Ramen is almost a ubiquitous symbol of Japan, and now that you have the chance to finally try the iconic dish in its home country, how do you actually order a bowl in Japanese? When you enter a Japanese ramen shop for the first time, you will be showered with options and customizability to match […]
Do you know your chances of passing the JLPT? The average JLPT pass rate in 2025 was 35.06% across all levels (N5 to N1) for both Japan and overseas. However, this figure should be taken with caution, as pass rates vary significantly across JLPT levels and between examinees in Japan and those overseas. For example, […]
Let’s dive in and make sure you’re fully prepared and equipped to ace the JLPT!
You may be familiar with the JLPT, but have you heard of the BJT and TOPJ? While the JLPT is the most widely recognized proof of Japanese language proficiency, an increasing number of companies and foreigners are now opting for the JLPT test alternatives. But from JLPT, BJT, and TOPJ, which one should you take? […]
Why do Japanese people omit words? The Japanese often omit words because the meaning is clear from the context. Instead of repeating information that both speakers already know, Japanese relies on shared understanding, making conversations sound more natural and efficient. Now we journey beyond the textbook to dive into natural Japanese, which often involves omitting words […]
Many people are surprised to learn that Japanese hand gestures don’t always mean what they expect — and in some cases, they mean the exact opposite of a similar gesture back home. Body language might seem more universal than spoken language, but it’s still shaped by culture, and Japan has plenty of its own unique […]
Like lol, jk, and even XD; Japanese people have their own version of internet slang and texting lingo — also known as ネットスラング (netto surangu). Have you ever tried using social media, like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, in Japanese? Scoured across comments sections, posts, and message boards are letters and symbols being used in ways […]
Pokémon is undoubtedly one of our favorite franchises ever; however, you may have noticed that many of the names of the Pokémon we know and love in English are completely different in Japanese. So, why is that? Turns out Pokémon names are not translated directly from Japanese to English, since the names wouldn’t make much […]
