DESI – Study in Kyoto Japan – from United States

2024-04-24

Meet Desi, a passionate student and Japan enthusiast from the United States who has made Kyoto their second home. Desi’s journey of mastering the Japanese language and immersing in the culture showcases a profound transformation and confidence. Dreaming of opening a guesthouse, Desi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of cultural exchange.

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Interview – Study in Japan

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

United States

WHY DO YOU STUDY JAPANESE?

I have always been interested in Japan since I was a child. From a very young age, I had a feeling I was destined to be a part of the culture in some way, shape or form. So, I’ve done my best to nourish and care for this feeling over my life.

My reasons for studying Japanese are always changing as I grow, but my strongest motivation is the ability to communicate my thoughts and feelings with words that do not exist in my native English dictionary. I was never confident in my speaking/communication skills in English, but after learning Japanese, I was able to bring out confidence from inside me I never knew existed.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL?

Study at「Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School」in Kyoto.

Kyoto Minsai is a wonderful school full of wonderful people. I consider the staff and teachers there to be some of my most cherished friends in Japan. Everyday I am grateful for the foundation they built for me.

Kyoto GaiSen was also incredible. I graduated years ago but I still chat with my teachers to this day. The student body consisted of mostly English learning Japanese students so I was able to utilize my freshly learned Japanese immediately after class and I made so many friends there. The only native Japanese at Minsai were my teachers; all of my classmates were other foreigners like myself. For example: a guy from Bangladesh and another guy from Russia. Neither of them were able to speak English very well, and I don’t speak Russian or Bengali, so my favorite thing was being able to communicate with them because we all knew Japanese.

Ryukoku University was also a wonderful school. It’s deep roots in the culture of Kyoto is was attracted me there. After years of studying exclusively the Japanese language, I wanted to give myself an opportunity to learn more deeply of the culture in Japan, and in particular Kyoto. Kyoto is my favorite city in the world.

あわせて読みたい

Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School KYOTO MINSAI スクロールできます INTRODUCTION Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School, nestled in the historic and vibrant city of Kyoto, is dedicated to cultiv…

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?

Kyoto was the first city I fell in love with during my first trip to Japan before I chose to study abroad. The balance of nature and city-life was perfect for me. Kansai, for me, felt rather familiar as an American. The way people speak so directly and their humor was easy for me to relate to. (Although Kyoto can be a bit particular about things sometimes!!)

WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?

Icchan Ramen (Jamaican jerk style ramen)
Nanyakan-ya (an izakaya in Gion specializing in suppon)
Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu (I worked there for almost 5 years while I was a student. Absolutely amazing bag shop)
Shōgunzuka (my favorite view of the city)
Edion (I just like looking at all the fancy electronics)
Nanzen-ji (it feels more like a park than a temple to me)
スナック (anywhere in Gion. I love hanging out and singing karaoke with all the local Ojisans)

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE LIVING IN JAPAN?

I enjoy the lifestyle the most. I don’t need a car to survive because trains and buses are aplenty. Being able to live an efficient and minimalistic life made me very comfortable.

I loved being able to go anywhere and feel welcomed (most of the time) and I enjoyed the fact that most people expressed genuine interest in who I am and were willing to listen to my stories.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING IN JAPAN?

The biggest challenge in Japan was finding an environment I can thrive in. It took many years of hard work, study, blood, sweat, and tears, but the end result was me becoming a more confident version of myself and for that I am eternally grateful.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JAPAN AND YOUR COUNTRY?

America is HUGE and it’s so difficult to travel anywhere. Japan is small so it made it very easy to get to the places I wanted to go; whether it be somewhere local to go out to eat or drink, or taking the Shinkansen to a new city.

I don’t believe that Japan is perfect, no country is, but the core values that make up society and flow into the personalities of it’s people are something I have nothing but respect for.

I enjoyed the selflessness. Generally, most people don’t want to cause trouble for others. People tend to go out of their way to help you when you are in need. In America, it’s every man for themselves; which isn’t inherently a bad thing, but having that sense of respect for ones community was my favorite thing.

DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS?

Absolutely.

Personality wise, I’ve always been the kind to challenge myself with a new hobby or interest.

I would always work hard at whatever I was doing at any given time, but once I felt like I learned enough, I would just move on to the next thing. (器用貧乏)

Learning the Japanese language is something I can continue to do for the rest of my life.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

My dream is to open and run a guesthouse in Kyoto. My first バイト was at a guesthouse, so I want to return to that kind of environment so I can share and teach people about the Japan I’ve come to know.

I will never forget the struggles I went through while living there but I had so much support from those around me. I want to return the favor and pay my gratitude in the hopes of inspiring people to learn about and understand Japan deeply and properly.

MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.

If you are thinking of going to Japan, whether it be for study or travel, do it.

You will find value in even the most unexpected places if you just let life happen. There will be struggles and you will make mistakes, but those times are the most important. Just don’t give up and you will succeed.

I didn’t just learn language; I learned how language works. And consequently, I was taught so much about life.

やらずに後悔するより、やって後悔。