#Study Japanese Language

[bhumi1066]

Top Japanese Language Exams in 2025: Which One Should You Take?

With the global rise in interest toward Japanese language and culture, more learners are pursuing official certifications to validate their skills. Choosing the right Japanese Language Exam depends on your goals—whether it’s for higher education, job opportunities, or self-assessment. In 2025, several exams continue to be recognized both in Japan and internationally. Here's a look at the most popular ones and how you can choose the best fit for your learning path.

1. JLPT – Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The JLPT (日本語能力試験) is the most widely recognized Japanese Language Exam, conducted twice a year worldwide. It has five levels (N5 to N1), with N5 being the easiest and N1 the most advanced. The test evaluates reading, grammar, and listening skills but does not include speaking or writing. Ideal for students, professionals, and visa applicants, JLPT certificates are accepted by many Japanese universities and companies.

2. NAT-TEST (Japanese NAT-Test)

Similar in format to JLPT, the NAT-TEST assesses practical language skills and is available more frequently throughout the year. It also includes five levels (Q5 to Q1), making it flexible for learners at any stage. A good choice for those who want more frequent testing opportunities.

3. J.TEST – Test of Practical Japanese

Designed to evaluate real-world language use, the J.TEST includes both written and listening sections, covering everything from vocabulary and kanji to workplace communication. It’s ideal for professionals or advanced learners who want to prove functional fluency in practical settings.

4. BJT – Business Japanese Proficiency Test

If you're aiming for a career in a Japanese-speaking work environment, the BJT is a must. This exam focuses specifically on business communication skills, including emails, negotiations, and formal expressions. It’s highly valued by employers and demonstrates your ability to function in corporate Japan.

5. TOPJ & JLCT

Other alternatives like TOPJ and JLCT offer flexible schedules and levels, and are gaining popularity among institutions and learners who seek quicker certification for academic or work purposes.

Which Exam Should You Choose?

For academic or long-term work goals in Japan: Go with JLPT.

If you need regular test schedules: Choose NAT-TEST or J.TEST.

If you aim for a business career: BJT is your best option.

For short-term certification: JLCT or TOPJ can be ideal.

At Study Japanese Language, we guide learners at every level to prepare for the right exam based on their goals. Whether you're just starting or planning to work in Japan, we offer structured coaching, mock tests, and expert support to help you succeed.

Contact US!

📍Visit Us: 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092

📞 Call Us: +91 8700956038

[studyjapanese01]

How to Master Japanese Language Through Immersion Techniques

Mastering the Japanese Language can be both a challenging and rewarding journey. Among the most effective ways to achieve fluency is through immersion techniques. Immersion allows you to learn the language in a natural, context-rich environment, simulating how native speakers acquire their linguistic skills. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can use immersion techniques to master the Japanese Language effectively and efficiently.

What is Language Immersion?

Language immersion is a method of learning where you surround yourself with the target language as much as possible. By constantly interacting with the Japanese Language, you improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a more organic manner compared to traditional study methods. Immersion can be achieved by living in Japan or creating a language-rich environment at home.

Benefits of Immersion in Learning Japanese Language

Contextual Learning: Exposure to real-life situations helps you understand how the Japanese Language is used in context.

Enhanced Retention: Constant repetition and exposure improve memory retention of vocabulary and grammar.

Cultural Understanding: Immersion introduces you to Japanese culture, traditions, and nuances, which are integral to mastering the language.

Natural Pronunciation: Listening to native speakers regularly improves your accent and intonation.

Strategies for Immersing Yourself in the Japanese Language

1. Live in Japan

The ultimate immersion experience is living in Japan. Being surrounded by the Japanese Language daily accelerates your learning process. Here’s how to make the most of your time:

Engage Locally: Participate in community activities, attend language exchange meetups, and interact with locals.

Work or Study: Enroll in a Japanese school or secure a job that requires you to use the Japanese Language regularly.

