wanna go to live in other country and learn new experiences and live other culture. this time on isolation in my house I starting to learn English, it's difficult but, I think in the future and the rewards to learn another lenguage. Your channel has motivated me to learn another leanguage, your good tips has been so helpful to me. I Apreciate that. I hope you resume with japanese lenguage and love with her twice. I apologize by my English, it's not too good, but is a start!

[@kathleenspracklen6849]

Wow, thank you for sharing your story. I wish you total fulfillment in your journey.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much, Kathleen! I always appreciate your comments!

[@jahayrac8636]

Goodness Robin, by the end of it I was tearing up. Studying and loving Japanese myself, I can relate to so much of what you said. The joy, frustration and sadness that you've experienced I've felt it too on my journey. And of course that wonderful moment when you reconnect. It is so much like getting reacquainted with an old friend or lover after not seeing them after so many evolutions of oneself. Up until I finally became fully invested in Japanese it has always felt like 'the one that got away.' I had tried to learn it at several different points in my life but something always came up. It was never the 'right time.' Returning to it always had those few moments of awkwardness, like you described in Japanese but then things would eventually click again. Rest assured, it will all come flooding back to you. Now that I've finally committed to my studies for the last 3.5 years, it has been like a shoujo manga. 😁 You know, the one where the girl, FINALLY, gets the guy who always seemed out of reach even though they both wanted to be with eachother. Except this series continues past getting together and I feel like nothing will stop us now, even if there will be things that come up to slow us down. A silly thought: whenever I have to take a break and sneak in a little reading or listening it feels like those classic crowded scenes in rom com. Having that bit of time is like the moment when the crowd separates and you see the small hidden smile from that special person. A smile that is reserved just for you. They're still present even if they're not fully there. ☺ In hearing your story I remember those moments of difficulty where the joy seems to be lost and I wanted to give up. When you realized that it was just too hard and life hurt too much to continue with Japanese, I felt that pain and heartbreak. I'm so sorry you had this experience. Having given up a love in my life I could imagine what it was like to ultimately leave Japan and your dream behind. For me, it was like leaving a part of myself and my heart behind. I imagine it was the same for you too. Interestingly, my toughest period with Japanese happened last year as I prepared to graduate from college and leave my Japanese class. I struggled with output and understanding. I couldn't connect no matter how hard I tried. Where was the joy and the enthusiasm? Where had the love gone? It felt like something was missing. I remember BTS's song, Black Swan premiered during this time. It was so poignant for me as it encompasses the feeling of fear of what would happen when 'the heart no longer races when you hear the music play." To no longer have that thing which made a part of my heart, a part of me, sing was scary and heartbreaking. Not allowing myself the choice to give up I fought to hold on. But not by studying harder but by reliving the moments that allowed me to love it and make progress in the first place. It was in that return that I brought it back to life, that I moved past the hardship, and like you are finally allowing yourself, a moment to heal. I've always wondered about what happened with Japanese for you, Robin. I'm sorry that it got so rough towards the end. I could tell through your other videos that there was a sincere love for the language, the culture and your time spent with it. I'm glad you finally gave yourself permission to move on and still relish the beauty and joy that you experienced. Thank you for sharing this moment with us. I'm looking forward to the next book of your Japanese journey as you start anew. 💕

[@sil285]

Wow wonderful story, thanks for sharing! I can relate so much to what you said with the lovestory and this way of feeling connected. Quite recently I also was loosing connection with my target language because I was just very burned out but still didn't allowed myself to stop because just as you described, it was an important part of me and of course I wanted to hold on to it. It's scary to loose this connection and really does feel like a breakup without knowing whether it's really the end or not. But as with love, you can't force anything. Luckily these days I feel how I'm getting back this love and connection and I'm really happy about that ^-^ I'm sure it will always be a part of me. I assume it's the same for you so I wish you all the best for your Japanese journey

[@KaMi-gz1il]

Escuchar tu historia es realmente motivador. Eres una persona que ha superado grandes obstáculos, debió ser bastante duro para ti y sin embargo estás aquí frente a la cámara contando tu experiencia y ayudando a otros con su aprendizaje de nuevos idiomas. ¡Eres admirable!

