I got KICKED OUT of Japanese Language School in Tokyo

Dream crusher about coming to Japan...take it from someone who has been through the whole process, most language schools are not for Westerners. Come with me as I tell you why and where you can get the experience you're really looking for in Japan.
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[@OrientalPearl]

One of the first days I was at language school in Tokyo my teacher asked "Why would you even want to study Japanese, you know English?" That always stuck with me and you'll get these comments from family, friends, and teachers too. Remember, you don't have to justify your language learning to anyone. If you want to do it, just do it. Here's the Akita Inaka School video series for those interested: akitainakaschool.com/video-lesson-series Receive 50% off with code 'AKITA50'

[@It_still_wuznt_meme]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Marshall_1990]

Good luck dear 😊😊😊

[@thelamarwilliams]

"Why would you even want to study Japanese, you know English?" Hmm...Now I'm wondering if my ex was your teacher because I definitely recognize that tone. hehe I used to call it "unnecessary rhetorical sarcasm" and I eventually learned that she definitely learned it from her mom. 😏

[@bluerose7728]

I live in S. Florida, so I have definitely gotten "Why do you study Japanese, it is better you learn Spanish" quite a few times. It is discouraging to hear that, but it is just like Anming says, I learn Japanese because I want to. My favorite singer is Japanese, and I want to understand what she says myself, so that is my inspiration to learn

[@pierfrancescopeperoni]

Learning languages is interesting, it opens your mind a lot. Though they're useless I can't imagine using only one language anymore. When you learn something interesting you can't imagine thinking the way you thought before, it happens with languages, physics, psychology, and many other subjects.

[@amym3169]

So this also explains why the Japanese are so disciplined and orderly. It's been instilled in them since childhood. It's a good and bad thing at the same time.

[@sammysmomma3714]

Yep. I am half Japanese and I was raised this way (even though we lived in the U.S.). It’s both good and bad.

[@donnawoodford6641]

Right, a chance to become bipolar!

[@rosenancy3382]

@@donnawoodford6641 The USA has one of the highest percentage of bipolar people in the world n their education system is very different from Japan's so the causes are not that simple

[@donnawoodford6641]

Personally, idk of scientific studies correlating mental illness with types of schooling. What references do you have to share? TY.

[@truthntelling]

@@donnawoodford6641 Bipolar is caused by demonic influencers. These evil entities control thoughts, desires, and actions. It often takes over all of you, a.k.a "possessed". Inwardly, the form they take on, you take on, thus, "multiple personalities". Your reference is the Bible. Pointing to one's mental state or social state is addressing symptoms, not the cause. The root cause is spirit. And by the way, it is the godless anti-Christian countries with the majority population bipolar, to the degree it is their "normal". Cases in the US 'stand-out' and get called-out to create the most controversy. But the actual numbers in NO WAY are "the highest percentages in the world". America has the most conversation over the least cases. Read a book.

[@victorjackson150]

There are 3 Japanese language school Near my house in Tokyo. This is so accurate. Most of the students pass level 1 JPlT in 2 years or less. However, I haven’t met any students who could hold a conversation or understand basic conversation. They pass the test and get the certificate, but it really lacks meaning. Go to the county side and learn Japanese far from Tokyo.

[@OrientalPearl]

Agreed. The certificate without being able to hold a conversation is quite meaningless.

[@davidalger5625]

Um, except that many jobs require a JLPT1 to be eligible for an interview.

[@victorjackson150]

@@davidalger5625 You can prepare for any take the exam without going to a language school. I did it in 2 years while working full time for an English school. I spent all my free time studying and talking to people about every topic possible. You don’t need the Tokyo School to get level 1.

[@davidalger5625]

@@victorjackson150 And you don't need a college degree for a job, nor do you need a job to make money. But that does not make college degree or a language school a scam. There are many different ways to get to goals.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Lol you just summed up English education in Japan. Japanese English teachers can’t even speak to their native English assistants…. And even go so far as to teach their student bad English knowing that it’s wrong, but will get the, a higher test score.

[@DustyCatOff]

I went to a language school in Tokyo in 2019 too. But actually I had a pretty good experience. We spoke a lot in japanese to the teacher and to our classmates about the topics we learned with. We even held a presentation about our hometown in japanese and I felt like my japanese was progressing extremely fast in a very short time. I did notice some strict teachers and a lot of students from other asian countries and it was pretty challenging at some points to stick with the rest. So still I guess it is true that you get to know your teacher and surrounding differently in less crowded places and get a more friendly and open approach on teaching but I dont regret going there. :)

[@Juichi]

I went to language school in Tokyo. The school was more aimed at westerners.The classes were good and we got a lot of time to practice speaking. They were on the pricey side of classes and there was a max of 8 students per class. Depending on the class some had 8 students, but some would only have 2 or 3 students. The teachers were friendly and some would talk with us during breaks.

[@lordbetty4806]

Same for me. I feel like this video is an advertisement for this particular school, which might be great... but my experience at a different language school was totally different from hers and my teachers were great.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Thanks for adding to the conversation.

[@spyaiir]

Same here

[@frankly9432]

May I ask what the name of the school was?

[@dragonmac1234]

If I had the chance to go to Japan I think the last place I'd visit is somewhere like Tokyo, but I'm not a big fan of cities in general. I'd be happier in smaller communities like I am here in the UK, the dog attack was so cute.

