Just Another American Learning Japanese 2026-07-02T00:00:00Z https://kotsu.red/ Marcus Kotsu 2026-07-02T00:00:00Z https://kotsu.red/blog/thejourneybegins/ <p><picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://kotsu.red/blog/thejourneybegins/1gbjHbUOgn-4032.avif 4032w"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://kotsu.red/blog/thejourneybegins/1gbjHbUOgn-4032.webp 4032w"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://kotsu.red/blog/thejourneybegins/1gbjHbUOgn-4032.jpeg" alt="Hiragana chart displayed on an iPad" width="4032" height="3024"></picture></p> <p>The Japanese language is probably one of the hardest languages for an English speaker to learn. And yet, I truly believe I am capable of doing it.</p> <p>Because I find it fun.</p> <p>The hard part really isn't choosing to do it. I've wanted to speak this language for many years. Truthfully, the hard part is just keeping up with it.</p> <p>There are so many words to memorize, so many symbols to read, so many new grammar rules to drill. And after everything, is the goal to be able to make it work without even thinking about it?</p> <p>The prospect is both enchanting and scary.</p> <p>Nevertheless, we here in 2026 have one advantage compared to back in the day: the internet. There are so many tools and resources available to make learning the language easier and easier.</p> <p>Consider my toolset:</p> <ul> <li>Duolingo</li> <li>MaruMori</li> <li>WaniKani</li> <li>Satori Reader</li> <li>Kagi Translate</li> </ul> <p>None of these tools would have been possible just a few decades ago. But today, they make up the full toolset that I have picked up for this journey.</p> <p>But if I'm ever going to accomplish this, I have to embark on the journey.</p> <p>Wish me luck.</p>