2. Create a Japanese Environment at Home

If living in Japan isn’t an option, you can still immerse yourself in the Japanese Language at home:

Watch Japanese Media: Stream Japanese movies, anime, or TV shows with subtitles to improve listening comprehension.

Listen to Japanese Podcasts and Music: Surround yourself with spoken Japanese during commutes or daily routines.

Set Your Devices to Japanese: Change the language settings on your phone, computer, and apps to practice daily.

3. Practice Speaking Daily

Speaking is a crucial aspect of mastering the Japanese Language. Practice daily by:

Joining Language Exchange Programs: Connect with native Japanese speakers online or in person to practice conversation.

Talking to Yourself: Narrate your day or describe what you see around you in Japanese to reinforce vocabulary.

Hire a Tutor: Work with a professional tutor who can provide feedback and guidance.

4. Immerse Through Reading and Writing

Read Japanese Books and Articles: Start with children’s books or manga and progress to newspapers and novels.

Write Daily: Keep a journal in Japanese to practice sentence structure and kanji.

Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for new words and phrases to reinforce memory.

5. Attend Immersion Events

Look for immersion-based programs or events that focus on the Japanese Language:

Language Retreats: Join intensive language programs that emphasize speaking and listening.

Cultural Workshops: Participate in workshops on Japanese cooking, calligraphy, or tea ceremonies to learn vocabulary related to these activities.

Overcoming Challenges in Japanese Language Immersion

Initial Overwhelm: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first. Start with manageable tasks, like learning 10 new words a day.

Consistency: Immersion requires consistent effort. Set aside dedicated time daily for your language practice.

Fear of Mistakes: Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. The more you use the Japanese Language, the more confident you’ll become.

Combining Immersion with Structured Learning

While immersion is powerful, combining it with structured learning can enhance your progress. Consider enrolling in formal Japanese classes, using language apps, or studying textbooks alongside your immersion practices.

Conclusion

Mastering the Japanese Language through immersion techniques is an enriching way to achieve fluency. Whether you’re living in Japan or creating an immersive environment at home, consistency and active participation are key. By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can unlock the full potential of immersion and take your Japanese skills to new heights.

[baradragon]

give me the state if you're comfy and what languages were offered

[studydaydreamer]

[expiationist]

sunday study sesh— wishin for fall 🍂

[yuwuta]

please feed us some yuuji blurbs there’s a lack of him rn :(

ofc… sweetest boy all time… here’s something was was meant to be a longer project but got lost in the editing whirlwind… love him so bad... 

NEVER LOST IN TRANSLATION, BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT I WANT 

notes: reader is implied to be american/english-speaking, yuuta and megumi are bilingual, yuuji, bless his soul, is not. i didn’t use italics for conversations between yuuji and megumi because it would all be in japanese, but when they get mixed later in the scene, japanese is differentiated with italics. hope that’s not too confusing lololll

Honestly, Yuuji tried his best in school. Some things came easier than other, but with a bit of hard work, and help from his friends, he always managed to pull pretty good grades. But right now, his biggest regret is not taking english more seriously in high school, because it’s been about three weeks since he met you, and he’s only been able to say maybe five full sentences to you without the help of Yuuta or Megumi translating. 

He was excited when Yuuta said his friend from abroad would be coming to visit and study, but god, he didn’t expect you to be so pretty. To have such pretty eyes, and pretty lips, and pretty hair, to have the prettiest voice in the world despite him only understanding every eighteenth word you say. You’re beautiful to him, and Yuuji thinks that even if he could speak your language fluently, the words would still get caught in his throat. He’s so lovesick, it’s embarrassing—his friends have been harping on him blushing and stuttering over you for the past month, and he can’t even blame them.

“What does she say to you when you guys talk,” Yuuji whines, hovering around Megumi, and not-so-discreetly looking back at you where you’re still sat in the living room laughing with Yuuta, “Does she ever say anything about me? I mean—probably not right? Which is fine! Actually, dont tell me—no, do. Or maybe—”

“She asks about you,” Megumi says, matter-of-fact in delivery, as he places a bag of popcorn in the microwave, but that doesn’t curb Yuuji’s enthusiasm. He’s practically bouncing, if he weren’t already—begging Megumi to spill the details, “What did she ask? Tell me! Tell me!” 