[@OrientalPearl]

You’d be much happier in the countryside here. It’s a lot more fun. But you’re going to need some Japanese to get around smoother.

[@dragonmac1234]

@@OrientalPearl I know I would have to learn at least some Japanese. But in my experience people in smaller communities are very friendly, and I'm sure they would have fun laughing at the tall Gaijin :)

[@alauriebees]

@RedJoker That's one city we're looking to live in Japan. How do you like it, if you mind my asking?! 🙏

[@alauriebees]

@RedJoker Sorry, I thought you meant you lived in Fukuoka. Thanks for responding!

[@alauriebees]

@@darcyperkins7041 Thanks, so I've heard! We're just not fans of large cities... I could visit Tokyo, but doubt I could live there, even with its positives.

[@kibishii5613]

100% true. I went to a japanese language school in Tokyo and I am not going to repeat it anymore 😆 I learned more by myself than in "the school". The same happened to me when I wanted to drink water haha 😂 And the thing is studying languages you can know how's the culture, is an importan tool when you're in another country. But I totally agree no one needs to justify "why", everyone has their own reason.

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s funny that the being called out for drinking water thing happened to you to. Yeah, I also learned more from language exchange than in the school. But at least it gave me some competition and some structure.

[@akuseru85]

I think you are missing the whole point about the water thing. Yes, I also believe it is a rather stupid rule for adult students, but that is besides the point. A lot of small, but important things in life are stupid on the surface. These small things are very important to understand if you want to be proficient in Japanese, in my opinion.

[@kibishii5613]

@@akuseru85 Be water my friend x'D

[@akuseru85]

@@kibishii5613 Alright, I will try my best.

[@Drobium77]

when I was at school in the UK (I'm English) in the early 80s, we had rules just as strict as that. We could not talk, we had to sit up straight, no eating in class, no drinking, no fidgeting, and if we did something wrong, we'd be told to stand up and put our hands on our heads for the rest of the lesson. That level of strictness was normal. I think standards have slipped a lot in the past 40 years.

[@melissad1854]

Just finished session 1 with Pimsleur! I am writing down all the sentences so I can practice on my own. But I'd like a tutor a few times a month. I think it would help. Also, I avoid big cities. Smaller rural communities are wonderful, from my experience in Japan! A fellow at the ticket office was trying to tell us which train not to get on. One that stops at all the small towns. Ya, we got on it. The fellow in line behind us watched us and saw our mistake and got us on the right train. So grateful for him!

[@OrientalPearl]

That's so awesome! I'm really glad that you're benefiting from it.

[@melissad1854]

@@OrientalPearl I'm amazed at your video and editing skills! I had to go back and watch the first part again. To get the interaction with the teacher and students like you did is really awesome!

[@gavinr.3170]

L … Seven Hunnid on KZbin is way better cuh 55

[@Techgnome21]

As an aspiring Japanese language learner, who sometimes feel to old to learn a new language. Thank you for these videos!! I would love to go to Kagoshima.

[@OrientalPearl]

Don’t feel discouraged. My mom is learning now at 54!

[@orchidtreasure1484]

Kent, there's no age limit. I'm a woman in her 40s, and I've been learning languages since I was a teenager. With Japanese, I will be at 7.

[@Techgnome21]

@@orchidtreasure1484 Thank you for your words of encouragement 😊

[@stuartpanton8531]

I'm a black Londoner who lived for 5 years in Kagoshima (2003 - 2007). It is very different to Tokyo and much more relaxed.

[@katerinaschmidtova6255]

I started with japaneese as a 37yo. And I love it. It is challenging but fun.

[@giftedpixie]

This is fantastic info, thank you so much Anming. I'm trying to collect as much useful, exciting and interesting info as I can for my nephew. He loves everything Japanese, and we really want him to go and live there and experience life before he gets to stuck into 'adult' life and constraints. Your videos are great. Thanks 😊

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m so glad you found it useful! I hope it helps your nephew.

[@janm.6840]

My Korean skills are very basic and mostly for survival, my mom and others tried teaching me but their patience only lasted for small stretches. No matter how much I tried to learn, their strict demands were never satisfied. So I can relate to the brain fart moments trying to communicate with native speakers, the pressure, ugh!

[@OrientalPearl]

When you hit a plateau, double your study time for 3 months and watch your progress take off.

[@tiagodagostini]

I passed for that when I moved to germany for half an year. I could understand people if they were not speed talking, but the pressure of talking correctly made me freeze.

[@user-ec2rc3lr7v]

Excellent advice and input! Extremely helpful, and for anyone reading this who may be just starting out - she's a great resource! She's actually in it to help others, and I appreciate the experience being shared. ありがとうございます。

[@leslietripp9417]

This has to be one of your top 10 videos ever made! Not only entertaining but highly informative! Well done!

[@HappiAcrossCultures]

After studying in Tokyo for a year, I literally wanted to give up on Japanese because I felt so alone in such a big city 😭 I was also extremely KY and didn’t understand how to 空気を読む at all 🥺 buuuut after studying in Shanghai, I made friends with Japanese classmates from kansai and gave Japanese another try~~ and fell in love all over again by experiencing the countryside communities!! 💕💕 Japan is really beautifully diverse like you said, and I really wish I’d seen this video 5 years ago and knew that Tokyo isn’t the only part of Japan!! ❤️❤️❤️ thank you so much for this!! ✨✨

[@OrientalPearl]

I felt a bit alone too, but it got a lot better when I started doing language exchange after class.

