You need one of those word of the day calendars.
I am unsure if they have those in Japan. Probably there is one for rare kanji...
Choosing which level to speak from his more complicated because you are a gaijin.
Some people consider gaijin a level below, but most consider them the same level.
But the ones who think you are a level below are quick to anger...
When you are an english speaking person, in Japan, you are an english teacher. And people who wish to learn better come closer to you. Often, in the setting, you are unique and intriguing.
I really do not know how you close gaps, since personal space is so strongly enforced.
With a girlfriend, you confess first, than date.
Maybe you have to confess your friendship???
At my current study rate I need a calendar with 12 words a day, all useful but high level hahah I guess I could make it myself but that’s a lot of words to fit on a calendar. No room for my schedule.
I would have given up already except there are people I would like to collaborate with who don’t use English at all. A friend wrote a book on how he has used public spaces in original and fun ways but it’s all in Japanese and he gives talks on such things, no English. An artist named kom_i went to Peru and gave birth among the native tribe. I’d like to know more about why and what she thinks about things, but it’s very difficult to read long texts about indigenous society and anarchism in Japan.
As for the gap, funny enough I don’t think speaking the language better helps at all, except regards to the people above. It’s easier to just play the gaijin card at first and switch over to just “person” once people are comfortable.