“She once asked if you dye your hair.”

“That’s it?!” Yuuji screams, heartbroken, and visibly deflating.

Megumi shrugs, “Yuuta probably knows more. She’s his exchange buddy friend thing, so ask him.”

“I can’t ask him, he’s right next to her!” Yuuji pouts, “Wait, what does ‘exchange buddy friend thing’ mean? You don’t think they’re more than friends, right…? I can’t blame her, senpai is really pretty, too, and he can actually talk to her… so unfair.” 

“You know, she’s not fluent, but she can understand some Japanese,” Megumi reminds him, “So, she can definitely hear you, and probably understand you.”

Yuuji’s shoulders slump, and once again, he turns around to look back at you. This time, you two make eye-contact, and that instant, Yuuji’s cheeks go pink, a nervous hand raised to wave at you, and instant internal regret at his actions; but, then you smile, and wave back, and Yuuji stays like that, dumbfounded and lovestruck and on autopilot as he waves with hearts in his eyes until Yuuta looks up from his phone and catches him.

Embarrassing. He knows he’s not the brightest, but he’s at a record high of self-embarrassment since he’s met you.

Yuuta finds himself chuckling when Yuuji spins around and goes back to prodding Megumi with questions. When you turn to face him again, it’s with a shy smile.

“I told you you’d like him,” Yuuta grins—the kind that seems sweet and innocent, but has just a kiss of that all-knowing tease to it; the kind that reminds you that he’s truly related to Satoru.

“Oh, be quiet,” you grumble, tucking your legs in and resting your chin on your knee. You spare another glance in Yuuji’s direction, for once, grateful for the language barrier between the two of you, when you turn back to Yuuta to proclaim: “I can like someone and not do anything about it. You’re real good at that, aren’t you?”

Yuuta’s slightly cocky grin falls into a scowl, and now you get to smile when he argues back, “We said not to bring up he who shall not be named in the presence of my friends!”

“Then don’t bring up my he who shall not be named in the presence of him!”

“Aren’t Americans all about forging new frontiers and chasing after your dreams?” he taunts, “Well, your dream is right in front of you.”

“My dream right now is to kill you.”

“Lucky for me, you’re going to have to hold off on that because your lover boy is approaching.”

You don’t have time to argue back with Yuuta when Megumi and Yuuji approach the living area with snacks in tow. Yuuta scoots to the tail end of the couch under the guise of giving Yuuji space to place the popcorn and nuggets in the center of the coffee table, but he has just enough time to flash you a wink before Yuuji settles in between. Megumi opts for the loveseat closets to Yuuta’s end of the couch, and you do your best not to reach over Yuuji and strangle Yuuta.

The boys decide on watching a movie you’ve never heard of, but Megumi reassures you it’ll be easy to follow and has English subtitles. You don’t mind, settling in to your corner of the couch with a handful of popcorn just as the title-screen for Human Earthworm 3 rolls across the TV.

You can follow along well-enough—even without subtitles, you get the gist of the movie. What you really find entertaining is Yuuji, who occasionally blurts out a comment or exclamation, or audibly coos whenever something sad is happening on screen. He’s almost as animated as the characters; you’re more of the silent-watcher type, but you find yourself endearing by this commentary, even if you can only understand parts of it.

You particularly appreciate the way that after every comment, he either motions to Megumi, or turns to you himself to repeat his thoughts in his best broken English, and even when you don’t understand his words, you understand him. His emotions are all on his sleeve: frustration, happiness, confusion, curiosity—communication between you two should be more difficult, but Yuuji makes it easy.

It gives you the confidence you cough out your own observation, “You, um… you’ve… seen the others? You seem to like this series.”

