News and resources

How to Use Japan’s Ramen Vending Machines

One of the most surprising things about getting a hot bowl of ramen in Japan is that you often have to order from a vending machine. Most ramen specialty stores have you select and pay for your choice of ramen at a vending machine, or rather a meal ticket machine called 食券機 (shokkenki) in Japanese. […]

Ramen ordered from a ramen vending machine

Complete List of Japanese Conjunctions: 2026 Guide

If vocabulary and grammar make up the crux of the Japanese language, Japanese conjunctions are the glue that holds them together. Also called 接続詞 (setsuzokushi), these small but powerful words help you connect ideas, express contrast, show cause and effect, and make your sentences flow naturally. Of course, there are the basic conjunctions like “and” […]

conjunction in japanese

Hiragana Chart & Quiz Online: Free Japanese Resource

Want to learn Japanese hiragana? In this blog, we share our own PDF learning Hiragana practice sheets and links to some popular apps for learning Japanese. Just started learning Japanese? Head to our main article about the Japanese writing system for a more comprehensive guide! Apps for Learning Hiragana If you are just getting started […]

hiragana chart writing

Key Differences Between Chinese vs Japanese Languages

While China and Japan may be relatively close geographically and both shape today’s cultural, economic, business, and pop culture landscapes, the Chinese and Japanese languages have clear distinctions. The Chinese language is estimated to be spoken by more than one-fifth of the world’s population. Japanese, on the other hand, is primarily spoken in Japan. And […]

chinese vs japanese language

How to Order And Customize Your Coffee in Japanese

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, but if you know anything about Japan, it is that they take their coffee culture seriously, almost to the same respect reserved for tea ceremonies. However, before you can sip on your choice of coffee in your favorite coffee shop, whether it is in […]

Image of a latte; how to order coffee in Japanese