Next Japanese Phonetics Update & Other News

Good morning, Patrons!

I hope this post finds all of you well. I just wanted to let everyone know what the next Japanese Phonetics update will be, and when I am currently expecting to release it.

The next Japanese Phonetics release will be a ground-up remake of lesson 29, the lesson which covers emotions and intentions. I actually believe the most recent version of this lesson is quite good, but there is a fair amount of overlap with lesson 6.3, the lesson on binary graphics vs. spectrographs, and because I recorded different parts of lesson 29 in different studios, it feels a bit fragmented and jumpy. In this remake I plan on streamlining things such that there isn't too much overlap with any other lessons, and also on rephrasing things such that the important points are easier to understand.

I was originally planning on releasing this lesson later this week, but earlier this week I started experiencing intense dizziness and had to get a few tests (thyroid and blood) done at a local hospital. The doctor wasn't able to pinpoint exactly what the issue is, but he believes it's a combination of stress, lack of sleep, dehydration (I drink a bit too much coffee and tea), and lack of exercise. I actually have a quite healthy diet and exercise fairly regularly (at least 30 minutes or so every other day), but the doctor seems to think this isn't enough given the fact I went almost two years without any proper exercise after my twin daughters were born (some of the older patrons may remember this), so everyday for the past four days I've been doing an hour of cardio, splitting up my meals more evenly, and also avoiding anything that contains caffeine. The dizziness is still present, but it seems to be becoming lighter, and for the next couple weeks I intend on following this diet and lifestyle regime. Even with these changes, however, I don't anticipate it taking me that much longer to finish the remake of lesson 29, and am thus currently hoping to have it out by the end of next week. I apologize for this delay, and thank you all for your understanding in this regard.

In other news, my business partner JP and I are currently working on an entirely new project, and should have a big announcement for everyone no later than two weeks after the remake of lesson 29 is released. Hope everyone gets as excited for this new endeavor as we are!

Thank you all for your continued support, and best of luck with your Japanese studies.

Best from Beppu,

Dōgen