[@OC-bj5de]

You have a very good pronuntiation in Japanese Robin, congratulations ,you are amazing. Arigato gozaimasu 😄👏👏👌

[@francesadvinculaholtkamp5161]

Thank you for sharing your story, Robin. It really moved me. I posted on Journaly for the first time this week - thank you for all you do for the language community.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I’m so glad my story was moving for you and woohoo, your first post on Journaly! Thanks so much for your support, it means the world to me!

[@yarno8895]

Congrats on the 10000th post on Journaly (watch out, should get posted in a few hours). What a epic milestone !

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much @Yarno! I know I already shouted your comment out on Instagram but didn't want to leave your wonderful comment without a response on YT! Let's see how far Journaly can go by the end of the year 🔥💪🏼

[@karinetellier8383]

I am happy you'll be getting back in touch with learning Japanese! Keep us informed as to how it is going. With best friends, it doesn't matter how much time has passed, the conversation just flows. Make Japanese that friend as opposed to the one that left without telling you why. Good luck from Canada!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much, Karine! I look forward to keeping you informed and finding nice ways to capture that on film ❤️ It's very comforting to read your thoughts on best friends, and I think you're totally right! Sending hugs from the UK!

[@cruelnn]

Hi. Robin. I don't write any comments usually. But not this time. I'm so happy that youtube gave me a chance to find your channel. I'm on my way to improve my english and to get back to studying french. I did't practice these languages for a long time because of my story and feelings. It was too hurt. And your video... It's like an inspiration. Like a huge hug from the universe. Thank u so much!

[@1980rlquinn]

When we have something associated with a painful memory, the way to make it easier is the hardest: do the thing, go to the place, hold the object; whatever that is, face it head on. Slowly, with each next encounter, the association weakens, and even though it may never fully fade, it becomes easier as new memories are added. I live in Japan and have struggled mightily with the language and with friends (to be fair, I live in a very いなか region of the country...). I'm looking forward to seeing how you recapture it. Do you think you'll visit again after the pandemic?

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks for this very insightful comment, Rye! In some ways it’s very comforting - the idea that a part of the solution is to make lots more wonderful memories both with Japanese and in Japan. I say that in part because for years before the pandemic I didn’t do any traveling at all unless I was moving to a new place. Even living in San Francisco surrounded by beautiful places in Northern California alone, I never left the city except for when I moved to Oakland and then didn’t leave that city. I had a mental block which goes back a great number of years. So this is nice extra motivation to start creating wonderful experiences and memories again 😊 Ah yes, I’ve known a number of people who lived in いなか regions and who found it to be quite tough. I really hope that you’ll experience some wonderful turning points with friends and the language! Keep up the great work 💪🏼 Yes I’d absolutely love to finally go back and visit after the pandemic ☺️✨

[@1980rlquinn]

@@RobinMacPhersonFilms Thank you for the encouragement! 頑張りましょう！📚 Hit up Kanazawa if you have the chance. :) Big city convenience, small town charm, and a ton of preserved history, the best seafood in Japan (fight me), and a big emphasis on craft culture and traditional practices ❤️

[@chrisbunka]

このビデオを見て、インスピレーションが入ってきました。日本語の旅について語ってくださって、ありがとうございます。

[@Jbelnap510]

When I was in High School I really wanted to go college in New York. I was enamored with both the idea of living in a big city and of college life, but in my last year of High School I had a massive depressive episode and actually came close to not graduating at all. I managed to pull through at the end, but needless to say I wasn't accepted into any of the colleges I applied to. I tried a community college near where I lived but I was so depressed I dropped out after 1 semester. I understand how heartbreaking it is to let go of a life dream, I spent years afterwards, unemployed and depressed, and it gave me a debilitating fear of failure that I struggle with to this day. But, over half a decade later, just this last January actually, I finally went back to school, and believe it or not one of my classes is Japanese. Hearing your story really touched me because I saw so much of my own experience in yours. I'm really glad you decided to go back to Japanese. I think I'll keep an eye on this channel going forward.

[@meycortes1408]

Empecé hace un tiempo a ver tus vídeos con la finalidad de mejorar mis listening skills. Ahora tus vídeos son parte de mi rutina, mientras tomo un café me animas a no dejar mis metas. Y hoy justamente este vídeo vino a mí, cuando más necesitba un empujón para continuar luchando por todo. Simplemete gracias, Robin.

