Learn Japanese the Fun Way

Want to get really good at Japanese and actually have fun along the way?

You just need the right tools, attitude, and guidance.

初めまして！I’m John Fotheringham, an author, educator, entrepreneur, linguist, artist, Japanophile, and certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP®). I have been learning and teaching languages for over two decades and have seen first-hand what works and what doesn’t. And what have I learned?

• Anyone can learn Japanese regardless of age, income, or zip code with the right attitude, methods, and materials.
• Most adult learners fail because they spend all their time learning about Japanese instead of actually practicing in Japanese.
• You DON’T need to spend thousands of dollars on Japanese classes but a little investment in the right tools and materials can go a long way.
• You DON’T need to force yourself through boring Japanese textbooks. Fun, modern, relevant materials are readily available online.
• You DON’T need to be “gifted” at languages, but you DO need to figure out what methods fit your learning style, schedule, and personality.
• You DON’T need to move to Japan. Creative use of technology allows you to create a Japanese immersion environment no matter where you live.
• You DO need to maximize your exposure to Japanese everyday through input (listening and reading) and maximize your active output (speaking and writing).

And that’s it! You just need to show up and put in the time on a consistent basis and your brain will do the rest. We are all hard-wired to pick up the languages around us (even as adults) if you get enough input and output. The key to staying the course is actually enjoying the process by picking materials, topics, and activities that are inherently enjoyable. To that end, I have dedicated the Language Mastery blog, podcast, and newsletter, as well as my extensive Master Japanese guide, to helping you create fun, engaging, immersive environments no matter where in the world one happens to live.

Master Japanese: The Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Learning Nihongo the Fun Way shares the tools and resources you need to learn languages the fun, modern way, leveraging technology instead of drudgery, intelligent use of psychology instead of sheer willpower, and free online resources instead of back-breaking, budget-busting books. The guide includes tips and tools to help you:

• Master all four Japanese language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Save time and learn on your own terms: Your time should be spent actually acquiring Japanese, not searching for tools and materials.
• Use brain-friendly methods: Learn how to harness your innate language acquisition capabilities—we ALL have them!—and how to work with, not against, human psychology.
• Learn anywhere & everywhere: You’ll see how to create a Japanese immersion environment no matter where you happen to live, while also helping you harness hidden moments throughout the day to maximize your exposure to the language no matter how busy you may be.