When people hear about attending an international school, they often wonder if maintaining Japanese language skills is a challenge, especially in an English-dominant environment. However, in my case, it wasn’t something I had to consciously work on. My Japanese skills were naturally maintained, thanks to my environment and lifestyle. Let me share how that worked for me.
Table of Contents
A Home Where Japanese Was the Only Option
At home, my parents only spoke Japanese. It wasn’t a deliberate decision to “preserve” my Japanese skills—it was simply the only language they could communicate in. Naturally, all our conversations were in Japanese. On top of that, whenever the TV was on, it was always tuned to Japanese programs. This constant exposure to the language at home meant I didn’t need to put in any extra effort to maintain my Japanese abilities.
Japanese Classes at School
My international school offered Japanese classes as part of the curriculum. While these classes were helpful for some students, I found them quite easy. The kanji tests and reading assignments were never particularly challenging for me. It felt more like a review than actual studying. Still, having a dedicated time in school to engage with the language ensured that I stayed connected to it during school hours.
Reading in Japanese Came Naturally
When it came to reading for pleasure, I almost always chose books in Japanese. This wasn’t because I was trying to strengthen my Japanese skills—it was simply easier and more enjoyable for me. In contrast, the only things I read in English were the books assigned by school. As a result, most of my exposure to literature and entertainment outside of school was in Japanese, which naturally reinforced my language skills.
Living in Japan: A Built-In Advantage
While attending an international school might seem like being in a bubble, stepping outside that bubble meant being immersed in Japan’s language and culture. Whether it was interacting with shop staff or just walking down the street and seeing signs everywhere, I was constantly surrounded by Japanese. This everyday exposure made maintaining my Japanese skills effortless—Japan itself provided the perfect environment.
Conclusion
For me, maintaining my Japanese skills while attending an international school required no special effort or strategies. My home life, reading habits, and living in Japan all contributed naturally to keeping my language abilities intact. If you’re living in Japan while attending an international school, chances are you’ll find yourself in a similar situation where your surroundings do much of the work for you.
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