Motivations for studying Japanese

My interest in studying Japanese has roots from quite early in my life. I was enrolled in a Japanese bilingual program in San Francisco, the JBBP Clarendon program. Looking back, I realize that many aspects of our elementary school experience were comparatively quite unique. Through the program, I was exposed to elements of Japanese culture such as folk lore, festivals and other cultural events, and various foods. 

My long term goals in learning Japanese include becoming proficient conversationally and being able to read scholarly texts. I expect to spend a good deal of time in the future hitchhiking and visiting certain regions in Japan.