Across the room, Megumi and Yuuta hold their breaths, opting to not translate for you when you switch from Japanese to English. Yuuji is quiet for a moment, turned to face you with a slightly confused look on his face that makes you nervous, until his eyes brighten up and he smiles and begins nodding fervently—“Yeah—yeah, I do! It’s my… hm how do I say it… Oh! It’s my favorite!”

Between the smile on his face, the blush on his cheeks, and sincerity in his voice, you feel like you’re wrapped up in his world. It’s a little confusing, and scary, but it’s not all that bad. Maybe you can do something about it, eventually.

“I.. I think I like it, too.”

[sammilearns]

here are a few podcasts I listen to weekly for practice!

Japanese with Teppei and Noriko

short, concise episodes covering various topics! easy to follow along!

Let's Learn Japanese from Small Talk

longer more detailed episodes with very casual Japanese! they explain some of the vocab they use while speaking (especially slang) and have a vocab list at the end that they go over with a link to read along!

Japanese with Kanako

great for shadowing practice with a few listening exercises mixed in. perfect if you are using the genki series!

what are some podcasts you like to listen to? 教えてください！😊

[tokidokitokyo]

note - Japanese Social Media

Have you heard of note.com?

It's a livejournal/blog/posting kind of website where people make posts, sorted by topic, in Japanese. You can find posts about almost any topic you might be interested in!

Japanese Reading & Writing Practice

I recommend this for Japanese reading practice because although there is some net slang (and you can't guarantee that people won't make mistakes), there are a lot of posts using correct written Japanese by Japanese people. The post format gives you the opportunity to read small bits of text at a time. And with the wide breadth of topics, you can find something that will interest you to practice reading.

You can also start your own note account for Japanese writing practice! It's anonymous, so even if you make a mistake, I feel like it is less intimidating.

Tips for note

The site is completely in Japanese, so you might be more comfortable using it if you are around JLPT N3/intermediate, especially for creating an account. However, you might be able to click around and muddle your way through it (or use a translate app?) so don't let that deter you from checking it out.

I hope this helps make your Japanese study a little bit more enjoyable!

[isshonihongo]

JLPT N5 - あげる

At its simplest, あげる means “to give”. At the N5 level, it’s used for giving physical things such as presents, money, water (to plants), food (to pets), etc. There is another way it can be used, but that is for a later JLPT level. For now, let’s get into ONE of the ways you can talk about giving in Japanese.

First, here is the vocabulary for this post.

【The Grammar of あげる】

Basically there are 4 parts to every あげる sentence that you should be thinking about. The first 3 are marked with particles and the last part is the verb.

Here is an example sentence:

① 【けんじは】【トムに】【腕時計を】あげた。

= As for Kenji, to Tom, a watch gave

= Kenji gave Tom a watch.

In a sentence like #1 it’s easy to see the 3 parts clearly marked with particles and then the verb at the end. Unfortunately you WILL NOT always see simple sentences like this, so let’s look at each part one by one, along with the cultural context behind あげる.

【The Giver】

Most of the time, the giver will be marked by the は (or sometimes the が) particle. This is because あげる sets up the action of giving from the giver’s perspective.

Sometimes, it is obvious who the giver is, so that phrase can be completely left out of the sentence.

② 【会社の人たちに】【お土産を】あげると思う。

= to the people at (my) company, souvenirs will give I think

= I think I’m going to give the people at my company souvenirs.

In this sentence it would be clear that the speaker is the giver. Therefore it’s not necessary to include a 私は phrase.

【The Relationship Between Giver and Receiver】

Before we move on, let’s get into a very big cultural difference between Japan and English-speaking cultures. When you use あげる, you have to think about the relationship between the giver and the receiver. In English, this doesn’t affect the words we use, but in Japanese it is actually very important when it comes to word choice. Take a look at this image:

The green circle would include close friends, family, your lover, etc. Pets and plants would also fall into this circle. Outside of the green circle are strangers, teachers, professors and depending on your job, your customers. This is because showing respect is directly connected to setting up a kind of psychological distance. You have to work hard and gain trust before you are moved into the green circle.

