Hi folks!

I am Michael and I’ve been interested/intrigued/in-love with Japan, the history, people and modern culture for as long as I can remember. I have watched a fair amount of subbed anime and read several manga. I also like watching Japanese films ranging from classics like Ran, Rashōmon, Yojimbo and Seven Samurai to more modern films like Oldboy, Zatōichi, Battle Royale, Azumi and really any Studio Ghibli movies (…and Tokyo Gore Police lol So over the top that you can’t help loving it!). Just realising the ‘classics’ I mention are all Akira Kurosawa movies, so I’ll throw Shogun Assassin and Kagemusha in there for good measure!

I travelled to Japan once a couple of years ago just after the Tsunami and all that trip did was cement my love for that nation and the people! I have every intention of going back again to visit more places, including castles, temples and areas of notable events and battles (particularly around the Sengoku and Shokuho Periods). I have also long been considering working and living there, so it’s about time I broadened my vocabulary to beyond polite greetings and asking for Ramen! God I love Ramen!!

That’s probably too long as it is, so much more I could write but most people here probably have similar motivations anyway!

Oh yes, the point of the intro – why am I learning Japanese?

To Read/Watch Manga/Anime without needing subs.

To travel through Japan and converse with locals without resorting to very vague and badly handled sign language!

To meet Japanese natives and get more immersed in their culture.

To make it easier to get work and interact with colleagues.

Anyway, that’ll do for now!

Cheers,
Michael