Traditional Japanese New Years’ Foods – Osechi Ryori
Dec 26, 2024 By Ray Proper
Osechi-ryōri are traditional Japanese foods eaten at the start of the new year. The osechi tradition has been alive in Japan since the Heian Era (starting in 794). The foods are easily recognizable by the special bento boxes called jūbako, often stacked for larger families or parties. Like many places...[ Click to read more ]
Learning Japanese? Here’s How to Start
Sep 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus
It’s no secret that learning Japanese is difficult. Learning any language is no easy feat, but Japanese is particularly challenging — it can even seem impossible when you’re a complete beginner. However, by taking the right first steps, you’ll build a strong foundation upon which to progress and reach your...[ Click to read more ]
Casting Your Net: Discover More about Japan with Podcasts
Feb 27, 2023 By Bert Wishart
So, you find yourself in Japan, and you want to immerse yourself in the culture, but you've got three fundamental problems: you can't speak the language well enough to flick on the TV and plop down in front of the various variety shows (believe me, you're not missing out there);...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Learn Japanese in Hiroshima
Sep 28, 2022 By Justin Hanus
One of the first things you might want to do if you’ve relocated to Japan long-term is to start learning the language. Japanese can be a challenge for westerners as it uses a different writing system, however, Japanese natives are keen to teach their language to foreigners, and there are...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Learn Japanese in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Are you an expat who’s moved to Kumamoto prefecture, and your Japanese doesn’t extend beyond “konnichiwa” and “sayonara”? Then you might be looking to brush up on your language skills to help you in your everyday life. Here are a few places where you can learn Japanese in Kumamoto, including...[ Click to read more ]
The Best iPhone Apps for Living in Japan
Jan 05, 2022 By Ray Proper
Living in Japan can be difficult, but the internet has many resources to make things a bit easier. An iPhone or other smart phone can put those resources at your fingertips wherever you find yourself in Japan through a wide variety of standard or easily downloadable applications. Google maps, for...[ Click to read more ]
Apps for Learning and Using Japanese
Oct 29, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Living in Japan means having to some extent assimilating to one of the most complex language systems mankind has devised, or at least that’s how it feels. The spoken language is a mixture of original Japanese words mixed with ancient and modern Chinese, English, Spanish, and Portuguese loanwords that are used...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese Classes in Kobe
May 29, 2018 By Justin Hanus
If you've recently moved to Japan, you might be thinking about learning the language to help you communicate with the locals and understand the culture. Of course, there are plenty of online courses and 'learn Japanese' book/CD packages but there's nothing like a bit of face-to-face learning in a local...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese Language Schools in Nagoya
Apr 12, 2017 By Ray Proper
Studying Japanese is an excellent way to make your time in Japan more valuable and fun, in addition to improving your ability to interact and understand your Japanese co-workers. From private lessons or part-time courses to full-time options, there are plenty of opportunities to dive into learning Japanese. Here is...[ Click to read more ]
The Best Android Apps for Life in Japan!
Jul 05, 2016 By Ray Proper
These ARE the droids you are looking for... Let’s face it, it’s an iPhone world, but Droids need love too! Here are a few Android apps to get you through life in Japan and prove that you have all the same perks, and more, as those Apple fanboys. Garbage...[ Click to read more ]
