About

Welcome to Nihongo Notes - a fun, motivational blog aimed at helping others learn Japanese

My name is Chris Gaunt and I’m originally from the UK but now call Japan my home. When I try to explain to people my reasons for coming to Japan and learning Japanese I never have one particular reason. I’ve always been drawn to Japan and its culture and found it difficult to explain exactly why. I’m now getting married and plan to stay in Japan, so that’s the main reason for me being here, but my love of the culture, history and language continue.

I’m a big fan of movies and TV series such as Lost, Sopranos, Firefly and Heroes. I’m now searching out good anime series, Japanese dramas and Japanese movies in an effort to increase my exposure to the language.

On a daily basis I travel through the center of Tokyo to work. I spend my day building websites and I consider myself very lucky. I was close to being forced to either get an English teaching job (not the career path I want to be heading down) or return to the UK due to lack of funds. So to land myself a job, and a job I love, is a blessing. After many years using Microsoft products I have turned from the Dark Side and I work exclusively on an Apple Mac.

Since February 2008 I have been attempting to learn Japanese. It wasn’t until May 2009 that I took it seriously and aim to pass all the levels of the JLPT. I’ve made some mistakes and burnt out several times, but I’ve now found a method of study that works for me and it’s just a matter of time before I become fluent.

This site began life in February 2008. I created Nihongo Notes to keep a history of my learning methods and get a picture of my progress. I also hoped my articles would help others to learn.

Then in late 2008 I decided to make the site more of a resource to help others learn Japanese. I continue to write about my progress, but also provide motivational advice and resources for others to use.

The site has been through many different themes. In April 2009 I decided the site deserved its own unique look so I designed and coded the theme you see now.