[@danielmasters5484]

Been there. Being a struggling student was no fun, but look at far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished! I’m glad you’re facing your disappointments and coming to terms with your Japan experience. Cheers!

[@tranthidiemtuyet3127]

I think it took courage to share your experience in such honest way like this. Thank you so much. Im 21 years old. And the idea of studying abroad crossed my mind a few times, but finance and the cost of living when living in the foreign country is hard to afford.

[@sindypetronella]

JUST saw you on easy German great video still learning German I understand so much but speaking I get so stuck , I hate it

[@Learninglotsoflanguages]

This nearly had me in tears. Thanks for sharing your story. It makes me think maybe this is why for 5 years I couldn't study or make progress in Korean. The first year I lived there was life changing. Then I came home, got married, and tried to move back with my husband. And it wasn't the same. I know it was because of a bad boss now, but I felt so shocked by how everything was so different after a few months. I thought I'd be living there at least another year or more and then suddenly I had to drain my savings account and take a flight out after 3 months. Long story but basically was going to be pushed into unethical things and breaking immigration laws so I chose to leave instead. And only my best friend in Korea believed me. I had to lie to others and just say visa issues because no one would support me. It was hard to hold the good memories and the bad. Finally I have gotten back into Korean thisnyear and now I look back on the good memories and get to make many new ones with new friends and am moving past the regrets from the past. I hope one day to go to Seoul again, even if it is just a long vacation and heal the wound fully. Korea still holds my heart

[@katmandu6228]

So sorry that happened to you. It sucks being broke, especially when you're living abroad. But look how you've turned it all around! These things are sent to test us. :)

[@christophersnipp36]

Great stuff Robin. Top quality & super authentic as always. I was hiking in the mountains in Catalunya whilst listening to this - this video reminded me of when I watched your first documentary 7 days ago and you had < 1,000 subscribers. Good for you for the reflection and moving on from a difficult time!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much for being with me all this time, Christopher! I never planned it to happen this way but as it happened, I quite like how my first new documentary ended up being closely related to that first one all those years ago. I hope you’re having the most amazing time in Catalunya my friend!

[@m17434]

THANK YOU for your story about Japan. Do you plan to visit Japan again and meet up with your old friends again? This would make a great no.2 video! Hearing your journey in languages inspires my own. I am learning Spanish and Darija Moroccan Arabic at the moment. Peace.

[@jessycasimoes7091]

Sometimes when I feel unmotivated to study Japanese because I know it will be difficult to know Japan, I think of my dream of at least knowing Japan and not living there because it is very expensive but it would be very incredible, I was moved by your story and I felt your emotion , Thanks, hugs from Brazil.

[@shivonramachala7448]

I am a yr late in viewing your video but it is so touching. Somehow I feel your heart belongs in Japan and some door may open that it leads you back there. May the road in your life destiny lead you to happiness where ever you go. Ps. I love your channel.

[@isa-wt2lb]

What a lovely video. This channel has been one of my favorite discoveries in the past year as I picked up language learning again (with Japanese, in fact) and I wish you all the best. Um grande abraço!

[@Mms328]

Thanks for sharing that! Really inspiring. (I would love to go to Japan one day!)

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I'm so glad this was inspiring for you!

[@6hZCBpMy]

Wow, what a moving story! I'm wishing you all the best going forward!

[@federicarusso2493]

Such a wonderful, interesting and touching video. 🌹 This is the power of languages, which are always connected with our personal experiences, good or bad. I strongly believe that languages can't be considered independent from such experiences and each of them can actually tell a story, one different from the other. A polyglot will always identify h**self with a language in a given time of his life. So proud of your work, I loved it ✨

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I’m so glad you liked the video, Fede! ❤️ I like your description of how interconnected languages can be with the experiences and stories we live through them 💫 thank you thank you ☺️

[@ktslittlefaith]

Thank you for sharing your story. I hope Japanese comes running back to you as you run towards it. 💗

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much, Katie!

[@Backpacknbeyond]

This touched me man. Went through such a similar experience learning Chinese. I still learn Chinese to this day because of the connection I have with the place. Hope you can relieve those old and great emotions once again by studying the language. I hope you can go back someday stronger, wiser and a little bit more full of life!

