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Why Americans should learn Japanese

Many people study Japanese for different reasons. Some people are learning for their job; others study because they are obsessed with anime; others just want a Japanese girlfriend. Whatever reason you have for wanting to learn Japanese, it doesn't matter. But, if you're thinking, "Ugh, why? Spanish is much easier," then keep reading.

There are about 130 million people who speak Japanese, give or take a few. It is the official language of Japan and also Palau (Angaur Island). There are also significant communities of Japanese speakers in Brazil, United States (Hawaii), Palau, Taiwan, Republic of Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay. There are more Japanese speakers in the world than there are German speakers, French speakers, Italian speakers or Dutch speakers.

Japan is very much an industrialized nation. In a land that is 70% mountainous, the remaining 30% seems like one huge megalopolis. It's a land that is defined by rules, yet its youth break through to the extreme in fashion and art. The same country that has brought us such delicacies as sushi, sashimi, chicken teriyaki, tempura and udon/soba noodles also brings us anime/manga and the huge following of weird people who have nothing better to do than dress up as their favorite character.

Hawaii and the west coast of the United States (and Canada) have many a large Japanese population. In the Midwest, many states are starting to do more business with Japanese companies, especially automotive (and automotive related) companies.

Japanese electronic companies produce some of the best electronic equipment on the market. Companies like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba and Yamaha have become household names in the United States. I would guarantee there is not a home in the US that doesn't have a television, DVD player, CD player, computer, video game system, MP3 player, speakers, amps or other devices that are made in Japan. Sony's Playstation 3 is now cheaper than Microsoft's XBOX 360. There are also more games available for the PS3 than there are for the 360.

Japanese automotive companies, such as Nissan, Toyota and Honda are selling like hotcakes in the US. With the rise in gas prices and the push to become a greener society, Japanese companies have created more affordable cars with high MPGs. And that's the key point: affordability. There is has been much research done by these companies, and while the three big American car companies (Ford, GM and Chrystler) struggle, Japanese car companies are taking off. Job security seems to be in favor for workers with these companies.

US-Japan relations seem to be strong, and I do not anticipate any change in that working trade relationship. It is fairly easy, though expensive, to travel to Japan. Japan, a fairly safe country, allows in tourists for up to 90 days with no visa (at last check). Although Japanese is a difficult language to learn at first, and even after 15 years, I find it a rewarding language. The key is to make tons and tons of flashcards (I have about 500). Japanese is a language that you have to live. Unless you study hard and intense, you'll never really get off the ground. Besides, when you tell people you can speak a little Japanese, it seems really impressive. It's nice on resumes and college applications. I know.

Learn more about this author, Joyce D. Sinclair.
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