In 2015, my journey brought me to Japan, where I met my three-year-old nephew, Akito. Our bond formed quickly, breaking the language barrier completely; my Japanese was basic, limited to daily life and basic grammar.

Our relationship blossomed through play. We wrestled, climbed bars in the garden, and walked the family dog together, sharing laughter and fun times. Those moments of joy are drawn clearly in my memory, bringing a smile even now.

Akito's mother, eager for him to learn English, imagined formal lessons. I believed in a gentler approach—learning through the natural flow of our play. We built a periscope from a milk carton, launched marbles through PVC pipes, we played catch, with English conversation as the backbone of our time together.

Time, however, is a fleeting commodity. My work demands grew, and our sessions became less frequent. Akito, too, spent more time with his friends, embracing the bliss of a carefree childhood.

This story isn't about Akito's fluency in English; but the seeds sown during those tender years. He was open to English and gained confidence every time he learned something new. He takes pride in sharing new English phrases with me, and my heart swells with pride when I hear it!

Our story shows a deep truth about language learning—it's not always about the milestones but the journey. The readiness to embrace a new language often comes from the simplest of moments, the bonds we create, and the hearts we touch.

In the middle of our play, language found its place naturally. I prepared key English phrases essential for our time together—commands like "Stop!", "No," "Yes," and "Now," along with simple verbs. These words became our shared vocabulary, and I paired them with hand gestures, facial expressions, and the props around us to bring them to life.

This tactile and visual method wasn't just about teaching words; it was about structuring the language in a way that Akito could grasp and respond to. When we built structures or played catch, English would happen!.. but the message was always fun, connection, and curiosity.

As I modeled phrases, Akito mirrored them, not just with his voice, but with his whole being. His eyes would light up with understanding, revealing the power of immersive learning. This experience confirmed my belief that language learning should be a sensory-rich process, especially for children.

Through these moments, Akito learned more than just words; he learned to associate English with positive emotions and experiences, which is a foundation stronger than any textbook could provide.

 He maintains a relationship with English, a bond I hope will deepen as he grows up. I've thought about ways to support this growth, seeing a time when he's about 14, to offer him a part-time job.

I am in the process of renovating my garage into a woodworking and DIY space, where creativity meets craftsmanship. My plan is to invite Akito to join me, not only to learn a skill but to immerse in English naturally, as we once did. Just like the past, English will be the soundtrack to our activities, encouraging his continued personal growth.

This isn't just about learning a language; it's about preparing Akito for life, giving him practical skills. It's my hope that these experiences will inspire him to explore English more passionately, recognizing it as a tool that opens doors to countless opportunities.