Some people, like coworkers and bosses, may be inside the green circle in some situations, but outside of it in other situations! A common example is when you go out drinking with coworkers. As the alcohol flows throughout the night you’ll notice that psychological space slowly disappearing - that is until the next day at work. They might act like the person you drank with was a COMPLETELY different person!

This way of thinking is called うちそと, and can be a very difficult part of Japanese culture for many foreigners. Here’s the thing: the culture of うちそと extends to the concept of giving as well.

【Giving Culture and あげる】

When it comes to giving, there are 4 situations where it’s appropriate to use the verb あげる:

① When you give something to someone inside your inner circle

② When you give something to anyone outside your inner circle

③ When someone in your inner circle gives something to someone outside your inner circle

④ When someone outside your inner circle gives something to another person outside your inner circle

Numbers 1-3 can be described as the act of giving while moving from a smaller circle to a bigger circle. Number 4 can be described as giving that doesn’t happen in your inner circle.

There are of course more possibilities when it comes to giving (and receiving). However, those situations won’t use the verb あげる!

【What Is Being Given】

In most sentences, whatever is being given is very simply marked with the を particle. However, there are times when the を particle or the positioning of what is being given will change. Take a look at these three example sentences:

Example 3a is the “default version”. The doll is marked with the を particle so we immediately know that it will be given to someone (the section manager’s wife).

For example 3b I want you to imagine that you are in a souvenir shop. You’ve bought a couple of things already, but you haven‘t decided which gifts will go to whom. All of a sudden, you see a doll that catches your eye. You immediately think to yourself, “that doll is perfect for the section manager’s wife”. Putting the item being given (that is, the doll) at the head of the sentence shows that 1) you are putting the focus of your sentence on that item and 2) there is a kind of impulsiveness to the giving. It’s kind of an instant decision.

Compare that with example 3c. Now I want you to imagine that you are in your house. You bought a bunch of dolls but you haven’t decided which one will go to whom. You pick up one of them and after some thought you say, “Ok I’ll give THIS one to the section manager’s wife.” Marking the doll with は serves to emphasize that there are several dolls, but you are highlighting one of them for a specific reason. It also shows that it WAS NOT an instant decision; some thought went into your decision.

This kind of distinction takes a really long time to understand and really “feel” but I hope that by explaining it to you now, it might stay with you somewhere deep inside your mind. You might even experiment with using sentences like 3b and 3c and surprise your Japanese friends!

【Alternative Verbs】

Lastly, let’s talk about your choice of verbs. You can actually adjust the level of “closeness” that the reader / listener feels by changing the verb that you use! あげる, あげた, あげます, あげました, etc. is used for a “default” level of closeness.

However, if the receiver is someone in a higher social position (for example a professor, a doctor, a boss, a politician, etc.) you would instead use the similar verb さしあげる. This verb actually serves to humble yourself - and thus elevates the listener / reader.

④ 【この本は】ただでさしあげます。

= as for this book, for nothing will give

= I will give you this book for free.

From this sentence you can tell that the giver and the receiver are on different levels, socially. (This is a little different than うちそと.) The listener will feel an elevated level respect simply by hearing the さしあげる verb.

On the other hand, if the receiver is someone VERY close to you, you can show that closeness by using the verb やる instead of あげる. やる is often used with pets and plants.

⑤ 【彼女は】【犬に】【えさを】やるのを忘れた。

= as for her, to (her) dog food giving forgot

= She forgot to give her dog food.

As it turns out, this is why I keep on saying “what is given” instead of “a present” or “a gift”. Giving water to plants or food to pets is not a present or a gift.

Here is a visual representation of the 3 different verbs that you can use when talking about giving (from the giver’s perspective):

Here is 1 last example:

= as for apples I give to you, there are none

= I don’t have any apples to give you.

As you can see in #6, it’s possible to state a giver, a receiver and then あげる in order to describe what is being given. Once you do that, you will then have a topic which you can then go on to make a comment about!

