Ben Maybury, a 43-year-old soccer commentator who has spent more than two decades living in Osaka, shares his story of how he became interested in Japan and its language. His father's trips to Japan when he was a child sparked a fascination with the country's culture, particularly the beauty and mystery of the Japanese language as represented in the characters he saw on packaging and manuals. This curiosity ultimately led him to specialize in Japanese Studies at Oxford University, despite having a strong background in mathematics during his earlier education.

At Oxford, Maybury studied a range of subjects related to Japan, from the language itself to history and politics, in a small class of twelve students. His rigorous language training included a demanding schedule where he learned about 25 kanji characters each week, alongside other complex aspects of the language. He emphasized the importance of mastering foundational vocabulary and characters through various learning methods, including writing practice and flashcards, which helped him achieve proficiency before heading to Japan for further immersion in the language and culture.

Now, as a translator and sports writer, Maybury reflects on the allure of learning a language that opens doors to understanding a rich culture. His experience embodies the journey many face when venturing into a new linguistic territory, showcasing not only the challenges but also the profound rewards that come with it. This narrative highlights the importance of early exposure to different cultures in fostering a lifelong interest in languages and international experiences.