Hello, my name is Janis Reidenbach.

Ever since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by Asian culture. During the Corona period, I discovered my passion for Japan. I began studying Japanese for hours every day—the language and culture completely captivated me during the lockdown.

Since then, more than four years have passed, and I’m still learning with great enthusiasm. At the end of 2023, I had the opportunity to take part in a student exchange program in Japan. I postponed my final exams by a year to make it possible—but it was the best decision of my life.

During my stay with a Japanese host family and while attending school, I was able to immerse myself in the culture in a way that would hardly have been possible otherwise. That’s when I realized: my heart belongs to Japan. I fell deeply in love with the language, the food, the nature, the way people interact, and even the architecture.

Now, I’m back in Japan—something I’ve dreamed about for years. Being here again feels incredible, but I’m also facing the reality of how difficult it can be to sustain this journey financially. I’m currently working and doing my best to manage living expenses, travel costs, insurance, and other obligations, but every bit of support truly helps.

My goal during this stay is to continue improving my Japanese, experience different types of work, and learn as much as I can about daily life, culture, and people here. I want to explore Japan in all its facets—from the energy of Tokyo to the quiet beauty of rural areas—and grow both personally and professionally.

If you’d like to support me on this journey, I’d be deeply grateful. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps me continue living, learning, and growing here in Japan.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and support me—it truly means the world.

— Janis