It has been approximately 4 weeks since I have started studying Japanese. The decision to study this was based on various factors. When, as a child, I learned karate and judo from a Japanese sensei, I had gained an appreciation for Japanese culture and a very small familiarity with the language (to be exact, a few terms related to karate and judo, and the numbers 1-10). Now, taking Japanese class in college, my appreciation for the language and culture has continued to grow. Throughout the semester, I look forward to gaining even more knowledge of Japanese, and learning how to properly respect the language and culture of Japan.