Interview: Michael Gakuran

Michael Gakuran is well known for his Gakuranman blog full of fun, yet thought-provoking comments on Japan, haikyo excursions and amazing bioluminescent creatures of the undersea. Having studied Japanese for over 8 years, passed the JLPT 1 exam, and won an all-England Japanese Speech Contest, Gakuranman is an example of how motivation leads to great results!

Interview with Michael Gakuran

What made you go to Japan? Did you learn Japanese before or after you got there?

I first started studying Japanese in 2002 as part of a GCSE course at my school in the U.K. My friend had introduced me to anime and manga a couple of years earlier and suggested we start learning the language as well. With his passion, we collected the signatures of classmates who were also interested, submitted them to the headmaster and succeeded in having a Japanese teacher hired to teach Japanese twice a week after school. My friends and I finished the course with good grades and our teacher took us on our first trip to Japan to celebrate. It was unforgettable.

What was you first impression of the country? Was it how you imagined it will be?

Hot! Definitely hot. Oh, and really humid. It was the height of summer. I guess it was reasonably close to everything we had learnt before going. Most of us liked anime (especially the Ghibli film Spirited Away) and we all knew little bits and pieces of Japanese culture, but I suppose we really only experienced the surface on our first trip.

We enjoyed watching crazy Japanese television with a foreign guy playing a guitar and singing about digging up clams and explained to a local Japanese guy K-san (K for King!! he said) about the differences in pronunciation between American and British English while eating Okonomiyaki. We visited temples in Kyoto and snapped pictures of schoolgirls, climbed Tokyo Tower, went to the Ghibli Museum and even had a home stay, attending a Japanese school for a couple of days. It was such a packed, touristy kind of experience but it sort of completed things for many of us. But for some of us like myself, it changed our life paths completely.

Was it during that trip that you decided to move there in the future?

I was still just 18 after finishing the Japanese course and graduating from secondary school, so I didn’t have any long term plans yet. I did however have a burning desire to get back to Japan for a longer stay, so I enrolled with GAP—an agency that sends young people overseas—and found myself working as a volunteer with mentally disabled adults at a countryside home in Hyogo-ken.

I ended up spending a year there—6 months longer than planned—and going through a lot of the difficulties that foreign nationals experience when taking the plunge to live in Japan.

Did you have any problems adapting to the Japanese way of life? Or are you talking about purely administrative challenges?

Well, there were challenges I encountered due to the nature of the work I was doing, but there were also many cultural differences.

I vividly remember the struggle I had trying to make friends with the older staff.

My Japanese language was still at a very low level despite having taken a course and I was still just a child under Japanese law. I often found myself trying to pay my own way at restaurants with the staff and being refused or simply left out of trips they planned together as friends. That isn’t to say I wasn’t well treated—I had all the luxuries of being invited to do Kendo and Tea Ceremony as well as numerous parties and such—it was just that there were no people my own age out in the countryside and the language barriers made it difficult to make good friendships. That’s all without mentioning the fact I was painfully shy and enamoured with one of the younger female members of staff!

You’ve reached quite a high level of proficiency in Japanese. What did it take, and what do you like most about this beautiful language?

Well, after the gap year, I returned to the U.K and began studying Japanese on a 4-year course with Philosophy which included my second year studying at a Japanese University. I was sent to the countryside again, this time to Akita in the North of Japan.

That year would prove to be the changing point in my language skills—the part where things began to really click. I ended up in a class well above my actual level in the placement tests and really struggled. Everything was conducted in Japanese and for the first few weeks, I remember having a thumping headache as I tried to adjust to everything. We had around 3 hours of Japanese lessons a day with lots of homework. I contemplated dropping down classes several times but somehow kept going.

After a few months, things became easier. I joined a couple of circles (clubs), made a point of only hanging around the Japanese students, got myself onto the student government and generally just immersed myself as much as possible. I still encountered many problems during the year and made many silly mistakes (one involving barging into the University President’s office and demanding an explanation for the sacking of some teachers!), but overall the experiences took my Japanese to a level where I was comfortable with daily conversation.

As for what I like most about the language, I think it would be that I just enjoy using it. I love to talk to people and learn new and interesting phrases. Being able to bridge the gap to a culture so different to the one I was raised in just feels awesome.

What would you suggest to beginners interested in mastering Japanese?

Be prepared for the long haul. I’ve been studying for 8 years now and have gained JLPT level 1 but am still not fluent to a native level. Of course, had I studied more intensively I would undoubtedly be better, but I think a big part of learning any language is enjoying the trip. If you’re only looking towards the end result, you will be missing so much along the way.