[@floricapasca7133]

Wow! You seem so emotional in this video 🙆

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

It was a very special and emotional video for me ✨❤️

[@SR-lh4rm]

This was a beautiful story. Thanks for making this. Very well done.

[@stephaniejerusalem8192]

Sorry! Grüße!! So easy to miss that oh so important Umlaut. Love your revelations 😊

[@raisaff]

Robin, you're such a brave person. Thanks for sharing your story of hardship and trauma, so rare on this platform. I'm the kind of person who needs someone motivational around and I'm glad to find this in your channel. By the way, thanks for creating a harassment free tool for learners, Journaly is amazing! Abraços do Brasil :)

[@nadiaheng6547]

This was so special, thank you for sharing this with the world. I'm so excited for you and your whole new journey that's ahead, where I'm sure Japanese will still give you so many more beautiful memories that you can't even begin to imagine. xx

[@jnnschnll9008]

I totally feel you. I can 100% see myself in your story. I also started my studies with the strong desire to go to Japan. I studied hard everyday and only the prospect of going to Tokyo was what got me through those three years. Last year, I finally got excepted by Waseda. Well, I would have but because of covid they needed to cancel the exchange programme. I couldn't really find the same joy in studying Japanese since. But I think, everything happens for a reason. Don't give up, if it's really important to you, I think there will be a way for you to go back to Japan!

[@echelonangel98]

Thank you for sharing your story and journey, Robin ❤ I wasn't familiar with it all and it really touched me.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! I'm so glad that it was touching for you ❤

[@moni2865]

Thank you Robin for sharing your personal story about your Japanese journey. It was actually very touching and and wish you all the best!

[@kujk4883]

Thank you for sharing this video. I am just at the moment NEED IT. And it gave me more courage to stick my journey. Thank you Robin:)

[@ledysgonzalez3142]

Eres valiente , inteligente e invaluable . Gracias por ser y estar

[@lulu9759]

It’s amazing that you still have Fukuoka and Kyoto pitch accents. Like when you said 話 and 何を話すか, that sounded like someone from the western Japan. That shows you spent lots of time with the local people and you naturally acquired their accents!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Wow that's absolutely fascinating to me! I was actually feeling very unconfident and worried about how my Japanese would sound these days, specifically pitch accent. This is really cool feedback, thank you @Centre Plaza!

[@lulu9759]

@@RobinMacPhersonFilms Yeah, it’s beautiful isn’t it? Even after 7 years of not studying Japanese, you still have the accent of those friends! It’s like they are living inside of you even if you guys aren’t close anymore. You almost made me teared up when you spoke with the western accent lol.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

@Centre Plaza that’s such a beautiful way to put it, that they’re still living inside of me in that way 😲 I’d really appreciate your continued feedback as I embark on regaining my Japanese knowledge because this is so interesting! 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@vangogh8644]

Thank you for sharing your story with us❤️

[@esta3492]

Thank you for sharing this really difficult time of your life. Your love of languages & what you’ve overcome is really inspiring. I really love your channel & rooting for you. 👏🏾👏🏾

[@umio.6907]

Hello Robin, What a story you have told us! Frankly, ７年間日本語から離れてたとは！信じられない！貴方の日本語、まだまだ大丈夫ですよ。これだけ話せたら、it’s a matter of getting back to speaking more and more! Nervous? それはきっとmonologueだったから？誰かと会話をしてたら流暢に話せたのでは?!? Welcome back to 日本語!!🤗 Bonne continuation !!!

[@hellobeatles613]

Such a beautiful documentary! ❤

[@stephaniejerusalem8192]

A beautiful, real and very moving story. The more I hear the more I believe in growth through adversity..doesn’t diminish the pain but it’s obviously made you the amazing person you are I would like to hope and believe that life will reward you with more of the love and joy you so beautifully share. Alles gut Robin! Gruße aus Neuseeland 😊

[@JDGhast]

