Hello, my name is Derek and I’m 27 years old.  I usually just read forums and do not usually post, so as dumb as it sounds, this is a little out of my comfort zone.  I have just made it to the end of Season 2 and decided that it was finally time that I introduced myself in the forums.

I hope to be able to visit Japan sometime in the near future, hopefully by the time I turn 30 or thereabouts.  Living or working there is not a very realistic goal for me but just visiting would be enough as long as I can get the most out of the experience.  That is part of why I am learning Japanese.  Going there has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember so it is about time I got around to accomplishing it!

I am also a fan of anime, video games (JRPGs mostly) and have recently been listening to far too much AKB48… It would be nice to be able to enjoy these things in their original form, so that is also a reason why I am learning.

Anyhow, sorry to be so long winded…  I hope to be able to learn from you all in the forums and hope to someday be able to return the favor myself.