The more I dig into the otaku and Japanophile culture here in Austin, the more I feel like a novice. Despite a couple of decades of reading Japanese literature and watching Japanese cinema, I find so many more people who know so much more than I do. Such was the case again this weekend as I attended my first meeting with the Austin Japanese Culture and Language Meetup group.
First of all, I was quite impressed (and a little intimidated) by the size of the group. There were probably 40 people of various ages and backgrounds at the meetup, taking up two large tables at the China Cafe by Phoenix. You know a group is popular when you have a hard time finding a place to sit.
The Austin Japanese Culture and Language Meetup Website
For someone who wants to learn and practice Japanese, this is probably the best place to do it. Eriko, the group leader, is a native of Tokyo, Japan, and there were other native speakers of the language there as well. It became immediately apparent to me that I was also surrounded by folks who had majored or minored in Japanese at university.
Suddenly, my ability to introduce myself in Japanese seemed a lot less impressive; especially when I was asked a follow-up question and all I could respond with was “Wakarimasen” (I don’t understand).
Initial intimidation aside, it turned out to be an enjoyable experience. Eriko-san was quite patient and insightful in her instruction of Japanese adjectives. And I really think I could learn a lot by joining this group on a regular basis.
If you’re interested in joining the group, start out by going to the Austin Japanese Culture and Language meetup page on Meetup.com. Join the group and RSVP for the next meeting. They meet regularly at the China Cafe by Phoenix on Spicewood Springs Road.
China Cafe by Phoenix on Spicewood Springs
If you’ve never been to China Cafe before, Google Maps might throw you off a bit, as it indicates that the restaurant is on the south side of the road. China Cafe is actually in the center island of Spicewood Springs just after the road splits into separate eastbound and westbound lanes.
Overall, I give my first experience with this meet up group the following rating:
Rating: 
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Awesome! I’m glad you went to this. It sounds like fun. Hope you continue to go and report back.
Yeah, it’s a great opportunity to learn the language. I’ll report back. ^_^
I’ve been meaning to go to this for about a year. One day…
I’m hoping to go to the next one. You should join us. There’s no way you’re any more a n00b than me. ~_^
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