[@laurenh6668]

I can't thank you enough for mentioning Pimsleur in a previous video!! Until then I'd been learning Korean with LingoDeer and the TTMIK books. Since downloading Pimsleur I've come on SO much from the audio lessons!! I do each lesson twice and I'm on 26 now. I'm going to keep doing this til I can get a one on one, in-person tutor (kinda hard at the mo!). Watching your videos reminds me to keep going! 👊 Loved this vid as always

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m go glad to hear that it has helped you so much! I really got a lot from their Japanese program and am now using it to learn Korean. Progressive overload will keep you moving up to higher levels. You’re smart to add in tutoring. If you hit a plateau, which we all do, increase your study time or double for 3 months and see your progress skyrocket.

[@itsmish5394]

I learned something new and interesting today . Thank you so much for always sharing your first hand experiences with us ✨♥️

[@condorheroes7728]

Great vid. Thanks for all the tips about exploring outside of Tokyo. I only had time to explore Tokyo last time I went to Japan, but I absolutely loved it. Really looking forward to checking out the rest of Japan!

[@OrientalPearl]

You’ll love the countryside!

[@Kirarah]

Omg! This is exactly what I experienced in college with a native Japanese teacher, in my country!! Our class even had to bow in the beginning and at the end of the class!! After one year of learning by that japanese method I can say that I can do the tests ( from 0 to 20 I finished that year with 19) and I can catch some simple conversations and words but if you ask me to talk, I can't!! And my will to go again to college for the second year with the the same teacher is zero! 😅 I'm glad you shared your experience here, I'm feeling better!! Thank you!! 🙏💖😊

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, your teacher brought over the Tokyo language school JLPT factory model right to your county lol

[@Kirarah]

@@OrientalPearl 🥲 spreading the culture 😂

[@socalfloridian1]

Anming, This experience is so precious for others to experience and read about! If you share these encounters of others who have broken through the cultural barriers of learning a language, you are doing a great service to others! The kendo, the archery, Chado, etc, that others outside of Japan have come to experience and love and have internalized for themselves represent a form of internal mastery that, to me, are the keys to learning and loving a language and the people who speak it.❤️💝🙏

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! I’ll have a horseback archery video coming out next.

[@socalfloridian1]

@@OrientalPearl Your work and the role Tommy & his family play in this endeavor is truly a gift to us and a gift to the world!

[@christianhaile9211]

I'm so glad that people like you give people a different perspective on people from different countries, and learning about their languages. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@SuperAgentscully]

One of the most beautiful and useful videos I’ve seen about Japan, I want to go to Japan and learn the language, I didn’t know about Akita!thank you so much for the advice! 🙏🏻

[@RespectOthers1]

I know how much time and effort you always put into making your delightful videos. **WATCHED + APPRECIATED**

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! This one took about 3 days to film and 30 hours to edit lol

[@estellemelodimitchell8259]

Man, I didn’t know that a 10min video could take so much time to produce. Thanks for all the effort and hard work.

[@oatislewis1018]

I've been self studying for around 3 years now and recently, I was wondering what it was like to study in the big cities like Tokyo and Osaka and becoming somewhat jealous of people who got the chance to go and do that. However after watching this video I feel glad that I have self studied. I think I pictured such a wonderful image in my head but this video has made me feel more confident not worrying when I do eventually go there. I think many people forget that language is there in order communicate, not to "look good" for tests. Thank you for making video's like this. ✨ありがとうございます🙏

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m a big proponent of formal language classes, but the point I wanted to make in this video is that there are a lot of Japanese language schools in big cities that are just JLPT score factories. I really got a lot out of the language school in China.

[@Retromanl]

Yay yaaaay, sit down and chat with Anming. Absolutely loved it 💞

[@Ash_tommo]

We need daily videos Can’t get enough of these vids ❣️❣️

[@BaileyB1011]

Love seeing ur videos! Thanks for continuing to make them :)

[@OrientalPearl]

More coming soon for you Bailey.

[@freckles2437]

I love your DITL and Japanese culture vlogs was so excited to see a new upload from you. Jo 🙂 x

[@OrientalPearl]

Yay! Thank you!

[@marshdarsh8]

This was so informative and fun to watch! Definitely makes me want to, at the very least, visit the area some day.

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m really glad that you got something out of it. 😊

[@W4EMB]

Great stuff Anming. We really enjoy your videos. You're just so personable and down to earth, it's a pleasure to watch. We really enjoy a glimpse into other places and cultures.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad to hear that.

[@OREOSallthetime]

Yay! Happy to see you again! Also LOL I was just thinking about studying Japanese 😂😂😂

[@OrientalPearl]

You should!

[@zoray5143]

I’ve had my fair share of strict adults in my life, but Adults and teachers elsewhere like Japan is on another level. I’m American so it’s kinda hard for understand how that strict environment feels.

[@OrientalPearl]

It feel like elementary school lol. But that depends on the level the company or school wants to take it to.

[@aaronhawk4493]

Japanese, Chinese, other asians don't have that much discipline level if you compare to indian schools, offices.

