All About TextFugu

Hi, my name is Koichi! I’m the founder of Textfugu (and tofugu, a Japanese language and culture blog).

Thank you for visiting TextFugu. If you are here, you’re probably finally thinking about learning Japanese. I know that exact feeling, so here’s my first bit of advice: Whether you use TextFugu, or someone else, START NOW.

Don’t even think about waiting. There are so many easy excuses that make inaction happen, but do any of them really matter? Would it mean the end of the world if you didn’t? Would you be happier if you did something you wanted to do, and then did it really well? Probably. Most people feel like they’re “too busy” to learn Japanese. Believe it or not, though, TextFugu goes over things like that. I really want you to learn Japanese, which is why I created this answer-all solution to Japanese learning. I don’t want there to be any excuses.

The TextFugu Manifesto

• Address the “time-management” of Japanese Learning: I want to make sure you have enough time to study, so you can make some real progress. We’ll go over some real-life time management skills that will give you more time to learn without feeling like you have to overdo it.
• Keeping people excited to learn: I don’t want you to quit. Every bit of content is crafted so that you keep studying. Whether that’s interesting content, lessons on reducing burn-out rate, or something else, TextFugu always keeps this in mind.
• Use only the best content: Whether it’s our own content, or somebody else’s, you’re guaranteed to only be getting the best. If someone else has already done it, and they’ve done the best job possible, we’ll use that and supplement it with our own. Although this might sound like a cop-out, really all I want is for you to get only the best.
• Focus on the individual that’s learning: If there’s one thing that will keep you going, it’s being able to study the things that interest you most. TextFugu is carefully crafted to have you study the things you love most, no matter who you are.
• Make things simple: My best math teacher was also the P.E. teacher – not necessarily known for being a vocation that requires a lot of intellect. He quickly admitted that he wasn’t the brightest bulb on the bulb tree, but he did a great job making things simple. His motto was “If I can understand it, so can you.” He was right, but the real genius was that he simplified everything down to manageable pieces, which is exactly what TextFugu aims to do with Japanese.
• Update the content regularly: I want TextFugu to grow with you. One thing that I don’t like about most textbooks is that they have a limited amount of content. With TextFugu, you’ll be getting regular updates, new worksheets, new cheat sheets, and much much more as time goes by. With a regular membership, you get all of those updates for free!
• Be a guide, not a tyrant: I want to show you how to learn Japanese, not just what. If you want to be in it for the long haul, then it’s important to have a Japanese learning sherpa to take you there.

If you’re thinking about learning Japanese, don’t wait. That’s the most important step. Don’t come up with excuses, don’t give yourself a reason to regret, and don’t let indecision stop you from making a decision to improve. Learning Japanese can land you a new job, help you make new friends, improve your resumé, and open up new opportunities you’d never have otherwise.

I hope you enjoy TextFugu – if you have any questions, be sure to take a look at the FAQ, or send us an e-mail. I’m so convinced that you will think TextFugu is the best Japanese learning resource out there. Just give it a shot, and try out some of the free chapters that are available. I’m excited that you’re thinking about learning Japanese – make sure you get started soon!

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