Why, hello there!

I just wanted to come out and introduce myself.  I’ve been learning Japanese off and on for a couple of years now.  I began with a strong passion for video games and anime/manga — which I still have!  I’ve visited Tokyo for a week and that was an amazing experience in itself.  I was able to get around with my limited ability to speak with the locals and get my point across.

The reason why I’ve started TextFugu is because it has been awhile since I’ve really brushed up on my Nihongo ability.  I have the genki text books, audio books (pimsleur is my favourite), as well as Rosetta Stone and other tools.  Although some have helped out immensely — especially flash cards from White Rabbit — the wind ended up leaving my sails and I fell into a lazy slump.  I’m here to get some motivation back and hopefully learn it the right and proper way this time around so that I can one day become fluent.

I’m nowhere near fully proficient.  I do, however, have a couple years of experience (at least, but probably more like 4-5 in reality).  So, if you have any questions, or are looking for advice on what to improve, or where you should really target at least for traveling, please don’t hesitate to ask.  I’ve learned the hard, hard, hard way.  Now I’m looking to learn the hard, proper way.

I’m a bit of a recluse, so I probably won’t be posting for the first while until I begin mastering the courses.  I do tend to obsess over things I learn, so I expect it will take me a lot less time than the recommended amount.  Granted, I have already learned a lot of these lessons in the past, I’m just rusty.  However, I look forward to meeting a lot of you and once I catch up on my skills again I’ll try to remain active on the forums and help out!

Ganbatte!