I’ve decided that, given my current pace of learning, mastering Japanese during my time here may be challenging. However, I can accelerate my progress by avoiding English as a fallback for communication problems.

This approach will be difficult, not just because of my limited vocabulary, but also due to the environment at Kanagawa University and the dormitory. The university is highly international, which is great for making global connections but can lead to a separation from native Japanese speakers. The same issue applies to the dormitory, which is very European in style and predominantly occupied by foreign students.

While it’s beneficial for meeting people from different backgrounds, it’s not ideal for immersing oneself in the Japanese language. The dormitory’s location also feels somewhat detached from the city and its Japanese-speaking residents.

Therefore, I’ve concluded that to truly improve my Japanese, I need to immerse myself fully in the language. I plan to enforce a rule of only speaking Japanese with those around me.

Of course, some of my university courses will be in English, and I’ll assist others with their English when necessary. Nonetheless, I believe that pushing through these challenging initial months will significantly advance my language skills and provide a solid foundation for more intensive study later on.