Hello there! 👋

If you are a member of the server called Japanese Academy, and especially if you're planning to join this server, please consider reading through this document. It won't take long, and you will be able to learn way more about this server than what most people tell you.

Japanese Academy

The name of this server is subject to change. Henceforth mentioned as the JPA server.

This server is one of the most popular Japanese learning servers out there, with over 75 thousand members as of now. If you search up the term "Japanese" on Discord, this server will be the first server to show up. This server presentes itself as the best Japanese learning server, and is "a tight-knit community about learning Japanese."

However, there's just one problem...

This server fails to be a helpful Japanese learning server, but there's more to the story.
I'm here to let you know about these issues, suggest any potential solutions to those issues, and document anything necessary.

So, let's start!

📚 Explanation 📖

I hate yapping, and you hate reading. That's a fact.
Feel free to read whichever part you find interesting first. Please do not force yourself to read the whole thing.
This document reflects my personal experience, shared opinions and observations. All information is presented to the best of my knowledge and is not intended as a personal attack.

📕 This server is NOT a Japanese learning focused server. ❌

This section applies to newcomers and Japanese learners.
Pretty ironic, right? Although this server is supposed to be the most famous Japanese learning server, it definitely lacks support for those who are either newcomers or trying to learn Japanese. There are several factors that determine this result.

🌸 This server is not learning-focused. 🌸

Yes, this server is definitely not learning-focused. The server is misleading to members who join for learning.

A vast majority of people in this server are rather active in #general-social instead, and are mostly here to casually talk with others rather than study or exchange knowledge about the language itself. Most people use study channels as alternative general channels, and I wish that unspoken rules like these were clearly stated. This often leads to confusion or rather awkward situations when you try ask for help in the study channels.

While this kind of environment can certainly be enjoyable for socializing and meeting new people, it unfortunately means that learning opportunities are quite limited. Since only a few people actually have experience with Japanese, you have a small chance of getting actual help.

Not to mention that most of the helpful features are located WAYY below most channels. (refer to the argument stated below) Although this server is supposed to be THE Japanese learning server, there are only a few channels where you can actually express yourself in Japanese or study. Not only that, but there is no clear language exchange system. This means that when you ask for language exchange partners in the server, it can come across as if you're running a scam. Most smaller Japanese learning servers manage to implement this system way nicer.

🌸 The helpful features are made to be somewhat confusing. 🌸

We, (and most people,) believe that any "lock" systems should be used as an optional verification. If a lock is used to prevent people from entering important channels or using features, it just adds more confusion. However, for some reason, a vast majority of helpful features of this server are locked behind some inconvenient lock systems that aren't clearly or properly stated.

The server expects everyone to explore every channel in the server to unlock features. This means that it would be really difficult for most members to figure out these features, since not everyone is willing to visit every channel in a server to find small details. For example, the message permissions within the advanced Japanese proficiency channel, as well as the embed permissions, is locked behind a test inside the #exam-room channel. Not only is this confusing, but also drives away newcomers from uncovering the full potential of this server.

🌸 Then, how can we fix this issue? 🌸

Clearly define boundaries between study and social areas

Organizing channels to clearly separate social interaction and studying may help reduce confusion.

Improve visibility of learning-related features, and reconsider channel placement

Making important features and study channels more accessible could improve the overall experience. If certain systems (such as tests or unlockable permissions) are required, clearly guiding users through them would reduce confusion.

Implement a clear language exchange system

Pretty self-explanatory if you ask me! Feel free to look at other smaller servers, and how they implement this system.

🚪 Newcomers aren't properly welcomed here. 🫷

This section applies to newcomers.
There are several issues that newcomers tend to encounter when trying to engage with the community.

Have you ever heard of the Matthew Effect?

The Matthew Effect states that those who are already well-known continue to receive more attention 📈, while newcomers often struggle to be noticed. 📉 Over time, this creates an environment where the same familiar individuals dominate conversations, while new members find it increasingly difficult to enter ongoing discussions or gain visibility.

