So I need to write a introduction letter in Japanese for my potential host family for my upcoming highschool exchange and I have no idea what to write on it. I really can’t mess this up or else they won’t let me go. I emailed my organiser on what I should actually wrote and they just hit me with a “just like… write man”. Not very helpful. Anyone got advice on what I should include? I really don’t want it to be a three line letter that just says I like X, My name is X, end letter.
1 Like
I’ve never been in this situation, but here’s how I’d approach it:
Let’s put the fact that they’re Japanese aside, that’ll make thinking about it easier for now.
What would you write in an introduction letter about yourself in your first language? What things would you like to tell about yourself?
Then write exactly that but in Japanese.
2 Likes
When I was in highschool, I did one week homestay with our sister school. For this, the letter isn’t very important. If you are staying at their house longer than 2 weeks, you should be more careful.
When I was in highschool I wrote something like:
I am () years old. I have (brothers and sisters) My favorite food is (). I like jujutsukaizen Anime! I’m so excited to go to Japan!!!
If it is more serious, check out the prefectures tourism website. For Gifu, it says ‘land of clear waters’, so I know I have to mention the rivers are pretty. Say you want to try the local food. In gifu- rice on a stick (gohei mochi)
Here is one off the top of my head.
First basic about your self
then ‘why’ you want to go to Japan. For the second one- the ‘correct’ answer will be on the tourism website. This is more important when you are applying for a job
Last why do they want you in their house.
初めまして！
最近熱いになりましょうか? ノックスです。高校三年生、17才です。二年間日本語勉強しています。○○月に泊まりめせんか？海外旅行まだやったことがありません。ワクワクと緊張感じる。○○で(山/川)めちゃきれいです。出身が(山/川)ない. 和食を食べ見たいです。そばとか一緒に食べませんか?
よろしくお願いいたします。
Cover letter for college application:
初めまして
桜が綺麗ですね。○○の経費支、先輩と姉はサラです。
In September 2018 we hosted a Japanese exchange student from Hokkaido. Since then, ○○ has been interested in Japanese history and teaching.
令和元年で一週間日本人の留学生は自宅泊まりました。それから日本国興味があります。○○は日本の歴史と教職上手くになっています。
This year I’ve shared Gifu’s rich history, clear waters, and the kindness of 田舎 grandmas with them.
今年○○は自宅で泊まったら岐阜県の歴史、清い水、田舎の人が素晴らしいと分かった。「日本に住みたい」と言った
○○ is a pactient and kind soul that strives to take care of others. ○○ took care of animals on a farm, elderly as a care worker, and taught middle school students programing. In each of these three jobs, ○○ exebeted kindness, pacients and respect that are excellent qualities in an ALT.
○○は世話をするように忍耐強くて親切だ。動物とかお年寄りとか学生とか世話をしました。○○は素晴らしいことだから素晴らしい教職員になろと思います。
I am sponsoring ○○ because your Japanese language class will provide the knowlange and resources to apply their best strengths to a fufilling and sustainable carrer.
○○を後援します。名古屋国際大学院の日本語クラスが、最大の強みを充実した持続可能なキャリアに活かすための知識とリソースを提供してくれるからです。
This one is an essay. Topic sentence, supporting paragraphs and a conclusion sentence. The topic is ‘why should I get to go to Japan?’
You can Ask a your Japanese or English teacher for help.
4 Likes
I’ve never been in this situation before but if I was looking to host in my home I would like to know a little more about the person I am inviting in.
So I would be looking for them to tell me about their hobbies, interests, achievements etc. It would be good to hear about a challange that they overcame or a gracious act they have undertaken, so any volunteer work would be good to note.
I would like to know that they live in a clean and conscious manner and that they understand the fundamentals of living in my country, what aspects of my culture they know about, enjoy or want to know more about - for example which festivals would they like to go to whilst staying with me, any speciality dishes they want to eat or make together.
Please don’t worry about “messing it up” - if you make mistakes in Japanese its to be expected, it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to convey who you are and why you would be a good candidate for a person to invite you to their home.
Best of luck and keep us updated 
1 Like
For me it’s about a year long stay but the website isn’t really… overflowing with information. However your example letter was really helpful! Thank you 
That’s better advice than you’re giving it credit for. The hardest part of any task is starting. Just throw a ton at the wall and edit later.