[@WackyDemonFire]

@ExtremelyOnline Guy Wtf is this comment

[@samuraiboi2735]

@@aaronhawk4493 oh lol now you make me remember my tamil teacher for being damn strict to my poor weak asś mind.

[@aaronhawk4493]

@@samuraiboi2735 😁

[@cindywiner2772]

Love Who You Are. Keep On Keeping On, Sweet Heart Oriental Pearl!!! You Rock! 60 plus years ole, I so much enjoy your sharing. Love & Blessing, Cin

[@mariaandersson5389]

I feel sorry for you for the experience you had of Tokyo. I lived there for a year and I have never met so many warm, caring and loving people before. But it's good you found your place in Japan because it's a wonderful and varied country with just as wonderful and varied people 💕

[@jonneff]

I lived in Okinawa for a short summer as an exchange student. I cried like a baby when I had to leave I loved the culture and people so much. I also hosted exchange students from Okinawa for many years here all through high school. I loved the program and wish to go back someday. now Im a dad and so much older , makes things difficult. I love watching your videos because I see and understand so much , the language I have slacked on but I enjoy your content very much and the positive energy you have is always great.

[@pulsatingsausageboy2076]

Sounds like a good business opportunity for you. I’m sure you could start a school in Tokyo that would appeal more to westerners trying to learn Japanese.

[@OrientalPearl]

Ha ha, start my own school? Oh gosh that would be hard.

[@OrientalPearl]

There’s so little demand from western people as well. The majority of people studying Japanese are from China, South Korea, and Vietnam.

[@pulsatingsausageboy2076]

@@OrientalPearl You’ve accomplished some difficult things in your life already just mastering those languages. You’re thriving in a country with a very different culture and societal rules thousands of miles away from your home. Something tells me if you get determined to do something you’ll find a way to make it happen.

[@rsmith02]

It's possible. Yamasa near Nagoya was that- a non-profit language school run by Aussies. It wasn't as bad as the language factory schools though teachers still have that expectation as to how a school should be run vs effective ways of language learning.

[@charliewinn-fc4jf]

Shut up angry baby hating o n a person for wlearninganting to learn japanese

[@strikebr]

I have watched many videos of yours, but this one is the best of all. Really touched me.

[@lizzie7929]

Love your energy. Your videos inspire and make my day. Hope you're doing well

[@frank_vegas56]

Awesome advice Anming. I never liked classroom learning like that. I had a lot strict teachers in my day. I don’t think I could put up with that now. Love your videos!

[@OrientalPearl]

I enjoy classroom learning, but it has to be a small classroom for language learning. Gotta have a chance to practice speaking and get corrected.

[@gaganbajwa4331]

This is so interesting and informative video for the students who wanna to study in Japan like me ✋😊 The teachers are so serious and I think this is the main reason why students are so disciplined :)

[@OrientalPearl]

I hope you have a chance to come to Japan!

[@gaganbajwa4331]

@@OrientalPearl OMG hope ur words come true as soon 😭💖 I will definitely meet you when I will visit Japan

[@Dbzlatino27]

I need an 1 hour version of this video, i really like it, dude i have been learning the language for two years an half and i have to tell you jsut like when i started to learn it, like with english for the firts time and when you gradually are reaching the point where you are able to undertand the conversations as well to read it the feeling its so gratifiying. I hope to being able to travel to japan one day to so far in the future.

[@OrientalPearl]

I would have loved to make it longer and I have a lot more to say about this topic, unfortunately the average watch time from viewers was just over 3 minutes.

[@misterRDF]

This was a great video, Pearl. The positivity was really enjoyable and the message was awesome. I hope you're doing amazing! :)

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! I love making positive content like this.

[@esthergonzalezcano4763]

This is actually how we were taught English at school in my country (Spain), especially the recorded tape exercises... 😭😅

[@OrientalPearl]

I can imagine! That’s enough to make kids not like studying English lol

[@wewenang5167]

@@OrientalPearl that is how we used to also in Malaysia, but now not that much.

[@vinsseb6076]

Same in France. I was always sleeping in the back of the class during the class. I learned English with Jrpg translated. Nonsense XD

[@Bob_Cratchit]

Another great video. I find this true in every nation I've visited. The further away you get from the big city, the more down to earth friendly people you find that are just as curious about you as you are about them. Every port we visited in the military, my friends and I would always head to the most remote locations to truly experience the people. As a side benefit, meals and such are much cheaper also lol My only caution is to use common sense and place safety first and read up on an area before you go there.

[@brianquinn5060]

Wise Traveller.

[@OrientalPearl]

Exactly. That’s why I love making videos in the countryside.

[@toriheart5046]

Really interesting the differences from Tokyo! That part of Japan looks so beautiful ~ Great Video Anming 🌸🌸

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you very much!

[@lady_kikilee]

Ahh!! Seeing you snowboarding was *so cool*!! This was a great one!!

[@mariavalentinamorepuscas1833]

Hi, I am 16 years old and I started to learn Japanese recently, I would like to say that you are a big inspiration for me and I look up to you. It's fascinating how fluent you are speaking Japanese and it makes me look forward and work harder to achieve my goal (which is speaking Japanese). I appreciate your KZbin videos they are entertaining and somehow it helps me to learn about life in Japan. Thank you for being an inspiration for my dreams, love u :)

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@its_EZ]

loving the good vibes from the natives hanging out with the foreigners, pure joy.

