Hi Sakari

Thanks for the answers ^^

Basically, I know the high school my friend is in. I've done some searching around on the web and managed to find the directions to get there.

I'm heading to Kyuushuu in September, first to Kumamoto to look up another friend whom I met through my school's exchange program, followed by Ooita, where the school is.

Although I've been learning Japanese for slightly more than half a year, my Japanese isn't that fluent, and my speech stumbles the moment I get nervous. Stuff like approaching the principal is definitely one that would drench me in cold sweat. I just hope I don't get thought of as some stalker, since I do know that stalking is quite widespread in Japan >_>

To be able to meet the friend in Ooita, I'll have to go to the school when the student's are not on holiday, which is the reason why I was enquiring about the summer holidays.

I'm actually hoping to meet up with my friend during the school lunch break so that I will not cause any trouble to anyone by interrupting lesson time. Hence, the reason for finding out the lunch break timing.

What I'm doing is probably thought by many people to be somewhat ridiculous and laughable, and I often get teased when I mention this to some of my friends. They probably think I've got a couple of screws loose, LOL.

I'm not really sure what else I would need to know, but if you do have any bits of information or suggestions which might be of help, I'm all ears to it =D

それでは、よろしくお願いしますね。

Well, I think you can probably see him over the summer holiday too, since Japanese kids go to their clubs even on holiday. Admittedly though term time might be better.

Chances are the school will be quite big, so I do advise against random searching. Ideally you should explain yourself to someone who knows english, tell them about how he/she is your friend etc, that would avoid the stalker thing too.

Good luck with the language, I don't know how long you're staying, but do remember to practice. Japanese really do appreciate it and you will be surprised how quickly your speaking skill develops.

What Japanese book have you been using? Japanese For Busy People? That seems to be quite popular.

yosh!
Double idon't really think that what you wanna do is stuupid or crazy i'm even hopping that you'll find that someone you search, good luck!

Sakari i have that book you mentionned "Japanese For Busy People" is it really that good?

I've tried that book series and the Kumon learning method. Japanese For Busy People was far better, although the vocabulary is somewhat geared towards business people, it does get better in book two though in that regard. I think there is also a "Japanese For Young People" but I would imagine thats just different vocabularly and teaching less polite verb forms first.

I'm currently using Minna no Nihongo, since the lessons that I'm taking require it.

What you said about speech practice is absolutely true. When I was in Tokyo a couple of weeks ago, for 10 days, my Japanese did improve a little because I was forced to speak it. Actually, I was more than happy to speak it, even in some cases where I could use English instead.

Still, my Japanese is far from decent, so I think I'll heed your advice and explain my situation to someone who understands English.

This will be my first time ever entering a Japanese High School, so I'm quite unclear on how I should go about entering the school and approaching the right person.What's the best solution that you would suggest. I know that not all schools have JETs teaching english, but do all schools have English teachers with somewhat decent english?

hanamichi > Thanks!

On the basis of my school...

Go inside and talk to the reception. We have a window into the school offices, where there is someon who visitors can talk to.

For example...
"Sumimasen, Ei-go no sensei ga irasshaimasu ka?"

Be prepeared though, the English teacher might not speak English well enough to understand you, although on the basis of my school, those are quite few.

Dont expect there to be a foreign English teacher. We have a fellow from manchester who lives here in Japan come in on couple days, but I've only seen him once.

Don't stress about it though, Japanese forgive foreigners for lack of manners.

Wow, Japanese schools have receptions? Now that's something I didn't know. The reception should be near the entrance of the school, right?

Anyway, what I'm worrying about isn't the language barrier. I'll find some way to get around it. My only worry is the rejection of my request >_> Hopefully the teacher can understand that I came all the way from overseas and allows me to meet my friend.

If you know your friends name, I'm sure they won't mind getting him/her to confirm it.

Well it isn't a reception as such, just said that for a lack of a better word. In our school when you go in, on the wall on the right is an opening type thing where you can talk to someone.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

If nothing works just camp outside the school until it ends and ambush your friend.

Haha, camping should work unless there are multiple exits. Still, I'm not really keen on resorting to it, unless the circumstances are totally against me.

Anyway, I just realised the past few comments I made had the wrong author url. LOL

OOO, Interesting story))

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