I had a sudden thought on a Sunday enveloped in bright sunlight. Spring comes with seasons of encounters and farewells, I realized, and it’s been almost two years since I came to Japan.

I have been under your care since the beginning of April 2017. Thank you so much.

Last year, when I had just arrived in Japan, I was struggling with my poor Japanese language skills and had difficulty communicating. I was very scared. Now, the reason I can confidently assimilate into Japanese society is all thanks to you, the teachers.

In July, I gave my first speech in Japanese. I didn’t know how to write a speech script, and I was worried about what would happen if I got nervous and forgot during the presentation. However, your kind guidance and support always gave me confidence.

During the preparations for the N2JLPT exam in December and the N1GLPT exam in July, it wasn’t just me who worked hard; the teachers also supported me throughout. Even though I often complained about the stress of studying and said things like, “I don’t want to do this anymore, there are too many handouts,” I was very happy.

Your classes were easy to understand and thorough. During breaks and after school, you patiently explained things to me when I had questions, and you also shared the joys and sorrows of life in Japan. Thanks to you, I was able to overcome my weaknesses in conversation. I believe it was thanks to the teachers that I could answer the interview questions at my first-choice vocational school with confidence.

In my home country, there is a day to repay teachers’ kindness, but it doesn’t exist in Japan, so I want to express my gratitude to you through this letter.

Teachers, thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Chang