If you’re a foreigner living in Japan I can promise you one thing – learn Japanese and your life will get a lot more interesting!

When I first got to Japan I couldn’t speak the language – not even a bit. Then I decided to study Japanese and that’s when my life really took a turn for the better.

I know when you have other obligations it’s not easy to attend school full time… or even part time for that matter. So here’s a short list of simple ways to improve your Japanese:

1. Trainspotting – most of the trains and subways have signs written in both English and Japanese. While you’re riding on the train spend your time looking at the Kanji and memorize as much as you can until the doors opens. If you spend your transit time learning you’ll definitely pick up some helpful lingo.

2. Be Social – don’t be scared to practice what you’ve learned. Get out and about with the natives and interact. If you are a drinker then you’re in luck because Japanese spend a good deal of time in bars or izakayas – a perfect place to polish up on your tipsy Japanese.

3. Think in Japanese – whenever possible you should think in Japanese. It sounds strange but before you know if the words will become embedded in your brain. Translate words like colors, numbers, tastes and smells. Before you know if you’ll be having dreams in Japanese!

4. Participate – join a group of some sort. In my case I took Jiu Jitsu class three times a week. My teacher spoke zero English so my martial arts classes were also Japanese classes. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

5. Relax – it’s easy to become frustrated when you’re pounding your head with a foreign language. Make sure you take time to kick back and relax. Go to a karaoke jam and blow off some steam. Enjoy Japan and you’ll pick up things a lot easier than the ones who become bitter.

Above I’ve listed some simple ways to learn Japanese. Of course if you have the time I highly suggest going to a proper Japanese school. Either way I believe that you’ll only get out as much as you put in. So do your best and you will see results.