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s the best part of all.

[@mauricegford16497]

Anming, you inspire us all! You're an awesome content creator and you always make me want to stop what I'm doing and learn a new language!

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s makes me so happy to hear! Good luck with your studies.

[@jackpatterson7110]

This video is super useful, thank you for your insight. I think it's great that you talked about which schools are best, and I will be referring back to this video when I try a language school. Thank you :)

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much for watching. There are a few unique and western-friendly schools in Tokyo, but they are quite hard to get into because they are usually full. There was a waiting list when I tried to get in.

[@jackpatterson7110]

@@OrientalPearl thank you for making these videos :) That makes sense I suppose, seeing as Tokyo is so populous and popular...

[@hana7334]

I have been to a language school in Osaka from 2014-2016 and had a fantastic time. We also had loads of people from Europe and America. It was friendly and not exhaustingly strict. We were only allowed to talk in Japanese, had presentations in Japanese and always used what we learned immediately as well as Kanji tests every Friday. I also felt very connected with everyone. After we had completed a "semester" we would always go to eat and sing Karaoke together as a class including Teachers. There was plenty of time to talk with each other, we were allowed to drink during classes and you properly learned Japanese if you put the work into it. For those still getting used to talking in Japanese they also had Japanese people come to the school which you could talk to in Japanese. And people are more open than the other big cities in Osaka. It's all about how willing you are to accustom and open up. I would never want to trade the experience I had there for somewhere else to be honest. But of course it's up to if you want to live somewhere in the nature or in the city of course.

[@VoggoSama]

Hey, Can u tell me to which school you went? I'm currently searching for a good school. But most of them have like bad reviews and I'm a bit scared of picking the wrong one. I also really want to go to Osaka due to food and the more friendlier atmosphere. I had found the Daiwa academy. But it has also like a lot of negative reviews :/

[@hana7334]

@@VoggoSama Unfortunately it seems like the one in Osaka doesn't exist anymore(merged with the one in Kyoto or something like that), however they also have locations in Kyoto, Tokyo and Shinjuku. The schools are all called ARC Academy + the city name!

[@lxkeyrxvenroadto3002]

Pearl I love ur videos, and you inspired me to practice Japanese tysm

[@OrientalPearl]

I'm so glad!

[@lxkeyrxvenroadto3002]

@@OrientalPearl

[@dennissculaf2740]

I always enjoy your videos.... you make it real.... you find a way to make us curious.... I look forward to seeing more of your videos going forward.... good job....

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much Dennis.

[@nanaodilia8707]

Thank you sooosoo much for this Advice/Video! I'm planning to go to Japan soon (in October hopefully, if it opens again for Tourists) and I was planning to go to Tokio first and take Lessons there to start. But now I know better and will change my plans. Arigatou gozaimasu, tottemo omoshirokatta!

[@whitie5142]

I'm learning Japanese and Korean as a Pole. I love both cultures. I hope I can visit those amazing countries in the future. ♥ 🇯🇵 🇰🇷♥

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s so cool! I’m learning Korean too.

[@paulwalther5237]

Alright. You got me. I’m going to give Pimsleur a try with Korean. I agree with a lot of what you said regarding Tokyo schools. I first went to Genki JACs which is actually meant for westerners and doesn’t fit what you described but they only go to a low intermediate level. If you want to go higher it’s not a touristy school but one just like you talked about. I was the only the western person in my class (learning JLPT N2 level). Chinese students everywhere. Not the ones that speak English either. They were friendly but we had a real language barrier and they weren’t so serious about Japanese that they would switch to Japanese just for me. A lot of them did sleep in class or play on their phones instead of participating. I thought they were rude and it made me not want to go to class. The kid sitting next to me in class paid no attention and I assumed his Japanese was bad but in fact although he didn’t speak it he was quite literate and able to answer any test question perfectly I later found out. Still not a good environment at all. I would rather go to the country where you filmed this video. The sledding and skiing looks great.

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s so interesting that you had a similar experience. I ended up making friends with the Chinese students in my class, but like you said they spoke Chinese most of the time instead of Japanese. I’m using Pimsleur for Korean now too. It gave me a great start with Japanese back in 2015. I’m enjoy the learning process all over again. Please come back and give updates on your progress. I’d love to hear them.

[@yabs9642]

this video fills my soul :') country folk are all the same all around the world. they always value family & bonds, and going out to Japan, & Korea to the countryside/less densely populated areas its precisely how you described it. i liked tokyo, and heck i like most cities i've traveled to... but the one thing ive noticed about all big major cities, is that theres something desensitized about them. its not always the same thing in each city but, it always feels like theres something they lack. maaaan now im going to gear up for another trip to japan!

[@raithebatou]

Thanks for the very interesting video, and all the tips!

[@XenaWarriorBetchness]

I'm in love with the countryside of Japan especially Hokkaido and the Ainu are so fascinating. Hokkaido is so beautiful when I do virtual tours. I particularly like the view of Sapporo at night from MT Moiwa. I love snowy japan !