How it affects JPA

I believe this server is an exceptionally strong example of the Matthew Effect in action. Once someone becomes a recognizable or active member of the community, their messages are far more likely to receive responses and engagement. Sure, some people will indeed try to welcome you. However, this is not guaranteed, and they are doing this in order to try and "fix" the Matthew effect by themselves. However, it is simply too late for this issue to be fixed. Many newcomers may find themselves being ignored often. This usually applies to most channels in the server, even including Japanese conversation channels.

Shaping oneself

The community clearly expects people to shape and use a recognizable personality in order to become noticed in the server. For newcomers, this expectation can be confusing. Many people join with the intention of having casual conversations, asking questions, or simply interacting naturally with others. However, when attention and engagement concentrates around already recognizable personalities, newcomers may struggle to find their place in the discussion. As a result, newcomers may feel overlooked or uncertain about how they're expected to behave in order to participate meaningfully in the community.

Then, how can we fix this issue?

Create more accessible and engaging server events

There are already several well-designed server events in place. So, why not build off of that idea? Expanding on these and making them more accessible to newcomers could help create a more welcoming and interactive environment.

Encourage clearer and more consistent onboarding for newcomers

Encouraging members to properly welcome and guide newcomers could significantly improve the first impression of the server. Simple actions, such as greeting new members or directing them to relevant channels, may help reduce confusion and make the environment feel more supportive.

Here is a visual example of the Matthew Effect in place.
⚠ The example below is completely made-up. Any similarity to real messages or conversations is purely coincidental.
⚠ This example is NOT intended to blame newcomers or well-known server members in any way. Instead, it aims to demonstrate situations that newcomers may encounter when joining a server where the Matthew Effect strongly influences conversations and attention.

The left example shows a newcomer trying to engage in an ongoing conversation,
and the right example shows a well-known server member 〃.

User A:
wait you also program?
User B:
yuh! i use HTML, CSS, javascript and some other niche languages, wbu?
User C:
I always wanted to program. I don't have time nowadays, though. ;-;

Newcomer 🍀:
Hello everyone! 👋

(no response)

User A: ↪ Replying to User B
i use typescript, javascript is kinda old tbhh
User B: ↪ Replying to User C
yeaa you totally should! it gets rlly fun once you get the hang of it, trust me bro

Newcomer 🍀:
How is everyone doing today?

(no response)

User C:
Anyways, what's everyone's favorite programming language?
User B: ↪ Replying to User C
i frickin love javascript bro
User A:
wait you also program?
User B:
yuh! i use HTML, CSS, javascript and some other niche languages, wbu?
User C:
I always wanted to program. I don't have time nowadays, though. ;-;

User D:
hi yall!

User B: ↪ Replying to User D
YOOOOOOO hru doingg

User A: ↪ Replying to User B
i use typescript, javascript is kinda old tbhh
User D: ↪ Replying to User B
yaa im doing great, wbuu

User C:
By the way, what's everyone's favorite programming language?
User B: ↪ Replying to User D
im doing great!! i have a headache thoo
User B: ↪ Replying to User C
brooo i love javascript
User A: ↪ Replying to User B
u ok???
User D: ↪ Replying to User B
i'm sorry to hear that.. try to take rests mann!!
🛠

🔨 The moderation team is disrespectful. 🔧

This section applies to all members.
What do you think is the most important factor that makes a server engaging? Is it the members, the channel structure, or the rules? While all of these are certainly important, I believe that the moderation team is one of the most important factors in shaping how engaging a server truly feels.

Plus, members shouldn't feel constantly pressured or anxious about accidentally breaking rules. When rules are enforced in an strict way, people may feel the need to constantly monitor everything they say. Instead of encouraging discussion, this can make conversations feel tense and unnatural. A welcoming community is one where moderation maintains order while still allowing members to relax, express themselves, and interact freely.

Acting weak to the "strong" ones, and vice versa

The moderation team often tends to act in a cautious way toward the "strong" members while being blunt or strict toward the "weak" members.

Moderators hesitate to punish or confront the "strong" members of the community. For example, active members or well-known server members may fall into this category. The reason is simple: they do not want to disrupt the atmosphere of the server. I have seen some examples of "strong" server members get no response from the moderation, even when they had broken several rules directly.
For example, I've even seen a "strong" server member send death threats toward one of my friends, in the general channel, and still managed to walk away from the situation without any trouble.

