How to Remember EVERYTHING Like the JAPANESE Students ( IQ doesn't matter)

Summary

In this video, the narrator reveals powerful Japanese learning techniques that help students retain up to 80% of what they read. These methods include the Kuman method (breaking learning into small, manageable steps), Kaizen (continuous 1% daily improvement), Sue (deep focus), and active recall (strengthening memory through active retrieval). By incorporating these techniques into daily study habits, learners can develop long-lasting knowledge without stress or burnout. The video challenges traditional cramming methods and encourages adopting smarter, more efficient ways of learning for better memory retention and success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The human brain is designed to forget unused information, but techniques exist to improve memory retention.
• 😀 Japanese students use proven methods to remember vast amounts of information, such as kanji characters.
• 😀 The Kuman method focuses on learning in small, manageable steps, avoiding overwhelming oneself with large amounts of information.
• 😀 James Clear’s principle from *Atomic Habits* emphasizes the power of small, consistent improvements to achieve significant results over time.
• 😀 Kaizen promotes continuous improvement with just 6 minutes of focused study per day: 2 minutes each for active recall, spaced repetition, and focused practice.
• 😀 Active recall strengthens memory by forcing the brain to retrieve information, reinforcing mental connections.
• 😀 Sue is a Japanese method that involves deep focus, achieved through rituals that signal to the brain it’s time to learn.
• 😀 Creating a dedicated study space, using the same tools, or lighting a candle before studying can help increase focus through ritual.
• 😀 Mastery doesn’t come from passive learning; it comes from active practice, struggle, and improvement.
• 😀 Instead of cramming, Japanese students focus on cultivating knowledge with steady, incremental progress, leading to better long-term retention.
• 😀 By adopting these Japanese learning methods, you can shift from ineffective cramming to smart, efficient learning, leading to better results.

Q & A

Why do people forget what they read the next day?

People often forget what they read because the brain is naturally designed to clear out unused information. This process can make it seem like the effort spent reading was wasted, even though it’s a natural cognitive function.

What is the Japanese method for improving memory retention?

The Japanese method focuses on breaking learning into smaller, manageable steps, consistent daily improvement, deep focus, and active recall. These techniques help improve memory retention and prevent the typical forgetting that happens with traditional cramming.

What is the Kuman method?

The Kuman method involves learning in small, manageable steps. Instead of overwhelming oneself with a lot of information at once, this technique encourages daily, bite-sized learning that gradually reinforces concepts until they become second nature.

How does the Kaizen principle work for improving learning?

The Kaizen principle emphasizes continuous improvement through small, consistent steps. Even just a 1% improvement every day can lead to significant progress over time. This method reduces stress and burnout, allowing for steady, sustainable learning.

How much time should you spend on daily learning according to the Kaizen method?

You can improve significantly in just 6 minutes a day—2 minutes for active recall, 2 minutes for spaced repetition, and 2 minutes for focused practice. This brief daily commitment results in cumulative improvement over time.

What is 'Sue' and how does it help with focus?

'Sue' is a state of deep focus practiced by Japanese students. It involves creating a distraction-free environment and using rituals, such as using the same study tools or lighting a candle, to signal to the brain that it's time to learn and concentrate.

How can you improve your focus while studying?

To improve focus, create a dedicated study space free of distractions, use the same study materials consistently, and engage in rituals that signal your brain that it's time to focus, such as lighting a candle or choosing a particular pen.

What is active recall and why is it important for memory?

Active recall is the process of actively retrieving information from your brain, rather than just passively reading or highlighting. It strengthens memory by reinforcing mental connections every time you struggle to recall something, making the information stick more effectively.

How does the process of active recall compare to traditional studying methods?

Unlike traditional studying methods that focus on passive input (such as reading or highlighting), active recall involves retrieving the information actively. This forces the brain to work harder, creating stronger memory connections and enhancing retention.

How can you implement the concept of learning as a ritual?

You can turn learning into a ritual by creating specific, consistent study routines, removing distractions, and making the learning environment feel special or significant. This helps your brain recognize the value of these learning moments, improving memory retention and focus.