[@swissherbgirl2917]

I want to go to Hokkaido

[@geoffreyschofield8539]

I worked in northern Hokkaido 32 years ago, mostly in Teshikaga, while there for 3 months working on a geophysical survey crew. I enjoyed listening and learning to speak Japanese by going to my favorite snack bar every night. Since most Japanese I met there didn't speak English, it forced me to rapidly learn to understand and attempt to speak Japanese. I fell in love with Japan and I tearfully left 3 months later when our survey was completed. I still miss Japan, Enka music and a beautiful woman named Yumiko to this day!

[@Bev4Drawing]

The dog attack was ADORABLE!

[@OrientalPearl]

I know right! That was totally unexpected too.

[@icloudydust]

I love this video! So informative yet funny. I love your content! 😊😊

[@odietamo9376]

Oriental Pearl, you are incredibly charming, and FUNNY, but what’s more, this video is wonderfully informative. I learned things from it, while simultaneously being entertained. You have a way of communicating aspects of Japan that shows insight and understanding.

[@Junedayarts]

i love your channel!! and thats sad that theyre so strict😂😂😂

[@OrientalPearl]

Yeah, and I've seen some really great Japanese teachers outside of Japan. The system is against them.

[@Junedayarts]

@@OrientalPearl oof, thats sad..

[@CodyPerez]

This is a great video! But I’d like to offer a different perspective. For someone like Oriental Pearl, indeed, you’re going to have a rough time and probably dislike it somewhere like Tokyo. But if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the way things are. I am American but I grew up in the city and had that tunnel vision, work and no play-focused mindset. I came to Japan to work and I’m learning the language to do so (albeit through a university, not language school but very similar teaching styles here to what she is describing) so I’m not here to have fun necessarily. If you are like me, you might enjoy Tokyo and other cities, too! There is such a wonderful structure that gives me peace of mind. That said, the whole practicing talking part is a huge problem. Our classes are a bit better about practicing speaking but I still feel like it’s not enough.

[@anerolllanes3737]

Thank you for the video. It was super interesting. Hope you have a blessed day

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you for watching!

[@melissachaloner6308]

I have just found your channel ,thank you KZbin recommend ,now I’m binge watching all your videos 😊

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you for watching so many videos.

[@GothicAnime345]

I remember when I was going into my very first year of high school here in america I saw that the school offered chinese (mandarin and cantonese) as an elective class that you could enroll into and take. I was very fortunate enough to have such an opportunity and immediately enrolled to take all four years of chinese language class. It was hands down my most favorite and loved class to attend as it was something I was genuinely passionate and determined to learn. It's truly a shame that the bigger schools in bigger cities like tokyo have that bad policy of not allowing teachers to engage more with their students and it comes off as disconnecting and robotic. To have that extra engagement and getting to know your teachers really helps so much in the learning process more than I can express. My chinese teacher was very laid back, awesome, and overall just a cool person to talk to about all sorts of nerd stuff and chinese culture as a whole. Whenever anyone had trouble with traditional characters or pronunciation he would take time to help people one on one and was extremely patient with folks learning speed. He commanded great respect in the classroom from everyone and when he had to get serious and firm he'd do it and explained to us that it was time to stop goofing off and focus and learn so we can understand the material at hand. He was genuinely a great teacher and I can attest that what pearl says is true. When teachers engage more with their students, get to know them more and put more personal investment as a whole into helping their students learn another language it just hits differently and helps you as the student in the long term. Sadly my lao-shi had to retire and I still thank him to this day for all that he taught me and for never giving up on me and kept helping me to learn chinese. I'm very much looking forward to the day soon when I go to japan myself to attend language school and keep working hard on and learning and improving my japanese language skills.

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m so glad that you enjoyed your school! I really liked my Chinese language school, but not the Japanese one in Tokyo so much. Seemed like a factory for producing JLPT scores rather than actually teaching Japanese.

[@GothicAnime345]

@@OrientalPearl Thank you and yeah for sure it was a great class to take and easily one of the best memories I have attending high school. Yeah I've heard a lot of folks say that as well about much bigger schools in those types of bigger cities not being as good and are more by the numbers just trying to get tons of people through for those proficiency tests like in and out without as much investment. That's why I'm looking for a smaller school in japan with smaller class sizes and I'm taking time to consider which one I want to attend in the next couple of years.

[@whushaw]

Oriental Pearl is a mind reader. I’ve been wondering what you thought about the Akita Language School. I really like how they do things differently

[@OrientalPearl]

No way! You must have seen other videos on it.

[@whushaw]

@@OrientalPearl yes indeed, I first learned about the school from John Daub, and another KZbinr Life Where I’m From! I always thought learning in the countryside you could actually practise your Japanese in more real life situations so you could therefore learn way more Japanese in the long run! Thank you for doing a video on the Akita School 💜

[@CabinFever52]

Another great video!! Thanks for posting! Japan is my one item on my bucket list. South Vietnam is on my husband's. Something's gotta give.

[@1happypiranha]

I always love your videos! Please keep them coming! 💜

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much. There will be another later this week.

[@kumarvikramaditya9636]

This is the content everyone loves. Especially the academically inclined ones like me. BTW your eyes seem bluer than ever!

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad that you liked this video. Good lighting lol

[@dis4497]

One of my main concerns is not being able to talk or make sentences in Japanese. I'm on N4 and the whole time I had classes we would religiously follow the Minna no Nihongo textbooks and maybe change a few things/make our own example sentences here and there. The japanese teacher tried to get us to talk, but we were only confident enough to repeat はい、いいえ。It wasn't a language school in Japan, but in my home country and the teacher are amazing people, but there should be more output encouragement( like there was with the other languages I've studied).

