A foreigner’s guide to Japanese honorific, humble and polite forms.

Have you ever wondered how to describe a position in Japanese? Picture this: you’re wandering through the busy streets of Tokyo and want to ask a local which way leads to the nearest train station. Or maybe you’re sitting in a Japanese classroom, and the teacher is giving directions like “Look up,” “Turn right,” or […]

When meeting a new client in Japan, one of the first things you need to do is exchange business cards, known as 名刺 (meishi). In many other countries, business cards are often seen as a formality, or just a way to pass along your name, title, and company info. But in Japan, meishi exchange is […]

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

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) is one of those quintessential Japanese words that is highly ingrained into the culture but very difficult to translate to English.

Planning to take the JLPT N5? Although it is technically the lowest level a foreigner can take, the N5 can be a great milestone for those who want to see if they have made real progress. Understandably, the thought of taking the JLPT is stressful, with so many things to learn and consider. So, where […]

Using AC (eakon) in Japan? Learn how to use basic air conditioner remote control functions in Japan and understand common Japanese labels!

Japanese honorifics are suffixes or prefixes used to show respect or familiarity when addressing other people. How do you use them?

Did you know that Japan has a rainy season called tsuyu (梅雨)? Typically lasting from early June to mid-July, this season brings frequent and often unpredictable showers or even rain that lasts all day. During this humid, soggy time, carrying an umbrella becomes an essential part of daily life. While it’s not typhoon season (yet), […]

Saying ‘no’ in Japan is a tricky subject. The Japanese will rarely give a direct no to an answer, preferring instead to give an indirect answer that conveys the message of no.