Amazing video, Robin. I’m a relatively newer viewer and had heard you had a rough past but didn’t know the details on it. I feel like I’m right around the same place in the beginning of your Japanese learning adventure, and your tale both excites and frightens me, hahahah. I’m going to give it my all in Japan as well, though! I sincerely hope diving back into it winds up as enjoyable as the very first time for you :) Best of luck, my guy!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks for your comment, J.D.! I hope that the excitement you get from my story can greatly overshadow the fear, haha. If you give it your all and put your heart into it, I am absolutely sure that Japan and learning Japanese will deliver the most life-enriching experience you could hope for! Best of luck to you, too 😄

[@teacheremilio]

Amazing video Robin, I can relate to many things that you mentioned. Thanks for sharing and also great Japanese after such a long time. 諦めないで下さい😃

[@pocketsun]

It's beautiful to hear your story, thank you for sharing xx Your Japanese sounds amazing :O I'm impressed you could speak so fluently after all that time! x

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much for watching, I'm really glad you found beauty in the story 😊✨ It will be so interesting and fun to see how it goes getting back to the language now! x

[@miazborovancikova7430]

This is absolutely amazing....I lost words.....don't know what to say.....so deep story..... crying again...🙂🙂 thanks for sharing this with us 😊😊

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you so much Miaaaa ❤️ I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that the story resonated with you 😊

[@MG-ui8jk]

thx for sharing ur experience i always rejected to go out with my friends because I cant afford to buy food or drink outside

[@enzoferrari2299]

I didn’t think you were going to take the film/documentary making that seriously. The quality of the whole video and its meaning had a completely different approach. It was amazing! Keep going🤗

[@kristinal.4373]

I enjoy of watching your videos🙏 keep on keeping at what you love...

[@saulcontreras4686]

This is one of my favorite videos on all KZbin, why?, Just because it's your content, and it's a very very beautiful story to listen, awesomeee video Robin, keep it up! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@Howtogetfluent]

Thanks for sharing the story... Great to hear you speaking Japanese at the end and (thanks to the crutch of the subtitles) I could even follow quite a lot of it.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I’m really glad you enjoyed it! That’s great you were able to follow a lot of the Japanese part. I’m really looking forward to making lots more content with Japanese in it 😊

[@hanacotton]

話してくれて、ありがとうございます😊

[@ianmacrae2710]

That was very beautiful. ♥

[@salvadordulantoarrieta2865]

Duuuude! Japanese is the language that I really wish as my third tongue! I am really expecting to see your whole Japanese process! Go ahead!!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Woohoo sounds great Salvador! I hope this will be helpful for your Japanese journey!

[@tanyajones9325]

Thank you for the interesting and motivational video! 🙌🏼😻

[@naco5563]

Robin, thank you for sharing your story. I've also been there when I lived in Australia. That was painful and heartbreaking. However, the experience made me stronger and push me up for the new chapter of my life. Any experience is meaningful and valuable. Your Japanese is amazing. I admire you so much!

[@midwesternertk3714]

Robin, you're amazing and resilient. You're inner connection to Japan, I wonder if you've had a past life there. Relearning/speaking Japanese, and when you are able.... revisiting, will be like giving your soul the hug it has needed since you had to leave. I wish you all the best.

[@erichiseli3492]

Fantastic story Robin, thanks for sharing. I also like how you made that film alternating between your couch and coffee drinking framing and the beautiful scenes of Japan and your younger self :)

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you, Erich! I’m really glad that you noticed and appreciated these filmmaking elements. There were so many of these small decisions that went into this project and I absolutely love that creative process. I can’t wait to continue learning and trying to improve while making lots more documentary content in various styles!

[@nori_tutor]

That was the most beautiful and incredible video I've ever watched here, thank you Robin, for remembering we're not alone, that we must never give up of that part which composes who we are.

[@literarilylaura8144]

Thank you for being so honest, Robin. I'm excited to be seeing your journey back into Japanese! I'm studying Japanese and it was lovely getting to hear you speak the language. ¡Ánimo! ロビンさんを応援しますよ！

[@victoriahasskerl7282]

That was so delightful. Thank you for your heart. PS how can one send something without being a patron?

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Victoria! Please feel free to email me at [e-mail] 😊🙏🏼✨

[@taneshacrivella7113]

Thank you for sharing your story with us! You’re a beautiful person and your story was honestly really touching! Un abbraccio dall’Italia!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much for your comment, Tanesha! I’m so glad you think that and found the story to be touching. Un abbraccio forte anche a te!

