I just want to say congrats for trying to learn. Japanese is a hard language, even if you really want to learn it. I had a breakdown two weeks into an intensive study abroad program and started crying in the middle of class when I just couldn't get that day's lesson.
I did that 30 minuets in to my first lesson. I was so embarrassed. after that they dumbed it right down for me. Unfortunately it was still well beyond what I could do and the other people (have I said, really clever) just made it look even easier.
I love "I am studying conversational Japanese in a different setting. Thank you for your interest." I will SO be using that.
Most people get upset at the learning at home part. They all seem to start in with 'why I can't possible learn it on my own'
I had one person continually interupt with a verity of arguments including "They CAN do conversational Japanese. They CAN do one on one lessons. you HAVE TO GO TO THIS CLASS. The way he was talking, you would think I was putting that class down, rather than saying "
I am bad at languages" He was getting quite snippy.
When he stopped to take a drink, I suddenly saw DH calling me over and I had to leave.

For the most part they are all really nice people, it's just one or two that seem to know "better."
There is also some one who clearly thinks I am dimwitted. She was in the class with me and I really did look dumb, just sitting there, shacking my head and looking lost. After she came to dinner with a few others and saw me talking literature (I did a Lit and Drama degree, of all things) and eating the food (I made real custard from scratch and Bonoffee upsideown sponge

) she backed off.
The look on her face was really funny, She was being all patronsing when she first came in. Then, after I commented on what I would like to write my Masters on (if I ever get the chance and funding) after doing the Postgraduate librarianship course I am applying too, she looked all socked

and then suddenly started talking to me like a grown up.

I admit to hamming it up a bit, to make the point I am not stupid. My favourite topic to talk about 'other than food' is my fantasy books.
oh and kittens
she still slips and goes in to 'talking to idiot' voice but it's getting better.
Best thing about japan: The cat petting zoo.
