Thanks to the internet, we don’t have to be in Japan to immerse ourselves in the language. From all the entertainment at our fingertips to making friends from Japan online, we have the abilitiy to create a little Japan of our own to learn and grow from. The only thing that stands in our way are all those little distractions out there chipping away at … Continue reading →
If you’re missing out on the BookOff or Manga Cafe experience, unable to browse through an extensive collection of manga and read as you please, you might want to check out Manga Got a Chance. Even if you’re lucky enough to live near a BookOff or Manga Cafe, you might be interested in a new mode of manga that’s completely free. The last time I … Continue reading →
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a foreign actor in Japan? You occasionally will see some foreign talent in J-dramas and movies. How did they get that chance to act in Japan? What does it take? Recently, I had the honor of interviewing aspiring Japan actress Sarah MacDonald, who recently landed the role of Phillips-Sensei on the NHK morning drama 花子とアン (Hanako to … Continue reading →
In a relationship with a Japanese guy or girl? Having trouble getting him to talk to you in Japanese? Welcome to a common problem. Even after years of your Japanese ability improving, English may still be the dominant relationship language. The issue usually stems from one or more of the following issues: 1. His English is better than your Japanese 2. You met and developed … Continue reading →
Thinking about finally putting aside your Japanese-English dictionary? Wondering whether learning Japanese words in Japanese really makes any difference? Through the Japanese word 悔しい(くやしい), which is something we definitely feel sometimes when studying Japanese, let’s look how it all works. There are two keys to learning a Japanese word in Japanese: 1. Analyzing the definition Definitions will show what a word means. J-E Definition (WWWJDIC): … Continue reading →
There comes a point in your Japanese journey in which you come across a rapid river of presentations, papers, exams and deadlines that you somehow have to wade through and still catch that giant Japanese catfish in order to level up. At this point, it becomes a question of sacrificing the work in which your future depends on or being taken by the river and … Continue reading →
We’ve gone through the online communities of Mixi, Ameba, Facebook and Twitter for learning Japanese, but what hasn’t really been explored is Google Plus. Does it have something new and different to offer for Japanese learners? Google Plus is more an extended Twitter than an alternative to Facebook or Mixi. It uses a following system as opposed to a mutual friending system. Because of the … Continue reading →
An independent study is a great way to fit Japanese into your school career, allowing you to get credits for doing what you love. It doesn’t require an Asian/Japanese studies major, meaning you can still get whatever unrelated degree you want to. Prepare a little, make your independent study go smoothly, and receive school credit for having fun in Japanese while pursuing your own interests. … Continue reading →