【Conclusion】

So there you have it! あげる and its related verbs (さしあげる and やる) all express the idea of giving from the giver’s perspective. However, you have to keep the Japanese concept of うちそと in mind. Later we’ll talk about giving but from the receiver’s perspective. Stay tuned!

Rice & Peace!

-AL (アル)

👋🏾

[oshistudy]

tip for improving japanese reading speed!

how about you try some カラオケ???

i've been doing this for a couple years now and i think this has single-handedly made my reading speed in japanese improve to the point of almost being as fast as it is in english (although i still struggle with kanji and katakana sometimes x_x)

to find one, i usually just search on youtube (song name) followed by either カラオケ or ニコカラ. if nobody has made a karaoke for your song of choice, then i'd otherwise search up (song name) followed by 歌詞 (kashi/lyrics) and you'll usually find them that way. i like to use the site utaten.com because they all feature furigana! be a little careful though because while its only happened to me a couple of times, there's been times where the furigana is wrong for one or two words.

i think this is a really fun way to practice especially if you love singing, like i do!! i've never seen anyone else recommend this so i hope this helps

[studyinternationallanguage]

Top Tips to Excel in Any Foreign Language

Excelling in a foreign language quickly requires dedication and smart strategies. Whether you aim to study international language programs or focus on a specific language like Japanese, the right approach can accelerate your progress.

Start by setting clear goals. Decide whether you want to master conversational skills, reading, or writing. For instance, if you study Japanese language, you may prioritize learning Hiragana, Katakana, and basic Kanji for foundational skills.

Consistency is key. Dedicate daily time to practice your target foreign language. Even 15-30 minutes a day can significantly improve your skills over time. Use language apps, flashcards, or online courses to keep your practice engaging and effective.

Immerse yourself in the language. Watch movies, listen to podcasts, or read books in the foreign language you're learning. For example, studying Japanese language content like anime with subtitles can enhance your listening and comprehension skills.

Practice speaking regularly. Join online forums or local language exchange groups to converse with native speakers. Don’t shy away from making mistakes; they’re essential for growth.

Lastly, explore international opportunities. Study international language programs abroad can provide immersive experiences that deepen your understanding of the language and culture, helping you achieve fluency faster.

[bhumi1066]

Learn Japanese Language: A Complete Guide for Beginners in 2025

Learning Japanese can open doors to rich cultural experiences, global job opportunities, and personal growth. Whether you're a language enthusiast, an anime fan, or planning to work in Japan, mastering the Japanese language is a rewarding journey. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explore how you can learn Japanese language effectively in 2025, and how Study Japanese Language can help you every step of the way.

Why Learn Japanese Language?

Japanese is not only the ninth most spoken language in the world but also a gateway to Japan’s unique culture, advanced technology, and dynamic economy. Learning Japanese can enhance your career in fields like IT, translation, international business, tourism, and education. It also allows you to enjoy Japanese anime, dramas, novels, and manga in their original form, without relying on subtitles or translations.

Step-by-Step Approach to Learn Japanese Language

Start with Hiragana and Katakana These are the two basic phonetic scripts used in Japanese. Learning them helps you read and write simple words and form a strong foundation for further study.

Master Basic Grammar and Vocabulary Focus on essential grammar patterns and vocabulary used in daily conversations. Practice using simple sentences to introduce yourself, ask questions, and describe your surroundings.

Practice Listening and Speaking Use audio tools, Japanese podcasts, and apps to train your ear. Shadowing native speakers and engaging in real-time conversations will help boost fluency.

Learn Kanji Gradually Kanji might seem difficult, but learning a few characters daily using visual memory tricks can make it manageable.

Join a Structured Course Enroll with a trusted institute like Study Japanese Language, which offers personalized training, JLPT preparation, speaking practice, and cultural immersion—both online and offline.

Why Choose Study Japanese Language?

At Study Japanese Language, we specialize in beginner to advanced Japanese courses. Our expert instructors, JLPT-based curriculum, and student-friendly environment ensure that you not only learn but also enjoy your language journey. Whether you aim to pass the JLPT, travel to Japan, or build a career using Japanese, our flexible course options are designed for you.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, there’s no better time to start. With the right guidance, tools, and consistency, anyone can learn Japanese language and enjoy its many benefits. Let Study Japanese Language be your guide to fluency.