There are certain precious experiences that can only be had by making mistakes and laughing about them afterwards.

Also, a lot of the fun to be had in learning a language lies in improving your own ability and meeting similar people along the way. It would be downright boring if you were able to become fluent in a just a few weeks or months.

That said, if you really want to speed up the process, surrounding yourself with as much Japanese as possible really helps. I appreciate not everyone will be able to get out to Japan to study (which is the best way, in my opinion), but watching Japanese dramas, making Japanese friends in your local community and studying little and often will help put you on the right track. Try to relax and have fun doing it. You’ll look back one day and realise some of the best experiences you had were when you were up to your neck and struggling to put a sentence together.

On a different note, it’s no secret that you are interested in bioluminescence and underwater creatures. How did you discover this subject and what are you current activities related to it?

Haha. Bioluminescence has always been a pet interest of mine. I love shiny things like fireflies and deep-sea jellyfish and I suppose it is just an extension of my interest in nature. I mainly just try to keep abreast of the latest discoveries and occasionally write an article about some cool critter. Nothing too serious, although I would love to go down in a submersible to see the light shows in action.

Did your new hobby, haikyo, arise from this love for the unknown?

Pretty much. I like the outdoors and the thrill of exploring unusual or forbidden places. Once I discovered haikyo I began to research local ruins and started visiting them. I also enjoy photography, so the two activities complement each other well.

It seems like after parkour and geocaching, haikyo is slowly coming back into fashion with renewed interest in media and among general public. What is your word of advice to those willing to try it out?

Be safe and go with somebody more experienced at first. Also be aware of the law and ask yourself if you are willing to bear the consequences if you break it.

There are many hidden dangers in haikyo and although a lot of things come down to common sense, you cannot always predict what will happen.

Loose concrete falling from above, rusty nails sticking out the floor or even stumbling across a beehive home to the infamous suzumebachi can prove deadly.

You’ve long been studying philosophy. Do you believe that Western and Asian currents are closely tied to local historical events and culture and shouldn’t be compared, or do you see an opportunity in learning from one another?

History isn’t my strong point, but I do think that Western and Eastern cultures have developed in different ways. That said, they also have many similarities that we share as human beings and can definitely be compared to one another. I’d say that we can learn a lot from one another and also think it’s important to do so. Good use of a country’s language requires a strong knowledge of the customs and culture.

Talking about learning from one another, what is your opinion of the constantly evolving social media on the internet? Does it benefit our lives, work, and education or is it just a fad and a waste of time?

I think the way social media has evolved enabling people to communicate and share ideas more openly is excellent. It certainly does benefit our lives and can be particularly useful when learning languages because of the ease of reaching people from other cultures. However I can see how it sucks time away from other activities where that time may be better spent. I’d say it’s important to keep one’s own goals in mind and use social media tools wisely in ways that complement your own learning.

I hope that everybody enjoyed this interview. If there’s anything else you would like to ask Michael, feel free to write in the comments!

Please check out my other interviews, and if you don’t want to miss any future ones, be sure to subscribe to the RSS, follow NihongoUp on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

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Philip Seyfi

Philip Seyfi is a Russian new media developer & designer who also happens to be the author of the NihongoUp Game and all of the other NihongoUp branded projects.

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Showing 17 comments

    • Derek Padula 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      You mentioned Kendo lessons in this interview, and I would like to know if you have ever practiced Japanese martial arts or spirituality for a dedicated length of time. I have found that the cultural arts (dancing, martial arts, music, traditional arts, calligraphy, etc.) can lead to a much deeper understanding of a nations' people and history. The Japanese martial arts often have a connection through the mind and body that can teach things a text book never could. Have you explored this aspect of the culture?
    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      Hi Derek. Yes, I did Kendo for 2 years - 1 year in Japan and 1 year back in the U.K while at University. I can't say I've really done it for a significant length of time and I never bothered grading, so perhaps I didn't really get into the spirit of it properly. That said, I do enjoy the traditional Japanese arts and attending the weekly tea ceremony, taking calligraphy classes during my year abroad at a Japanese University and doing a week long pilgrimage on Shodoshima gave me a better insight into the culture. I felt it really did bring me closer to the spiritual side of things :).
    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 3 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      Thanks for doing this article Philip! It makes me sound way smarter than I am o.O;. I hope it gives people a little insight into the learning Japanese process though :)
    • Ben 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      I'd say you are pretty smart. I follow your blog, but I didn't know about that speech contest you won. But since you've passed the JLPT1, I'd love to hear what you think about the changes happening this year. Both the new 5-level system, and the addition of 190-some kanji. Is this good or bad? I've been studying for the 3-kyuu, but now it's becoming N4. Should the changes affect my strategy going into the JLPT this coming December?
    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      I haven't taken the new test or bought any books that fit the revised format, but from what I have heard it's a good thing. Level 1 will go largely unchanged, but I did hear that it is now harder. Perhaps this is because you have to pass each individual section in order to pass the whole test, whereas before if you failed one section but did extremely well on another, you'd pass. As for the new kanji, learning more is always good. The ones specified as standard are really only bare minimum anyway. Most Japanese people will know more.

