Why I study Japanese

I first paid attention to Japanese language under the influence of my cousin, who is a passionate lover of Japanese culture. After initial contact with Japanese paintings, fiction (translated), tea and other elements of Japanese culture, I became enchanted by the intricate, delicate, and dedicated spirit intrinsic to Japanese people and their culture. Also, as a history student, I am particularly interested in the study of Eastern Asian military history, for which Japan provides unparalleled abundance of war-related materials, especially in the age of Sengoku Jidai. Last year, I spent a huge chunk of time studying great clans like Date (伊達), Tokugawa (徳川), and Shimazu (島津) , during which I was almost mesmerized by their stories as well as the cultural, spiritual richness embedded in them. I am now a dedicated lover and learner of Japanese language and culture. My hope is that within 5 years I will be able to read The Tale of Genji (源氏物語) in its original language.