[studyjapanese01]

Best Websites to Learn Japanese Language Online

If you want to study Japanese language online, the right resources can make all the difference. There are plenty of websites that cater to learners at different stages, from absolute beginners to those aiming for fluency. Here are some of the best websites to help you learn Japanese language effectively, covering everything from grammar and vocabulary to listening and speaking skills.

1. WaniKani

WaniKani is perfect for those looking to study Japanese language kanji and vocabulary. Its spaced repetition system helps beginners retain characters and words long-term. With entertaining mnemonics and a structured learning path, WaniKani simplifies the complex writing system for Japanese language for beginners.

2. Duolingo

Duolingo offers a gamified approach to learning, which keeps motivation high for learners who are new to the Japanese language. Lessons are divided into bite-sized sections, making it easy to fit studying into your daily routine. It’s ideal for Japanese language for beginners and those who need extra practice on the go.

3. JapanesePod101

JapanesePod101 is a comprehensive platform offering audio and video lessons. It’s suitable for learners at all levels, from Japanese language for beginners to advanced speakers. The site provides a mix of grammar explanations, cultural insights, and vocabulary exercises, allowing you to learn Japanese language in an engaging and practical manner.

4. Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese

For learners who prefer a more traditional approach, Tae Kim's Guide is a fantastic free resource. It covers grammar in detail, starting from the basics and progressing to more complex structures. This site is invaluable for those who want a deeper understanding of Japanese language sentence construction.

5. StudyJapaneseLanguage.com

StudyJapaneseLanguage.com is an all-in-one platform designed to help you achieve proficiency in the Japanese language. It offers lessons, resources, and practice materials to cater to different learning styles. With its user-friendly design, you can navigate through various modules, including kanji, vocabulary, and conversational skills. It’s a versatile resource for anyone looking to learn Japanese language online.

6. Anki

Anki uses flashcards to help you memorize words, kanji, and grammar points. You can download pre-made decks tailored to the Japanese language, making it easy for beginners and advanced learners to customize their study sessions.

These websites provide diverse methods to study Japanese language, catering to various preferences and learning goals. Whether you’re looking for audio lessons, interactive courses, or traditional grammar guides, these platforms can help you master the Japanese language for beginners and beyond.

[rikkahonyaku]

Japan Housing Websites (part one)

Want to move to Japan? Me too! Lately I’ve seen a lot of Instagram pages dedicated to showing off cheap homes in Japan. These pages usually just link back to a Japanese real estate website, so I’d like to list some handy vocabulary to help you navigate the sites and find some houses on your own!

Note: This post was made with intermediate level Japanese learners in mind. It's meant to be a vocabulary list with visual examples, not an all-inclusive house buying guide. A complete list of vocab words can be found at the end of the post. For general website navigation, I’d recommend the RikaiChan / RikaiKun extensions which will display a translation of each word you mouse over.

What Websites?

I really like SUUMO, so that will be the site I use for the example pictures. But any website will have more or less the same words!

Navigating the Website

[ 1 ]　Creating an Account会員（かいいん）登録（とうろく）：Member Registration

[ 2 ]　Search探す（さがす）：Search / Find This word will come up a lot! The search function may also appear as... 検索（けんさく）：Search 物件（ぶっけん）検索：Property Search

Suumo has a nifty map on the front page. If you know the region you'd like to search in, you can choose it here.

[ 3 ]　Renting 借りる（かりる）：Rent (Borrow) 賃貸（ちんたい）：Lease / Rent

[ 4 ]　Purchasing買う（かう）：Buy

[ 5 ]　House Terminology If you've taken a Japanese class, you may have learned that the Japanese word for house is 家 or いえ. Unfortunately, this short and simple word isn't used much on real estate websites. The following terms are typically used instead.

一戸建て（いっこだて）：Detached Building A standalone house, as opposed to an apartment or condo.