[@greglocker2124]

I can't wait for you to release your memoirs

[@vtezoni]

Thanks for sharing your story with us Robin, you're a lovely and dedicated person! I love your channel. Kisses from Brazil!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much Veronica! I’m so glad you love and support my channel ✨ kisses, hugs, and happy vibes from the U.K.!

[@derekmorley5844]

Robin, thank you for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration in both language learning and life. We face many challenges and I am coming out of a very difficult time in my own life. Hearing your story is an encouragement to me to persevere. Hearing you speaking in Japanese at the end was wonderful, even though I don't understand the language at all. Thanks and I wish you all the best.

[@Cloudyvi]

I can see that you lived the language fully at some point in your life, because you had some language ticks, facial expressions that are typical of Japanese people. I'm sure that you're gonna get back to a fluent level in no time! Because one crucial part of the learning in a language is exactly what you talked about: the cultural fluency, the grasp of the way Japanese people express themselves. Wish you all the best on your journey~

[@yelenadunn7934]

What an adventure! And what an adventurous person you are, Robin!

[@alexbarringer6499]

I absolutely loved this video! You mentioned wanting to do videos in this style more, and all I have to say is please please please do! It was so authentic and honest and raw and wonderful. Highly looking forward to following this journey.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much for your comment, Alex! I'm honestly just delighted that you appreciated and enjoyed this filmmaking style and descriptors like authentic, honest, raw, and wonderful came to mind for you! These are the exact types of things I hoped would come across so it's really encouraging to read your comment and I just can't wait to make more now! There will be a lot of experimentation this next few months - for example the next short-documentary I'm working on will be more light-hearted and informational, but I hope to still give it that professional feel as if it were a 10 or 15-minute thing you'd watch on Netflix 😄 That's the goal, we'll see how it goes haha. I just adore creating stuff like this and can't wait to see how much I can learn and improve this year.

[@Han-yq4yv]

Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been studying Japanese on and off for some reasons, so I’m really related to this video. Your videos always motivate me. I hope you can get on well with the friend that you encountered, Japanese. 頑張ってね！😊

[@disciplinefreedom3083]

What a nice story....thanks for sharing.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

It's a true pleasure to share work like this. Thanks for watching and supporting me 😊

[@cmmndrblu]

嗨！我是來自布里斯托尔住在西班牙的。？我也非常喜歡學習外語，還有呢 我覺得你的視頻好棒啊，对我来说呢这些视频内容又丰富又有趣。如果你來到馬德里的話一定要告訴我！聽起來你在美國的時候過得一點辛苦是不是。你在我的家鄉過得怎麼樣？我希望你一切顺利。加油！加油！不要放棄！Eres un fenómeno tío, me has dejado impresionado. Pase lo que pase, no te rindas nunca!

[@Max-jf5vu]

A touching and well-told story! Wish you all the best with your studying.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much, Max! I’m really glad you liked it!

[@solea59]

Great , I am really impressed Robin , well done !

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you, Brian! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@rachelgregory888]

I love Japan, I was there about 15 years ago, for about 6 weeks. I went to Tokyo, Nara, Kyoto, Yokohama, Hiroshima and Osaka! I would love to go back 😍

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Wow that sounds like an amazing trip! 6 weeks and such a great list of places! I hope you have a wonderful time when you finally get to go back 🥰

[@vinniskarnak]

Brother, I gotta tell ya. I’m skeptic about KZbin language learners. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to see this kind of passion coming from them as I’m finding in you right now. I started studying Japanese 7 years ago as well and now, after a few years of having quit studying even though I was so good at the language, created in me this feeling that somehow there was a part of who I am that I was leaving behind. Your documentary made me stand as I was watching, I couldn’t stay sit. I just got in touch with some Japanese friends to start studying again. Thank you for inspiring me again! Let’s do it! 🇧🇷

[@alobo_78]

Such a beautiful story... I hope to learn japanese someday , it is so good to listen to you in this wonderful language ... Quizá algún dia nos hables desde allá ... Un gran abrazo y gracias por compartir este relato :)

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks so much, Annie! Estoy seguro de que puedes aprender japonés un día cuando estés listo! Un gran gran abrazooooo a ti!