[@emvee6959]

I love your enthusiasm! I'm getting inspired to learn another language, which is hard in Australia, too far to go to practice (!) But thanks for showing me these beautiful natural environments in Japan, to me far more interesting than cities❤️

[@paulwhiteside]

I just love your honesty. Keep it up. 😊👍🤗

[@thomassanfrancisco5850]

I had teachers like that in high school almost but it became quite relaxed in college. it was a shock in one of my classes to see my professor dressed completely casually with long hair and beard and addressing the class in street talk and slang.

[@OrientalPearl]

Japanese universities are a lot more relaxed too.

[@rorylidster4844]

I remember hearing one of my college prof's swear on the first day of class, mind blowing way to start higher education hahahaha

[@RoseKB22]

I remember teachers and parents in the US warning me about how college would be hard and to study really hard to be able to keep up in college, and then I found that a good handful of the teachers weren't even professors, and some were more casual and less organized than expected. Then again it depends on what college you go to and what you major in too

[@Elamori]

This video put a smile on my face, recent times have been worrying and sad because of the situation in Europe. So thank you for cheering me up, beating that dough with a big hammer looked like a fun way to make food. Stay safe on the sled hill! :D

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad that this video cheered you up a little.

[@Elamori]

@@OrientalPearl That's what I needed, thanks!

[@DocPsychoWife]

Thank you for posting this video.. It was really helpful..

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you for watching Rebecca! I’m glad it was helpful.

[@-Jakob-]

Thank you Anming for sharing your experiences. Thumbs up!!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for watching.

[@adamthelin1366]

This reminds me of my time in a Japanese language school. One of my classmates got scolded quite severely. Why? He had charged his phone at school. Or as the teachers put it; "He is stealing the schools electricity!" Never mind that we all were paying customers right? Big classes where you couldn't hear yourself think during practice, overworked teachers under immense pressure from the school president etc. I wasn't really impressed and I kind of lost my passion for a bit after returning home. (Thankfully only three months). I regained my passion after finding some nice teachers on Italki and taking a hold of my studies on my own. I've learned more, met fun people (and some weird ones too) at a fraction of the price. I will say though, it was a nice, intense start to learning the language. Not worth the price though.

[@ntrg3248]

For someone who has been self learning since 2020, I'm glad I didn't ever go to language classes, mostly because I like self learning not just in languages, so I have a lot more fun like this. Of course, I never really get chances to speak but I know I won't have to struggle too much when I do.

[@OrientalPearl]

Self study is a great way to start for the first 3-6 months. But after that structure, goals, and a little competition is necessary to propel your studies. The classroom can provide that.

[@OrientalPearl]

I think a mix for formal learning and self study is the best way to go. But a bad school limits the gains from formal learning.

[@infinityslaya]

Such an interesting video, sorry for the experience you had in tokyo, but I'm glad you found a better place

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s ok. The funny thing is that I really enjoyed language school in China, not so much Japan lol

[@dieshimitigert6758]

awesome video!!! thanks you it was very refreshing to hear your opinion :D

[@KathyakaNina]

Wow you’re the 2nd KZbinr who knows Japanese that went to Akira and gave us a snippet of a different language school atmosphere. That looks fun & you get to know the people there as you mentioned & Japanese people living in that beautiful city. I love that you showed the difference of Akira compare to the other school you went to that you were mentioning. As someone who doesn’t mind strict teachers but like the challenge, I don’t know if I can survive no drinking water for a hour and a half 😅 As a friend says I’m a fish I need to drink water very often.

[@OrientalPearl]

Kemushichan went twice, but she hasn’t been able to post the 2nd video. She’s a friend of mine.

[@ruinmela]

I think that I will buy the course if it's 50% off! When Japan will open Its borders again i want to come to Japan and do a 1 month intensive course to see if I really can pursue my dream, teaching English and Italian in Japan. I wanted to go to Tokyo because I went there in 2019 and it was pretty cool but now I'm doubting it might be not a good idea in the long run. Maybe I should try to stay there 1 month and see how it works with me. After that I can take the 6 months visa and change location. My goal is to take a n3 certificate to be able to study and live in Japan. I'm studying Japanese since the beginning of 2020 (currently a2)

[@OrientalPearl]

Give it a go! They did a nice job with it. It’s good to have diversity in your learning. I’ve done multiple programs with multiple publishers and lessons.

[@kendrickkx]

Wow the teaching/education approach is so different. Akita looks like such a beautiful and great place to go learn Japanese language.

[@OrientalPearl]

Yeah, I’ve never seen a school like this.

[@LxftRxght]

I was wanting you to drop the shoe flavour joke - WILLING THAT into existence... And you totally made my dream come true, delivery and all. ♥️

[@OrientalPearl]

I had to do it. lol Glad you get my silly sense of humor.

[@ganndalf202]

Thank you for mentioning all aspects of Japan. I try to avoid watching too much of westerner stuff because I'm from East Europe and my reasons for coming to Japan is exactly the reasons people from other asian countries have because eastern europe has poverty and war and different mindset than west europe or america so thank you for thinking of others and educating everyone. Also the education in my country is pretty much the same like in the Tokyo schools, except there is nothing else here and it's even more rushed.

