Saying “goodbye” can be difficult no matter where you’re from. In Japanese, the word sayonara often carries the weight of a long farewell, hinting that you might not see the person for a long time. But don’t worry: Japanese language has plenty of other ways to say farewell that are lighter, more casual, and full […]

Welcome to the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N3 exam! The thought of taking the JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for it? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized. The JLPT N3 exam is a true testament to your progress and dedication to learning Japanese. […]

Far from being a new practice, the foundations of Autumnal Equinox Day were actually laid out centuries ago. But, many moons later, are the origins of this holiday still relevant today?

Japan is the only nation to have a public holiday dedicated to the oceans. So, why is Marine Day important and how can we all celebrate it together?

Many of us grew up playing Japanese video games, some of the most popular including Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon, but did you ever consider using them to learn Japanese? Generally, people think of anime for learning Japanese, but video games might have some of the same benefits, if not more!  Video games can […]

The values behind Respect-for-the-Aged Day are important reminders for all of us. But why?

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

Learning Japanese can feel overwhelming at first, but mastering basic greetings and essential vocabulary is a great way to ease into your studies. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, interacting with Japanese speakers, or just curious about the language, these words and phrases will help you build a solid foundation. But what are the […]

Otsukaresama desu is a key phrase that you will need to master if you plan to work in a Japanese office.

You might have heard of Golden Week, Japan’s highly anticipated holiday period, when a series of often consecutive holidays occurs from the end of April to early May, allowing many Japanese people to take a week off. But have you heard of Silver Week (シルバーウィーク)? Coined in 2009, Silver Week refers to a cluster of […]