[@Soletobelli]

Me encanta tu historia Robin! Sos realmente un ejemplo de superación!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Muchísimas gracias, Sole! Estoy muy contento de que te haya encantado mi historia ❤️ Un abrazo enorme a ti!

[@Tehui1974]

I enjoyed your video, bro!

[@zuzanavelkoborska9836]

Wow I don’t get to listen to japanese very often and it is such a beautiful language (and culture). I would be very interested in that experience of working as barista in Japan :) in what way it was challenging… thanks for your sharing and for that beautiful little japanese chat, it was music to my ears

[@alexandreguilhermemaestro]

You really inspire me, Robin! Thank you,

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

It’s truly special to get that kind of feedback, Alexandre! Thanks for your support

[@cigarKK]

ロビンさん、おかえり！！ 日本語のホームに😃

[@kofimcc5794]

Bless you Robin

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you Kofi! ✨

[@irenemcnamara9699]

Hi Robin! I think you are on a level above everyone else! I love to study languages, but at a certain point I have to focus on one or two languages. Your Japanese is extremely good, even though you dropped it for many years.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you so much, Irene! You've been such a wonderful supporter of my work and I'm so fortunate for that 🙏🏼 I'm glad you thought my Japanese was still good!

[@irenemcnamara9699]

@@RobinMacPhersonFilms No, Robin, we are the ones who are blessed! You devote so much of your time to encouraging all of us to study several languages. I study French, Spanish, German, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian and Greek, because of you. I even have made some meager attempts at Chinese. Of course I dont study all of them in-depth. I have made use of your 3-tiered schedule. I am always delighted when you answer my texts! Thank you for all of your support!

[@yura-days]

Your videos always motivate me. God bless you❤️

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

I'm so glad to read that, Yu! Thank you for your support ❤️

[@RonaldBradycptgmpy]

I found this video entirely by accident and I wish I would’ve found it sooner. This really hit home for me. For me, the language that changed me was Spanish. I originally learned it to make money (my school needed a Spanish tutor as well as some private clients and I was living with a Spanish-speaking family and only understood half of what was being said to me) So, I learned it. I met a girl. We were together for five years and she was the reason my Spanish god to point where I would consider myself reasonably good. I could read, write, express myself without feeling hindered. I’ve met people in her family from three different countries, none of whom spoke English. We ended in a mess. And after that point in my life, it was difficult for me to speak it again. It hurt because it reminded me of all of the relationships that I built in that language that I know longer had. And then one day, I was literally lost in a part of town where almost no one spoke English fluently. At least during the time of day that I was there. And my brain went into this weird mode where it was fighting to resurrect something. I found that the language was still relatively intact, though like you, I had forgotten a significant amount of vocabulary which bothered me to say the least lol! But, I found that it came back to me very quickly and that there was a part of me that came along with it that I thought had gone. Así que espero que puedas encontrar una manera de continuar tu viaje hacia el japonés. 頑張ってくださいね！

[@kgal1298]

I went and studied abroad in college came back then my college was like "well you weren't in the state for the past 9 months so we can't give you any aid" and I freaked out and asked they never disclosed this before I left because I was under the understanding that studying through the college allowed me to maintain my aid. Needless to say, it fucked up my entire experience and I left college about 20 credits short of having my degree. Flash forward 10 years later and a horrible economic experience and now I have a 6 figure job that I learned by practicing on my own. Life's crazy. This just brought my back since I studied in Japan, but I was up in Sapporo. I'm dying to go back I really want to go back to Kyoto and Tokyo because we did a two week tour of Honshu, but our instructor hated Tokyo and gave us 2 days there. Oooph. Anyway much like you I'm trying to recapture what I learned, but I'm also learning Spanish right now since I'm in Los Angeles and half my friends speak it so it's easy to keep up with.

[@schoolingdiana9086]

One of my friends was head of the DOE-Seattle line office. She stepped down and took the role as DOE Head of Financial Aid for the West Coast, because of the very reason you mentioned. She says that students get screwed there before any other place in higher ed, and she’s aimed to fix it for several years now.

[@kendawg_mcawesome]

Beautiful video, thanks so much for sharing and being vulnerable. I'm really looking forward to revisiting Japanese along with you.