新築（しんちく）一戸建て：New Buildings

中古（ちゅうこ）一戸建て：Old Buildings 中古 can mean "old", "used", or “secondhand”, none of which sound ideal, but all it means is that the house that has been lived in previously. This is where you find the cheap ones!

Finding Houses

Once you have the region and building type selected, you’ll see a new map you can use to select the prefecture. I'll highlight a few key search methods on this screen.

[ 1 ]　Search by Area（エリア）

Click on a prefecture to bring up a checklist of cities and districts. At the bottom of the list, you'll see two options: refining the search further or proceeding with the checked options.

「チェックした市区郡の町名を絞り込む」 "Narrow by town names of checked cities/wards/districts"

市区郡（しくぐん）："City Ward District" 町名（ちょうめい）：Town Name 絞り込む（しぼりこむ）：Narrow / Refine

「この条件で検索する」 "Search with these conditions"

条件（じょうけん）：Condition / Term

The orange number shows how many total properties were found with the checked selections. Click the blue search button if you want to jump straight to the houses without refining the search.

[ 2 ]　Search by Railway（沿線）or Station（駅）

Click on a prefecture to bring up a checklist of railways. At the bottom of the list, you'll see two options: refining the search further or proceeding with the checked options.

「チェックした沿線の駅を絞り込む」 "Narrow by stations of checked railways"

沿線（えんせん）：Railway / Track 駅（えき）：Station 絞り込む（しぼりこむ）：Narrow / Refine

「この条件で検索する」 "Search with these conditions"

条件（じょうけん）：Condition / Term

Once again, the orange number shows how many total properties were found with the checked selections. Click the blue search button if you want to jump straight to the houses without refining the search.

[ 3 ]　Search by Map（地図、ちず） Clicking here will open up a much more detailed map that you can scroll through! Definitely the easiest option, which is why I put it last. :)

The End.

Here's the complete vocab list for ease of viewing:

会員（かいいん）：Member 登録（とうろく）：Registration 探す（さがす）：Search / Find 検索（けんさく）：Search 物件（ぶっけん）検索：Property Search 借りる（かりる）：Rent (Borrow) 賃貸（ちんたい）：Lease / Rent 買う（かう）：Buy 一戸建て（いっこだて）：Detached Building 新築（しんちく）一戸建て：New Buildings 中古（ちゅうこ）一戸建て：Old Buildings 市区郡（しくぐん）："City Ward District" 町名（ちょうめい）：Town Name 沿線（えんせん）：Railway / Track 駅（えき）：Station 絞り込む（しぼりこむ）：Narrow / Refine 条件（じょうけん）：Condition / Term

[helenstudies]

Look, I knew five languages by age 19 and now I am learning like 3 more. I work as a language instructor and a consultant. If I can give language learners only one advice, this is it.

STOP LEARNING WORDS ON THEIR OWN.

You're doing yourself a disservice by learning lists of "30 words you must know!" "100 most common words!" like it literally means nothing if you cannot use those words in an appropriate context with proper grammar. So what you actually need to do is learn those words via example sentences.

Of course, sentences have more words so you may think you're learning less but you're actually learning the way to use it in context. That's what's important.

Language is about communication, which also means if you want to learn languages, you have to observe how people communicate with each other universally. Native speakers never have a list of words they know and they don't count every single new word they've learned. So why are you doing it to yourself? What native speakers do is listen to the new word, remember the context they're spoken in, and keep using that word in that context. And that's why people go "wait, you can use that word LIKE THAT?" all the time. So you, a language learner, are also allowed to do that. I'm not even saying those word lists are useless but they're the most useful AFTER you've known most of them and are trying to go over them for practice etc. Native speakers do click on those word lists to check out how many words they don't know or to remind themselves of those words or to learn some facts about each word. That should be your goal as well.

Learn sentences. Learn them in context. Do not fall into the "I must know xx amount of words or I'm a failure at language learning" trap perpetuated by bloggers or youtubers or whatever. Have fun with it!