How Speaking Japanese Changed My Life in Portugal

I live in Portugal. But I’ve been learning Japanese for a few years now—on and off.

I’m not fluent. I can make small talk, understand a fair bit, and survive in Japan without much trouble.

Anyway—summer 2023. I was walking through Lisbon’s biggest shopping centre when I overheard someone speaking Japanese.

For the first time ever in Portugal.

I thought, this is it. My moment.

So mid-convo, I just started chatting to this Japanese guy—completely unprompted.

His eyes widened. Jaw dropped. Big smile.

One of the first things he said:
“Wow… I never expected someone to speak Japanese with me here!”

We ended up talking for 15 minutes that night and added each other on Instagram.

A few months later, we started doing language exchange calls—twice a month.
I’d practise Japanese. He’d practise English.

Fast forward to now…

He’s come back to visit Portugal.
And this time, he’s staying with me.

And he brought so many gifts for my wife and I—including an official Yokohama F. Marinos football shirt from his hometown.

That thing’s not cheap.

We only ever hung out for 15 minutes in person. But his generosity was wild.
No expectation. Just pure appreciation.

Japanese kindness really is something else.

And honestly, it reminded me that learning a language isn’t just about grammar and vocab.

It’s about connection.
And the people you’d never meet otherwise.

But it’s also about something else: consistency.

Because none of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t stuck with it.
Ten minutes here. A short call there.
Small efforts that added up to something much bigger.

That’s the same mindset I encourage with my 1:1 online fitness members.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight.
You just need to show up—even on the days it feels like nothing special is happening.

Because that’s how real momentum starts—quietly, gradually, then all at once.

If you’ve been struggling with consistency and want to rebuild it again…

Sign up for my free 14-Day Fat Loss Kick-Starter
It’s packed with simple daily steps to help you find your rhythm again. No extremes, just something that’ll help keep momentum high.

You can click here to sign up.

Speak soon,

Leo