      On your dilemma whether or not to do N4 or N3, I'd say try a few practice tests (either online if there are any of buy a book) and see where you stand :).
    • Rainbowhill 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      Great interview Philip, and also very interesting to hear more about your development as a language learner Michael. I think what really stands out for me is your curiosity and initiative when it came to seeking out authentic experiences with Japanese. From pushing for classes in school so you could develop your interest, to seeking out friendships with Japanese people and then immersing yourself in the culture through sports and other activities it seems as though you have really embraced Japan.

      For anyone learning Japanese and just starting out you really could find no better role model to emulate. Too often people think just about a the tools, and the tactics, on a really small scale when it comes to learning the language. To maintain your motivation over a long period, Japanese has to be something you have a really deep interest in. Thanks for sharing the bigger picture Michael, and for bringing it to us Philip.

      (Edited by author 7 months ago)

    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      Thanks for the comment Brett :). I guess I did a lot of different things that weren't out of the textbook, but they were really just a result of enjoying learning the language. As you rightly said, rather than me looking for things to motivate me, they came naturally as an extension of being fascinated by so many parts of Japan. This seems to be the key to success more than using special techniques or learning methods (although they can speed up one's progress :) ).
    • David LaSpina / JapanDave, A photographer lost in the Japanese countryside. I share a new HDR photo everyday at my blog -- check it out. For you FB folks, there is a FB fan page too: http://www.facebook.com/JapanDave 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      Great Interview. It was nice to learn a little more about you, Michael.

      Studying Japanese isn't always easy, and so it's always wonderful to read about people who have beaten the curve and obtained some proficiency at it. I admire your determination to do just that, and while so young. I often wish I had begun studying Japanese a bit before moving here.

      Ah yes, and that Socrates quotation.. "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing". Despite studying and being more interested in Eastern philosophy than Western, that has been my favorite quotation since high school. I'm sure I annoyed many of my "cafe" buddies in college by *always* quoting it.
    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      Gotta love old Socrates ;)
    • Harvey 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      Good stuff! I love learning more about the "personal" lives of my J-Blog and Twitter friends :-) Thanks for sharing!
    • caughtredhanded 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      Great interview. Always good to get a behind-the-scenes look at our people. Good job!
    • drayomi 4 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      Thanks you for this interview! I always thought the end product was what I should always be thinking towards, but you have allowed me to realize that my journey so far has been a blast despite the low level of my Japanese. But, if I think about it, I have learned a ton in the last three months. I didn't even know Hiragana or Katakana existed three months ago, and now I can read them off by heart. :)

      Anyway, Gakuranman, would you say that Kanji is the most difficult part of Japanese, or the most enjoyable?
    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 3 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      Glad to hear it :). Kanji is quite tough, but they are also very enjoyable to learn. I'd especially recommend learning calligraphy if you can - it really helped me to see the characters as artistic with deeper meanings.
    • drayomi 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      Thanks for responding! ;)

      I shall take up your recommendation. It sounds enjoyable, and since I am an artist it might make learning Kanji that much easier.
      Do you know of any resources for learning Japanese Calligraphy? :)
    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      You mean using computers and such? I was thinking more along the lines of taking calligraphy classes and getting messy with ink ^^;. Although word has it there are apps for the iphone that mimic the experience. No idea what they are like though...
    • shockerz, Love to make new friends, networking, socialize, discover new culture and the way of live. I'm an Anime Fan. Love Japanese cultures & life. 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand
      This is definitely a good read on the thoughts you have Mr. Gakuranman. Your story kinda remind me of Danny Choo himself but he use a different way I guess. It always a pleasure reading your blog that take make me a step backward for while to reexamine everything I know about Japan.
    • Gakuranman, Iluminating Japan 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
      Thanks Shockerz. That's a great complement! If I get people to question themselves and the world around then I feel I have achieved something :).

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