The Japanese writing system uses three types of script: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. The unique thing is that it is a mixed logographic and syllabic system. Logographic is a writing system based on meanings or ideas, and the syllabic is based on sounds (syllabic). When you first start learning Japanese, you might start off using […]
Aoi (青い) is a color that can often be said as blue or green, but what is the actual meaning and culture behind the adjective?
Learn how many hours of study it will take you to pass each level of the JLPT. This illustrated guide compares how many hours of Japanese study per JLPT level. Did you know that it takes just as long to pass the N2 as it does to become a certified public accountant in the US?
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 […]
