Going to the Japanese Radio after only two months with us

Brian Baldwin and his wife Janell have started Japanese with us this year in June.

They are very passionate about learning languages and are willing to use Japanese anytime in any situations. This is a great way to speed up your learning and considerably improve.

Brian and Janell are using Japanese when shopping, when going around the island, and meeting people in the street etc.

We thought it was a very interesting approach, and it is funny to see how surprised Japanese people are when suddenly engaged into conversation just for the fun of having a conversation.

We were really surprised however, when Brian told us he had volunteered to appear on  Japanese radio to present the Flight Line Fair in Futenma Airbase to the Okinawan public.

The show was about giving information about the event, what performances will be held, what planes will be exhibited. The radio DJ, being himself a plane fan, wanted Brian to talk about plane specificities and what they are used for.

Our first thought was: “This is definitely too much! After having learned for only two months…impossible!”

On a second thought, though, we decided to do it as it was challenging and exciting, something that has not been done before.

We prepared with Brian, asked him what he wanted to say, made him rehearse the key topics that would be discussed during the program….We met with the DJ, and we exchanged ideas…

On the day of the program, Brian did a great job. He was able to say everything he wanted to say about the fair, without the help of an interpreter.

We were very happy about the way the program went, and we all went out after for a well-deserved drink with all the protagonists of the show.

We believe that Brian’s adventure can be an example to encourage students to use Japanese language as much as they can.

You do not have to volunteer to appear on a TV or radio program. Just try to use your Japanese most of the time and in many different situations.

And if you are afraid of making mistakes, not understanding what people say, or being scared of talking, remember that once upon a time in Okinawa, there was someone crazy enough to appear on a Japanese radio after learning the language for only two months.

Thank you Brian and Janell, for this new experience! We are looking forward to new adventures with you!