If you’ve decided to finally make a deep dive into mastering your language learning in Japan, you might be considering moving to the capital, Tokyo, or its nearby neighbor, Yokohama. Tokyo is more suited for those who like living at a fast pace and desire to be at the heart of all the action with […]
Dreaming of a Japanese name for your future child? Whether you love the culture or have a Japanese spouse, there are some common Japanese names that might give you some inspiration. Like “John” or “Maria” in English, there are some very popular Japanese names, some of them so common that you encounter them on textbooks! […]
The easiest way to say “I understand” in Japanese is わかります (wakarimasu, meaning “to understand”), but it doesn’t always capture every nuance. Similar to English, the phrases “I know,” “I understand,” and “I comprehend” carry subtly different meanings despite their similarity. In Japanese, this complexity runs even deeper, since certain phrases can sound more polite […]
Learn essential Japanese questions for travel, from asking directions and ordering food to shopping and communicating with locals.
The 2026 World Cup is here! In a few days, you’ll get to see 48 soccer teams, including Japan, compete against each other in a bid to win the world title. If you are in Japan, how can you watch the World Cup? While you might not be able to watch the event live in […]
Did you know that Japan has a second Valentine’s Day called White Day? In Japan, Valentine’s Day has a bit of a twist; the original Valentine’s Day (on February 14) is for women to give chocolates or small gifts to men. These can range from giri-choco (obligatory chocolates for colleagues or friends) to honmei-choco (romantic […]
Of all of the existing Japanese particles, the particle の (no) is the one that is used most to indicate possession, such as my, your, or its. It can also be translated to “of” or “about” in certain contexts. As you move beyond beginner-level learning materials, you will eventually learn that の can be used […]
When you think of Shinjuku, you might think of this iconic city center as a place known for its landmarks and nightlife, but it is also a place not just for the average businessperson, but for students as well. Naturally, there are many coffee shops and cafés where students can meet to work on assignments […]
