My name is Chris and I develop web apps by day and experiment with pedal-based harsh noise in my free time. I’ve become more and more fascinated with Japan over the last few years mostly because of noise music/anti-music. All of the most iconic artists and some of my favorites are from Japan (Merzbow, Hanatarash, Hijokaidan, Endon, Masonna, and many more!). The genre has been going on for decades, but I’ve noticed the Japanese artists tend to be the ones who push it to the extreme, i.e: Hanatarash driving a backhoe into a venue during their set and destroying everything. It has become a goal of mine to visit Japan and possibly set up a week long tour performing with the current local acts. From what I hear, one can find a punk/powerviolence/noise gig almost any night of the week in most cities.

Aside from noise, I think the language itself just sounds pleasing in general. I can listen to certain Japanese bands and really enjoy the music because the genres translate well from styles I’m familiar with in America and, even though I can’t understand the words, I can still get into the way the lyrics flow and the vocal melodies that are used.

Ever since I decided to plan out a trip sometime in the future I’ve noticed that the more I dig into learning the culture and the language, the more I enjoy it all even beyond what originally sparked my interest. I don’t expect to pick it up overnight, but I hope that by the time I am able to go, I’ll be able to semi-comfortably get around and communicate with people in their own language. Worst case scenario, if I can never make it to Japan then I’ll be able to listen to the bands I like and understand the lyrics. Plus there’s never a downside to be bilingual.

Following the the basic guidelines for the free season of TextFugu has helped me take my studying more seriously. My learning log keeps me on track and has become a valuable tool for me to review previous lessons. I’m JUST starting on the section for matching characters from the hiragana table to their pronunciations and I already know I’ll enjoy this learning tool if I stick with it. Now I’m in it for life I guess!