Six months ago, I embarked on a journey that I've been dreaming about for years - learning Japanese. What started as a personal passion has now evolved into something more structured and, hopefully, more impactful for my future. After six months of self-study, I’ve taken a big step forward by enrolling in Japanese courses at City of London University. I wanted to share my progress and the reasons behind this decision, as well as what I hope to achieve by becoming fluent.
The Passion Behind the Learning
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by Japanese culture. My love for anime and manga was my gateway to a world that felt both familiar and fascinatingly different. The storytelling, the art, the themes - everything about it resonated with me on a deep level. But as I consumed more content, the more I noticed there was a barrier between me and fully experiencing these works in their original form. I didn’t want to rely on translations; I wanted to understand the language, the nuances, the context directly from the source. This desire became the spark that ignited my journey to learn Japanese.
The Self-Study Phase
The first six months of learning Japanese on my own were both rewarding and challenging. I started with the basics - hiragana and katakana - before moving on to kanji, vocabulary, and grammar. There were days when everything clicked and days when it felt like I was getting nowhere. But each small victory, whether it was understanding a sentence in a manga or recognising a word in an anime, pushed me forward.
Self-study allowed me to learn at my own pace, which was great, but I soon realised that there were limits to what I could achieve on my own. I missed the structure, the feedback, and the interaction that come with a formal learning environment. That’s when I decided it was time to take the next step.
Why I Chose City of London University
Enrolling in Japanese courses at City of London University was a decision driven by both passion and practicality. On one hand, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the language in a more structured way, with access to experienced instructors who could guide me through the complexities of Japanese. On the other hand, I recognised the professional opportunities that learning Japanese could open up for me.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my studies, my goals are clear. I want to achieve fluency in Japanese, not just for the sake of communication, but to fully immerse myself in the culture I’ve always admired. I’m excited about the day when I can read manga, watch anime, and play games in Japanese without needing subtitles or translations. But beyond that, I’m looking forward to the professional doors that this skill will open.
How Japanese Will Enhance My Recruitment Expertise
As I progress in my Japanese studies, one of the most exciting aspects is the potential it holds for expanding into the Asian market, particularly in recruitment. Mastering Japanese will be more than just a personal achievement; it’s a strategic tool that will enable me to tap into new business opportunities across Asia.
In the recruitment industry, especially within the Toys and Games sector, Japan stands as a global leader. Major companies like Bandai, Sega, and Capcom are constantly shaping the trends that influence markets worldwide. By becoming fluent in Japanese, I will be able to connect more authentically with these companies and others across Asia. This language proficiency will allow me to navigate the nuances of Japanese business culture, foster stronger relationships with potential partners, and understand market needs on a deeper level.
Furthermore, understanding Japanese will open doors for recruitment collaborations, enabling me to bridge the gap between Western talent and the booming Asian market. Whether it’s sourcing top talent or identifying business needs in Japan, I’ll be equipped to offer services that competitors without this skill might struggle to provide. My ability to directly communicate with Japanese companies will ensure smoother negotiations, faster decision-making, and a more personalized approach in aligning talent with market demands.
Final Thoughts
Learning Japanese has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life so far. It’s a journey that started with a love for anime and manga and has grown into something much bigger. With the support of my courses at City of London University, I’m confident that I’ll reach my goals, both personal and professional.
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