TLDR;
The speaker discusses their decision to attend Japanese language school at 36, driven by a long-held fascination with the language and culture. They recount missed opportunities in their youth due to practicality and fear, emphasizing the importance of pursuing genuine desires and not postponing them indefinitely. The speaker encourages viewers to reflect on their life choices and prioritize their dreams, as life is unpredictable and time is finite.
- The speaker's interest in Japanese was sparked in childhood through exposure to anime and J-pop.
- They chose a practical business major over foreign languages in college, a decision they later regretted.
- A vacation to Japan in 2017 reignited their desire to learn the language, leading them to language school at 36.
- The speaker stresses the importance of pursuing one's true desires and not waiting due to fear or practicality.
- They urge viewers to consider the possibility of an early end to life and to prioritize their dreams accordingly.
Introduction: Why Japanese Language School at 36? [0:00]
The speaker, nearing 40, reflects on their decision to attend Japanese language school at 36. They explain that this wasn't a spontaneous decision but the culmination of a long-held interest in the Japanese language and culture, dating back to their childhood in the 90s and early 2000s when Japan was an economic powerhouse and J-pop and anime gained popularity. Artists like Ayumi Hamasaki, Namie Amuro, Koda Kumi, and BoA influenced the speaker. They clarify that their motivation was purely the language itself, not romanticizing the culture or other external factors.
The Allure of the Japanese Language [0:47]
The speaker describes their early exposure to Japanese culture through anime like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon, and later through the anime club in high school where they watched Inuyasha in Japanese. They were particularly drawn to J-pop artist Ayumi Hamasaki, admiring her poetic lyrics and artistic music videos. The speaker found the Japanese language beautiful, elegant, and transforming, viewing it as a code to be cracked and an itch to be scratched.
Missed Opportunities: College and JET Program [2:15]
The speaker recounts how they chose to major in business instead of foreign languages in college due to practicality, despite their love for Chinese and interest in Japanese. They also recall passing up a study abroad opportunity in Japan due to fear of traveling and living in a foreign country alone. Later, they considered the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program but were discouraged by a supervisor's response when asking for a recommendation letter.
Reigniting the Desire: Vacation and Burnout [6:24]
After years of focusing on work and paying bills, the speaker's desire to learn Japanese was reignited by a two-week vacation to Japan in 2017. However, a stressful job with long hours and a lengthy commute prevented them from progressing beyond hiragana and katakana. Eventually, they burned out and quit their job at 34, resolving to pursue their desires and experience life more fully.
The Decision: Language School in Japan [7:43]
While living in Tbilisi, Georgia, the speaker realized that nothing was stopping them from attending language school in Japan except their own fears. They decided to embrace discomfort and pursue their long-held desire. After returning to the States and applying, they received their student visa and moved to Japan at 37.
The Importance of Pursuing Your Dreams [9:47]
The speaker emphasizes the importance of pursuing genuine desires, not those imposed by others. They argue that such desires will persist and must be addressed, even if belatedly. They share how they would rather go to Japan at 37 than regret not doing it on their deathbed. They encourage viewers to zoom out and see life from a bigger perspective.
The Urgency of Now: Time is Finite [11:35]
The speaker addresses the common misconception that one has plenty of time to pursue their dreams, cautioning against relying on average lifespan statistics. They share the story of a colleague who passed away at 37, highlighting the unpredictability of life and the importance of not postponing one's desires. They urge viewers to consider their potential regrets if their life ended today and to face their desires head-on.
