A sheet of notebook paper that has the text, "Japanese 101" displayed on it.

Learning Japanese for Beginners: A Complete Guide

How to Learn Japanese for Beginners In this guide, you’ll find all of the resources you need to go from a beginner to a low-intermediate level of Japanese. While this guide is for beginners, it assumes you already know the basic fundamentals of Japanese.  If this is your first time learning Japanese, check out our … Read more

A laptop on a desk that is displaying a flag of Japan with a blue enter button at the bottom and a the text, "Learn Japanese" at the top. A coffee cup, notebook, notes, and a plant can also be seen on the desk.

Rosetta Stone Japanese Review: Does it Work?

Name:  Rosetta Stone Japanese Website:  http://www.rosettastone.com/learn-japanese/ Price:  Online Subscription:  $59 for 3 months, $84 for 6 months, $129 for 12 months, $179 for 24 months.   CD-ROM:  $144 for levels 1-3    Instant Download:  $89 for level 1 Japanese Level:  Beginners to Low-Intermediate Materials:  Vocabulary and Grammar Lessons, Japanese Language Games, Speaking and Listening Activities JLPT Materials:  Not Recommended … Read more

Two stacks of notebooks and folders with a bunch of color mini Post-It notes scattered all around. The the center is a white flashcard with the word, "apple" written on it in red. There is also a hand-drawn picture of an apple and Japanese characters on the same flashcard, also in red. Someone's hand can be seen holding a red pen.

The Best Way to Learn Japanese: 15 Ways To Supercharge Your Learning

What is the best way to learn Japanese?  If you want to know how to learn Japanese fast and efficiently, this list of 15 tips will show you exactly how to do that.  The methods covered in this guide are a collection of advice from Japanese teachers, people who have gained fluency in a second … Read more

A woman's hands are holding a book open. Inside the book is a flag of Japan with a blue "enter" button and the text, "Learn Japanese" written at the top. In the background is a desk with other notebooks, pens, rulers, and a tablet on it.

Where to Start Learning Japanese

Chapter II:  Where to Start Learning Japanese In this chapter, we’ll show you what you should study for each level.  If you don’t know where to start learning Japanese, this guide will help you. Absolute Beginners If you have never studied Japanese before, you’re in for a treat. The beginning of your journey to learn … Read more

A young woman with long brown hair is carrying a laptop/note in her hands in front of her. She looks scared or shy.

How to Speak to People in Japanese if You’re Shy

How to Practice Speaking Japanese if You’re Shy What if I’m too afraid or shy to speak Japanese with anyone?  This is an issue that many people have.  It can be difficult speaking to someone in a totally different language, especially if you’re a beginner.  You don’t know many words and grammar patterns, so you … Read more

A young woman with dirty blonde hair is sitting down at a desk with an open book. She is hold a sign in front of her face that reads, "HELP."

Trouble Learning Japanese: Answers to Common Problems and Concerns

Chapter IV:  Common Questions and Frustrations About Studying Japanese You’ll probably have lots of questions about learning Japanese.  How long does it take to learn Japanese?  Can I become fluent in Japanese in 3 months?  What if I’m too shy to speak to anyone? In chapter 4 of the best way to learn Japanese guide, … Read more

A close-up of a woman's open mouth with her right hand cupped in front of it to "amplify" her voice.

How to Practice Speaking Japanese Alone

5 Ways to Practice Speaking Japanese on Your Own If you have already read our “best way to learn Japanese” guide, then you know that I highly recommend you practice speaking Japanese with a teacher or tutor. There are so many great Japanese teachers online now that it’s easy to find someone who you can … Read more

2 Japanese style of teishoku (set meal) boxes. In each section of the box (6 in total, 3 in each box) there is a different food item or sauce in it). A saucer of soy sauce and a cup of green tea is next to the boxes, and a pair of disposable chopsticks at the opposite corner.

21 Must-Try Foods in Japan – The Ultimate Food Guide

The Best Foods That You Can Find Easily Anywhere in Japan Japan has some of the best food in the world, hands down.  If you plan on taking a trip there, you’ll be amazed at how many food shops and restaurants there are.  With so many options, it’s hard to find true Japanese foods that … Read more

An older Asian man wearing a cooks uniform is writing something down on a restaurant order sheet inside of a restaurant.

How to Order Food in Japanese

Dining Out in Japan:  How to Order Food in Japanese like a Pro Japan has some of the best food in the world.  I’m talking about finger-licking, lip-smacking, and spine-shivering deliciousness.  However, many restaurants in Japan don’t have an English speaking staff.  Sure, you could use gestures and very simple English to your point across.  … Read more

Japanese High School Students in uniforms standing in a line and posing for a picture.

Working for The JET Program – A Typical Day

If you got accepted to the JET Program as an ALT, congratulations!  All of your hard work and patience has paid off.Now you’re probably excited and anxious to find out all about your school, and what working for the JET Program will be like.  Here’s a general guideline about what you’ll be doing on a … Read more

6 pieces of nigiri Sushi displayed in a line. (Fish, imitation crab, cucumber, salmon, shrimp, and unagi sushi).

The Best Sushi in Japan

The Best Sushi in the World…Is Not Where You Think It Is If you have seen the documentary, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” then you already know that he has the best sushi in the world.  Sukiyabashi, Jiro’s Michelin three-star restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo is where you’ll find him preparing his world famous sushi. I unfortunately … Read more

Jigokudani Monkey Park Japan: A bunch of monkeys bathing in the hot spring.

Jigokudani Monkey Park Japan

If you have ever seen a picture of a monkey bathing in an outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow in Japan, it was probably taken at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan.  This park  is located in Yamanouchi city, in Nagano prefecture. Jigokudani means, “hell valley,” because of the many streams of steam that comes … Read more

A folded pair of grey pants with a black belt on top, a pair of black dress shoes, three folded button up shirts, a pair of glasses, a smartphone, a wallet, a longer pocket wallet, a electronic tablet and cash on a white surface.

JET Program Packing Guide

Things to Bring on JET Getting ready to move to Japan with the JET Program is both exciting and scary. Packing up your life to live in another country is a big step. Many of you have never been to the area you have been placed, so you don’t know what to expect. Some of … Read more

3 pieces of Pitan, or Chinese Century Eggs. On is unshelled, one is in its shell, and the other is covered in some kind of brown material.

Chinese Century Eggs – Don’t Do It!

  I have tried many weird and crazy foods in Japan.  Some of them were absolutely delicious, while others made me want to gag.  By far the worst thing I ever ate is something called “pidan” or “pitan.”  If you don’t know what this is, consider yourself lucky.  They are Chinese preserved eggs that you … Read more

A woman with black hair is soaking in a Japanese Rotenburo (open air bath) while looking at the snow and trees all around her.

Japanese Onsen Etiquette

In addition to the amazing food, wonderful culture, and helpful people, onsen, or hot spring baths, are another reason why Japan is so awesome.  Japanese onsen etiquette is pretty straightforward once you know the basic rules.  Don’t let this intimidate you.  If you are in Japan, you should definitely try soaking in an onsen. The … Read more

A scantron test answer sheet with the bubbles filled in. There is an "A+" that is circled, written in red on the test answer sheet. A yellow pencil is on top on the sheet as well.

How to Pass the JLPT N2 on Your First Try

*Updated November 15th, 2020 Is it possible to pass the JLPT N2 on your first try?  You bet it is. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has struck fear in the hearts of many, but it doesn’t have to. I passed it on my first try and actually enjoyed studying for it. If you have the … Read more