I wanted to improve my keigo and business Japanese. While Oku Sensei did improve this, she is also excellent at explaining the detailed nuances of the Japanese language, which has allowed me to sound more native as well as understand what people are actually trying to express.
Alexander Mayall
- First, could you tell us about yourself? (Your name, age, occupation, etc., as much as you are comfortable sharing)
- I’m Alex. I am a project manager.
- How long have you been taking classes at Oku Sensei’s Japanese?
- I started in early March of 2024, so as of this writing, I have been taking lessons for a little over a year.
- What was your situation before you started Oku Sensei's Japanese?
- I had my first taste of the Japanese language in the 5th grade but was unable to fully study until college. After graduating, I studied through books, games, films, and talking with friends.
- What results were you expecting before signing up? And what results did you actually achieve?
- I wanted to improve my keigo and business Japanese. While Oku Sensei did improve this, she is also excellent at explaining the detailed nuances of the Japanese language, which has allowed me to sound more native as well as understand what people are actually trying to express.
- Why do you think you were able to achieve the results mentioned in Q4?
- Oku Sensei takes the time to ensure you are understanding key grammar points and gives you many opportunities to come up with your own sentences to ensure comprehension. She also welcomes questions.
- What was the most memorable aspect of learning at Oku Sensei's Japanese?
- It is inspiring to see the other students and myself get better throughout the class.
- Have you studied Japanese anywhere else? What differences did you notice compared to other Japanese language schools?
- I studied in other schools. The biggest difference is Oku Sensei’s deep explanations of Japanese grammar points and nuance, which are often glossed over in other classes for the sake of ease.
- Did you find the price to be expensive? (Did you feel that what you gained was worth more than what you paid?)
- The ability to be taught by a native speaker who can explain the subtle nuances of Japanese in English is so valuable.
- Who would you recommend Oku Sensei's Japanese to? On the other hand, if there is someone you wouldn't recommend it to, what kind of person would that be?
- I’d recommend anyone with a passion and drive to learn the Japanese language to sign up. I think you need to come to class with an open mind — mistakes are okay as they help us learn. The only reason I would not recommend the course is if you are not willing to dedicate time to the language.
- What content attracted you to sign up for Oku Sensei's Japanese? Did you have any hesitations when signing up?
- I wanted to push myself to the next level of understanding Japanese. My hesitation was that I was worried I’d make mistakes. But making mistakes is all a part of the process, and I’ve grown because of it.
- If you hadn’t signed up for Oku Sensei's Japanese, what do you think your situation would be now? Also, when do you think is the best time to sign up?
- I don’t think I’d understand the subtle nuances and subtext of the Japanese language. As long as you have the drive and passion to learn, any time is a good time to start!
- As someone who has studied Japanese at Oku Sensei's Japanese, could you give a message to those who will start learning in the future?
- You get what you put into the course. It is more than just showing up every week and being present in class. Try and use what Oku Sensei taught you in your daily life to make Japanese feel more natural. Also, know it is okay to make mistakes — these will help you grow and get better. Lastly, do not be shy to ask questions.