[@codyandrex152]

Standard Asian school rules. Nothing out of the ordinary. Can be difficult for Westerners to adjust.

[@shukrantpatil]

yeah lol

[@elizebeths.8880]

Half of it seems to be a test of whether or not you fit in well enough. The other half is pretty reasonable.

[@percyfaith11]

Great video. Very informative about schools. I felt the same way about Japan. I had a lot more interactions in the small towns and rural areas than I did in the big cities. It's the same thing world wide.

[@atinyblackrose8938]

Love this thanks for inspiration and tip I think it's really important to know

[@ruinaar2495]

4:00 *Akita fluff attack!* 🤣 Anyway, not being allowed to drink anything in class was all the schools I went to. And even in highschool, that was also 90 minute classes. And as for tests and such, the school was also pretty strict, so none of those are really a problem.

[@OrientalPearl]

If only I could take that doggie back to Tokyo. My apartment is too small.

[@ruinaar2495]

@@OrientalPearl well that's a major shame. Sucks actually. It's a really beautiful dog.

[@VogueXTC]

I get asked all the time why I want to learn Japanese, as it’s not as needed in the big cities. But, that’s the thing! I don’t want to go just to see the city, I want to go to the countryside and ACTUALLY see Japan ❤️

[@TheCaptainSplatter]

Cause i dont know. Thats the native language and would be way easier to get around knowing Japanese.

[@sonyasever7625]

thank you for sharing this, i had no idea about these nuances

[@thestinkyweasel6297]

AMAZING! so cool, thank you perpetually for your vids!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for watching.

[@The_Traveling_Clown]

Am studying Portuguese and it's difficult not having anyone around to talk with in that language. The learning process would be faster if I had Portuguese speakers all over the place. You have beautiful eyes @Oriental Pearl

[@OrientalPearl]

Try downloading the app Hellotalk and find language exchange partners to practice with.

[@danielg6566]

@@OrientalPearl I was just about to recommend that! Try using the bulletin feature to announce when you have free time. You'll have more Portuguese speakers than you can shake a stick at.

[@johnczech7074]

I can't imagine anyone hating you! Your sweetness comes through! Thank you beautiful lady!!

[@OrientalPearl]

😊 thank you

[@michaelbalsley6041]

Wonderful video nicely done ❤️ Congratulations on your engagement!

[@szewei85]

Haha what a great infotainment commercials there Loving your new directions and keep going hehe🤠🤠😎😎

[@MATOKA]

I actually had a really great experience studying at a language school in Tokyo - I think it really depends on the school you choose to study at! A lot of people that I met in Japan were in rigorous language programs because many of the schools want you to pass the JLPT as quickly as possible and start work or attend vocational school. So if that isn't your end goal, then it's important to do some research on the school you go to! Because even "relaxed schools" are still fully immersive, which is a teaching style that takes some time to get used to if you haven't experienced it before. I would also go drinking at izakayas with classmates and teachers after classes, so there are schools that are super relaxed in Tokyo! ***don't want to do too much self-promo, but I have videos about my experiences in japan on my channel too if anyone is interested :)***

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I wanted to go to a school call ISI and Ohana in Ikebukuro, but they were always full. A smaller class size would have solved most of the complaints I had.

[@MATOKA]

@@OrientalPearl Oh for sure! My school was called Shibuya Gaigo Gakuen and class sizes were pretty small. It would be super overwhelming with large class sizes, basically just a college lecture at that point. I think the only "complaint" from my experience is that conversation was pushed a lot, but that didn't leave much time for reading and writing, so while my conversation excelled, I didn't really get much experience in kanji and writing. Those things can be perfected individually as long as you have the time and motivation though, but the JLPT is reading and writing focused sooo x.x Akita looks so cool though~! Definitely a different experience from Tokyo!

[@K0nc3pt10n]

@@OrientalPearl I went to ISI in Takadanobaba. Some of what you said rings true, but in general I had a great experience.

[@SuukiDesu]

@@K0nc3pt10n This is interesting, if you don't mind what do you think made your experience different? Were you more okay with handling the strict atmosphere?

[@theoc007]

How would you describe language schools in Osaka in comparison? Heading out this month and pretty anxious tbh now that I waited a few years just to get started. Thanks for the video Oriental Pearl :)

[@Haywood-Jablomie]

she explained EXACTLY what I went through in Osaka back in 2012

[@OrientalPearl]

Exactly the same LOL

[@theoc007]

@@OrientalPearl dang, hopefully its school by school basis.

[@Haywood-Jablomie]

@@theoc007 I honestly think it's more of a cultural thing based on old school mentality. Education is like being in the military without the guns but just as much stress. lol. It MIGHT be different with individual teachers in some big cities though. But I was in Osaka for 3 years and Noda for 1 year ... Noda almost feels like it's in the middle of nowhere compared to Osaka but it's almost as if my teacher was a clone of two of my old ones. lol

[@theoc007]

@@Haywood-Jablomie military life is what I grew up on along with serving so it might be alright to deal with. Did you ever find good opportunities while living in Japan by chance?

[@docfrayon]

I was expecting a real kicking out of class :) Way more subtle... Good advice !

[@RachelC89]

I will definitely have to check this course out! Can't wait to visit someday. ❤️

[@OrientalPearl]

I had so much fun that I might visit again in April.