If you’ve ever typed your name in katakana into an online form and gotten an error like “must be entered in full-width characters,” don’t panic, it’s not a system error. Japanese websites actually require you to type using full-width katakana (全角, zenkaku) because their backend databases and legacy verification systems are built on fixed-width character […]

As of 2026, Japan has more than 57,000 convenience stores, colloquially called the konbini. Don’t think of them as your regular gas station mini-mart back home. Konbini in Japan play in an entirely different league: you can print documents, get your tax records and proof of residence, pay your bills, and transfer money, all right […]

When getting ready for a Japanese job interview, be prepared to answer these 4 key questions to improve your chances of getting the job.

The first thing you’ll do when you arrive in Japan is get something to eat, but there’s one problem: how do you actually order food in Japanese at a restaurant?

Trying to describe your favorite food in Japanese, from its flavor to texture, but at a loss for words? You can always say something is 美味しい (oishii), or delicious, but that might capture everything. It’s helpful to tell people how something tastes and feels, especially if they are asking why you recommend trying your favorite […]

Want to avoid calling your boss darling? Read on to find out more.

There’s only “me”, “myself” and “I” in English, but when it comes to Japanese first-person pronouns, the options are seemingly endless.

Using Anki decks is one of the most effective, and certainly most convenient, ways to learn Japanese. Anki is a free, open-source flashcard program (available on any smartphone, tablet, and PC) that uses a spaced repetition system (SRS), allowing you to strategically space out repetition of cards to ingrain new words into your long-term memory. […]