News and resources

How Many Hours Does it Take to Pass the JLPT?

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?

Classic black alarm clock next to study books, symbolizing the time and effort needed to prepare for the JLPT exam.

Pokémon Names in English vs Japanese: Why Are They Different?

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 […]

Feature image for the blog pokemon names in English vs Japanese showing a pikachu with sparks behind him

8 Ways to Say “And” in Japanese: と, や, そして and More

Apples and oranges. Walking and running. Swiftly and slowly. In English, connecting ideas is usually as simple as inserting the word “and” between two items. But in Japanese, expressing “and” is a bit more nuanced.  In fact, the language offers multiple ways to connect words, phrases, and even full sentences. This depends on what you’re […]

and in japanese

Shouganai & Shikata Ga Nai: The Japanese Art of Graceful Acceptance

The Japanese phrases しょうがない (shou ga nai) and 仕方がない (shikata ga nai) express your graceful resilience in situations out of our control. They communicate something that doesn’t translate neatly into English, and yet they are used all the time in Japanese.  So, let’s learn these uniquely Japanese expressions, how they express a Japanese cultural sentiment, […]

Feature image of shou ga nai showing man walking in the rain without an umbrella