From Manila to Kyoto: How Studying Japanese language in the Philippines Led Me to Japan

Jayme Vista

Kyoto Minsai
Creative Professional

I started learning the Japanese language (Nihongo) during the pandemic, initially just to pass the time after work. But what began as a casual interest quickly turned into a passion. As I moved from one level to the next—from JLPT N5 to N3—I became more fascinated by the structure, nuance, and cultural richness of Nihongo.

Although I had always been interested in Japanese culture, I never pursued it seriously until I enrolled at JLRC in the Philippines. As a creative professional based in the Philippines, much of my inspiration comes from Japanese artists, writers, and especially documentary photographers. Learning the Japanese language opened up entirely new perspectives in both my work and personal life.

JLRC provided me with the guidance and confidence to deepen my Nihongo studies. I started with N5 under Janice-sensei, advanced to N4 with Kyle-sensei, and completed N3 with the help of Emmie-sensei, Goff-sensei, and Joseph-sensei. Each sensei helped make learning enjoyable and meaningful.

Now, I’m studying in Japan at Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School—one of JLRC’s trusted partner schools. Living in Japan is a dream come true. It’s winter now (and I’m still getting used to the cold!), but I’m more motivated than ever to continue learning about the Japanese language and culture. I hope to work here in the future, and thanks to the strong foundation I built at JLRC in the Philippines, I believe that goal is within reach.