Reina & Takumi
Parents: Reina (🇧🇷 Brazil) & Takumi (🇯🇵 Japan)
Child: Noa, age 5
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Languages Spoken: Portuguese (Reina), Japanese (Takumi)
Strategy: OPOL (One Parent, One Language)
Can you describe your family’s language background?
Reina: I grew up in Rio de Janeiro speaking only Portuguese.
Takumi: I’m from Kyoto, Japanese is my first language. We met while studying in Tokyo, and language has always been part of our story.
Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did you decide on that mix?
We use OPOL at home. Reina speaks Portuguese with Noa, and I only speak Japanese. As a couple we mostly speak in English, but Noa gets both of our native tongues constantly. Portuguese is everywhere around us, so we really focus on intentional Japanese time.
Why is teaching those languages important for you?
We want Noa to have strong roots in both cultures. Her grandparents, cousins, and extended family are in both countries — language is how she’ll stay connected and feel at home wherever she is.
When did you first decide to raise your child bilingually?
From day one. It was never a debate — we knew we wanted her to grow up with both of our languages.
Did you follow a specific strategy (e.g. OPOL, ML@H), or did it evolve naturally?
We started with OPOL on purpose and stuck with it. Even when it’s hard, we’ve stayed consistent.
What were your biggest concerns at the beginning — and how did those play out over time?
We were worried Japanese would be drowned out by Portuguese. And in some ways, we were right — but we countered that with extra Japanese exposure: videos, storytime, and Zoom calls with Takumi’s parents.
What helped you stay consistent in using both languages? What’s your routine?
Routine helps. Reina handles bedtime, I do bath and morning. We also do “language swap weekends” where I take the lead for a full day in Japanese with activities and Reina does Portuguese the next.
Has your approach changed as your child got older?
Yes, we’ve gotten more creative. Now that she’s more independent, we encourage her to reply in each parent’s language — but never punish if she mixes. We just model it back.
How do you handle resistance or when your child favours one language?
There was a phase where she preferred Portuguese — obviously, since it’s all around. We doubled down on Japanese books and cartoons she liked. Totoro saved us!
Have you experienced any moments of breakthrough or pride in their language development?
She once switched from Portuguese to Japanese mid-sentence, depending on who walked into the room. Smooth and natural. That was a huge moment.
What role has extended family, or your community played in supporting (or challenging) your goals?
My (Reina’s) family speaks only Portuguese, but they’re patient and respectful. Takumi’s family does video calls in Japanese every Sunday. That consistent time is priceless.
Got a funny or unexpected story from your bilingual journey? We’d love to hear it.
Noa once told my mum that “obaachan lives in the computer.” She thought video calls with Takumi’s mum meant she lived inside the laptop.
Have you ever felt pressure (internal or external) about your bilingual goals?
Yes, especially when people say things like “Don’t confuse her.” We’ve learned to ignore that and trust our process.
Do you feel like your child connects emotionally or culturally to both languages?
Yes — she loves sushi and pão de queijo equally. She sings Japanese songs and tells stories from Brazilian books. Both cultures are very alive in her.
What’s been the most unexpected challenge?
Finding good Japanese books in Brazil! We’ve resorted to buying used books online or asking family to send us some. Access is a real barrier.
What has surprised you most in a positive way?
How much Noa enjoys translating for others — even at age five. She’ll tell me what Reina said or explain a Japanese word to her grandma. It’s beautiful to watch.
What technology or other resources do you use to support language learning?
- YouTube Kids (Japanese channels)
- Portuguese audiobooks through a local app
- Zoom calls with family
- Japanese cartoons (with no subtitles!)
- Simple flashcards we made ourselves
Have schooling or childcare settings helped or hindered the process?
They’ve been neutral — school is in Portuguese only, but they’ve been supportive when we explained our home setup. We just have to balance it ourselves.
If you could do one thing differently, what would it be?
Expose her to more real-world Japanese speakers early on. Language is about people, not just words.
What advice would you give to other parents just starting out?
Start strong, be consistent, and make it joyful. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. If you’re playful, they’ll love it.