Why I Want to Learn Japanese

Do you have a family member or relative that speaks Japanese?

• Yes
• No
• Maybe. I can't be sure because I don't know the language myself.

Do you have any native Japanese friends?

• Yes, I have at least one close friend who is native Japanese (or at least part Japanese and knows the language).
• I communicate with Japanese people online but have never actually met them in person.
• I had at least one close Japanese friend in the past.
• No, but I do have friends.

Would you consider yourself to be a fan of manga? (Manga are comics from Japan that are usually translated into English when sold in the U.S.)

• Yes!!!
• Somewhat
• I've never really given them a chance, but I'm kind of interested.
• I have no interest in Japanese comics. I think they are evil.

Are you or were you ever a fan of anything to do with Pokemon (the show, games, etc.)?

• I love Pokemon, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
• I use to be into Pokemon, but I've outgrown it.
• Somewhat
• Not really
• What's a Pokemon?

Do you or have you ever played a card game based on a Japanese anime?

• Yes, I am (or was) an avid player/collector.
• I play(ed) a little, but don't (or didn't) own many cards.
• I play(ed) with my friends, but have never bought any of the cards myself.
• I just never learned how, but it looks like fun watching other people play.
• I have no interest in it whatsoever. I think card games based on Japanese anime are evil.

Which of the following anime series do you like the most? (Okay, I'll let you choose more than one. But try to limit it to about 3, okay?)

Please select all that apply.

• Naruto
• Dragonball (or any of its later variations)
• One Piece
• Inuyasha
• Yuu Yuu Hakusho
• Pokemon
• Yu-Gi-Oh
• Case Closed (aka 'Detective Conan')
• Bleach
• Fullmetal Alchemist
• Neon Genesis Evangelion
• Mobile Suit Gundam
• I can't believe you didn't include MY favorite!!!
• Anime is evil.

Do you enjoy Japanese cuisine?

• Yum Yum!
• Somewhat
• What, raw fish? Are you kidding?! That's like begging for food poisoning or for little parasites to invade your body and multiply and consume you from the inside out! No, thank you!

Can you eat seaweed?

• Good stuff!
• Sometimes
• Never tried it, but I might be willing.
• In a life-or-death situation? Maybe.
• Bleahhhh!

Are you now or have you ever been a student of any form of martial arts? (karate, judo, kendo, etc.)

• Yes, I am a licensed killing machine. When I go into a public building, I have to check my hands and feet at the door.
• I took lessons for a while in the past. I know just enough to defend myself.
• Not really. My friend has taught me a move or two, but that's all.
• I just wave my arms around and scream like a crazed lunatic.

Do you regularly listen to any Japanese pop/rock music?

• All the time! And I can name at least 3 favorite bands and/or singers!
• I've got some Japanese music that I listen to sometimes.
• Does that song, "I Think I'm Turning Japanese" by the Vapors count?
• Japanese music is evil.

What do you like most about Japan?

Please select all that apply.

• Technology (video games, robots, cell phones, stereos, cars, etc.)
• Traditional Culture (customs, festivals, fashion, art, religion, tea ceremony, sumo, etc.)
• Pop Culture (TV shows, anime, manga, music, etc.)
• History (shogun, samurai, ninja, World War 2, etc.)
• Cuisine (sashimi, sushi, tempura, onigiri, various noodles, okonomiyaki, Japanese-style curry, etc.)
• The People
• The Language
• Other

Have you ever been to Japan?

• Yes, for over a year.
• Yes, for over a month but less than a year.
• Yes, for less than a month.
• Not yet, but I plan to.
• Not yet, but I'd really like to.
• I had a dream about it once.
• No. And I probably never will.

What motivated you to decide to start studying Japanese?

Please select all that apply.

• Influence of family members or relatives
• Influence of friends
• I was already very interested in at least one aspect of Japanese pop-culture.
• It was the most unique language offered at my school. OR I just wanted to do something different.
• I heard the class was fun.
• I just signed up on a whim.
• I heard the teacher was really weird and wanted to see for myself.
• I really don't know, and now I want out of the class because I think Mr. Starr is evil.