Meanwhile, the moderation team tends to show minimal hesitation when punishing or confronting the "weak" members of the community. This often includes newcomers, less recognizable members, or even anyone who simply appears easier to challenge, regardless of their status as a role in the server. In these situations, moderation becomes immediate and direct. Not to mention that these decisions are mostly biased toward certain individuals.
For example, I have seen a "weak" member of the server get permanently banned after repeatedly moving between voice channels quickly, (they weren't even active ones) which felt inappropriate compared to the behavior.

Remaining vague

In some situations, the moderation team does not provide clear explanations for their decisions. When I was trying to appeal a punishment while directly confronting the moderators, responses tended to be brief, unclear, or lack specific references to the rules that were broken. This can make it difficult for members to understand what they did wrong or how to avoid similar issues in the future. Clear and respectful communication is especially important during moderation actions. Without it, members may feel confused or discouraged, even if the original decision was justified. This issue is most likely directly related to the issue stated above.

Then, how can we fix this issue?

Improve consistency and transparency in moderation

Ensuring that moderation actions are applied consistently and clearly communicated could help create a more predictable and fair environment. Providing explanations for major actions, when appropriate, may also help members better understand decisions and expectations.

Maintain a respectful and professional tone during moderation

When addressing rule violations, maintaining a calm and respectful tone may help de-escalate situations and encourage more constructive interactions. Remember that they are still humans, and they deserve to be treated how you want to be treated. Approaches like this can make moderation feel more approachable while still enforcing rules effectively.

So, what can I do?

Since this server is already quite large, there are limits to what can be done or fixed.
However... there are still few small ways to contribute.
That's right. If you're interested, you can follow the steps below to spread awareness.

1. Share this website with others
Spreading awareness of the situation by itself makes a HUGE difference.
It can be anyone. Japanese learners, JPA members, or even the moderators.
It helps guide new members and learners in the right direction, while also preventing future issues.
Even sharing it with just one person can have impact. Two or three? Even better.

https://www.lanzoor.dev/projects/anti-JPA
2. Leave honest reviews on DISBOARD
If you've had a negative experience, or simply want to spread awareness,
you should definitely leave a review that reflects it!
This feedback informs others about the situation, and helps others make better decisions.

You can do so by logging in within DISBOARD, and visit the server on DISBOARD.
Click the Review Japanese Academy button, and leave your review.
3. Stop interacting with the server
If you don't want to be involved with this server or have had a negative experience, consider reducing your interactions within the server, and if necessary, leaving the server altogether.

If you are a learner, there are still many servers that are actually focused on learning and welcome newcomers properly. Here are some great alternatives:
  1. Japanese English International School/日英国際学校 (JEIS)
    I think this server does a really good job. There are lots of channels where newcomers can engage in, and the Matthew effect is rather minimal. Not only that, but there is a clear language exchange system in place, and there is no inconvenient "lock" systems in place.
    View JEIS on DISBOARD ->
  2. 日本語の全て | A Japanese Study Server
    Although not large compared to other servers, the conversations here are chill and actually learning-focused. It's a comfortable space where people can ask questions, share ideas, and improve without feeling pressured.
    View 日本語の全て on DISBOARD ->
4. Suggest, give feedback, and point out issues directly to the moderation team
If you are a member of the server, you may consider sharing your concerns or suggestions with the moderation team in a respectful and constructive manner. Clear and thoughtful feedback can help highlight areas for improvement.

Now, I would like to spill some shared opinions™

Here are some unedited quotes from some of my friends that you may find interesting 🐎

“some mods are kinda rude to me though ngl”
- Anonymous User
“They do everything except studies”
- Discord user s*********
“subtle favourism in moderation
it's not really a good place to learn”
- Anonymous User
“the server may be enjoyable for socializing so thats fine
but like this server is literally anything but a study server 😭”
- lanzoor

Thank you for reading. C'est fini.

If you've read all the way through, (even if you skipped to the bottom)... thank you.
Not everyone takes the time to look into things like this, and the fact that you did already sets you apart.
Stay aware, stay thoughtful, and keep doing your part. Have a wonderful day! 👋