u/Minuano_Hanzo

Hi everyone!

I’m currently living in Japan and want to seriously learn Japanese so I can communicate better in daily life, at work, and in classes. I’m still a beginner and can study around 1.5–2 hours a day.

My goal is to reach N2 in about 2 years, while also being able to actually use Japanese in real-life situations.

For those who have learned Japanese through self-study:

What books/textbooks and apps would you recommend?

What should I use for grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, listening, and speaking?

What are the few resources worth buying? I don’t want to collect tons of books or use too many apps.

How would you structure 1.5–2 hours of study each day?

How can I best use living in Japan to improve faster?

Is going from beginner to N2 in 2 years realistic?

What did you find most effective, and what mistakes or ineffective methods should I avoid?

If you were starting from zero again, what would you do differently?

I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations. 🙏

I sincerely hope Sterling Pacific might consider extending its 20% aviation discount to airport and aviation employees, in addition to pilots and flight attendants.

Aviation is a team effort, and many people work behind the scenes-including ramp agents, load controllers, ground handlers, maintenance teams, and operations staff-to keep every flight safe and running smoothly.

Although we may not work onboard the aircraft, we are still proud members of the aviation community. Extending the discount to qualified aviation professionals would be a wonderful way to recognize and support everyone who contributes to the industry.

After all, we also want to travel with good luggage too… 😂

I travel quite a bit and usually fly economy, so my checked luggage gets handled pretty roughly.
I’m trying to decide between these two combinations:

Option 1
Rimowa Essential Cabin
Rimowa Original Trunk Plus

Option 2
Rimowa Original Cabin
Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus

I don’t want both pieces to be aluminum. I’d rather have one aluminum and one polycarbonate.
For those who travel frequently, which combination makes more sense in terms of durability, practicality, weight, and long-term ownership? If you were buying again today, which would you choose and why?

Would love to hear from people who have actually used these combinations.

I’m seriously considering buying a Brompton P Line or G Line, but the price is hard to justify. I know they’re not cheap, so before I spend that kind of money, I’d love to hear from people who actually own one.

Do you genuinely think a Brompton is worth the price? What makes it stand out from other folding bikes?

Also, would you consider it a true buy-it-for-life bike? Can it realistically last for decades with proper maintenance? Is the build quality and craftsmanship genuinely top-tier and worth the premium, or are you paying a significant amount for the Brompton name and reputation?

I’m looking for honest, long-term owner experience. The good, the bad, and whether you’d buy one again knowing what you know now.

Hi everyone,

My grandfather will be traveling to Japan soon, and I asked him to buy me a Leatherman ARC and a Leatherman Raptor since they’re cheaper in Canada.

Would it be okay for him to bring both tools into Japan in his checked baggage? They are for hiking, emergency use, and to keep at home—not for everyday carry.

Has anyone brought multitools or trauma shears into Japan this way? Were there any issues with customs or airport security?

Thanks in advance!

I am a 19-year-old Filipino currently living in Japan as a long-term resident. I am working as an airport ramp agent and earning around ¥250,000–¥280,000 per month.

I originally planned to continue my studies in Japan, but I am facing some difficulties. I have contacted many schools, but most of them require JLPT N2. My current Japanese level is around N5, and trying to reach N2 within one year while working feels extremely difficult. I also cannot qualify for some scholarships because of the language requirements.

My goal is to study either Avionics Engineering or AI Engineering because I want to build a professional career in a high-skilled field and have opportunities to work internationally.
My first option is to stay in Japan, continue working, and try to reach N2 so I can study here. The advantage is that I can keep my life in Japan, my long-term residency, and the stability I have built. However, I am worried about the tuition fees because education in Japan is very expensive. Even though my salary may sound decent compared to the Philippines, I feel that ¥250,000–¥280,000 per month is not a very high income considering the cost of living and tuition fees. Sometimes I question whether paying such expensive tuition in Japan is worth it, especially when comparing the cost and possible return after graduation.

My second option is to return to the Philippines and study the degree I want there. The tuition and living costs are much cheaper, and I have already saved enough money to cover my tuition fees for around 3–4 years. This would allow me to focus on my studies and be more financially independent without putting too much pressure on my family.

However, the biggest sacrifice is that I may have to give up my long-term residency in Japan. If I leave Japan for several years to study in the Philippines, I may lose my residency status and the life I have built here. Returning to Japan in the future could become very difficult.

My father said he will support me, but I also understands how difficult it is to earn money, so he cannot guarantee that he can cover all my tuition and living expenses if I study in Japan.

I am really stuck between these two choices:
Stay in Japan, keep my residency, work, improve my Japanese, and pay higher tuition.

Return to the Philippines, give up my residency, but study Avionics Engineering or AI Engineering at a much lower cost and with less financial pressure.

If you were in my situation, what would you choose? I would really appreciate advice from people who have experience studying abroad, living in Japan, engineering careers, or making a similar life decision.

I’m ready to stop coasting and start actively building my life. I’m looking for book recommendations to help me grow in four specific areas:

**Mindset:** Breaking negative patterns and building habits.

**Wealth:** Foundational financial literacy and a success-oriented mindset.

**Social Intelligence:** Reading people, body language, and intentions.

**Well-being:** Cultivating genuine happiness while pursuing goals.

Which books have had the biggest, most tangible impact on your personal growth? I’m looking for actionable systems, not "get-rich-quick" fluff. Thanks for the help!

I’m ready to stop coasting and start actively building my life. I’m looking for book recommendations to help me grow in four specific areas:

Mindset: Breaking negative patterns and building habits.

Wealth: Foundational financial literacy and a success-oriented mindset.

Social Intelligence: Reading people, body language, and intentions.

Well-being: Cultivating genuine happiness while pursuing goals.

Which books have had the biggest, most tangible impact on your personal growth? I’m looking for actionable systems, not "get-rich-quick" fluff. Thanks for the help!

I’m ready to stop coasting and start actively building my life. I’m looking for book recommendations to help me grow in four specific areas:

Mindset: Breaking negative patterns and building habits.

Wealth: Foundational financial literacy and a success-oriented mindset.

Social Intelligence: Reading people, body language, and intentions.

Well-being: Cultivating genuine happiness while pursuing goals.

Which books have had the biggest, most tangible impact on your personal growth? I’m looking for actionable systems, not "get-rich-quick" fluff. Thanks for the help!

I’m ready to stop coasting and start actively building my life. I’m looking for book recommendations to help me grow in four specific areas:

Mindset: Breaking negative patterns and building habits.

Wealth: Foundational financial literacy and a success-oriented mindset.

Social Intelligence: Reading people, body language, and intentions.

Well-being: Cultivating genuine happiness while pursuing goals.

Which books have had the biggest, most tangible impact on your personal growth? I’m looking for actionable systems, not "get-rich-quick" fluff. Thanks for the help!

Hi everyone, I’m an Electrical Engineering student looking to strengthen my foundation in differential and integral calculus.

Could you recommend any textbooks or resources that are particularly good for self-study? I’m looking for material that effectively balances theoretical depth, physical/geometric intuition, rigorous problem-solving skills, and engineering-related applications.